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.
DRC has had an uninterrupted presence in Ukraine since 2014 supporting the humanitarian response to the conflict from 2014 in Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts, eastern Ukraine. Since 2022, DRC is active across four of its core sectors in Ukraine – Protection (including PSS, case management, legal aid and GBV), Shelter and Settlements, Economic Recovery (including multi-purpose cash assistance and distribution of non-food items), as well as Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding (HDP). Within its HDP portfolio, DRC is the only organisation in Ukraine implementing four humanitarian mine action (HMA) pillars: Humanitarian Demining, Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE), Victim Assistance (VA), and Advocacy. DRC also founded the Victim Assistance Technical Working Group (VA WG) and has been co-chairing it since 2023. The overall objective of the VA WG is to improve policies, structures and opportunities for survivors of explosive ordnance (EO) accidents in Ukraine. It also contributes to a comprehensive and standardized response, while coordinating respective activities through collaboration with other relevant ministries and actors, including EO victims representatives, survivor organizations and organizations of people with disabilities.
Currently, DRC has six offices in eastern, northern, and southern Ukraine (Kharkiv, Dnipro, Mykolaiv, Sumy, Donetsk oblasts and Country Office in Kyiv) that cover eight oblasts (including Kherson, Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk) with 763 staff and scaling up activities across all sectors and areas of operations.
2.Purpose of the consultancy
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) in Ukraine is seeking a consultant to conduct an assessment that will inform the design of an integrated Victim Assistance (VA) and Economic Recovery (EcRec) programme supporting agricultural livelihoods for mine/ERW survivors with physical and/or visual impairments.
The consultancy will generate evidence on how injury-related factors affect survivors’ participation in economic activities, identify required adaptation measures and support services, and assess the availability and affordability of relevant solutions within the Ukrainian market. The findings will be used to develop practical, evidence-based recommendations for inclusive livelihood interventions, including feasible pathways for restoring or adapting agricultural income-generating activities.
3.Background
Amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis, the latest report from the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (UNHR) as of January 2026 reveals the devastating toll on civilians. In January 2026 alone, 161 civilians were killed and 757 injured. The number of casualties was similar to January 2025. Since February 24, 2022, the total number of civilian casualties from explosive weapons has reached 56,550, including 15,172 deaths and 41,378 injuries.
According to the Secretariat of the National Mine Action Authority (NMAA), 1,409 civilian casualties from mines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) have been recorded since February 24, 2022, including 397 deaths and 1014 injuries.
However, these figures only scratch the surface of the true human cost. Many incidents remain unverified, especially in regions experiencing ongoing hostilities. The actual numbers are likely much higher, emphasizing the urgent need for international attention and assistance. Even if the war were to end tomorrow, explosive ordnance (EO) would remain a significant threat, continuing to endanger lives and limbs. With the increasing contamination of territories by EO, the number of people with disabilities—caused by accidents, bombings, and shelling related to explosive ordnance or the war in general—is expected to keep growing.
The full-scale invasion has caused unprecedented losses to Ukraine’s agricultural sector, directly affecting both the national economy and global food security. According to the Fifth Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment, as of December 2025 the total damage to the agriculture sector is estimated at USD 12.1 billion. The destruction includes agricultural machinery and equipment, storage and logistics infrastructure, livestock, and perennial crops. The most affected areas are the frontline and near frontline‑ regions — Luhansk, Donetsk, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Sumy, and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts. Cumulative economic losses to agricultural production over the course of the war have reached USD 78 billion, reflecting decreases in output, increased production costs, and deteriorating farm‑gate sales conditions.
One of the key drivers of reduced production and abandoned land is large‑scale mine contamination. According to the report From Economic Recovery to Global Food Security: The Urgent Need to Demine Ukraine by Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, approximately 28,000 km of agricultural land has been abandoned due to mine hazards. These areas cannot be compensated by intensifying production elsewhere, creating substantial risks for meeting both domestic and international food security needs.
