Consultancy for MMC Research Project on Eritreans on the Move – RFP-RO01-002891

1. Who is the Danish Refugee Council?
Founded in 1956, the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading international NGO and one of the few with a specific expertise in forced displacement. Active in 40 countries with 9,000 employees and supported by 7,500 volunteers, DRC protects, advocates, and builds sustainable futures for refugees and other displacement affected people and communities. DRC works during displacement at all stages: In the acute crisis, in displacement, when settling and integrating in a new place, or upon return. DRC provides protection and life-saving humanitarian assistance; supports displaced persons in becoming self-reliant and included into hosting societies; and works with civil society and responsible authorities to promote protection of rights and peaceful coexistence.
The Mixed Migration Centre (MMC), as part of DRC, is a global network engaged in data collection, research, analysis, and policy and programmatic development on mixed migration, with regional hubs hosted in DRC regional offices in East and Southern Africa, West and North Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, and Latin America and the Caribbean, and a global team based across Geneva and Brussels. MMC is a leading source for independent and high-quality data, research, analysis and expertise. MMC aims to increase understanding of mixed migration, to positively impact global and regional migration policies, to inform evidence-based protection responses for people on the move and to stimulate forward thinking in public and policy debates on mixed migration. MMC’s overarching focus is on human rights and protection for all people on the move.

2. Purpose of the consultancy
MMC Eastern and Southern Africa Egypt and Yemen, based in Nairobi, aims to hire a consultant for a study on Eritrean mobility dynamics. This study will focus on the interconnected nature of Eritrean mobility patterns, examining trends, while also providing an outlook on future Eritrean migration. Aside from reviewing policies in relevant geographies with present Eritrean diaspora communities, the consultant is requested to draw on new empirical data to examine the journeys, risks, challenges, and intentions of Eritreans on the move. As part of this, the study shall consider what policies on a national, regional and international level might either support or impede the reception and protection of Eritreans on the move and examine why and how Eritrean migration dynamics have been shifting over time.

3. Objectives of the consultancy
The purpose of this consultancy includes the below outlined assignments. The consultant will be required:
1) To conduct a literature review reconstructing the mobility dynamics of Eritreans since the Eritrean government introduced mandatory and indefinite national service two decades ago.
2) To conduct qualitative in-depth interviews with approximately 30-40 Eritreans in different destinations (including Ethiopia, Egypt, Uganda, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States) to gain first-hand perspectives on current migration dynamics as well as the new frontiers of Eritrean migration. The interviews will explore the current experiences, risks, challenges, changing intentions, etc. of Eritreans on the move. Approximately 10 additional key informant interviews shall be conducted with experts, policy actors and international organisations.
3) To produce a future-oriented research report combining the original empirical data with the desk-based literature review on current and future Eritrean migration dynamics. This would include recommendations on how local, national and international systems of protection could adapt to provide timely and appropriate support to Eritrean migrants.
4) To write a blog post explaining the findings of the report to a wider audience.
5) To conduct a workshop (in-person or virtually) to explore possible strategies for analysing existing quantitative MMC 4Mi data on Eritrean mobility, mainly examining their migration drivers and decision-making, intended destinations and interactions with smugglers.
6) To draft a brief note providing indicative directions for quantitative analysis of existing 4Mi survey data of Eritreans on the move.

4. Scope of work and Methodology
In particular, the consultant is expected to:
• Work in line with MMC editorial guidelines and templates, which will be shared at the start of the consultancy.
• To provide a workplan.
• To deliver a qualitative research report and accompanying blog post exploring the ongoing dynamics of Eritreans on the move.
• To facilitate a workshop on strategies for analysis of 4Mi datasets of Eritreans on the move across regions.
• To provide a brief note that will outline indicative directions for quantitative analysis of existing 4Mi survey data of Eritreans on the move.

5. Deliverables
The Consultant will submit the following deliverables as mentioned below:

• Phase 1 – Inception

Expected deliverables – Research design including workplan

Indicative description tasks – 1. Qualitative research design including interview tools and workplan (3-5 pages) 2. Meeting to discuss and review research design and workplan.

Maximum expected timeframe – 3 days

• Phase 2 – Desk Research, Data Collection and Data Analysis

Expected deliverables – Preliminary findings presentation

Indicative description tasks – Preliminary findings presentation: showcasing first findings from the qualitative data analysis and insights from the literature review.

