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.
MMC 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 Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and Latin America, 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. Since 2014, MMC has been implementing its flagship 4Mi project, which aims to offer a regular, standardized, quantitative system of collecting primary data on mixed migration to establish a solid evidence base on the needs and protection incidents facing people on the move. 4Mi consists of a unique network of field enumerators situated along frequently used routes and in major migratory hubs. Field enumerators are trained and closely supervised and use a smart phone-based survey application to record and transmit completed interviews to regional 4Mi hubs for storage and analysis. 4Mi uses standard closed question surveys to invite respondents to anonymously self-report on a wide range of issues, including migratory drivers, means of movement, conditions of movement, the smuggler economy, aspirations and destination choices, and protection incidents. Over the years, in Eastern and Southern Africa, 4Mi has been implemented in Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Read more about 4Mi here: http://www.mixedmigration.org/4mi/.
2. Purpose of the consultancy
The Mixed Migration Centre’s (MMC) Eastern and Southern Africa, Egypt and Yemen hub, based in Nairobi, aims to hire a consultant for the following assignment:
The consultant will synthesize the latest studies, including their recommendations, on the intersection of mobility, environmental/ climate change and conflict in East Africa into a research agenda and roadmap. In addition, the consultant will develop 4 policy briefs using MMC data collection, interviews with stakeholders, and desk research to fill critical policy gaps. This will feed into the broader grant on which there is more information below.
3. Background
Climate change, environmental disasters, and conflict are profoundly shaping mobility patterns in Eastern Africa. From shifting seasonal migration patterns linked to drought and environmental conflict in the Mandera Triangle to protracted displacement linked to conflict and flooding in South Sudan, the climate and security nexus is both an indirect and direct driver of human mobility, while intensifying existing vulnerabilities and creating new forms of mobility. Migration in response to climate impacts may range from mobility as a proactive adaptation strategy to forced displacement in the face of life-threatening risks to unplanned relocation. Migration may occur within or across international borders, depending on pre-existing migration drivers and dynamics. Indeed, the East Africa region is traversed by three major migration routes: the Eastern Route from the Horn of Africa to the Arabian Peninsula, the Central Mediterranean Route from East Africa to North Africa and Europe via Sudan, and the Southern Route from the Horn of Africa to South Africa. In (agro)pastoralist borderlands across East Africa and the fringes of the Great Lakes region, resource-based conflicts generate disastrous human consequences, due to a ‘perfect storm’ of interlinked factors: growing inequality, weak governance, the prevalence of extremist groups, and resource scarcity. The effects of climate change compound these factors that drive conflict, erode State and community resilience to shocks and more chronic stressors, and prompt displacement. Conflict, in turn, shapes how and where people seek safety and alternative livelihoods. The diversity of mobility outcomes linked to climate change and the complex relationship with conflict dynamics create significant policy challenges for policymakers in Eastern Africa. Multiple initiatives are being implemented to manage the human plight brought about by climate crises without sufficiently linking them to migration and human mobility policies, and vice versa. This is a clear case of policy-practitioner disconnect between different policy domains. Disconnect exists between CSOs addressing the ‘root causes’ of migration drivers through engaging with on-ground development initiatives and life-saving interventions, and actors designing national and regional policies on migration. A disconnect also exists between CSO and policymakers working on climate issues and those focused on migration. An urgent need exists to bridge this gap through a regional initiative that maximizes the space for multi-level policy coordination and effective CSO engagement, underpinned by the latest evidence on the varied climate mobility dynamics impacting Eastern Africa.
To address these challenges, the MECMEA project will implement a series of strategic actions aimed at fostering inclusive policy dialogue and collaborative efforts. This will involve creating platforms for multi-stakeholder engagement, where policymakers, CSOs, and affected communities can share insights and co-develop solutions. The project will also focus on enhancing the capacity of local institutions to manage climate-induced mobility and conflict, ensuring that policies are not only evidence-based but also contextually relevant and inclusive. By promoting integrated approaches that link climate resilience, conflict resolution, and migration management, MECMEA aims to build a more cohesive and effective response to the complex interplay of environmental change and human mobility in Eastern Africa.
4. Objective of the consultancy
The purpose of this consultancy is to:
4.1 Publish and disseminate 4 policy briefs
The consultant will be required to:
• Develop an inception report roadmap with a focus on comprehensive analysis of climate mobility by defining the key concepts outlining stakeholder priorities, reviewing literature on the linkages between mobility, environmental change and conflict in East Africa and creating a research agenda to address critical gaps and recommend strategies as part of the 4 policy briefs.
• Draft policy papers that fill the aforementioned gaps within the existing literature identified in the inception report.
• Using empirical evidence collected by MMC, papers will analyse and visualize the primary, quantitative data on internal and international movements linked to climate change, environmental disasters, and conflict in Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan and Burundi. Papers will also draw key conclusions for policy actors.
• Review and revise through subjecting the drafts to an internal review process, incorporating feedback from experts, stakeholders, and peers to enhance credibility and clarity.
5. Scope of work and Methodology
The Consultant will be required to prepare a detailed methodology and work plan indicating how
the objectives of the project will be achieved, and the support required from DRC.
6. Deliverables
The Consultant will submit the following deliverables as mentioned below:
Assignment – Deliverable 1
Expected deliverables – Publish and disseminate policy briefs (4)
Indicative description tasks – Develop an inception report with a focus on comprehensive analysis of climate mobility by defining the key concepts outlining stakeholder priorities, reviewing literature on the linkages between mobility, environmental change and conflict in East Africa and creating a research agenda and roadmap to address critical gaps and recommend strategies as part of the 4 policy briefs.
