Consultant, Capacity Development for the Global Shelter Cluster

Organizational Context

The International Federation (IFRC) agreed to take on the responsibility of convening the Shelter Cluster for natural disasters, through a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA).

 

The Global Shelter Cluster is led by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). In partnership with the Centre for Development and Emergency Practice (CENDEP) at Oxford Brookes University, the GSC offers a master’s-level short course in Humanitarian Shelter Coordination (HSCT). The course aims to equip participants with the skills required to coordinate a shelter response in humanitarian crises caused by disasters, conflicts, or both. The course includes an online component of 5 weeks and a 6-day face-to-face component.

 

To ensure the course remains relevant and effective, a comprehensive revision and update are necessary, including updating content and methods of delivery, and incorporating feedback from recent participants. Additionally, there is a need to update the Shelter Cluster Coordination Toolkit to better reflect recent changes in the HPC process and align it with the HSCT.

 

This consultancy will contribute to the enhancement of a critical training course and toolkit that supports humanitarian shelter coordination efforts globally. The consultant will play a key role in ensuring that the course and toolkit remain relevant, dynamic, and effective in preparing professionals to respond to humanitarian crises.

Job Purpose

Same as above.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Alignment to the IFRC’s objectives and strategy

IFRC’s Global Shelter Cluster leadership role contributes to Strategy 2030 Goal 1: People anticipate, respond to and quickly recover from crises.  It also promotes the Agenda for Renewal effective global coordination and leadership ambitions. IFRC’s GSC role sits within Enabling Function 1 - Strategic and operational coordination; Outcome 6.4. The IFRC ensures effective shelter cluster coordination with partners inside and outside the network. National Societies take an increased role in shelter cluster coordination.

 

Project Objectives

1. Revise and update the Humanitarian Shelter Coordination Training (HSCT).
2. Update the Shelter Cluster Coordination Toolkit.
3. Provide ongoing advice and capacity-building support to the Global Shelter Cluster Coordination team.

 

Desired outcomes

1. Comprehensive needs assessment report based on feedback from recent HSCT participants.
2. Updated training materials and curricula for the HSCT course (both online and residential components), including dynamic exercise-based training methods.
3. Detailed training session outlines for each session of the HSCT course.
4. Proposed standard agenda with detailed timing for each session for the HSCT course.
5. Develop facilitation and evaluation tools. Develop a standard template report after the completion of each cohort.
6. Revised and updated Shelter Cluster Coordination Toolkit, including detailed content, standard templates, and a list of best practice examples.
7. Final report summarizing the updates made, methodologies used, and recommendations for future improvements.
8. All material produced including reports in original editable formats (word, excel, InDesign, PowerPoint, etc).

 

Key activities and method of delivery / responsibilities

Course Revision and Update:

• Conduct a thorough review of the current HSCT course content, including both the online and face-to-face components.
• Explore opportunities for inclusion of online self-managed training resources. Either existing or to be developed.
• Analyse feedback from recent course participants and identify areas for improvement.
• Develop new training materials and modernize existing content, incorporating dynamic, exercise-based training methods.
• Coordinate with IFRC, UNHCR, and Oxford Brookes University to ensure all changes are agreed upon and implemented effectively.
• Facilitate an internal workshop with key stakeholders to finalize updates to the course content and methodology.

Toolkit Update:

• Review the current Shelter Cluster Coordination Toolkit and assess gaps and areas for improvement.
• Develop detailed descriptions and explanations for each phase of the coordination process.
• Create standard templates for all tools and documents, using the best existing examples and incorporating new, relevant documents.
• Ensure the toolkit provides clear guidance and standardizes the basic set of documents all clusters should aspire to draft.

Capacity Building and Support:

• Participate as an observer in the upcoming HSCT course to gain firsthand experience and insights.
• Provide ongoing advice and recommendations to the Global Shelter Cluster Coordination team on capacity-building strategies and initiatives.

Job Duties and Responsibilities (continued)

Support to be provided / Reporting lines and support

The Capacity Development Consultant for the GSC will report directly to the IFRC and UNHCR Capacity Building focal points.

The Global Shelter Cluster Support Team will also provide support in their respective areas of expertise.

 

Duty Station

The Capacity Development Consultant will be home-based, except when requested to travel to participate in the HSCT or other required workshops or meetings.

 

Timeframe

The timeframe for the assignment is from August 15, 2024 to December 31, 2024 for a maximum of 100 days of work. If additional time is required to meet the overall objective of this assignment, IFRC will endeavour to extend the assignment or find a replacement for an additional period to be determined and subject to the availability of resources.

Education

Required

• Relevant University Degree.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Human Resources, Organizational Development, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.

Experience

Required

• Minimum of 10 years relevant professional experience in shelter cluster coordination, training development, and capacity development.
• Having worked as a Shelter Cluster Coordinator in the field is essential.
• Proven experience in conducting capacity and training needs assessments and developing training programs.
• Having participated and/or facilitated the HSCT course or similar.

Preferred

• Experience working in a RC/RC National Society and/or IFRC/ICRC.

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

Required

• Fluent spoken and written English.
• Excellent facilitation, presentation, and communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Full understanding of the cluster coordination process and familiarity with IASC cluster coordination.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously. 
• Ability to team up with co-consultants or interns to produce content. 
• Training and staff development skills.

Preferred

• Proficiency in e-learning platforms and tools is an advantage. 

Competencies, Values and Comments

Application Instructions

• Please submit your application in English only.
• Please include in your motivation letter
  • explanation of your suitability for the role
  • your availability 
  • your current Daily Fee Rate in CHF
• Please include in the same document as your CV
  • Examples of previous training materials developed (if available)
  • Contact information for three professional references