Consultancy-International Financial Institutions in Iraq At Oxfam GB

TERMS OF REFERENCE

The role of international financial institutions in Iraq

• Background

Following decades of cyclical conflict, economic deterioration and the impact of the COVID-19 crisis, the humanitarian context in Iraq remains fragile. Moreover, Iraqis’ key public services fail to function effectively due to the unstable situation and recent conflicts. In October 2021, early parliamentary elections took place. However, the political situation in Iraq is uncertain, with political fragmentation on different internal issues.

Within this context, a young civil society is emerging, with much of the remaining civil society formed more recently, including as part of the humanitarian response. Civic space is being increasingly challenged in Iraq, with more space needed for civil society organizations to take more active roles to engage with different national and international actors.

Oxfam in Iraq is currently implementing a project that aims to strengthen the capacities of civil society to find its voice with a variety of stakeholders. This includes areas of governance, increasing knowledge among Iraqi civil society of international financial institutions (IFIs), and increasing the space for civil society to engage in future debates to influence future support provided by IFIs, specifically the International Monetary Fund (IMF), to Iraq. Oxfam has already held several conversations with existing CSO partners and other civil society organizations to introduce this issue and to ensure that work is not being duplicated / there is no Iraqi civil society organization already leading work in this area.

The project focuses on conducting a series of civil society dialogue meetings across Iraq (including the Kurdistan region) . The meetings will include information on the IMF, its mandate, as well as its role, especially during the pandemic, and the Special Drawing Rights (SDRs).

• Objectives of the consultancy:

The consultancy aims to contribute to the following objectives:

• Iraqi civil society feels empowered to engage in discussions on the role of IFIs in general including the World Bank and IMF in Iraq and has a consensus position on their role.
• Iraqi civil society is more aware of IMF engagement with Iraq, and civic space is increased for their involvement in determining how IMf allocations are used.
• Scope of Consultancy and Methodology:

The consultant is expected to work closely with Oxfam in Iraq, with the support of Oxfam International’s DC office and the regional team. In addition to engagement with the Iraqi civil society to enhance their knowledge of the role of IFIs in general and the role of IMF specifily and lead discussions about how the Government of Iraq should use future funds.

Activities will include:

• In coordination with Oxfam, conduct a short needs assessment with national CSOs and some relevant international NGOs on CSOs’ awareness of the role of IMF, the role of the Iraqi civil society, and the identified needs in relation to the scope of the assignment.
• Based on the project requirements and the results of the needs assessment, design a workshop agenda on the role of IMF and the role of civil society. The consultant is required to identify the training topics under this frame. The consultant is required to take intoconsideration the diverse groups of civial society organisations , which will include Women Rights Organisations.
• The conusltnat will be building on previous advocacy intiatives taken by members from the civial society on similar topic, including public spending, economic priorities and ensure gender-responsive budgting.
• The workshops should cover Iraq, including the Kurdistan region; the consultant is expected to identify the number of workshops but will be agreed on it with the Oxfam team and the implementation will be doen via a combinaition on online and in person methdos. The workshops will be conducted in Arabic.
• Leading the implementation workshops as per the agreed agenda with Oxfam– and ensuring Oxfam’s safeguarding procedures are followed. This will include preparing the training materials, tools, agenda, and identifying logistic needs.
• Writing up a one-page summary of each workshop to ensure Oxfam is aware of the focus of discussion and any positive developments or challenges in conversations with civil society
• The production of a policy product outlining Iraqi civil society recommendations for engagement with IMF in Iraq. The product development should include the discussions and recommendations extracted from the implemented workshops. In addition, the policy product development process should include power mapping to the relevant stakeholders.
• Developing an engagement plan with IMF in country. This plan should be utilizing the outcome of workshops and the agreed policy product.
• Deliverables:
• A one-page summary of each implemented workshop.
• A policy product.
• An action plan on engagement with IMF in country.
• Time Frame:

The consultancy is expected to be carried out through 25 July- 25 August 2022 for 20 working days. The timeline and number of working days will be refined based on the work plan submitted by the consultant, in agreement with Oxfam team, and it won’t go beyond 15 September 2022.

• Budget

A full financial plan should be submitted by the consultant for their fees, including transportation and accommodation as needed. Oxfam will be responsible to cover the following costs:

• Workshops, including venue, meals and other needs.
• Roles and responsibilities:

In addition to the activities and identified deliverables stated above, the consultant will be responsible for the following:

• In coordination with Oxfam, map and identify civil society actors who will be part of the workshops relevant CSOs across Iraq to participate in the workshops.
• Contact, coordinate and invite the identified civil society actors for each workshop.
• Identify the needed logistics for each workshop

In addition to the provision of technical support, Oxfam will be responsible for the following activities:

• Provide needed logistic support for the implementation of the workshop. This will include securing venues and needed stationeries.
• Knowledge and Experience

The following key technical requirements will be taken into consideration when assessing consultants’ technical competencies:

• University degree in economics, development studies, sociology, or other relevant fields.
• The consultant is expected to have knowledge of IMF, SDRs and/or relevant topics.
• Strong understanding of the Iraqi context, with strong knowledge of the Iraqi civil society.
• Conducted similar previous activities with the Iraqi civil society.
• Knowledge in Policy analysis and production of policy products.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of inequality and its impact within the context of Iraq.