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CONSULTANT TO CONDUCT RESEARCH - Kenya

Kenya

  • Organization: NRC - Norwegian Refugee Council
  • Location: Kenya
  • Grade: Consultancy - International Consultant - Internationally recruited Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Emergency Aid and Response
    • Consulting
    • Scientist and Researcher
  • Closing Date: Closed


The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a non-governmental, humanitarian organization with 60 years of experience in helping to create a safer and more dignified life for refugees and internally displaced people. NRC advocates for the rights of displaced populations and offers assistance within the shelter, education, emergency food security, legal assistance, and water,sanitation and hygiene sectors.

The Norwegian Refugee Council has approximately 5000 committed and competent employees involved in projects across four continents. In addition, NRC runs one of the world’s largest standby rosters -NORCAP, with 650 professionals, ready to be deployed on 72 hours notice when a crisis occurs

Terms of Reference

Consultancy to conduct research

NRC is looking for a qualified consultant with a strong background and skills in refugee protection

 

Refugee perspectives on the asylum system and its application in the Horn of Africa

1.Background

 In the context of the Global Compact on Refugees being developed at the international level, a nuanced understanding of the options facing asylum seekers and refugees in the Horn of Africa continues to be highly relevant. Factors affecting their decisions are in flux due to local and regional conflict, drought, economic conditions, and, in some cases, the changing policy environment.

In this context, NRC is proposing to examine why some refugees who have protection rights and access to humanitarian assistance in neighbouring countries do not end up taking advantage of the protection available to them and instead choose other options, like joining the informal economy in cities or taking dangerous and costly migration routes. Similarly, asylum seekers who should have protection rights often do not have access to them. Aiming to bring refugee and asylum seeker perspectives to the fore of policy debates and reflecting the voices of refugees and asylum seekers themselves, this research paper aims to influence refugee policy at a time of wide-ranging rethinking of the current system.

2.Objectives of consultancy

The consultant will conduct research to reflect refugee perspectives, inform policy recommendations related to the Global Compact on Refugees and Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF), and shape recommendations for programming for refugees and asylum seekers in the selected research areas.

Key research questions include: 

For refugees who decide to leave traditional refugee settlements (such as camps) set up by the humanitarian refugee response, and asylum seekers who are not able to access protection: What factors are shaping their decisions or intentions to move out of camps, or other coping mechanisms? What are some of the gaps in the current asylum system from their perspectives? Of the changes proposed under the CRRF, which are the most important and how could they most usefully take shape?       

For refugees using the protection options available to them (often in camps):  What are some of the gaps in the current asylum system from their perspective? Of the changes proposed under CRRF, which are the most important and how could they most usefully take shape?

3.Methodology

The information for this study will be gathered through a combination of a desk study and field work:

Desk study: Review of overall context in the selected locations in relation to refugee protection, mixed migration, and changing policy environments.

Focus group discussions (FGDs): Structured FGDs held with refugees and asylum seekers to understand challenges in relation to protection, support for immediate and ongoing needs, and durable solutions. Number, composition focus and structure of FGDs to be determined by consultant with NRC advocacy team.

Semi-structured interviews with refugees and asylum seekers:  Series of semi-structured interviews to gather information, refugee perspectives and case studies. Number and profile of case studies to be determined by the consultant with the NRC advocacy team.

Key informant interviews (KIIs): Series of KIIs with key humanitarian and protection actors to understand the policy environments, current protection and humanitarian responses for refugees, and key gaps.

Research is expected to take place in at least four different programme locations in Eastern Africa to be selected by the consultant with the NRC advocacy team.

4.Outputs and deliverables

The following specific outputs are envisaged under the consultancy:

Design of survey tools i.e. KIIs, FGDs, semi-structured interview guides, and ethical safeguards which will be integrated into the methodology.

A policy report (approximately 40 pages) analysing: (1) the top priorities for changes in the asylum system from the perspective of refugees; and (2) a series of policy recommendations to improve the protection of refugees.  

The policy report should include an executive summary with key findings and recommendations, 2-4 pp. in length.

An internal annex to inform programming documenting findings and recommending programme interventions.

5.Skills and experience

NRC is looking for a qualified consultant with a strong background and skills in refugee protection. In addition, the consultant must demonstrate expertise in the following areas:

At least 3 years of proven experience working in the humanitarian sector or similar and conducting research and/or assessments.

Significant field experience in refugee protection in humanitarian contexts.

Preferably an advanced university degree (masters degree or equivalent) in international affairs/studies, international development, law, anthropology or a related field.

Excellent research skills, including qualitative research methodology at the field level, and an understanding of ethical research principles.

Previous experience and substantive expertise in refugee protection systems in Eastern Africa.

Strong command of written and spoken English.

Previous experience and knowledge of NRC is an advantage.

6.Additional information, application deadline and procedures

The consultant is envisaged to be hired for a total of 35 working days of which 20 days the consultant would be based in the field and the rest of the time working remotely and/or from Nairobi depending on country of residence. NRC will provide the consultant with accommodation while in the field. The consultancy must be concluded by Oct. 15, 2017 when the final internal documents and policy report should be delivered.

All applications must include the following:

Detailed CV of the consultant;

Cover letter detailing the consultant’s qualifications and experience in undertaking similar assignments;

A writing sample (as an attachment or as a link in the cover letter);

Proposed budget for the consultancy, covering all consultancy fees for 35 days including international travel (except accommodation costs in the field to be covered by NRC), per diem, insurances and communication.

Deadline for applications: July 28, 2017

 

ALL APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE DONE ONLINE.  NO HARDCOPIES WILL BE ACCEPTED.

 

 

 

 

This vacancy is now closed.
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