Maximum expected timeframe – Feb-April 2025 (15 days)
Assignment – Deliverable 2
Indicative description tasks – • Draft policy papers that fill the aforementioned gaps within the existing literature identified in the inception report • Using empirical evidence collected by MMC, papers will analyse and visualize the primary, quantitative data on internal and international movements linked to climate change, environmental disasters, and conflict in Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan and Burundi. Papers will also draw key conclusions for policy actors. • Review and revise through subjecting the drafts to an internal review process, incorporating feedback from experts, stakeholders, and peers to enhance credibility and clarity
Maximum expected timeframe – March-Sept 2025 (45 days)
The Consultant will provide the documentation through Email, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF, etc.
7. Duration, timeline, and payment
The total expected duration to complete the assignment will be no more than 9 months within which the consultant will work on the mentioned activities. The consultant shall be prepared to complete the inception report no later than the first quarter of 2025 as per agreed timelines; the policy briefs will be submitted after 4Mi data collection is completed.
DRC will make an initial payment of 30% upon submission of an inception report another 30% upon submission of research agenda and the remaining 40% upon submission of the road map and satisfactory completion of the assignment.
8. Proposed Composition of Team
• Project Manager
• Principal researcher
• Assistant researchers etc
9. Eligibility, qualification, and experience required
Essential:
• The consultancy is open to both firms and individuals. Individuals or research team managers should have an advanced degree (Master or PhD) in migration studies or the social sciences, climate change, with expertise in qualitative research methods.
• Expert on climate change and its impact on migration and the broader humanitarian sector and must have knowledge and connections in both the climate and humanitarian space.
• At least five years of experience conducting primary and secondary data collection and managing research projects, with at least three years of these being within the migration and/or climate field.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing research on migration and similar relevant topics.
• A proven knowledge and understanding (e.g. through prior publications or data collection) of mixed migration dynamics in East Africa.
• Familiarity with mobility, environmental and climate change in East Africa.
• Proven experience in migration, and working / conducting research with refugees, migrants and asylum seekers.
• Ability to independently carry out data collection and expertise with data collection specifically using qualitative methods.
• Excellent command of spoken and written English.
• 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.
Desirable:
• PhD or equivalent in Refugee and/or Migration Studies Conflict, Climate or any related field in the Social Sciences. • Previous experience with MMC and engaging with MMC data and publications.
10. Technical supervision
The selected consultant will work under the supervision of:
• MMC Project Manager, Lavina Ranjan
• MMC Research Coordinator, Jim Moorsel
11. Location and support
The assignment will be conducted remotely, and the consultant will be expected to provide his/her own computer, mobile and any other required electronic equipment. Communication with MMC team members will be conducted virtually.
12. Travel
No travel will be required however, in case of any travel requirement, MMC/ DRC will cater for travel and accommodation costs for the lead researcher. Per diem costs shall not be covered by DRC/MMC
13. Submission process
Interested individuals that meet requirements should send their proposal and other required documents to the email address: tender.ro01@drc.ngo
Please indicate the number & title of the consultancy in the subject line of your email application as stipulated in the submission guidelines in the RFP Letter of Invite.
Submissions shall include:
• Updated CV(s) (4 pages maximum per individual) of consultant or consultant team – if bidding as a company, a company profile should also be included.
• A brief statement on capacity/relevant experience, including examples of previous relevant publications or assignments.
• A brief document outlining a basic strategy and technical approach to the ToR, proposed workplan of activities with timeline and deliverable deadlines (4 pages max)
• Reference Letters, copy of a (redacted contract) and Reports/Papers as indicated in the RFP Letter of Invitation.
A financial proposal in EUR with a breakdown budget of both administrative & professional fees
Please refer to the “RFP Letter of Invite” and/or the “How to apply Section” below for more details on the submission guidelines.
14. Evaluation of bids
For the award of this project, MMC/DRC has established evaluation criteria which shall govern the selection of offers received. The offer will be evaluated using the administrative and technical criteria, as stipulated in the RFP Letter of Invite. Only those shortlisted will be contacted for an interview with the panel to ensure their understanding of the consultancy services.
15. Additional Information
For additional information regarding these terms of reference, please send your questions to Regional Supply Chain Manager EAGL RO: procurement.ro01@drc.ngo
Please find complete bidding documents in the following link: RFP-RO01-003621 – Re-advertisement_Managing the impacts of environmental change & conflict on mobility in Eastern Africa
How to apply
Bids can be submitted by email to the following dedicated, controlled, & secure email address:
tender.ro01@drc.ngo
When Bids are emailed, the following conditions shall be complied with:
The RFP number shall be inserted in the Subject Heading of the email i.e. “RFP-RO01-003621 – Readvert_Technical Bid” and “RFP-RO01-003621 – Readvert_Financial Bid”
- Separate emails shall be used for the ‘Financial Bid’ and ‘Technical Bid’, and the Subject Heading of the email shall indicate which type the email contains
- The financial bid shall only contain the financial bid form, Annex A.2 or vendors financial bid in own format
- The technical bid shall contain all other documents required by the tender, but excluding all pricing information
- Bid documents required, shall be included as an attachment to the email in PDF, JPEG, TIF format, or the same type of files provided as a ZIP file. Documents in MS Word or excel formats, will result in the bid being disqualified.
- Email attachments shall not exceed 4MB; otherwise, the bidder shall send his bid in multiple emails.
Failure to comply with the above may disqualify the Bid.
DRC is not responsible for the failure of the Internet, network, server, or any other hardware, or software, used by either the Bidder or DRC in the processing of emails.
Bids will be submitted electronically. DRC is not responsible for the non-receipt of Bids submitted by email as part of the e-Tendering process