RFP 00337362 DEVELOPMENT OF A POLICY PAPER ON CLIMATE CHANGE CONSULTANCY 83 views0 applications

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 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 in hosting societies; and works with civil society and responsible authorities to promote the protection of rights and peaceful coexistence.

DRC has been operational in Kenya since 2005 and is one of the United Nations Refugee Agency’s (UNHCR) largest Implementing Partners in the refugee response. DRC is present in Garissa (Dadaab & Garissa), Turkana (Kakuma, Kalobeyei & Lodwar), Nairobi and Mandera counties.

Purpose of the consultancy

The purpose of this consultancy is to develop a comprehensive and actionable policy paper that addresses the unique challenges posed by climate change to pastoral communities in Mandera, Garissa, and Turkana counties. These regions, characterized by arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), are highly vulnerable to climate variability, including prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall, and desertification, which severely impact livestock-based livelihoods. The policy paper will provide an in-depth analysis of the current and projected impacts of climate change on pastoral systems, identify existing adaptation strategies, and propose evidence-based recommendations to enhance resilience. By integrating traditional knowledge with modern adaptation practices, the paper aims to guide policymakers, development partners, and local stakeholders in implementing effective interventions that safeguard the livelihoods and sustainability of pastoral communities.

Additionally, the consultancy seeks to bridge the gap between policy and practice by ensuring that the voices and experiences of pastoral communities are central to the policy recommendations. Through field research, stakeholder engagement, and participatory approaches, the consultancy will gather firsthand insights into the challenges and opportunities for climate change adaptation in these regions. The resulting policy paper will serve as a critical tool for advocating for targeted investments, policy reforms, and capacity-building initiatives that address the specific needs of pastoral communities. Ultimately, the consultancy aims to contribute to the development of inclusive and sustainable climate adaptation strategies that empower pastoralists to cope with and thrive in the face of a changing climate.

Background

Pastoral communities in Mandera, Garissa, and Turkana counties in Kenya are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. These regions are characterized by arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), where livelihoods are predominantly dependent on livestock rearing. Climate change has exacerbated challenges such as prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall patterns, desertification, and resource-based conflicts, threatening the resilience and sustainability of pastoralist systems.

To address these challenges, there is a need for a comprehensive policy paper that outlines evidence-based strategies for climate change adaptation and resilience-building among pastoral communities. This policy paper will serve as a critical tool for guiding policymakers, development partners, and local stakeholders in implementing effective interventions.

The objective of the consultancy

The primary objective of this consultancy is to develop a policy paper that provides actionable recommendations for climate change adaptation in the context of pastoral communities in Mandera, Garissa, and Turkana counties. The policy paper should:

• Analyze the current and projected impacts of climate change on pastoral livelihoods.
• Identify existing adaptation strategies and their effectiveness.
• Propose evidence-based policy recommendations to enhance resilience and sustainability.
• Provide a framework for integrating traditional knowledge with modern adaptation practices.

Scope of Work and Methodology

The consultant will be expected to complete the following:

Desk Review

• Conduct a comprehensive review of existing literature, policies, and frameworks related to climate change and pastoralism in Kenya.
• Analyze relevant national and county-level policies, including the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP), County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs), and other sectoral strategies.
• Review case studies and best practices on climate change adaptation in pastoral communities globally.

Field Research and Stakeholder Engagement

• Conduct field visits to Mandera, Garissa, and Turkana counties to gather primary data on the impacts of climate change and existing adaptation practices.
• Engage with key stakeholders, including pastoral communities, county governments, NGOs, research institutions, and development partners.
• Organize and facilitate focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs) with relevant stakeholders

Policy Paper Development

• Develop a draft policy paper outlining the findings, analysis, and recommendations.
• Incorporate feedback from stakeholders and validation workshops.
• Finalize the policy paper, ensuring it is clear, concise, and actionable.

Deliverables

The Consultant will submit the following deliverables as mentioned below:

• Inception report – Outline of the methodology, work plan, and data collection tools
• Research Assessment – Collect, review, compile, and analyze all raw information and data from desk and field research, as outlined in the finalized methodology
• Validation – 1 debrief session in person (In Nairobi) or virtual session of the preliminary findings to the DRC
• Reporting – A synthesized report with research findings, analysis, and recommendations (no longer than 30 pages)
• Finalization of the assessment – Final Report (with feedback integrated) no longer than 30 pages

The Consultant will provide the documentation by email.

Duration, timeline, and payment

The total expected duration to complete the assignment will be no more than 20 working days. The payment schedule will be as follows:

• 1st Installment 20% – Upon submission of the inception report
• 2nd Installment 40% – Upon submission 1st draft of the assessment
• 3rd Installment 40% – Upon DRC Kenya’s approval of the final report

Proposed Composition of Team

DRC expects this consultancy to be conducted by one consultant. DRC will provide an area-based project staff that will be available throughout the fieldwork. This staff member will support with logistics arrangements, and help organize interviews, Focus Group Discussions, and meetings. While the DRC staff could conduct interviews based on the methodology and questionnaire developed by the consultant, the consultant is expected to lead the engagements in Turkana, Mandera and Garissa counties during the fieldwork and have an existing network to identify relevant respondents.

Eligibility, qualification, and experience required

The successful candidate will lead the organization and implementation of the work and is responsible for delivering the required outputs, working with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.

The ideal consultant(s) should possess the following qualifications:

• Must have a master’s or a degree in conflict, climate change and adaptations.
• Proven experience in conducting conflict and climate analysis, particularly in the context of climate change, security, or adaptation.
• Strong understanding of the socio-economic and cultural context of the pastoral communities of Turkana, Mandera and Garissa counties.
• Experience in qualitative and quantitative research methods, including participatory approaches
• 3-5 years of experience in climate, conflict and peacebuilding with strong proven research skills.
• Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills.
• Strong understanding of the Turkana, Garissa and Mandera regions context and cross-border dynamics.
• Willingness and ability to travel to conflict-affected communities in these regions.
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and local communities.

How to Apply

• In addition to the other standard bid documents included in this bid advert, the interested bidders must submit as a minimum:
• Document 1: Updated CV of the consultant. A company profile should also be included.
• Document 2: A brief document (5 pages max) outlining the basic strategy and technical approach to the TOR (including an interpretation of the key research questions) and a timeline, clearly indicating the level of effort required.
• Document 3: A brief document (2 pages max) showing a portfolio of previous relevant assignments or work. Where possible, this should include links to published work and/or references from the organizations that contracted the work.
• Document 4: A separate financing proposal in KES with a breakdown of the budget covering consultancy fees and all related expenses including taxes to implement the activities of the consultant.

Technical supervision

The consultant will report to the DRC Kenya’s Head of Programme. The focal point for coordination and liaison will be the DRC Kenya Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding (HDP) Manager.

Location and support

The Consultancy will take place in Turkana, Mandera and Garissa counties. The Consultant will provide her/his computer and mobile telephone, data analysis platforms, and other essentials required for the accomplishment of the deliverables.

Travel

The consultancy requires travel to the field that’s Turkana, Mandera and Garissa counties. The consultant may need a national Identification card to support in travel, DRC will draft and Introductory letter of to the county government and other stakeholders for ease engagement of the consultant with identified institutions and individuals for the search. DRC will cover all the consultant’s travel and accommodation in the field.

Evaluation of bids

All bidders will be assessed for profile and qualifications, technical approach, and similar experience .

Only those shortlisted will be contacted for an interview with the panel to ensure their understanding of the consultancy services.