RFP-IRQ-CO-24-001-Consultancy for Mapping Iraq’s Policy Frameworks for the Achievement of Durable Solutions At Danish Refugee Council

Annex F

Terms of Reference (ToR)

for

Mapping Iraq’s policy frameworks for the achievement of durable solutions

1. Who is the Danish Refugee Council?

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading international NGO with a specific expertise in forced displacement. It was founded in 1956 and today it is operating in 40 countries around the world, where it protects, advocates, and builds sustainable futures for refugees and other displacement affected people and communities.

DRC has been active across Iraq since 2003 and plays a crucial role in addressing the complex humanitarian needs of displaced populations and conflict-affected communities. Operating in collaboration with local partners and authorities and adopting humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding (HDP) approaches, DRC focuses on providing a wide range of services to enhance the resilience and well-being of vulnerable individuals.

DRC’s work in Iraq has been focused on implementing multi-sectoral programming through an area-based approaches, integrating protection, economic recovery, humanitarian disarmament and peacebuilding programming as well as advocacy. By implementing context-specific solutions, DRC contributes to the stability and recovery of communities in Iraq, striving to create a more sustainable and inclusive future for those affected by displacement and conflict.

1. Purpose of the consultancy

The primary purpose of this consultancy is to systematically evaluate and analyse the existing policy landscape relevant to the achievement of durable solutions in Iraq, with a focus on identifying areas for improvement. The findings of this consultancy intend to facilitate entry points for informed advocacy efforts that will aim to enhance the conditions of internally displaced people in Iraq.

1. Background

The magnitude of the displacement was unprecedented for Iraq, and its enduring impact persists until today. Internally displaced people (IDPs) continue to face multiple and compounded barriers to return and (re)integrate, and those who have returned to their areas of origin continue to encounter challenges linked to their experience of displacement.

Against this backdrop, next to expanding its focus on durable solutions programming, DRC Iraq in its 2023-2025 strategy commits to improved evidence-based advocacy and humanitarian diplomacy for people affected by displacement. One of the ways to move forward on this commitment is by looking at relevant national and local policies and identifying opportunities of influencing the duty-bearers to help ensure that IDPs and returnees are supported to achieve durable solutions of their choice. Thus, mapping out opportunities for engagement with national and local duty-bearers through evidence-based advocacy was identified as one of the entry steps towards that direction.

1. Specific objective of the consultancy

The specific objectives of the assignment include: (1) conducting a desk review of existing policies, strategic plans and guidelines related to the achievement of durable solutions in Iraq; (2) engaging with legal and policy experts, relevant government entities when/if needed to ensure a better informed understanding of stakeholders and entry points for advocacy; (3) developing a set of recommendations on the entry points and opportunities for advocacy to address some of the identified gaps.

The insights and recommendations generated from this exercise will serve as a reference for initiating advocacy efforts, such as discussions, round tables, and policy papers aimed at addressing identified gaps. In the long term, these advocacy efforts are expected to contribute to improvements in the lives of internally displaced people in Iraq, ensuring their rights and protection.

1. Scope of work and methodology
2. The consultant for this service will thoroughly map out relevant existing laws, policies, strategic plans, guidelines and other key legislative instruments, outlining their scope, relevance to the thematic of focus and current status.
3. The consultant will map out government departments relevant to the scope of this consultancy, other public institutions, development programs and other state actors that are involved in decision making around durable solutions in Iraq, their mandates, priorities and how they are involved in decision making.
4. Upon discussion and agreement with DRC Iraq, the consultant will analyse the provision and scope of selected relevant policy frameworks and identify areas within these selected frameworks that require improvement, alignment with international best practices and could be the entry points and opportunities for advocacy for the achievement of durable solutions in Iraq.
   1. Based on this, the consultant will formulate specific recommendations on opportunities to engage in specific regulatory, legal and policy frameworks related to durable solutions in Iraq.
   2. These recommendations and other main findings will be presented to DRC Iraq colleagues through a video call including a QnA session.
5. If time permits, the consultant will carry out a basic mapping of other international and local humanitarian and development actors’ such as UN agencies, donor governments, local civil society’s current or past engagement in any relevant durable solutions related policy debates and their experiences.

