Tender for the triple nexus consultancy, November 2020

Islamic Relief Worldwide

Islamic Relief is an international aid and development charity, which aims to alleviate the suffering of the world's poorest people. It is an independent Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) founded in the UK in 1984.

As well as responding to disasters and emergencies, Islamic Relief promotes sustainable economic and social development by working with local communities - regardless of race, religion or gender.

Our vision:

Inspired by our Islamic faith and guided by our values, we envisage a caring world where communities are empowered, social obligations are fulfilled and people respond as one to the suffering of others.

Our mission:

Exemplifying our Islamic values, we will mobilise resources, build partnerships, and develop local capacity, as we work to:

Enable communities to mitigate the effect of disasters, prepare for their occurrence and respond by providing relief, protection and recovery.

Promote integrated development and environmental custodianship with a focus on sustainable livelihoods.

Support the marginalised and vulnerable to voice their needs and address root causes of poverty.

We allocate these resources regardless of race, political affiliation, gender or belief, and without expecting anything in return.

At the international level, Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) has consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council, and is a signatory to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Code of Conduct. IRW is committed to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) through raising awareness of the issues that affect poor communities and through its work on the ground. Islamic Relief are one of only 13 charities that have fulfilled the criteria and have become members of the Disasters Emergency Committee (www.dec.org.uk)

IRW endeavours to work closely with local communities, focussing on capacity-building and empowerment to help them achieve development without dependency.

Please see our website for more information http://www.islamic-relief.org/

Context and background

The ‘double nexus’ of humanitarian and development is a concept that has a long history in resilience thinking, early warning/action interventions and long-term sustainable development. It was given fresh impetus at the World Humanitarian Summit in 2016 with the ‘New Way of Working’ in crises towards collective outcomes between humanitarian and development actors. Since then UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has placed sustainable peace at the top of his agenda, which effectively brought the ‘peace’ pillar into the humanitarian-development nexus.

The ‘triple nexus’ of humanitarian-development-peace has been much talked about in recent years and a number of UN agencies, INGOs and donors have piloted triple nexus projects. Islamic Relief itself received funding from Sida to pilot a three-year triple nexus project in four countries and generate learning, which will conclude in 2021.

As the debate continues about how, where and with whom the triple nexus should be applied, Islamic Relief would like to take stock of where the debate is heading, the extent to which structural shifts in the aid system required to operationalise the triple nexus have been applied, the barriers and challenges which remain and the opportunities that this approach provides to the organisation. It would also like to assess the results of triple nexus pilot projects, including Islamic Relief’s own project, to determine best practice. Finally, Islamic Relief would like to understand how well it is currently placed to design and implement triple nexus programmes and the structural and operational changes that may be needed. These should be presented alongside as assessment of the contradictions and dilemmas presented by the triple nexus to a multi-mandate organisation.

Objectives

This consultancy seeks to scan the international development, humanitarian aid and peacebuilding sectors to understand where the debate on the ‘triple nexus’ is heading in theory and practice, what best practice looks like and where future funding opportunities lie. It also seeks to draw out learning from Islamic Relief’s Sida-funded triple nexus programme. The findings of the study will inform the sector about the current direction of triple nexus theory and practice and inform Islamic Relief’s long-term programming.

The consultancy will focus on the following objectives:

· Summarise the learning that has been generated by triple nexus pilot projects (e.g. IRW, EU, UN, IRC, NRC, Oxfam, World Vision etc.) and identify current best practice.

· Provide a snapshot of where the sector currently stands in theory and practice of triple nexus programming

· Map out how donor funding (e.g. EU, UN, USAID, Sida, FCDO, Canada, and other European donors) has realigned (or not) to support triple nexus programming (in terms of funding frameworks/pots, programming flexibility, programming duration and recognition of higher risk and complexity.

· Draw out detailed learning from Islamic Relief’s triple nexus pilot project in Pakistan, Kenya, the Philippines and Indonesia, using OECD-DAC evaluation criteria to assess the relevance, effectiveness, coherence, efficiency, impact and sustainability of a triple nexus approach to programming in fragile contexts.

· Analyse the challenges, barriers, contradictions and opportunities presented by the triple nexus to Islamic Relief, such as to its humanitarian principles, to tackling complex ground realities in fragile contexts, to developing a systems approach and to facilitating greater incorporation of climate and human-made risks in disaster planning.

· Assess any particular advantages or disadvantages presented to triple nexus programming by the faith-based nature of IRW, is multi-mandate nature or its status as a INGO.

· Analyse the adaptability of IRW's triple nexus pilot project to changing ground realities (e.g. Covid19, changes in the political or security context).

· Identify the organisational capacity to implement a triple nexus approach and the structural/operational changes needed within Islamic Relief.

