TOR for MSNA Consultancy in Northwest Syria

Terms of Reference (TOR) for Multisectoral Needs Assessment Consultants in Northwest Syria (Idleb and Aleppo)

Entity: ActionAid Arab Region (AAAR)

Location: Northwest Syria

Duration: 55 days

Expected Start of the assignment: August 1, 2024

1. Background:

Under the Danida-funded Strategic Partnership Agreement II (SPA II) Programme, ActionAid Arab Region (AAAR) is committed to building youth resilience and fostering agency for civic and political engagement in selected geographical areas in Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan. This initiative is structured around three strategic objectives. In the Syrian context, Strategic Objective 3 focuses on ensuring that “young people from refugees, host communities, and IDPs, especially marginalized young women, are resilient to shocks and enjoy their rights to protection in fragile situations and/or protracted crises in Northwest Syria.” Since 2022, AAAR has been actively implementing interventions related to emergency response, resilience, community empowerment, and advocacy under this objective.

The ongoing conflict in Northwest Syria, particularly in the Idleb and Aleppo regions, has resulted in a multifaceted humanitarian crisis. Prolonged hostilities have severely disrupted access to essential services, displaced millions, and created significant protection concerns. The conflict has exacerbated vulnerabilities, especially among women, children, and marginalized groups, who face heightened risks of violence, exploitation, and neglect.

Adding to the complexity, the devastating earthquake in 2023 further compounded the humanitarian crisis. The earthquake caused widespread destruction, further straining already overstretched resources and infrastructure. Many communities were left without

adequate shelter, healthcare, and basic services, amplifying the urgent need for a coordinated and comprehensive humanitarian response.

In light of these challenges, there is an urgent need to assess the multifaceted needs of the affected populations to inform effective humanitarian response strategies. This assessment aims to identify and analyze the various sectoral needs, including health, education, shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), food security, and protection, to ensure that interventions are responsive to the evolving context and the specific needs of the most vulnerable populations.

2. Purpose of the Consultancy:

The primary purpose of this consultancy is to conduct a comprehensive multisectoral needs assessment in the Idleb and Aleppo regions of Northwest Syria. The assessment will involve the development of an inception report, designing a robust methodology, data collection and analysis, and the production of a final report with actionable recommendations.

3. Objective of the assignment:

The objective is to have a comprehensive analysis of the needs in multiple sectors in Syria, with recommendations on possible future interventions.

4. Scope of Work:

1. Phase : 1
2. Assignment : Inception Report
3. Tasks :

· Review existing literature and previous assessments.

· Conduct preliminary consultations with key stakeholders.

· Develop a detailed inception report, including:

• Objectives of the assessment.
• Methodology and tools for data collection.
• Work plan and timeline.
• Risk analysis and mitigation strategies.

4.Duration: 2 weeks

1. Phase : 2

2. Assignment: Inception Report

3. Tasks:

   · Design a comprehensive methodology for data collection, ensuring:

• Inclusivity and representation of all affected populations.

• Use of both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods.

• Ethical considerations and data protection.

  4. Duration: 1 weeks

1. Phase : 3

2. Assignment : Data Collection

3. Tasks:

   · Conduct training for data collectors.

   · Implement data collection in targeted areas.

   · Ensure data quality and integrity throughout the collection process.

• 4. Duration: 3 weeks.

1. Phase : 4
2. Assignment : Data Analysis and reporting

• Tasks:

  · Analyze collected data using appropriate statistical and qualitative methods.

  · Draft the final report, including:

• Executive summary.

• Detailed findings by sector.

• Cross-cutting issues.

• Recommendations for humanitarian response.

  · Present findings to key stakeholders for validation and feedback.

  4. Duration: 2 weeks.

5. Deliverables:

Deliverable 1: Inception Report

Deliverable 2: Detailed Methodology

Deliverable 3: Data Collection Tools and Training Materials

Deliverable 4: Preliminary findings Presentation

Deliverable 5: Final Report

6. Duration and Timeline:

The consultancy is expected to last for 55 days, with the following tentative timeline:

· Week 1: Inception Report

· Week 2: Methodology Design

· Week 3-5: Data Collection

· Week 5-7: Data Analysis and Reporting

7. Qualifications and Experience:

Experts:

· Minimum of 5 years of experience in conducting multisectoral needs assessments in conflict-affected areas.

· Proven expertise in designing and implementing qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.

· Proven expertise in leading humanitarian assessments.

· Familiarity with the humanitarian context in Syria, particularly Northwest Syria.

· Ability to deliver under tight deadlines and in challenging environments.

Research Support Consultants:

· Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, international development, or related field.

· Minimum of 2 years of experience in data collection and analysis.

· Experience in working on humanitarian assessments.

· Strong organizational and communication skills.

· Ability to work under tight deadlines and in challenging environments.

· Ability to conduct field work as required by the Assessment Lead.

*Please indicate in the technical proposal the number of consultants, their title, and their level of effort. This should also be reflected in the financial proposal.

8. Reporting and Management:

The consultant(s) will report to the PQMEAL Coordinator and Programme Manager and work closely with the project team. Regular updates and progress reports will be required to ensure alignment with project objectives and timelines.

9. Application Process:

· Curriculum Vitae (CVs).

· Technical Proposal. (attached template)

· Financial proposal. (attached template)

Applications should be sent to [email protected] by July 17, 2024.

Technical Template and Financial Template:

How to apply

The Proposal should be sent to: [email protected]. Please clearly indicate which position you are applying for in the subject bar. You will not be considered without putting this title in the subject bar. We respect all candidates, but we can only respond to shortlisted candidates.