The consultant will be required to prepare a detailed methodology and work plan indicating how the objectives of the project will be achieved, and what is the support required from DRC. In terms of methodology, two main elements are expected: (1) comprehensive desk research of existing policy frameworks and regulations through accessing government websites, academic reports and other relevant documents; (2) consultations with relevant stakeholders when/if needed, including legal experts, relevant government entities, advocacy groups or others.

6.Deliverables

The Consultant will submit the following deliverables as mentioned:

1. A comprehensive database/document outlining relevant legal provisions, policies or guidelines, including their scope, current status and relevance to the achievement of durable solutions in Iraq. This document will highlight those legal provisions that were selected to be analysed in dept upon agreement with DRC Iraq.
2. A comprehensive database/document of decision makers, government departments and other relevant institutions that are involved in decision making around durable solutions in Iraq. If time permits, this database could be enhanced with a basic mapping of other international and local humanitarian and development actors that are already engaged in policy influencing on durable solutions.
3. A final report identifying which specific policies were analysed further/in dept and providing recommendations on entry points and opportunities for engagement in advocacy and influencing.
4. An online presentation to DRC Iraq staff and potentially selected staff of other advocacy actors in Iraq about the main findings of this study.

Phase

Expected deliverables

Indicative description tasks

Maximum expected timeframe

Phase 1:

Preparation

Inception Report

A short work plan outlining the approach to the mapping, methodology to be used, timelines and final deliverables

2 working days

Phase 2:

Working on deliverables

Final reports

Desk-based analysis of relevant Policy Framework. Consultation with relevant stakeholders

Document 1: Outline of relevant legal provisions, policies or guidelines.

Document 2: Outline of relevant decision makers and institutions (Documents 1and 2 can be combined)

Document 3: report where deeper analysis of selected policies and decision makers is presented. Recommendations on entry points and opportunities for engagement in durable solutions advocacy and influencing.

9 working days

Phase 3:

Briefing to DRC staff

Final report

Preparation for and presentation of report findings

Verbal (online) briefing to DRC staff (length of briefing to be agreed)

2 working days

7.Duration, timeline, and payment

The total expected duration to complete the assignment will be no more than 13 working days.

The consultant shall be prepared to start the assignment not later than mid-April and to complete it no later than 1st of May 2024.

Payment will be provided on completion of the deliverables.

8.Proposed Composition of Team

The consultant is expected to be an individual or a company with the appropriate experience.

9.Eligibility, qualification, and experience required

Essential:

• Experience in working with organisation that deliver research, policy or advocacy initiatives such as local or international NGOs, research institutes (not less than two research studies during past two years).
• Demonstrated knowledge of durable solutions and displacement in Iraq and/or Middle East, including knowledge and understanding of related policy frameworks.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the requested deliverables of this consultancy and understanding the importance of an effective policy mapping for successful advocacy work.
• Ability to work independently and proactively through a clear presentation of proposed methodology and designing a work plan to achieve the requested deliverables.

Desirable:

• Prior experience working in Iraq, especially with government programmes, humanitarian, development or peacebuilding actors or a strong understanding of the above-mentioned programmes and actors, their mandates and work is desirable.
  • Relevant minimum degree of MA or MSc level that demonstrates ability to deliver the proposal to high quality in timely fashion.

Qualification or Experience:

Language requirements:

• Written and spoken fluency in Arabic and English

10.Technical supervision

The selected consultant will work under the supervision of:

• Advocacy Coordinator, Danish Refugee Council, Iraq Office
• Head of Programme, Danish Refugee Council, Iraq Office

11.Location and support

• This consultancy can be carried out remotely, however its advantageable for the consultant to be based in Iraq or another country in the Middle East with DRC operations.
• The consultant will provide her/his own computer and mobile telephone.

12.Travel

This consultancy is expected to be desk-based and travel is not foreseen.