Re-Advertisement – Consultancy on Mixed Migration Centre (MMC) Research Projects in Chad and Burundi_RFP-RO01-002657 Consultancy

DRC for MMC

Terms of Reference (TOR) for MMC Research Projects in Chad and Burundi

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.

The Mixed Migration Centre (MMC), as part of DRC, 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 Eastern and Southern Africa, West and North Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, and Latin America and the Caribbean, 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
MMC Eastern and Southern Africa | Egypt and Yemen, based in Nairobi, aims to hire a consultant for two research projects:
2.1 Chad
In Chad, the research project entails carrying out data collection and analysis to monitor the mixed migration consequences of the Sudan conflict, with a particular focus on migrants’ experiences fleeing Sudan, their onward movement decision-making, and needs. The consultant’s responsibilities will include recruitment, in-person training and oversight of enumerators for 4Mi data collection activities in Ouaddaï and Wadi Fira Regions; completion of data collection of 500 4Mi surveys with additional questions (Sudan conflict module); 4Mi descriptive data analysis; drafting of a 4Mi snapshot/infographic; and drafting a PowerPoint presentation based on the infographic/snapshot. The consultant will be accountable for executing research activities adhering to the MMC Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in Chad, in coordination and with support from MMC team members. Since MMC does not have a pre-existing research architecture in Chad, this exercise will serve as a pilot to run 4Mi activities in Chad. Activities will also involve direct liaising and coordinating with UNHCR and a partner organization on the ground in Chad, for support in the roll out of activities.
2.2 Burundi
In Burundi, the research project entails carrying out data collection and analysis to monitor the experiences, decision-making and needs of Burundian returnees through implementation of the 4Mi Returns survey. The consultant’s responsibilities will include recruitment, in-person training and oversight of enumerators for 4Mi Returns data collection activities in Muyinga, Ruyigi and Makamba Provinces; completion of data collection of 500 4Mi Returns surveys; 4Mi Returns descriptive data analysis; drafting of a data snapshot/infographic; and drafting a PowerPoint presentation based on the snapshot/infographic. The consultant will be accountable for executing research activities adhering to the MMC Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in Burundi, in coordination and with support from MMC team members. MMC has an existing research architecture in Burundi, with this project following a 4Mi Returns pilot conducted in 2023.

3. Background
3.1 Chad
Since conflict broke out in Sudan on 15 April 2023, over 8 million people have become internally displaced or crossed borders. As of 20 February, 694,569 new arrivals have been recorded in Chad. These arrivals form a new population on top of existing refugee and migrant populations in Chad, mainly from Sudan and the Central African Republic (CAR). Following severe violence in Darfur in particularly the first months of the conflict in Sudan, the majority of arrivals in eastern Chad, particularly Ouaddaï, Sila and Wadi Fira Regions, are Darfuris. According to biometric registration data from UNHCR, 88% of refugees are women and children, 75% are 26 or younger, and 50% are 12 or younger. While large populations concentrate in refugee camps in these border regions, news reports have also zoomed in on Sudanese who may transit Chad towards Libya and Tunisia, engaging in perilous journeys along the Central Mediterranean Route. The research project shall dedicate particular attention to future movement intentions and aspirations of Sudanese surveyed in Chad.

3.2 Burundi
In December 2023, the 24th Meeting of the Tripartite Commission for the Voluntary Repatriation of Burundian Refugees living in Tanzania took place, involving the Governments of Tanzania and Burundi, and UNHCR. During the meeting, the parties devised a detailed plan to encourage voluntary repatriation. This announcement signals a change in the approach to repatriation, shifting from facilitation to actively promoting return. Additionally, the Tanzanian Ministry of the Interior planned for a ‘‘massive and rapid repatriation’’, while hinting at a potential cessation of refugee status for Burundians in Tanzania. In November, foreign policy experts had warned that over a 100,000 Burundians could be expelled from Tanzania ‘‘under the guise of voluntary repatriation’’, while concerns over their protection upon return to Burundi remain. An insecure situation upon return may lead to returnees considering remigration, including engaging in mixed migration in the Great Lakes region and farther afield. An MMC 4Mi snapshot published in Q3 reveals Burundian returnees experience significant difficulties accessing housing, food and water.