Mine contamination poses not only economic losses but also significant humanitarian risks, particularly for agricultural workers. According to the Ukraine Thematic Report (24 January 2024), between September 2022 and August 2023, 19% of all casualties from mines and explosive remnants of war were injured while performing fieldwork on contaminated land. This makes agricultural workers one of the groups at highest risk, as they are routinely exposed to dangerous areas while operating machinery, accessing fields, and attempting to restore production. Consequently, this population will require strengthened support in the future—both to reduce the risk of explosive-related injuries and to rebuild their livelihoods should mine‑related trauma occur.
At the same time, part of the population — including persons with disabilities — continues to view the agricultural sector as a potential source of livelihood. As reported in the study The needs of persons with disabilities for livelihoods and access to the labor market in the context of war in Ukraine by League of the Strong, more than 20**%** of respondents would like to start a business specifically in agriculture. This highlights the importance of creating safe, accessible, and well‑supported opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship during post‑war recovery.
Agriculture is one of the primary sources of income for populations in conflict-affected regions of Ukraine, particularly in rural areas. A significant number of individuals affected by mines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) were engaged in agricultural activities prior to their injury or continue to be involved in agriculture after sustaining injuries. However, the physical, psychological, and mental consequences of injuries often significantly limit their ability to perform agricultural work, which typically requires physical endurance, the use of specialized tools, and access to appropriate equipment. In such cases, affected individuals may require adaptation or replacement of tools, procurement of adapted equipment, removal of physical accessibility barriers, or transition to different types of agricultural activities. At the same time, there is currently limited understanding of the specific types of support required by such households, as well as the availability of adaptive solutions and services on the Ukrainian market and their associated costs.
Given the scale of destruction, the long‑term danger posed by explosive remnants of war, the significant humanitarian risks, and the population’s continued interest in returning to agricultural activity, there is a pressing need to conduct a comprehensive study.
4.Objective of the consultancy
The purpose of the assessment is to generate a robust, evidence based understanding of the agricultural livelihood opportunities, barriers, and support needs of mine/ERW survivors with physical and/or visual impairments in selected regions of Ukraine. The findings will inform the design of an integrated Victim Assistance (VA) and Economic Recovery (EcRec) programme, including potential cash or in kind support for the procurement or adaptation of agricultural tools, equipment, work environments, and the development of new or alternative agriculture related income generating activities.
In particular, the consultancy firm will:
- Map priority agricultural value chains. Conduct a rapid mapping of agricultural value chains in Sumy, Kharkiv, and Mykolaiv Oblasts to identify sectors with the highest relevance, growth potential, and engagement of local households, including mine/ERW survivors. DRC does not require an in-depth value chain analysis for every agricultural sub-sector. Instead, DRC is looking for a mapping exercise that identifies potential value chains with high growth potential and opportunities for the inclusion of People with disabilities and Explosive Ordnance (EO) victims.
- Assess how injury resulting from explosive ordnance incidents affects survivors’ ability to participate in agricultural livelihoods, with particular attention to:Individual factors:
- Physical limitations (e.g. mobility restrictions, chronic pain, fatigue, amputation-related constraints) and their impact on the ability to perform agricultural tasks
- Psychological factors (e.g. trauma, anxiety, reduced confidence, cognitive impacts) affecting work capacity, decision-making, and engagement in livelihood activities
- The extent to which these factors influence:
- productivity and continuity of agricultural work
- ability to adapt to alternative roles within the value chain
- capacity to transition to less labour-intensive or new income-generating activities
Social and stuctural barriers:
- Analyse barriers related to the employment and economic inclusion of survivors and persons with disabilities (PwD), including:
- Stigma and discrimination affecting hiring practices, workplace inclusion, and access to economic opportunities
- Marginalisation dynamics within communities and agricultural markets that limit participation or fair compensation
- Employer perceptions of survivors’ capacity to work in agriculture or related sectors
- Barriers to accessing cooperative structures, markets, or agricultural inputs.
- Identify existing coping mechanisms and best practices. Document how affected households currently adapt to challenges (e.g., managing accessibility limitations, tool constraints, but not including challenges caused by other factors that are not related to trauma, such as power outages, lack of providers in remote areas, etc.) to ensure recommended interventions are realistic, complementary, and community based.