Scope

The scope of this assignment is to scan the sector in terms of the triple nexus debate and learn from Islamic Relief’s triple nexus pilot programme in Pakistan, Kenya, Indonesia and the Philippines. The overall aim is to understand where the debate is heading, current best practice, the organisation’s readiness to capitalise on the opportunities it may provide and the success of IRW’s triple nexus approach.

This consultancy will take place remotely/from home, although face to face meetings, including with the triple nexus implementing teams in Pakistan, Kenya, Indonesia and the Philippines may be possible depending on the COVID19 situation. It will involve document reviews, emailing, virtual- and tele-meetings. The resulting report will inform programme, policy and advocacy developers, regional and country coordinators and directors to support applications for triple nexus funding and triple nexus project design.

Implementation framework

Under the guidance of and in collaboration with IRW’s Conflict Advisor and the Head of the Programme Quality Unit, the Consultant shall work with IRW’s International Programmes Division, Programme Quality Unit, Global Operations and Global Advocacy at HQ, IR partners and country office levels. The assignment will be based on desk review of relevant publications and key informant interviews. Although international travel will not be expected, if a supplier has presence in any of the four countries of IRW’s triple nexus programme (Pakistan, Kenya, Indonesia and the Philippines) then face to face meetings would be welcomed.

The consultant will also collaborate with relevant IRW staff which includes, but is not limited to: Global Food Security and Livelihoods Advisor, Gender Advisor, Climate Advisor, Humanitarian Programme and Policy Manager, Head of Global Advocacy, Heads of International Programmes, Program Quality Unit and Disaster Risk Management Department (DRMD), Heads of Regions and Regional desks coordinators. Consultation will also include IRW’s Partner offices (UK, USA, Canada, Sweden, Germany, Australia, etc.) and country offices. Programmes and countries will be selected using a snowball method, based on initial conversations.

The successful candidate is expected to do the following:

· Work closely with Islamic Relief’s International Programs Division, Program Quality Unit, Disaster Risk Management Department, IR partners and country offices to discuss challenges, barriers, contradictions, perceptions and opportunities presented by the triple nexus to Islamic Relief, such as to its humanitarian principles, to tackling complex ground realities in fragile contexts, to developing a systems approach and to facilitating greater incorporation of climate and human-made risks in disaster planning;

· Assess Islamic Relief’s triple nexus pilot programme in Pakistan, Kenya, Indonesia and the Philippinesto determine where/under what conditions/in which contexts a triple nexus approach may be possible, best practice in triple nexus design and implementation, donors and funding pots, factors that were critical to project success (or otherwise), impact and structural/operational issues, barriers faced, the role and impact of faith (either IR’s status as a faith based organisation or its work with faith leaders in the programme), and the extent to which intersectionality and consideration of differentiated needs, rights and access are incorporated in this approach;

· Evaluate overall organisational structure and operational capacity for triple nexus programming, as well as country office capacity in triple nexus programming;

· Summarise the direction the triple nexus debate is taking in the sector and best practice from triple nexus pilot projects;

· Recommend strategic direction for Islamic Relief in terms of adopting triple nexus approaches to programming.

Consultants are invited to propose the specific methodology as part of this call. In general, it is envisaged this desk review will involve document reviews, emailing and virtual interviews.

· Please refer to Appendix 1 for suggested final report outline.

· The consultant is expected to propose a suitably robust methodology through which the information can be most readily extracted, analysed, synthesised and reported back on, within a 8-10 week consultancy time period.

· The proposal should also consider that triple nexus pilot projects may not have evaluation reports and other baseline or endline data to review.

Policy framework

The consultant will be expected to work within and abide by Islamic Relief’s policy frameworks on communications, information management, human resources etc. and will be obliged to sign an agreement assuring the confidentiality of data and information utilised and collected in pursuance of the consultancy. The consultant will be sensitive and compliant to any requirements of GDPR.

The report will be produced for an internal audience but may be edited and adapted for external publication by IRW for wider communication and learning purposes.

Project requirements

The successful consultant is expected to have:

· Substantial experience in undertaking research (data collection, analysis, reporting), with a comprehensive understanding of the triple nexus debate and, ideally, programming experience.

· Ability to work independently and to manage large amounts of information; to work systematically and to produce to deadlines.

· Abililty to write informatively and succinctly in English.

It is preferred for the successful candidate to have:

· Experience of working cross-culturally.

· Strong interpersonal skills.

