Consultancy for undertaking a Real-time-review of the Sudanese diaspora humanitarian response in Sudan At Danish Refugee Council

• Who is the Danish Refugee Council and DEMAC?

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.

DEMAC, the Diaspora Emergency Action & Coordination network, is an initiative hosted by the Diaspora Programme. DEMAC aims at enhancing diaspora emergency response capacity and coordination local actors with the institutional humanitarian system. The objective is to contribute to transforming the humanitarian landscape by laying the ground for a deeper understanding of diasporas as humanitarian actors with different modus operandi for the implementation of aid, identifying and opening potential spaces for engagement, cross-fertilization and increased coordination between diaspora and institutional relief providers.

To read more, please visit www.demac.org.

• Purpose of the consultancy

The purpose of the consultancy is to conduct a real-time review and mapping of the Sudanese diaspora humanitarian response to the current humanitarian crisis that began on 15th April 2023 in Sudan. The real-time-review (RTR) research format aims to provide a rapid overview of diasporas` responses to crisis and present the findings together with recommendations in a synthetic report and snapshot format, as carried out for Ukraine (Feb-April 2022).

As the conflict in Sudan continues to rage, and the risk of protracted conflict looms, there is a need to support improved coordination between diaspora, local, and institutional humanitarian actors. This will be done by conducting a real-time-review of the Sudanese diaspora`s response, activities and support to the crisis and provide an immediate and top-line mapping of the “Who, What, How, Where and for whom” (5Ws) of the Sudanese diaspora’s humanitarian response and follow a common structure and methodology.

The research will be used to enhance the knowledge and awareness within the humanitarian community about the significance and role played by the global and regional Sudanese diaspora organizations and groups in responding to the current humanitarian crisis in Sudan since 15th April 2023.

The consultancy is expected to result in a real-time review report and a snapshot, analyzing findings and learnings from the Sudanese diaspora-led emergency response in Sudan between April and July 2023, including recommendations on future programmatic approaches as to how to engage with diaspora during emergency response.

The findings will be disseminated by DEMAC to the humanitarian actors and coordination forums, and used to conduct a workshop including diaspora, local actors, and institutional humanitarian actors through which the findings will be validated and ways forward for improved coordination, communication and community engagement will be identified.

• Background

Conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted in Khartoum on 15 April 2023. So far, 550 people have been killed and over 4,900 injured, according to the Federal Ministry of Health (OCHA). However, the actual figures are expected to be much higher because the conflict has forced two-thirds of the hospitals in conflict-affected areas to shut down, leaving thousands of injured civilians without access to healthcare (ACAPS). Since the outbreak of the conflict it is estimated that 936,000 people have been displaced of which 736,200 are IDPs and 200,000 have crossed the border into neighboring countries (OCHA). Overall, the civilian population face critical shortages in terms of food, water, electricity, and fuel, thus worsening an already dire humanitarian situation (OCHA). The widespread and sudden increase in displaced persons has also led to increasing needs for protection services and accurate information about the context and access to basic services.

DEMACs initial consultations with representatives from the Sudanese diaspora and social media mapping have shown that the diaspora is highly engaged in responding to the crisis in Sudan through fundraising, preparing delivery of medicine, medical supplies and food, advocacy, and facilitating information-sharing in relation to health1, safe locations, border crossing, and visas. Despite the diasporas strong focus on advocacy with governments in their countries of origin and close contact with local actors, diaspora representatives consulted stated that they are not in contact with or coordinating with institutional humanitarian actors. These initial findings need to be further researched and documented in order to support enhanced humanitarian coordination in Sudan.

• Objective of the consultancy

The purpose of the consultancy is to conduct a real-time review of the global and regional Sudanese diaspora response to the humanitarian crises that started on 15th April 2023. The real-time review will be used to support the operational work of DEMAC and other humanitarian service providers, diaspora, local, and institutional humanitarian actors and the final product should therefore be practitioner-oriented and easily digestible piece.

This consultancy will capture the impact, outreach, and organization of Sudanese diaspora emergency responses in Sudan and neighboring countries during the period of 15 April to 15 July, 2023.

The first two weeks of the consultancy will be done remotely by monitoring crowd funding platforms, social media, and direct contacts with identified diaspora organisations/networks to establish a snapshot of the initial diaspora engagement in terms of Who is currently engaged, What they are doing, Where they are engaged, When, and for Whom since 15th of April 2023. During this stage the consultant will also work closely with DEMAC.

