Consultancy Building Resilience and Supporting Solutions to Displacement in Central Darfur Open to Firms

Annex X
Terms of Reference (TOR) for
Building Resilience and Supporting Solutions to Displacement in Central Darfur 2022 – 2025
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 been operational in Sudan since 2004, initially responding to displacement in Central Darfur and subsequently expanding its presence across multiple conflict- and displacement-affected states. Since the escalation of conflict in April 2023, DRC has significantly scaled up its response to address acute humanitarian needs arising from large-scale internal displacement and protracted insecurity. Furthermore, DRC is one of the key partners to national authorities to address needs for risk education, demining, and removal of explosive remnants of war. In Sudan, DRC currently implements Protection, Emergency Response, Shelter, Food Security and Livelihoods, Disaster Risk Reduction, Camp Management, and Humanitarian Mine Action sectors of work.
2. Purpose of the consultancy
The Danish Refugee Council based in Sudan seeks proposals from a consultancy firm (hereafter referred to as the consultant) to measure the outcomes of the project Building Resilience and Supporting Solutions to Displacement in Central Darfur in order to measure key impact outcomes in addressing barriers to durable solutions outlined below.
During the 39-months consortium project, led by DRC with consortium partners; Save the Children (SC) and Mercy Corps (MC), the project consisted of five outputs to reach five overall project outcomes. The purpose of the consultancy is to measure the project’s impact according to the following outcomes and outputs:
Outcome 1: Improved access to sustainable livelihoods
Output 1: Improved access to sustainable livelihoods through increased physical access to markets, support of income generating activities, and agricultural opportunities created.
Outcome 2: Increased equitable access to social services
Output2: Infrastructure developed to reduce service gaps (e.g. water, health, education).
Outcome 3: Improved protective environment (incl. promoting protection of civilians)
Output3: Improved protective environment through increased access to civil documentation, community assistance projects, and advocacy and strategy through ongoing monitoring and evidence.
Outcome 4: Increased community-based peacebuilding capacity
Output 4: Support of local peacebuilding structures, representation of key marginalized groups in local peacebuilding structures, and strengthening of community-based mediation and conflict resolution capacity
Outcome 5: Improved efficacy of community-level natural resource management and early warning systems)
Output 5: Support of local negotiations on land use as well as increased access to improved water sources
In measuring outcomes, the evaluation will assess the project’s contribution to building community resilience and advancing durable solutions to displacement. Applying a durable solutions lens, it will specifically examine disparities in how displaced and host communities have benefited from the project, and the extent to which it has promoted social integration and cohesion.
NB: DRC subject matter specialists will provide technical training, guidance, and approval on all material developed to ensure technical validity, relevance, and quality.
3. Background
Before the conflict, Sudan was already facing deep-rooted economic, social, and institutional challenges, including chronic underinvestment in basic services, weak governance of land and natural resources, and limited livelihood opportunities. These structural deficits, compounded by recurrent crises, resulted in persistent vulnerabilities, particularly in conflict-affected and displacement-hosting areas.
Following renewed conflict and large-scale internal displacement, pressures on already overstretched services and resources intensified. Displaced populations and host communities
faced increased barriers to accessing livelihoods, essential services, land and water, and safe living environments, while social cohesion and community-based conflict resolution mechanisms were further strained.
In this context, the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), through an award from SIDA/SDC, implemented an area-based, evidence-driven intervention across selected locations in Central Darfur state, Sudan. The project aimed to support displacement-affected and host communities by addressing key recovery needs and reducing barriers to durable solutions. Interventions focused on improving access to livelihoods and services, strengthening the protective environment, enhancing community-based peacebuilding capacity, and promoting improved management of natural resources.
The project applied a participatory and conflict-sensitive approach, grounding implementation in community needs assessments and ongoing context analysis to ensure relevance, equity, and adaptability in a volatile operating environment.