As of January 2024, a total of 234,212 Burundians were repatriated from Tanzania and other countries in the region since the initiation of UNHCR-assisted voluntary repatriation efforts in 2017. According to UNHCR, over 275,000 Burundian refugees remain in primarily Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya. Prior to the new approach on promoting return, MMC conducted 4Mi Returns surveys with voluntary returnees in the Muyinga, Ruyigi and Makamba Provinces. The aim of the 2024 project is to build upon this existing knowledge, and examine potential shifts in experiences, decision-making and movement intentions and aspirations of Burundian returnees.

4. Objective of the consultancy
4.1 Chad
According to the above-described purpose of the research project in Chad, the consultant will be required to:
• Liaise and work with UNHCR and a local partner organization on the ground in Chad to facilitate the roll out of MMC activities;
• Manage the recruitment on the ground of a to be determined number of 4Mi enumerators in Ouaddaï and Wadi Fira regions;
• Translate into French and further develop and existing training package for enumerators on the 4Mi survey and the dedicated Sudan conflict module, adhering to existing MMC SOPs;
• Facilitate 2-day in-person training(s) in each data collection site Chad for the recruited enumerators prior to data collection;
• Immediately after the training, facilitate a 4Mi pilot exercise including data validation in coordinating with MMC’s Information Management Officer (IOM) in Nairobi;
• Manage data collection processes on the ground to ensure enumerators meet the daily target and quality standard to reach the target of 500 4Mi surveys. Communicate feedback to the 4Mi enumerators concerning survey quality after data validation is carried out by the IMO;
• Analyze data and develop an analysis file based on descriptive analysis;
• Meet with the MMC team to present the key findings and agree on an outline for the written deliverable.
• Draft and deliver a final snapshot/infographic in both English and French versions, following MMC templates and editorial guidelines. The consultant is expected to address and integrate feedback from the MMC team while working towards final publications;
• Deliver a virtual presentation on research findings to relevant project stakeholders.

4.2 Burundi

According to the above-described purpose of the research project in Burundi, the consultant will be required to:

• Liaise and work with DRC and the Regional Durable Solutions Secretariat (ReDDS) for the Great Lakes Region on the ground in Burundi to facilitate the implementation of MMC activities; • Manage the recruitment on the ground of a to be determined number of 4Mi enumerators in Muyinga, Ruyigi and Makamba Provinces;

• Translate into French and further develop and existing training package for enumerators on the 4Mi Returns survey, adhering to existing MMC SOPs;

• Facilitate 2-day in-person training(s) in Burundi for the recruited enumerators prior to data collection; • Immediately after the training, facilitate a 4Mi Returns pilot exercise including data validation in coordinating with MMC’s Information Management Officer (IOM) in Nairobi;

• Manage data collection processes on the ground to ensure enumerators meet the daily target and quality standard to reach the target of 500 4Mi Returns surveys. Communicate feedback to the 4Mi enumerators concerning survey quality after data validation is carried out by the IMO; • Analyze data and develop an analysis file based on descriptive analysis;
• Meet with the MMC team to present the key findings and agree on an outline for the written deliverable. • Draft and deliver a final snapshot/infographic in both English and French versions, following MMC templates and editorial guidelines. The consultant is expected to address and integrate feedback from the MMC team while working towards final publications;

• Deliver a virtual presentation on research findings to relevant project stakeholders.

5. Scope of work and Methodology
The consultant is expected to follow and adhere to existing MMC 4Mi data collection processes and practices in the field.

5.1 Chad
The research project is planned for the period April – July 2024. Data collection shall take place in two identified locations in Chad (subject to potential change): Adré (Ouaddaï region) and Tine (Wadi Fira region). The recruited enumerators shall be located in either urban or camp contexts in these two locations, in order to be capturing mixed movement dynamics in Chad, impacted by the regional consequences of the conflict in Sudan. The consultant shall follow 4Mi methodology and sampling requirements involving direct interviews with refugee and migrant populations (through self-identification) aged 18 years and above, ensuring capturing those who have arrived in Chad from Sudan after the outbreak of conflict in Sudan on 15 April 2023, and gender balance.