- Identify required support measures for affected individuals. Determine what forms of support (adapted tools, equipment, assistive devices, workplace adaptations, accessibility improvements, or transition to alternative activities) are needed to sustain or restore livelihood activities for:
- self-employed farmers, landowners, household producers, and
- wage workers in agriculture.
- Analyze market availability and costs. Assess the availability of agricultural equipment, adaptive tools, assistive technologies, and relevant services on the Ukrainian market, and provide indicative cost ranges.
- Generate actionable, evidence-based recommendations. Provide clear programmatic recommendations for integrated Victim Assistance–Economic Recovery interventions, including potential cash or in kind support packages and feasible pathways for starting or transitioning to agricultural income-generating activities. , and relevant disability inclusion and human rights principles.
5.Scope of work and methodology
The consultancy firm will conduct a mixed methods assessment covering three oblasts (Sumy, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv), focusing on mine/ERW survivors with physical and/or visual impairments engaged or seeking engagement in agricultural livelihoods. The scope includes desk research, primary data collection, market analysis, and synthesis of findings into actionable programmatic guidance. All assessment tools, methodologies, processes, and outputs under this consultancy shall be aligned with International Mine Action Standard 13.10 (IMAS) on Victim Assistance, ensuring a rights-based, survivor-centred, inclusive and coordinated approach.
Desk Review. The consultancy firm will conduct a targeted desk review that includes:existing agricultural support programmes, policies, subsidies, and state services and social protection mechanisms relevant to mine/ERW survivors and rural households;previous livelihood assessments and market analyses in the target regions;existing research on barriers faced by mine/ERW survivors in agriculture;initial value chain assessments;available adaptive solutions, assistive technologies, and accessibility standards relevant to agricultural work.
Primary Data Collection. The consultancy firm will gather field data using:
- Quantitative survey with mine/ERW survivors (proposed sample size is at least 100 mine/ERW survivors, ensuring representativeness across oblasts, gender and livelihood profiles).
- Key informant interviews with: At least 6 key informant interviews (KIIs) with local authorities (2 per oblast), 6 KIIs with agricultural cooperatives (2 per oblast), 6 KIIs with OPDs working with survivovrs of explosive ordnance and/or persons with disabilities, (2 per oblast), 6 KIIs with tool/equipment suppliers (2 per oblast), 9 KIIs with mine/ERW survivors (3 per oblast);
- At least 3 focus group discussions (FGDs) with mine/ERW survivors (1 per oblast, between 6 & 8 persons each) to explore lived experience, barriers, and adaptation strategies;
- At least 6 case examples of best practices and local innovations used by affected households.
The consultancy firm is expected to independently identify and engage with EO/ERW survivors, cooperatives, and Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs). The successful applicant must demonstrate the outreach capacity required to establish these contacts without direct support from DRC.
The consultancy firm will propose a sampling strategy ensuring representativeness across oblasts, gender, type of impairment, and livelihood profile (self-employed vs wage workers). All data collection will follow ethical standards, including informed consent, confidentiality, do-no-harm principles, and referral pathways for participants requiring support
Assessment of Injury Impact on Livelihood Participation: The assessment will analyse how injuries resulting from EO incidents affect survivors’ ability to participate in agricultural livelihoods, considering both individual and social/structural barriers. This includes examining physical limitations (such as mobility restrictions, chronic pain, fatigue, or amputation-related constraints) and their impact on the performance of agricultural tasks, as well as psychological factors (including trauma, anxiety, reduced confidence, and cognitive challenges) that influence work capacity, decision-making, and engagement in livelihood activities. The assessment will further explore how these factors affect productivity, continuity of agricultural work, the ability to adapt to alternative roles within value chains, and the capacity to transition to less labour-intensive or new income-generating activities. In parallel, it will analyse social and structural barriers to economic inclusion, including stigma and discrimination in hiring and workplace practices, marginalisation within communities and agricultural markets, employer perceptions of survivors’ capacities, and constraints in accessing cooperatives, markets, agricultural inputs, and accessible equipment. Environmental and systemic challenges, such as land accessibility and the availability of inclusive infrastructure, will also be considered to provide a comprehensive understanding of barriers to livelihood recovery and reintegration.