4. Objective of the Evaluation
Under the guidance of the Consortium Management Unit (CMU) and the DRC Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Team, the objectives of the Evaluation are to:
1.
Measure five project outcomes:
a.
Improved access to sustainable livelihoods
b.
Increased equitable access to social services
c.
Improved protective environment (incl. promoting protection of civilians)
d.
Increased community-based peacebuilding capacity
e.
Improved efficacy of community-level natural resource management and early warning systems)
2.
Prepare recommendations for further strategic integrated programme development between DRC’s work in Sudan, its monitoring and evaluation, as well its partners MC and SC.
3.
Conduct additional research and provide recommendations for DRC’s programming in the same areas: DRC and its partners are implementing the second phase of the same intervention with funding from the same donors in the same areas of intervention. Therefore, recommendations stemming from this evaluation are required to inform continued programming.
4.
Assess the overall governance, management efficiency, and operational capacity of the consortium structure in delivering integrated, multi-sectoral programming.
5.
The consultancy firm is specifically required to:
a.
Conduct a participatory external evaluation on the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability of the action; through a mixed method approach (quantitative and qualitative methodologies), including household-level questionnaires, key informant interviews and focus-group discussions with beneficiaries, community members and stakeholders.
b.
Prepare an analytical report compliant with DRC Design Guide, which should include key findings, good practices, lessons learnt and recommendations for further programme development and M&E of such programmes based on the collected data in the research areas.
c.
Collect, clean, analyse, and hand over the entire raw evaluation data plus cleaned database of the evaluation.
d.
Develop and present the evaluation via a PowerPoint presentation, compliant with DRC Editorial Manual and inclusive of evaluation results, key findings, and recommendations for the attention of the programme and MEAL team.
6.
The consultancy shall conduct the evaluation in accordance with the OECD/DAC evaluation criteria (Relevance, Coherence, Effectiveness, Efficiency, Impact, and Sustainability) and adhere to the OECD/DAC Quality Standards for Development Evaluation. In addition, the consultant should refer to the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Framework on Durable Solutions for Internally Displaced Persons (2010) and the ReDSS Solutions Framework to analyze the project’s contribution to durable solutions. The consultant shall ensure methodological rigor, transparency, independence, and ethical compliance throughout the evaluation process, in line with Sida’s General Conditions (Annex A, §3.2)
5. Scope of Work and Methodology
The evaluation will be conducted using a mixed methodology of face-to-face and remote (pending on the security situation at the point of data collection) in Um Dukhun locality, Nertiti locality, and Golo locality, in Central Darfur. A gender and age balance will be sought, as well as the inclusion of displaced and non-displaced persons and persons with disabilities to the extent possible.
Under the scope of this evaluation, the consultant will fulfill the following tasks:
1.
Develop a mixed-method project evaluation methodology, this includes evaluation questions as well as their criteria and definition;
2.
Evaluate the achievement of the project outcomes in selected communities and project stakeholders as well as the project’s relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability;
3.
Collect, clean, analyze, and hand over the entire raw evaluation data plus a cleaned database of the evaluation.
4.
Prepare an analytical report compliant with DRC’s guidelines, which should include key findings, good practices, lessons learned, and recommendations for the improvement of DRC’s integrated programming and further programme development and MEAL of such programmes based on the collected data in the research areas.
5.
Assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the consortium management structure, including the role and performance of the Consortium Management Unit (CMU), coordination mechanisms between DRC, Save the Children and Mercy Corps, and the overall governance structure. The evaluation should examine whether the consortium set-up has been beneficial for implementation, whether management arrangements are fit-for-purpose, and whether sufficient technical and operational capacity exists within the CMU and implementing partners to deliver activities, monitor progress, and produce donor-compliant reporting.
6.
Provide a brief strategic analysis of the project’s positioning within the broader humanitarian and development landscape in Central Darfur and Sudan, including an assessment of complementarity, added value, and potential overlap with other actors’ interventions.