After the first two weeks, the Consultant will shift to a focus on Sudan and the neighbouring countries and from there further document the Who, What, Where, When, and for Whom, gathering information from local partners, beneficiaries, other stakeholders and to the extent possible from Money Transfer Organizations. A main focus will be to assess the extent and significance of the diaspora engagement as well as identification of the main gaps and needs in the diaspora response.

If possible, the Consultant shall ensure presence in Sudan or relevant countries with affected populations such as neighboring countries during the RTR, and in cases where the security situation allows, the affected areas. It is DEMAC’s experience from similar previous research, that the information solicited is often perceived to be sensitive as it relates to transfer of private funds, political dynamics, ethnic and religious networks etc. It is thus essential that the Consultant have local partners that have or can develop a strong level of trust with key informants while maintaining a necessary degree of objectivity. The Consultant must also have the ability to ensure protection and safe management of data collected.

The research shall be completed in consultation with the DEMAC team. It is anticipated that the consultant team will be in regular contact, on a weekly basis, with DEMAC contact point. It is also anticipated that the consultant team will confirm the list of key informant interviews (KII)s, including geographic locations, with the contact point. The contact point will take responsibility for ensuring timely responses to drafts and inputs to the consultant team. The research activities are expected to be conducted ideally within June 15 – July 31st, 2023. The information needed from the consultants includes:

• Brief summary of the context and situation including size and approximative number of Sudanese Diaspora Organizations globally and regionally
• Number and locations of diaspora responses mapped and approximative amount of total funding collected by diaspora and mapped
• Profile and structure of diaspora supporting the response and how they are organized
• Areas of intervention of diaspora responses mapped (sectors), including identification of areas and populations for which no or few interventions are identified
• Types, modalities, and sectors of diaspora responses
• The role of diaspora and their responses in relation to Communication, Community Engagement, and Accountability (CCEA)
• Modalities for managing access and response constraints for i.e. fund transfer and monitoring of interventions
• Types of partnerships diaspora are engaged in, especially with local actors and communities
• Diaspora coordination with other diaspora, local actors and institutional humanitarian actors, including diaspora engagement in the cluster system, and strengths and challenges in coordination
• Strengths and potentials of the Sudanese diaspora response
• Gaps and challenges of the Sudanese diaspora response
• 2-5 examples of diaspora`s responses
• Diaspora perceptions and relation to humanitarian principles
• Relevant recommendations for supporting and improving the Sudanese diaspora-led response and coordination with the humanitarian system

It is necessary to have a consultant in the team that speaks and reads Arabic for this research.

The findings will be presented together with recommendations in a synthetic report and snapshot format.

• Scope of work and Methodology

For the real-time review the Consultant will conduct:

• Quick Document review of existing of relevant documents, reports, analysis, crowdfunding and social media platforms and other available resources.
• Adapt the DEMAC standard real-time-review methodology and prepare a workplan indicating how the objectives of the research will be achieved, and the support required from DEMAC.
• Preliminary mapping of the humanitarian responses of the global and regional Sudanese diaspora. This preliminary mapping will be completed during the RTR fieldwork. This mapping will also provide the data for some basic quantitative data on the responses. (Social media monitoring, direct contacts)
• Visual snapshot of the preliminary mapping
• Semi-structured interviews with 15-20 representatives of diaspora across diverse countries of residence, local Sudanese actors, recipients of diaspora support, and relevant stakeholders
• Analysis of the data monitored and collected in a comprehensive and synthetic reports including key findings and recommendations.

Desk research and social media monitoring

The Consultant will carry out a rapid desk review of already existing information about diaspora humanitarian engagement in Sudan. The desk research will also include a mapping of active diaspora groups engaged in humanitarian response in hard-to-reach areas. Desk research also focuses on social media monitoring and includes direct contact with identified diaspora organizations & networks to create a snapshot of the initial diaspora engagement.

Data collection

The Consultant will lead the adaptation of the already existing methodology from previous DEMAC RTRs for qualitative and quantitative data collection and (as-needed) revise pre-existing tools to conduct key informant interviews with diaspora for the real-time review. The interviews shall, as a minimum, include the following themes: role(s), implementation of activities (modality, area, and sector), coordination, information sharing, impact, and outreach.