Analysis of Coping Mechanisms and Adaptation Strategies. The consultancy firm will analyze: how households currently mitigate common challenges (e.g., mobility limitations, tool shortages); local innovation and low cost adaptations already in use; opportunities to scale or complement these existing strategies.
Identification of Required Support Measures. Relying on best practices and guiding principles regarding the inclusion of persons with disabilities in Ukraine, the consultant will determine: required adaptations or replacements of tools and equipment; needs for assistive devices or technology enabling agricultural work; workplace and environmental accessibility modifications; supportive services required (training, coaching, business support, psychosocial support); feasible transition pathways to less physically demanding or alternative agricultural activities.
Market Availability and Cost Assessment. The consultancy firm will: identify local and national suppliers of agricultural equipment, adaptive tools, and assistive devices; assess availability, quality, and relevance of products to agricultural tasks; estimate indicative costs for equipment, adaptation services, accessibility improvements, and support packages.
Synthesis and Recommendations. The consultancy firm will prepare: a comprehensive analytical report summarizing findings (English and Ukrainian); actionable recommendations for an integrated VA–EcRec programme; proposed intervention models (e.g., cash/in-kind support packages, training, service linkages, adaptation grants); a typology of support differentiated by beneficiary group (self-employed vs. wage workers).
Develop a set of clear, measurable indicators to assess the effectiveness and impact of integrated Victim Assistance (VA) and Economic Recovery (EcRec) interventions in supporting the recovery and reintegration of EO survivors. This will address a current gap in existing programming, where indicators tend to measure VA and EcRec outcomes separately, with limited evidence on the combined impact of integrated approaches.
6.Deliverables
The Consultancy firm will submit the following deliverables as mentioned below:
Phase 1
Kick-off
Agree on a work plan (to be approved by DRC); develop methodology and other relevant documents/plans/questionnaires in English and Ukrainian (to be approved by DRC); submit inception report to DRC.
Within max. two weeks of the start of the contract.
Phase 2
Research and Data Collection
Conduct data collection, survey, interviews with representatives of the target audience, focus group discussions, desk review, etc. Submit interim report to DRC summarizing progress, status, and initial findings.
Within max. six weeks of completion of phase 1.
Phase 3
Recommendations and Technical Documentation
The third phase will focus on developing recommendations for an integrated VA–EcRec programme, intervention models will be proposed, including indicators for measurement (e.g., cash/in-kind support packages, training, service linkages, adaptation grants), and typology of support differentiated by beneficiary group (self-employed vs. wage workers).
Within max. three weeks of completion of phase 2.
Phase 4
Final Documentation
Develop the final report (to be approved by DRC); edit and finalize the draft as per feedback/comments; finalize report; prepare and hold a presentation of findings and other relevant data in relevant forums (to be confirmed by DRC).
Within max. three weeks of completion of phase 3.
All deliverables shall demonstrate alignment with IMAS 13.10 (Victim Assistance), including principles of survivor participation, accessibility, coordination, and ethical data collection.
All results must be sent to DRC by e-mail in English and Ukrainian. All written results are subject to review and approval by DRC. Therefore, the contractor(s) is/are expected to provide documents and responses to letters and comments and reflect relevant changes in all of the above results before they are considered final. The contract will have a duration of up to 4 months, beginning from the moment of signing the contract (it’s beneficial if the project can be delivered in a shorter timeframe). The schedule will be adjusted according to the final plan of the consultant’s work.
7.Duration, timeline, and payment
The total expected duration to complete the assignment will be no more than 4 months and all payments are linked to deliverables
Phase 1
Inception report, work plan, and methodology approved by DRC
20%
Within max. two weeks of the start of the contract.
Phase 2
Completion of data collection and interim report
30%
Within max. six weeks of completion of phase 1.
Phase 3
Draft recommendations and technical documentation submitted, including PowerPoint presentation summarising key findings and draft recommendations.