6. Deliverables
The Consultant will submit the following deliverables as mentioned below: Phase Expected deliverables Indicative description tasks Maximum expected timeframe
Phase 1
Review
Inception Report (Evaluation Methodology and Evaluation Plan)
Provide a desk review of available information provided by DRC, including a review of the evaluation methodology. Provide a detailed overview of the evaluation process including but not limited to:
1.
Introduction (context/ background)
2.
Objective of the Evaluation and Scope of Work,
5 working days
including Evaluation Questions
3.
Evaluation Approach and Data Collection Methods
4.
Deliverables and Work Plan
Phase 2 Preparation
Evaluation Methodology Design
The consultant is expected to prepare draft questionnaires ready for DRC approval
5 working days
Phase 3 Implementation
Data Collection
Implementation of data collection based on the agreed methodology and tools
15 working days
Phase 4 Analysis
Raw Data & Clean Database
The consultant is expected to clean the database and provide both raw and clean data. This is an opportunity to share and discuss outliers with the DRC team
4 working days
Phase 5 Reporting
Final Evaluation Report, Evaluation Presentation, and Infographics
Prepare first draft report
Feedback from DRC and Sida to be incorporated prior to submission of the final report
Preparation of the presentation and infographics
10 working days
Phase 6 Presentation
Oral Presentations
Present findings and recommendations to DRC staff and Sida representatives (and other relevant stakeholders as agreed), allowing space for discussion and clarification.
1 day
The Consultant will provide the documentation via cloud platform (to be agreed upon pending on preference).
7. Duration, timeline, and payment
The total expected duration to complete the assignment will be no more than 35 days. The consultant shall be prepared to complete the assignment no later than a date to be agreed upon in 2026.
Payment will be provided in tranches according to the provision of deliverables as stated: Deliverables Tranche
Inception Report
Evaluation Plan
Tools
Payment 1
Final Report
Payment 2
Presentation
Raw and Clean Datasets
8. Proposed Composition of Team
The following is a recommended structure subject to amendment and negotiation upon realisation of the consultant’s existing team structure:
• Project Manager
• Assistant Project Manager
• Analysist/ Reporting Specialist
• Team Leader
• Enumerators (either through third party or inhouse)
9. Eligibility, qualification, and experience required
Examination Criteria
Bidder qualification criteria
Bidders must meet the Essential Criteria below for this tender. Failure to comply with the criteria will result in the disqualification of the bid. Submitted offers will be reviewed on “Pass” or “Fail” basis to determine compliance with the below formal criteria/ requirement:
Essential
#
Requirements
1
The consultant must possess authorization to work in Sudan and/or have the necessary permissions for travel and data collection within Sudan and/or have access to an authorized third party with permission to collect data and operate in Sudan.
2
The designated Project Manager / Lead Consultant must possess a master’s degree in international development or related social sciences.
3
The consultant(s) or consultancy firm must have a minimum of 5 years of research and/or academic work with experience in conducting research within the fields of displacement and durable solutions as well as in difficult contexts.
Technical Evaluation Criteria
To be technically acceptable, the bid shall meet or exceed the stipulated requirements and specifications in the RFP. A Bid is deemed to meet the criteria if it confirms that it meets the conditions, procedures and specifications in the RFP without substantially departing from or
attaching restrictions with them. If a Bid does not technically comply with the RFP, it will be rejected.
For all bids deemed technically compliant as per the specification stipulated in Annex С – Terms of Reference (ToR), DRC will give a weighted combined technical and financial score. The weighted score will determine the contract award.
The technical criteria for this RFP and their weighting in the technical evaluation are: Technical criteria # Technical criteria Weighting in technical evaluation [Total 50%] 1 Qualification and Language proficiency of personnel dedicated to the consultancy 10%
1.1
The consultant’s qualifications and experience, including their academic background, research, and practical work in challenging displacement environments, are relevant and extensive. Experience in displacement and durable solutions work/research is desirable.
