CONSULTANCY TO WRITE A PAPER ON “BUILDING RESILIENCE IN EAST AFRICA? VOICES OF LOCAL HUMANITARIAN LEADERS ON THE FRONTLINES OF THE HUNGER CRISES”

Context

This paper aims to shed light on the degree to which resilience programmes (not only Oxfam programmes but generally all resilience programmes local humanitarian leaders have experience with) have been effective in East Africa, specifically in relation to hunger crises. The paper will highlight the perspectives and voices of local partner organizations and local communities. The strategic goal of this paper is to give a platform to local humanitarian actors in Kenya and Somalia to raise to the fore how resilience programmes should be improved or what solutions are needed to prevent the recurrence of extreme hunger, particularly as the climate crisis is a permanent situation. The examination should and will go beyond asking whether donors are heeding the call of local actors and whether responsible authorities are. Kenya and Somalia have budgets but are choosing to spend on priorities that are not necessarily aligned with rural communities' ability to be resilient against drought, for example. This project goal aligns with the strategic goals of the HECA CAT 1 Response and that of the RiC Hunger Working Group “to ensure local communities are supported to respond to high food insecurity levels and related protection threats in humanitarian crises.”

Background:

In March 2022, Oxfam launched a multi-country response to the hunger crisis in East Africa focusing on Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and South Sudan. The overall objective of the hunger crisis response is to see The urgent basic needs1 of the most vulnerable in East Africa are addressed by their governments, local humanitarian actors, and international humanitarian donors by unlocking funding, improving access and investing in local humanitarian systems, social protection systems, equitable development of marginalized areas, and climate adaptation, now and in the future, while tackling the underlying inequalities that leave certain communities and groups vulnerable. To assist with this vision, Oxfam regionally is working to produce evidence and forward recommendations from local communities and humanitarian leadership to highlight the root causes and needed future steps.

It is for this purpose that this paper’s core argument is for Governments and donors to heed the calls of local humanitarian actors in food insecure countries and to support long-term solutions that prevent recurrence of hunger crises. The recommendations will stem from the calls raised in the interviews. The interviews will be gender balanced and interviews will include specific questions on the gender dimensions of the efficacy of resilience programs to date. The desired impact of the paper is to guide powerholders (governments, donors, and other humanitarian actors) to heed the calls of communities impacted by the hunger crises and support lasting solutions that build resilience and protect livelihoods.

Objectives of the assignment

For this work, we are seeking to obtain the services of a consultant to draft a short policy brief. The paper, through the lens of those responding, will seek to respond to the following questions:

The efficacy of resilience programs

• What programs have been established over the last decade to build resilience to droughts and threats to food security? This will include a definition of resilience programs (including cash programming, and possibly social protection) so that audiences understand the scope being discussed.
• To what degree have resilience programs established over the past decade been successful in building resilience of communities at risk of food insecurity and hunger?
• Which kinds of programs have been successful? Which have been unsuccessful?
• Have they helped in the short- and long-term?
• To what degree have they helped to build resilience across all parts of the community (including men, women, boys, girls, different tribes and ethnic groups, age groups, the displaced etc.)?

Solutions to prevent crisis recurrence

• What are communities asking for to respond to this crisis in the short- and long-term?
• How can programs be improved to build resilience to future shocks (ie droughts, disasters, escalating conflict)?
• What kinds of support are requested from government (local and national)? What support is requested from international donors?
• To what degree are affected communities in need of support across the spheres of humanitarian response, development, peacebuilding, and climate adaptation? What form could this support take?

The following breaks down how the paper will be presented:

(1) Title page, including photo, lead quote

(2) Introductory text giving overview of issue, the questions posed, an overview of the responses, and some key policy asks

(3) Section 1: Building resilience?

• Overview of the resilience programs created over the past five years? Includes definition of resilience programmes
• Quotes from participants on the efficacy of resilience programs created (see questions above)
• Photos (of program activities, participants, etc)

(4) Section 2: Cycle-Breaking Solutions?

• Overview of the cyclical nature of the crises, and the dangers of short-term response
• Quotes from participants on possible solutions to prevent crisis recurrence, minimise shocks, and build resilience (see questions above)
• Photos (of new solutions in action, participants, etc.)

Target audience

Primary audiences: International NGOs in the humanitarian, development, and climate sectors operating in east Africa, especially Kenya and Somalia; local authorities, Governments, and international donors; UN agencies (specifically FAO, WFP, and OCHA); policymakers at the UN in New York, Geneva, and relevant capitals.

The paper will be launched to reach these audiences with a communications plan, including a possible launch event with local partners. The paper will be circulated at advocacy meetings during 2023, likely in New York, Geneva and relevant capitals, and in accompaniment to the DGD protection project (based on research on hunger and protection in Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Yemen, OPT, and the DRC). It can also be discussed during a Dialogue Series with partners in the Conflict and Hunger Coalition.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The consultant shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

1. Meet with local humanitarian partners
2. Design and share with client proposed report outline.
3. Draft a brief which delivers on the paper description provided
4. Present first and final drafts in soft copy – both online and printable versions.
5. Edit and finalise the report taking into consideration all comments.

Deliverables

The consultant shall deliver the following outputs:

1. A draft and final Oxfam Voices document (we will share other examples of similar products)

The consultant will, at all times:

1. Carry out the services and perform his/her tasks with care, skill and in an efficient and professional manner.
2. Ensure a high degree of quality in output.
3. Be guided by these terms of reference.
4. Carry out his/her tasks, presenting outputs to Oxfam on/or before agreed deadlines.
5. Maintain high levels of integrity and confidentiality.

Ideal candidate

The consultant who has a good understanding of resilience programming in Kenya and Somalia is required to come up with a first draft of a report which can then be developed into a final product.

The ideal consultant/firm must also have the following qualifications and skills:

1. Qualifications in mass communication with at least 5 years of professional experience in the field of editing and design for NGOs, INGOs, etc.
2. Strong English writing and communication skills.
3. Experience in drafting international development, humanitarian documents
4. Proven ability to work under pressure and deliver within short deadlines without compromising quality of work.

Schedule/timelines

The assignment is estimated to take 14 working days, when the final report should be delivered to the client.

Invoicing

The consultant should submit an invoice on delivery of the finalized design files and approval of deliverable(s) has been achieved.

Application Procedure

Interested consultants are expected to send samples of previously written and edited documents/ reports, experience of conducting similar tasks. The consultants should also send a financial proposal/ budget.

Adherence to Oxfam principles and policies

Once hired, the consultant shall operate under the principles governing Oxfam ways of working including adherence to policies and procedures of Oxfam with regards to such key issues as nonpartisan, neutrality, gender sensitivity, impartiality, and accountability, safeguarding, mainstreaming of Gender and HIV/AIDS as well as other policies governing Oxfam operations on transport usage, security guidelines and confidentiality of information collected.

How to apply

If you believe your qualifications meet the requirements, please send your Expression of interest to ssc.consultancy@oxfam.org before COB 13 March 2023.

Oxfam International is an equal opportunities employer, committed to diversity within the workplace.