5.2 Burundi
The research project is planned for the period August – October 2024. Data collection shall take place in three identified locations in Burundi (subject to potential change): Muyinga, Ruyigi and Makamba Provinces. The to be recruited enumerators shall be located in locations of recent return, in order to be capturing return movements into Burundi. The consultant shall follow 4Mi Returns methodology and
sampling requirements involving direct interviews with Burundian returnees aged 18 years and above, ensuring gender balance.

6. Deliverables
The Consultant will submit the following deliverables as mentioned below: Phase Expected deliverables Indicative description tasks Maximum expected timeframe.

Phase 1 – Chad (40 days)

Expected Deliverables

1. Completion of 500 surveys (core 4Mi and Sudan module)

2. 4Mi Chad analysis

3. Meeting to discuss findings

Indicative description tasks

• Completion of 500 surveys in Chad: coordinate data collection in the field and complete data collection of 500 valid surveys in Chad across all locations
• 4Mi Chad analysis: after data collection and analysis are completed, submit a clean descriptive analysis file, which can be used as a reference for future analysis.
• Meeting to present and discuss key findings with MMC focal point/s.

Phase 2 – Chad 1(20 days)

Expected Deliverables

1. 4Mi Chad Infographic/Snapshot

2. PowerPoint presentation presenting the approach and main findings of the publication

Indicative description tasks

• 4Mi Chad Infographic/Snapshot (4-6 pages) based on the analysis from Phase 1; following MMC editorial guidelines. The consultant shall be prepared to address and integrate feedback from the MMC team to work towards a final draft.
• The consultant is expected to first share an outline for the infographic/snapshot, for feedback/approval before final drafting.
• Presentation on the approach and main findings.

Phase 3 – Burundi 1 (40 days)

Expected Deliverables

1. Completion of 500 returns survey in Burundi

2. 4Mi Returns Burundi analysis

3. Meeting to discuss findings

Indicative description tasks

• Completion of 500 returns surveys in Burundi: coordinate data collection in the field and complete data collection of 500 valid surveys in Burundi across all locations
• 4Mi Returns Burundi analysis: after data collection and analysis are completed, submit a clean descriptive analysis file, which can be used as a reference for future analysis.
• Meeting to present and discuss key findings with MMC focal point/s.

Phase 4 – Burundi (20 days)

Expected deliverables.

1. 4Mi Returns Burundi Infographic/Snapshot
2. PowerPoint presentation presenting the approach and main findings of the publication.

Indicative description tasks

• 4Mi Burundi Returns Infographic/Snapshot (4-6 pages) based on the analysis from Phase 1; following MMC editorial guidelines. The consultant shall be prepared to address and integrate feedback from the MMC team to work towards a final draft.
• The consultant is expected to first share an outline for the infographic/snapshot, for feedback/approval before drafting in full.
• Presentation on the approach and main findings.

The Consultant will provide the documentation by email to MMC counterparts (see 10. Technical Supervision) or shared through a secured link.

7. Duration, timeline and payment
The total expected duration to complete the assignment will be no more than 120 days for the hired consultant.
The consultant shall be prepared to complete the assignments no later than 31st October 2024.
Proposed Timelines:
20 May – Submission of 4Mi Chad analysis file and meeting to discuss findings.
27 May – Submission of outline for Chad snapshot/infographic
10 June – Submission of first draft of Chad snapshot/infographic
28 June – Submission of final draft of Chad snapshot/infographic
June (date TBD) – Presentations on approach and main findings of Chad publication
19 August – Submission of 4Mi Returns Burundi analysis file and meeting to discuss findings.
26 August – Submission of outline for Burundi snapshot/infographic
9 September – Submission of first draft of Burundi snapshot/infographic
30 September – Submission of final draft of Burundi snapshot/infographic
September (date TBD) – Presentations on approach and main findings of Burundi publication

Payment The consultancy firm/consultant shall be paid the agreed consultancy fee upon completion of the deliverables listed above. The consultancy fee will be paid in instalments that will be detailed in the contract.

DRC/MMC will cover the expenses related to enumerator training, direct data collection expenditure, and enumerator salaries. The consultant shall NOT receive separate per diem remuneration as this will be covered in the consultancy fee.

