Policy and Advocacy Research Consultant

Background of the project:

The Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) is an international agreement to share the responsibility towards refugees more predictably and equitably. In its original intent, it was meant to bring together different cohorts of states – including donor countries, the so-called ‘missing middle’ of non-traditional donors and/or potential refugee-supporting states, and host countries – to commit to changes in refugee policy and practice. Three years on, however, little is known about the results, challenges and opportunities produced by these shifts.Therefore, the international community is currently unable to determine whether the GCR is making a difference in government policy or practice – and ultimately, whether it is improving refugee inclusion, protection and well-being.

Scope of Work:

IRC is joining efforts with Danish Refugee Council (DRC) and Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) to produce a study looking into changes in refugee policy and practice by a cross-section of donor, missing middle and host countries since the affirmation of the GCR in 2018. By assessing the actions taken by a sample of governments from different country cohorts, we can learn useful lessons on GCR implementation, contribute to filling an important accountability gap and draw recommendations for more effective refugee inclusion and protection. We can also better hold key states to account at global level, particularly in enacting changes that support the full range of durable solutions envisaged by the GCR. The final report will seek to inform the preparations for the Global Refugee Forum High-Level Officials Meeting in December 2021.

The research will seek to answer the following research questions:

1. What changes in refugee policies and practices has the GCR produced among key donor governments, the missing middle of non-traditional donors and host countries?
2. What kind of support from these governments is still needed to facilitate access to durable solutions (voluntary repatriation, resettlement and local integration) and complementary pathways for refugees, including women and girls?

The consultant will be guided by a Steering Committee consisting of representatives from IRC, DRC and NRC, with support from regional NGO platforms. The study will include the following phases:

Phase 1: Desk research and key informant interviews: the first phase of the research will be a desk review of relevant documents and existing research and key informant interviews with relevant government officials from the three cohorts identified for this study (donor countries, missing middle and host countries).

Phase 2: Case Studies: The methodology of the study is qualitative and will aim to produce short case studies on changes in refugee policies and practices by select donor countries, missing middle and host countries. Focus host countries will likely be selected from the East Africa/Horn, Asia and Latin America regions.

Phase 3: Final report: the consultant will share a draft report with IRC, DRC and NRC for discussion of the preliminary findings. Through a participatory process, the consultant will formulate recommendations to governments, after which a final draft will be prepared.

Deliverables:

• A draft report of up to 20 pages (Times New Roman, font 11) including several case studies on selected donor, missing middle and host countries (exact number of case studies will be finalised with the consultant).
• A final report of maximum 20 pages (Times New Roman, font 11) including case studies on selected donor, missing middle and host countries.
• A stand-alone Executive Summary of maximum two pages for distribution to high-level governmental stakeholders.
• A presentation of the report findings and recommendations.