Deliverables

Deliverables for this project would be;

1. Written implementation plan agreed with the triple nexus working group within one week of commencement.

2. Narrative report not exceeding 32 pages.

3. Executive summary incorporated in the above, not exceeding 3 pages.

4. A summary of the key findings and recommendations in a power point presentation.

5. A small, virtual, half-day workshop to discuss key findings with programme staff in IRW HQ.

6. A global staff webinar of 1-2 hours to present key findings and answer questions.

Accountability

The consultant will be responsible for conducting the activities and delivering the outputs set out in this terms of reference and will coordinate all activities with and through the Conflict Advisor and the Head of the Programme Quality Unit. Both will be responsible for facilitating access to all relevant and available documents (proposals, donor reports and evaluation reports) and wider staff necessary for the consultant to conduct these activities and deliver the outputs.

Project outputs

The consultant is expected to produce:

• A detailed work plan developed with and approved by IRW, setting out the detailed methodology and deliverables prior to commencing the desk review.

• A full report with the following sections:

a) Title of Report

b) Consultancy organisation and any partner names

c) Name of person who compiled the report including summary of role/contribution of others in the team

d) Period during which the review was undertaken

e) Acknowledgements

f) Abbreviations

g) Table of contents

h) Executive summary

i) Main report – max 32 pages (please see indicative layout in annex 1 below – consultant is invited to propose most suitable report structure layout)

j) Annexes

· Terms of reference for the review

· Profile of the team members

· Work schedule

· Documents consulted during the desk review

· Persons participating in the review

· Field data used during the review

· Bibliography

• A powerpoint presentation summarising the key points in an online workshop with key stakeholders

• A powerpoint presentation summarising the key findings in an online webinar with all interested global staff and partners.

Required inputs

Stakeholders to be involved in this project include:

· IR International Office and IR field staff (through remote communication by Skype / Zoom etc)

· Sector representatives from other organisations who are willing to be interviewed about the triple nexus

a) Relevant IRW proposals, narrative reports and evaluation reports/documentation

b) External secondary information and data as appropriate to the desk review

Timetable and reporting duration

The consultancy will be for a maximum of 27 working days and commence as early as possible but before 20^th December 2020, and will be completed by no later than 12^th March 2021.

Action

By when

Who

Tender live date 16^th November 2020

IRW

Final date for submission of bid proposal 30^th November 2020 (1pm)

Consultant

Proposals considered, short-listing and follow up enquiries completed 4^th December 2020

IRW

Consultant interview and final selection 11^th December 2020

IRW

Meeting with the consultant and agreement on methodology, plan of action, working schedule (half a day) 14^th December 2020;

Consultant/IRW

Writing and submission of Inception Report (2 days) 21^st December 2020

Consultant

Desk Review and research (20 days) 28^th December 2020 – 5^th February 2021

Consultant

Submission of the first draft to IRW for comments 8^th February 2021

Consultant

IRW response to draft report 19^th February 2021

IRW

Final report written and submitted to IRW (3 working days) 26^th February 2021

Consultant

Preparation of powerpoint slides and presentation of the report to IRW and key stakeholder discussion workshop (1 day)

5^th March 2021

Consultant

Presentation of key findings in global staff and partners webinar (half a day) 10^th March 2021

Consultant

Contract duration: Duration to be specified by the consultant

Direct report: Conflict Advisor and Programme Quality Unit Head

Job Title: Triple Nexus Consultant

The Conflict Adviser acts under the authority of the Head of Programme Quality Department who has the ultimate responsibility for the conduct of activities under this consultancy.

The consultant will communicate in the first instance with the IRW Conflict Advisor and will forward deliverables to the IRW Conflict Advisor.

Proposal to tender and costing:

Consultants (single or teams) interested in carrying out this work must:

a) Submit a proposal/bid, including the following;

i. Detailed proposal (with cover letter) outlining a methodology and approach briefing note

ii. CV or outline of relevant skills and experience possessed by the consultants who will be carrying out the tasks and any other personnel who will be working on this project

iii. Example(s) of relevant work done in the past, provide samples if possible

iv. The consultancy daily rate (please fill in schedule 2).

v. Expenses policy of the tendering consultant. Incurred expenses will not be included but will be agreed in advance of any contract signed (please fill in schedule 2)

vi. Be able to complete the project within the timeframe stated above (provide a time plan/gant chart if necessary)

vii. Be able to demonstrate experience of sector reviews, mapping and impact assessment/evaluation approaches for similar work

Terms and conditions

Payment will be made in accordance with the deliverables and deadlines as follows:

· 40% of the total amount – submission of the inception report

· 30% of the total amount – submission of the first draft of the report

· 30% of the total amount – submission of the final report including all outputs and attachments mentioned above and completion of workshop and webinar**

We can be flexible with payment terms, invoices are normally paid on net payment terms of 28 days.