Maximum expected timeframe – 22 days

• Phase 3 Report and Blog Writing

Expected deliverables – 1. Qualitative Research Report 2. Blogpost on Report

Indicative description tasks – Qualitative research report: based on the research and analysis from Phase 2, following MMC editorial guidelines. On day 15, the consultant shall share the first draft with MMC for review/feedback. The consultant will then have 5 days to integrate feedback, seek any further clarification and finalize the report.
Blog post: drafting a blogpost/article for publishing on MMC’s website. The article will communicate key findings to a wider audience; in coordination with MMC’s Communications Coordinator.

Maximum expected timeframe – 20 days

• Phase 4 Directions for analysis of 4Mi data with Eritreans

Expected deliverables – 1. Workshop presentations 2. Brief note on an approach for analysing 4Mi data with Eritreans

Indicative description tasks – Workshop on key findings of the report and a proposed way forward analysing existing 4Mi data on Eritrean mobility.
Brief analytical/methodological note (3-5 pages max) on an approach for analysing 4Mi data with Eritrean respondents.

Maximum expected timeframe – 5 days

The Consultant will provide Phase 3 and 4 deliverables in Word format for review, either by email or through a secured link.

6. Duration, timeline, and payment
The total expected duration to complete the assignment will be no more than 50 working days. The consultant must complete the assignment by 10th December 2024.
Proposed Timelines:
• 15 July – Inception meeting with presentation and review of the research design.
• July-October – Desk-based research, primary data collection and analysis.
• October-November – Research report drafting
• 1 November – Submission of first draft of research report and draft publication of blogpost
• 2-3 December – Workshop on key findings of the research report and proposed strategy for analysing existing 4Mi data on Eritrean mobility
• 6 December – Submission of brief note on analysing 4Mi data on Eritrean mobility
• 10 December – Submission of final drafts of research report, blogpost and brief note

Payment:
30% after Phase 1 (submission of research design)
70% after the submission and validation of all deliverables

7. Eligibility, qualification and experience required
Essential:
• Master’s degree or equivalent in Migration Studies or any related field in the Social Sciences.
• Advanced knowledge of relevant migration theory and migration literature on the movements of Eritreans.
• Ability to carry out remote research and data collection with Eritrean respondents.
• At least 5 years of experience in qualitative research in the field of migration is required.
• At least 5 years of experience of offering qualitative research consultancy services to companies or organizations is required.
• Experience with qualitative data collection and analysis using a software (ATLAS.ti, NVivo or similar) is required.
• Demonstrated experience and success in working with NGOs, research centres or academia in or on East and/or the Horn of Africa, particularly in the fields of migration and displacement.
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel.
• Self-motivated; ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.
• Excellent command of spoken and written English.

Desirable:

• PhD or equivalent in Refugee and/or Migration Studies or any related field in the Social Sciences.

• Previous experience with MMC and engaging with MMC data and publications.

8. Technical supervision
The selected consultant will work under the supervision of:
• Bram Frouws (Director of MMC)
• Ayla Bonfiglio (Head of MMC Eastern and Southern Africa Egypt and Yemen)

9. Location and support
The Consultant is expected to work remotely/virtually. The Consultant will be responsible for ensuring they have all the relevant equipment and software to complete the task.

10. Travel
The assignments do not require travel. The study shall rely on desk-based research and the consultant shall conduct the limited number of qualitative interviews remotely/over the phone. The workshops can take place in a hybrid format.

11. Submission process
Interested firms/individuals that meet requirements are invited to submit their proposal and other required documents to [email protected] on or before 28th May 2024 at 5:00 PM EAT. Please indicate ‘‘Consultancy for MMC Research Project on Eritreans on the Move – RFP-RO01-002891” in the subject line of your email application. Submissions shall include:
• CV(s) (5 pages maximum per individual) of consultant or consultant team – if bidding as a company, a company profile should also be included. The candidate’s capacity/relevant experience, including examples of previous relevant assignments or work/publications, should be included in the CV.
• A brief document outlining strategy and technical approach to the TOR with a proposed workplan of activities with timeline and deliverable deadlines
• A financial proposal in USD with a budget breakdown (1 page)

12. Evaluation of bids
Please refer to the RFP Invitation Letter.

DRC will conduct reference checks from at least two previous works as an additional mandatory requirement. Two single-authored or lead-authored research publications on a topic related to this consultancy can be considered in lieu.

Additional Information
For additional information regarding these terms of reference, please send your questions to
Regional Supply Chain Manager EAGL RO: [email protected]

Please find complete bidding documents in the link below; RFP-RO01-002891 Consultancy for MMC Research Project on Eritreans on the Move