30%
Within max. three weeks of completion of phase 2.
Phase 4
Final report in English and Ukrainian submitted and presentation delivered.
20%
Within max. three weeks of completion of phase 3.
>PAYMENT SHOULD MACH THE DELIVERABLE REQUIREMENT<
schedule will be adjusted according to the final plan of the consultant’s work.
8.Proposed Composition of Team
Consultancy firm services will be provided by a team of specialists, each covering specific areas such as:
– research on inclusive agricultural livelihoods across various sectors,
– victim assistance- or economic recovery-related research,
– needs assessment of different population groups including vulnerable groups and data analysis,
– value chain and market analysis,
– stakeholder engagement.
The proposed team composition should consist of at least the following roles:
1. Team Leader / Senior Consultant / Project Manager
2. Expert in Economics / Market & Value Chain Analysis
3. Expert in Inclusion / Physical Rehabilitation / Accessibility
4. Technical Team Members (Research & Fieldwork Specialists) – minimum 2 proposed technical team members
Team Leader / Senior Consultant / Project Manager
Mandatory requirements:
- At least 5 years of experience in conducting mixed methods needs assessments, socioeconomic analyses, or livelihoods research, including work with vulnerable and conflict affected populations; experience in team management; and knowledge of the Ukrainian context
- Language proficiency: English proficiency on a working level
Advantages:
- Abovementioned experience particularly related to rural livelihoods and barriers faced by mine/ERW survivors –Â will be an advantage.
Expert in Economics / Market & Value Chain Analysis
Mandatory requirements:
- At least 5 years of experience in market assessments, value chain mapping, or agricultural economic analyses; ability to conduct cost estimations, supplier mapping, and market availability reviews for tools, equipment, or assistive technologies, including 2 samples of reports, and/or publications, and/or assessment tools, and/or analytical work of similar assignments, and with a copy of diploma
- Education: minimum bachelor`s degree in economics degree or related fields
- Language proficiency: English proficiency on a working level
Advantages:
- Experience in market assessments, value chain mapping, or agricultural economic analyses in rural or conflict settings will be an advantage
- Familiarity with Ukrainian agricultural markets will be an advantage
Expert in Inclusion / Physical Rehabilitation / Accessibility:
Mandatory requirements:
- At least 5 years of experience in disability inclusion, physical rehabilitation, workplace adaptation, or assessment of functional and environmental barriers; experience analyzing accessibility of work environments, adaptive tools, assistive devices, and inclusive agricultural practices, including 2 samples of reports, and/or publications, and/or assessment tools, and/or analytical work of similar assignments
- Education: minimum bachelor`s degree in the following fields: rehabilitation, inclusion, occupational therapy, or related
- Language proficiency: English proficiency on a working level
Advantages:
Experience working with mine/ERW survivors or people with disabilities will be an advantage
Minimum two Technical Team Members (Research & Fieldwork Specialists):
Mandatory requirements:
- At least 5 years of experience developing assessment methodologies, designing questionnaires, conducting surveys, KIIs, and FGDs with vulnerable or rural populations; proven ability to implement primary data collection among conflict‑affected or hard‑to‑reach groups.
- Language proficiency: Fluency in Ukrainian
Advantages:
- Experience in research related to livelihoods, and/or economic recovery, and/or value chain, and/or market analysis, and/or protection of conflict-affected groups, and/or working with EO survivors and in the agriculture sector will be an advantage
- Understanding of the Ukrainian context, including rights of EO, will be an advantage.
The supplier may propose additional role(s) to this assignment.
The team composition proposed and approved at the proposal submission stage cannot be changed after the contract is signed and during its duration. The team composition can only be changed in the case of a written request with strong justification and subsequent confirmation from DRC.
9.Eligibility, qualification, and experience required
To ensure the successful completion of the consultancy aimed at assessing inclusive agricultural livelihood opportunities for mine/ERW survivors with physical and/or visual impairments, the Bidder must meet the following eligibility criteria and provide supporting documentation, outlined in the Invitation Letter RFP-UKR-00395878.