Additional information and conditions of contract

During the consultancy period,

IRW will only cover:

· Consultancy fees

IRW will not cover:

· Tax obligations as required by the country in which he/she will file income tax

· Any pre/post assignment medical costs. These should be covered by the consultant

· Medical and travel insurance arrangements and costs. These should be covered by the consultant

To access and download the full tender documents please click on the link beneath;

https://www.islamic-relief.org/tenders/category/open-tenders/

How to apply:

Consultancy contract

This will be for an initial period that is to be specified by the consultant commencing from December 2020 (exact date to be mutually agreed). The selected candidate is expected to work from their home/office and be reporting to IRW’s Conflict Advisor.

The terms upon which the consultant will be engaged are as per the consultancy agreement. The invoice is to be submitted at the end of the month and will be paid on net payment terms of 28 days though we can be flexible.

All potential applicants must fill in the table beneath in Appendix 2 to help collate key data pertaining to this tender. The applicant must be clear about other expenses being claimed in relation to this consultancy and these must be specified clearly.

For this consultancy all applicants are required to submit a covering letter with a company profile(s) and CVs of all consultants including the lead consultant(s).

A proposal including, planned activities, methodology, deliverables, timeline and cost proposal (including expenses) are expected.

Other relevant supporting documents should be included as the consultants sees fit.

All applicants must have a valid visa or a permit to work in the UK (if travel is required to the UK). A valid visa/work permit is also required for those areas required to be visited as part of this consultancy.

During the Covid-19 crisis we are not expecting international travel to be possible so work will largely be remotely conducted.

TENDER DATES AND CONTACT DETAILS**

All proposals are required to be submitted by Monday 30^th November 2020 1.00pm UK time pursuant to the attached guidelines for submitting a quotation and these be returned to tendering@irworldwide.org

For any issues relating to the tender or its contents please email directly to tendering@irworldwide.org

Following submission, IRW may engage in further discussion with applicants concerning tenders in order to ensure mutual understanding and an optimal agreement.

Quotations must include the following information for assessment purposes.

1. Payment terms (as mentioned above)

2. Full break down of costs including taxes, expenses and any VAT

3. References (two are preferred)

4. Technical competency for this role

5. Demonstrable experience of developing a similar project

Note: The criteria are subject to change.

Appendix 1

Suggested Report Layout (Consultants are invited to suggest a more coherent layout):

Executive Summary: Max 3 pages (this should be publishable externally – so should contain summarised key findings and recommendations)

Methodology of the Desk Review/Study and any challenges or limitations: 2 pages max

Introduction – 3 pages max: Summary of where the triple nexus debate has come from, the conceptual and pratical shifts it implies to funding and programming, and the learning/best practice that has emerged from triple nexus pilot projects (both within IRW and externally)

Snapshot of the theory and practice of triple nexus approaches - 6 pages max. Analysing where the sector currently stands and where it is going in triple nexus approaches. Also including the key debates, barriers, challenges, contradictions and opportunities presented by triple nexus approaches and the funding shifts that have been made (or advocated for) to enable triple nexus programming.

Learning from IRW’s Sida-funded triple nexus programme in 4 countries – max 8 pages: Analysis of the learning from IRW’s triple nexus pilot programme, drawing out where/under what conditions/in which contexts a triple nexus approach may be possible, factors that were critical to the programme’s success (or otherwise) and impace, structural/operational issues, barriers faced, the role and impact of faith (either IR’s status as a faith based organisation or its work with faith leaders in the programme), and the extent to which intersectionality and consideration of differentiated needs, rights and access are incorporated in this approach.

Learning from external triple nexus pilot projects – max 6 pages. Summary of learning from triple nexus pilot projects carried out by other organisations (e.g. IRW, EU, UN, IRC, NRC, Oxfam, World Vision etc.) and current best practice.

Conclusions and recommendations – max 4 pages.

Full report – max 32 pages including executive summary.

Appendix 2

Please fill in the table below. It is essential all sections be completed and where relevant additional expenses be specified in detail. In case of questions about how to complete the table below, please contact tendering@irworldwide.org

Cost evaluation of a consultancy to for triple nexus, November 2020

Full name of all consultants working on this project

Full company trading name

No of proposed hours per week

No. of proposed days

Preferred days

Non preferred days**

Earliest available start date

Expected project finish date

Day rate (required for invoicing purposes) £

Total cost for consultancy in GBP (less taxes and expenses) £

Expenses (flights) £

Expenses (accommodation) £

Expenses (transfers) £

Expenses (in country travel) £

Expenses (visa) £

Expenses (security) £

Expenses (food) £

Expenses (print/stationary) £**

Expenses other (please specify) £

Total expenses £

Total VAT or taxes £

Total cost for consultancy in GBP (inclusive of taxes and expenses) £

Note

The applicant is expected to take responsibility for paying full taxes and social charges in his/her country of residence.

To access and download the full tender documents please click on the link beneath;

https://www.islamic-relief.org/tenders/category/open-tenders/