Consultancy for the assessment of durable solutions for displaced and conflict-affected communities in Northern Bahr el Ghazal

The aim of the assessment is to contribute to DRC’s greater understanding to what degree a durable solution for returnees in the area has been achieved and where, if any, gaps continue to exist. The findings of the assessment will be utilized to inform strategic and programmatic decision-making.

Who are we?
DRC fulfills its mandate by providing direct assistance to conflict-affected populations – refugees, internally displaced people (IDPs) and host communities - in the conflict areas of the world; and by advocating on behalf of conflict-affected populations internationally, and in Denmark, on the basis of humanitarian principles and the Human Rights Declaration. We understand "durable solutions" as any means by which the situation of refugees, IDPs and returnees can be permanently and satisfactorily resolved, enabling them to live normal lives. 

The Danish Refugee Council has been working in South Sudan since 2004, mainly focusing its efforts on refugees, internally displaced persons and persons returning home after conflict and civil war. Currently DRC is operational in Northern Bahr el Ghazal (NBeG), Unity and Upper Nile States. DRC has been active in NBeG since 2010 and currently has 4 open projects in the state focused on food security and livelihoods, community driven development and shelter and NFI. 


Scope of work
The 4 weeks consultancy planned for September will be undertaken in both Juba and in Aweil, NBeG, and associated field locations in Northern Bahr el Ghazal state.


Key tasks
The consultant is expected to work very closely with the DRC staff and within the agreed timeline and geographical scope. The consultant is expected to perform the following tasks:

• Carry out ongoing, extensive discussions with DRC senior management in Juba and project managers in NBeG.
  
• Conduct field visits to collect information on returnee populations and host communities as well as other newly displaced populations in area.
  
• Meet with external stakeholders such as protection and food security cluster leads or local relevant authorities (i.e. Ministry of Agriculture deputy).
  

Key Deliverables

• An inception report outlining the initial findings and how the remainder of the analysis will be approached.
  
• A final report, not to exceed 20 pages, should respond to the following points:
  
• In depth analysis of existing gaps preventing populations from reaching durable solutions and the extent to which DRCs current programme is able to address these gaps and what would be needed to do so
  
• Comparative analysis of how the needs of returnee populations compare with the needs of host/local populations
  
• Evidence-based recommendations for how DRC might engage in NBeG in the coming years (baring any significant shifts in the context)
  
• Basic scenario planning based on context scenarios most likely to impact NBeG
  

Time Frame
It is anticipated that the assessment will take 4 weeks. A timeline will be agreed with the consultant in the first days of the consultancy, a brief inception report will be expected within the first week and a draft of the final report will be expected approximately 1 week before the closure of the consultancy. 


Consultant profile
Essential requirements:

• 5 years of experience in project design and implementation 
  
• 5 years of experience working with programmes focused on IDPs, refugees, returnees and host communities
  
• Track record of professional report writing (samples may be requested)
  
• Excellent proficiency with spoken and written English
  
• Self motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision
  

Desirable:

• Working experience in South Sudan
  
• Experience in working with European institutional donors
  
• Advance degree in relevant technical field (i.e. development, humanitarianism, human migration and refugee studies).
  

Assessment and award of consultancy 
DRC will evaluate the proposals and award the assignment based on technical and financial feasibility.  DRC reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal received without giving reasons and is not bound to accept the lowest or the highest bidder. Only those shortlisted will be contacted. Any subcontracting of the consultancy will not be accepted. 


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


Further information
For further information about the consultancy, you are welcome to contact DRC Head of Programme James Curtis on e-mail: head.programme@drc-ssudan.org
For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website www.drc.dk 


Application process
Interested applicants who meet the required qualifications and experience are invited to submit their Expression of Interest which must include the following documents:
•CV(s) with details of qualifications and experience indicating documentation of relevant assignments undertaken, and including full contact details of three professional referees. 
•Technical proposal that summarizes understanding of the TOR including the proposed methodology. 
•Financial proposal providing cost estimates of daily consultancy fees.
•The foreseen work plan. 

All documents must be in English. CV only applications will not be considered. Apply for this position by clicking on the apply button.

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

Applications close 6th September 2014.