The Consultant will be responsible for the planning and implementation of the field data collection and analysis. This will include identifying and training of field consultants/researchers and data collectors when necessary/relevant. It is expected that field consultants/researchers/data collectors will have the needed language, technical skills, and access to the geographical areas. The Consultant is responsible for identifying, supervising, and coordinating in-country field consultants and informants and ensuring the quality of the data collected.

In drafting the report, the Consultant will adhere to the DEMAC editorial guidelines for written products and presentations, which will be provided as part of the contract.

• Deliverables

The Consultant will submit the following deliverables as mentioned below:

• Inception report
  • Description: Inception report based on the two first weeks of desk review and social media monitoring.
  • Due: 5 days after the start of the consultancy
  • Associated payment: 20%
• Mapping of diaspora actors
  • Description: Mapping in form of a table and part as an annex of the internal RTR report.
  • Due: 5 days after the delivery of the inception report.
• Visual ‘Snapshot page’
  • Description: Data summarizing the main findings of the inception report, to be used by DEMAC for a 1 page visual highlight.
  • Due: 8 days after the start of the consultancy.
• Full internal Real-time review report
  • Description: Max 20 pages excluding visualizations and annexes. The real-time review will be drafted based on the finding of data analysis and will contain:
    • An overview of findings from the data collected,
    • Highlights from the datasets,
    • Three to four examples agreed with the DEMAC team,
    • A concluding section with an overview of hindrances and opportunities for diaspora engagement and recommendations for diaspora and their partners.
  • Due: 25 days after the delivery of the inception report
  • Associated payment: 30%
• Executive brief
  • Description: 1-2 pager summary on main findings and key highlights for external audience.
  • Due: 4 days after approval of internal report.
• Brief publishable report
  • Description: Final publishable report of max 10 pages with key findings and recommendations.
  • Due: 4 days after approval of internal report
  • Associated payment: 50%
• Presentation and briefing
  • Description: This will be made for DEMAC and any other relevant stakeholders.
  • Due: 8 days after approval of internal report

Payment will be provided upon completion of the deliverables according to the associated payment scheduling as seen above.

• Duration, timeline, and payment

The total expected duration to complete the assignment will be no more than 45 days (25 working days). This can be subject to discussion and negotiation.

The consultant shall be prepared to complete the assignment no later than 31 July, 2023.

• Proposed Composition of Team

The consultant can be either an independent or a firm, the composition of the team proposed should be reasonable against the expected deliverables.

• Eligibility, qualification, and experience required

Essential:

• Technical knowledge on Diaspora and Humanitarian response with a good understanding of the current context in Sudan and the humanitarian aid system in Sudan
• Demonstrated experience of conducting research in sensitive context
• Research background in diaspora/community engagement/humanitarian response/emergency
• Significant experience in qualitative and quantitative research methods
• Proven experience of leading a research project across several geographies
• Track record of written publications on diaspora or humanitarian response

Desirable:

• Eligibility:
  • The consultant has the authorisation or is eligible to work in Sudan and/or neighbouring countries
• Qualification
  • Relevant academic background (Masters level)
• Experience:
  • A minimum of 5-7 years of proven experience in qualitative and quantitative research methods
• Skills and knowledge:
  • Excellent analytical, interpersonal, communication and reporting skills.
  • Strong methodological and analytical skills
• Language requirements:
  • Strong communication skills (oral and written) Arabic and English with the ability to conduct interviews and review research in both languages.

• Technical supervision

The consultant will collaborate closely with the DEMAC Project Coordinators – Sofia Jarvis (sofia.jarvis@drc.ngo) and Béatrice Mauconduit (beatrice.mauconduit@drc.ngo).

It is anticipated that the consultant will be in regular contact, on a weekly basis, with the contact point. It is also anticipated that the consultant will confirm the list of KIIs, including geographic locations, with the contact point. The contact point will take responsibility for ensuring timely responses to drafts and inputs to the consultant.

• Location and support

The consultant will be home based, with a preference for being located in Sudan or the region. The Consultant will provide her/his own computer and mobile telephone.

• Travel

If the performance of the research and data collection requires to travel to field missions, the Consultant is expected to arrange transportation, accommodation, insurance, food and to make adequate provision in the Financial Proposal.