8. Eligibility, qualification, and experience required
Essential:
• Master’s degree or equivalent in migration studies or the social sciences with expertise in quantitative research methods.
• At least 5 years of direct experience in the field, running quantitative data collection, with at least 3 years of these being within the migration research sector.
• Excellent command of both English and French (spoken and written) is mandatory.
• Proven record of applying varied research methodologies in a range of relevant countries in the region from a migration ‘origin’ and ‘transit’ perspective, such as, but not limited to, Sudan, Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Chad, Burundi and Egypt.
• Proven knowledge and understanding (e.g. through prior drafting of publications or managing data collection) of mixed migration dynamics in Eastern and Southern Africa.
• First-hand knowledge and research experience on the themes of Burundian returnees, and the regional mixed migration consequences of the ongoing Sudan conflict.
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging field environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national staff.
• Self-motivated; ability to work with minimal supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.

Desirable:
• Programmatic design experience with technical knowledge of migration and displacement.
• Previous experience working with MMC.

9. Technical supervision
The selected consultant will work under the supervision of:
• MMC Project Manager, Lavina Ranjan
• MMC Global Information Management Specialist, Teo Ficcarelli

10. Location and support
The consultant is expected to travel to and work in the following field locations:

Chad: Adré (Ouaddaï region) and Tine (Wadi Fira region)
Burundi: Muyinga, Ruyigi, and Makamba Provinces

The consultant may be accompanied by MMC staff member(s) for the entirety or part of the fieldwork in Chad and Burundi. All other communication with MMC team members based in Nairobi will be conducted virtually. The consultant will provide her/his own computer, mobile telephone and any other required electronic equipment.

11. Travel
In order to deliver on the expected outcomes, the consultant will travel to Chad and Burundi according to his/her drafted workplan (part of the application, see below), in order to roll out 4Mi data collection, facilitate meetings with partners, and oversee activities. Flights, visas and accommodation will be facilitated by DRC/MMC according to the laid down procedures, and shall not be included in the consultant’s financial proposal.
The consultant will receive mandatory DRC safety and security inductions on the specific contexts of Chad and Burundi, and will be required to report on their whereabouts while in the field on a regular basis. The consultant is responsible for ensuring international travel insurance and for their vaccination and health certificates meeting the requirements for travel to Chad and Burundi.

12. Submission process
Interested firms/individuals that meet requirements are invited to submit their proposal and other required documents to tender.ro01@drc.ngo on or before 4th April 2024 at 5:00 PM EAT. Please indicate ‘‘MMC Research Projects in Chad and Burundi: RFP-RO01-002657” in the subject line of your email application. 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 (2 pages max) 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 (2 pages max). Two proposed workplan of activities (one per research project) with timeline and deliverable deadlines (3 pages max). For firms that wish to apply, team composition shall be required clearly indicating the level of effort required.
• A financial proposal in USD with a breakdown of budget covering consultancy fees

13. Evaluation of bids
All bidders will be scored on a scale from 1 – 10 for each of the below criteria and will be assessed for profile and qualifications (document 1), similar experience (document 2) technical approach (document 3), and financial proposal (document 4). Bids will be scored according to the criteria below for the initial screening.
1. Profile and Qualifications (Weighted percentage – 30%)
a. The candidate meets the profile and qualifications for the TOR.
b. The consultant(s) have similar or other relevant experience in running quantitative data collection –preferably practical experience.
c. The consultant(s) have relevant experience in sectors similar to those of the focus of the TOR.
d. The consultant(s) provide examples of previous work carried out in this field of work.

2. Technical approach (Weighted percentage – 70%)
a. The technical approach addresses the key aspects and deliverables of the ToR
b. The strategy draws on sector good practice and is relevant to the tasks.
c. The technical approach will deliver the required outputs, within the deadlines.
3. The financial offer will then be weighed against the technical proposal (cost/ quality)

Based on the initial screening, DRC will invite selected bidders for an interview.
DRC will conduct reference checks from at least 2 previous works as an additional mandatory requirement.

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-RO01-002657 – Consultancy on MMC Research Projects in Chad & Burundi

Tagged as: Burundi, Chad, Danish Refugee Council