Consultancy for a research on devolution in Kenya as a potential key to durable solutions

The search for durable solutions to the protracted displacement situation in the Horn of Africa (HoA) is a key humanitarian and development concern. This is a regional/cross border issue, with a strong political dimension and dynamic which demands a multi-sectorial response that goes beyond the existing humanitarian agenda.

DRC is committed to pursue the build-up of an evidence base that will enable relevant stakeholders to more effectively assist in the search and realization of durable solutions. DRC’s research will support a joint research agenda agreed upon by the Regional Durable Solutions Secretariat, established by several strong NGOs working with displacement issues in Horn of Africa. 
Recently, encampment policies in Kenya have been reinforced and some organizations are concerned that this could potentially limit self-reliance prospects for refugees as mobility often is a pre-condition for increased livelihood opportunities. However, will the devolution yield a basis for another type of economic interaction with refugees living in the camps?  Previous studies have argued a ‘business case’ for Dadaab, documenting that the refugees contribute substantially to the economy of the North Eastern Region. The research will explore how the current devolution could strengthen that interaction and whether political will exists at local level to maximize opportunities towards this end. 


Scope of consultancy

Objective
In line with DRC mandate and with a view to inform policy and advocacy towards unlocking the protracted refugee/ displacement situation in Kenya, DRC is looking for a consultant to conduct a desk review assessing devolution as a potential key to Durable Solutions. The study should ensure an improved and up-to date understanding of the context and the economic dynamics in the North Eastern (NE) region in light of recent developments related to devolution in Kenya. The desk study is therefore expected to explore the potential flexibility of the region with reference to economic integration of refugees in the search for durable solutions. The study will serve to inform interventions addressing the underlying challenges and obstacles (legal, political or historical) to full economic integration. It will in turn inform advocacy interventions, policy influence and programming for both humanitarian and development Actor’s involvement in protracted caseloads.

Specific Objectives
•Analyze the extent to which the current devolution structures in North Eastern Kenya take into account refugee population.
a.Analyze the extent to which the county government’s development plans factor in the presence of refugee population in social/economic development. 
b.Analyze in greater detail the extent to which the county government/ political structure allows for economic integration of refugees.
•Analyze the impact of devolution on refugee and host community programs and projects and how this can be further integrated.
•Analyze the county governments development initiatives in NE with reference to refugee populations:
c.Identify potential partnerships between NE county governments, humanitarian and development actors;
d.Document capacity gaps and needs of county administration;
e.Document county governments potential and willingness to engage with durable solutions;
f.Identify, analyze and document opportunities for improved humanitarian/development programming to integrate support to economic growth of both host and refugee communities.
g.Analyze challenges and opportunities and formulate recommendations.

Methodology
•Desk review
•Stakeholder interviews
Expected Deliverables
•Inception report outlining the methodology, preliminary findings, study report outline and assessment tool for the study;
•1st draft of the final report
•A professionally edited report


DRC’S responsibilities
 DRC will:
•Provide Information on the context and project, contact numbers for relevant people;
•Provide transportation of the consultant into the camps as mutually agreed between DRC and consultant;
•Provide for accommodation and meals of the consultant in the DRC compound in Dadaab; 
•Provide consolidated feedback/guidance on draft reports

Reporting arrangements
The consultant shall write and produce a precise final report (maximum 20 pages excluding annexes) written in simple and clear English language. The draft report shall be shared with DRC for comments and inputs for inclusion in the final report by the consultant. 

The report should have the following format:
a) Cover page
b) Table of contents, Executive Summary (maximum 2 pages) and main report including; proceedings and achievements of the study, conclusions and recommendations.

c) Annexes
•Terms of Reference
•List of persons interviewed/engaged
•List of literature and documents reviewed
•List of locations visited
•List of abbreviations.

d) Submit 3 hard and 3 soft copies of the Final report to DRC


5. DURATION OF ASSIGNMENT
 The study will be conducted in a period of 22 consultancy days broken down as follows:
•Development of the inception report methodology and approval by DRC: 3 days
•Desk study: 6 days
•Semi-structured interviews with stakeholders: 6 days
•Report writing: 7 days
Total: 22 days

Qualifications 
•An advanced degree in Law, Social Sciences, Forced Migration or any other related area of study;
•Demonstrable experience on matters relating to forced migration locally and regionally and knowledge of the Tripartite Agreement;
•Proven research skills and experience in the area of forced migration, at least 3 years;;
•Track record on issues of displacement and durable solutions;
•Experience working with civil society;
•Good understanding of legal and policy frameworks in the Horn of Africa;
•Good understanding of socio-economic dynamics in the Horn of Africa; 
•Excellent analytical and reporting skills;
•Fluency in written and spoken English. Knowledge of Somali is an added advantage


Terms and conditions
The Consultant must be available to commence the desk review immediately and provide the final report within 22 days from date of commencement.

The consultant should adhere to the UNHCR coordinated security guidelines. DRC does not guarantee security of the consultant and will therefore not be liable for any eventuality. Nevertheless, any relevant security updates will be shared with the consultant when necessary. The consultant must abide by DRC security rules and directives
•The consultant must complete work within the stipulated time frame 
•The consultant must operate within the budget allocated. 
•The consultant must adhere to and sign DRC’s  Code of Conduct 
For general information about the Danish Refugee Council, please visit www.drc.dk.

General
Commitments: DRC has a Humanitarian Accountability Framework, outlining its global accountability commitments. All staff are required to contribute to the achievement of this framework. 

Application process
Interested applicants who meet the required profile are invited to submit an expression of interest including:
•A suitability statement including CV of participating consultants with details of qualifications and experience.
•Technical proposal that summarizes understanding of the TOR, methodology and tools to be used.
•Work-plan clearly indicating the activity schedule.
•Financial proposal providing cost estimates and consultancy fees.
•Contacts of three organizations that have recently contracted you to carry out similar assignment. 

Interested parties should forward the expression of interest, in English on this link www.drc.dk under vacancies no later than 25 August, 2014.

If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please contact job@drc.dk