Bidder’s requirements:
Mandatory requirements:
- Bidder’s proven experience at least 5 years in conducting livelihood assessments, market studies, and value chain analyses, demonstrating strong skills in mixed methods research and data interpretation, including 1 example of final project report and 1 example of needs assessment of similar assignment
- Bidder’s proven experience at least 5 years in disability inclusion, physical or visual impairment–related assessments, rehabilitation, or workplace adaptation, including 2 examples of reports or studies related to disability inclusion or workplace adaptation
- Bidder’s proven at least 5 years of experience in designing and implementing mixed-methods assessments, including surveys, KIIs, FGDs, and desk reviews, as well as conducting research with vulnerable or conflict-affected populations while demonstrating cultural competence and sensitivity in working with them, including 2 samples of relevant assessment reports with described Methodologies inside those reports from previous assessments
- Bidder’s demonstrated experience with adaptive or assistive technologies, accessibility solutions, or workplace/environmental adaptations relevant to individuals with physical or visual impairments
- Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement and coordination, including collaboration with government authorities, agricultural cooperatives, rural communities, disability organisations, and humanitarian actors. The Bidder shall also demonstrate the capacity and practical experience required to organise and conduct fieldwork in rural and/or conflict-affected settings
Advantages:
- Еxperience in conducting livelihood assessments, market studies, and value chain analyses in agricultural post conflict contexts (if any) will be considered as advantage
- Familiarity with the Ukrainian agricultural sector and rural economic context (if any)Â will be considered as advantage
- Experience working with mine/ERW survivors or other vulnerable groups (if any)Â will be considered as advantage
10.Technical supervision
The selected supplier will work under the supervision of the DRC Protection Technical Lead, DRC Economic Recovery Coordinator and DRC Victim Assistance Specialist.
DRC will provide technical guidance throughout the consultancy. The assigned DRC focal point will:
- Review and approve all tools and deliverables;
- Facilitate access to relevant stakeholders and internal documents;
- Support ethical approval (if required) for engaging with vulnerable groups;
- Provide timely feedback on interim and final reports.
11.Location, support and travel
The DRC Ukraine Country Office is located in Kyiv. The consultancy firm shall provide its own computer equipment and mobile telephones necessary for the provision of the services.
DRC does not require consultants to choose either an exclusively remote or exclusively on-site approach. Consultants may propose remote, in-person, or mixed methods for meetings, presentations, and data collection activities, provided that the proposed approach ensures high-quality delivery of services and achievement of the objectives of the assignment.
DRC will evaluate remote and in-person data collection approaches equally, provided that the applicant presents a robust and well-justified methodological framework capable of ensuring high-quality results.
Where travel or in-person activities are proposed, the consultancy firm shall comply with all applicable DRC safety and security requirements and shall include all related travel and operational costs in its financial proposal.
12.Submission process
Please refer to the Invitation Letter RFP-UKR-00395878
13.Evaluation of bids
Please refer to the Invitation Letter RFP-UKR-00395878
Resources:
- Ukraine: Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict – January 20262. According to NMAA Secretariat Ukraine Mine/ERW Accidents Dashboard as of March 19, 20263. Ukraine – Fifth Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA5): February 2022 – December 2025 [EN/UK]4. From Economic Recovery to Global Food Security: The Urgent Need to Demine Ukraine5. ACAPS Thematic Report: Ukraine – Humanitarian implications of mine contamination (24 January 2024)6. The needs of persons with disabilities for livelihoods and access to the labor market in the context of war in Ukraine7. Victim assistance in mine actionThe list of reviewed materials must be attached as an appendix to the final report
How to apply
Interested consultants need to submit a request for the tender documents via email to ukr-procurement@drc.ngo.
• RFP Published
June 05, 2026
• Closing Date and Time for Receipt of Bids/Proposals
June 22, 2026, 09:00 AM UTC 12:00 PM UTC+3 (Kyiv time)
• Tender Opening Date and Time
June 22, 2026, 02:00 PM UTC 03:00 PM UTC+3 (Kyiv time)
• Tender Email Address
tender.ukr@drc.ngo