1-10 points
1.2
The consultants must be fluent in English, and the enumerators must be in fluent in Arabic
1-10 points
1.3
Suitability and qualifications of the suggested team, consisting of professions like Team Leader, Analyst/Reporting Specialist, Project Manager, Assistant Project Manager, and Enumerators.
1-10 points
2
Proposed Methodology and Assessment
%20
2.1
Development of an extensive mixed-method project evaluation approach, complete with definitions, criteria, and assessment questions.
1-10 points
2.2
Comprehensive assessment of project outcomes’ achievement in targeted communities and stakeholders.
1-10 points
2.3
Assessment of the project’s impact, sustainability, efficacy, and relevance.
1-10 points
2.4
Clear and useful suggestions for framework to provide recommendations to improve DRC’s integrated programming based on the results of the evaluation.
1-10 points
3
Previous experience in similar context
15%
3.1
Demonstrated experience in conducting large-scale external evaluations within fragile/emergency contexts.
1-10 points
3.2
Detailed knowledge and practical experience in designing and implementing research cycles in the humanitarian sector, specifically for impact measurement.
1-10 points
3.3
Comprehensive understanding of the Sudan context through previous evaluations of programs (preferably economic recovery) in Sudan
1-10 points
3.4
Solid understanding of Sudan’s cultural/economic context
1-10 points
4.1
Familiarity with durable solutions programming
1-10 points
4.2
Strong understanding of the difference between emergency support and development work
1-10 points
4
References
5%
4.1
Positive references from other institutions preferably from NGOs/INGOs related to similar scope of service
1-10 points
Please note that bids shall respond to all criteria, or their bid may be disqualified.
Bidders who pass the technical evaluation will be invited for an online panel interview. The interview will be evaluated per the following criteria: Technical criteria # Panel Interview criteria Weighting in technical evaluation [Total 50%] 1 Previous experience in similar data collection, analysis and research projects 5% 2 Clarity of proposed process 20% 3 Demonstration of understanding of challenges and best practices across various contexts 20% 4 Spoken fluency in English 5%
Please note that bids shall respond to all criteria, or their bid may be disqualified.
10. Technical Supervision
The selected consultant will work under the supervision of:
•
Durable Solutions Consortium Manager / CMU (Lead)
• MEAL Manager (colead)
• PDQ Manager (Support)
11. Location and Support
Address of Consultancy:
Danish Refugee Council, House No: 3/424 Block No. 1, Hay Amattar, Port Sudan
The Consultant will provide her/his own computer and mobile telephone, including required software for data collection, analysis, and reporting.
12. Travel
Travel within the country will be required to facilitate data collection and support teams. Presentation of the report can be online if required.
13. Submission process
Proposals should include:
•
Curriculum vitae detailing previous experience on related surveys within humanitarian assistance projects/contexts; references of previous related assignments done, or samples of work accomplished;
•
Technical proposal including the survey design and methodology, data collection and analysis, activities (e.g., development of tools), as well as confirmed timeline considering contextual limitations and proposed team structure including enumerators` qualifications and language proficiency;
•
Financial proposal for the survey. All costs related to the survey without exceptions should be figured into the financial plan of the proposal, including (but not limited to) consultancy fees, travel, accommodation, interpreters, enumerators, data entry, logistics, etc. Please, note that no per diem will be paid to the engaged personnel on top of the overall fee;
•
Three references, of which two should be from previous surveying experience.
Please refer to Invitation letter for detailed instructions on the submission process for your proposal.
14. Evaluation of bids
Please refer to the related section of the RFP Invitation Letter.

Interested applicants are invited to apply through the DRC website by accessing the following link and following the instructions provided:Building Resilience and Supporting Solutions to Displacement in Central Darfur | Danish Refugee Council

All required documents must be submitted online before the stated deadline.

Tagged as: Agriculture, Food Security and Livelihoods