Somalia: IDP RETURNS PROGRAM COMPLIANCE AUDIT FOR DRC SOMALIA
Country: Somalia
Closing date: 30 Apr 2014
TERMS OF REFERENCE
IDP RETURNS PROGRAM COMPLIANCE AUDIT FOR DRC SOMALIA
BACKGROUND
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a humanitarian, non-governmental, non-profit organisation founded in 1956 that works in more than 30 countries throughout the world. DRC fulfils its mandate by providing direct assistance to conflict-affected populations – refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities in the conflict areas of the world; and by advocating on behalf of conflict-affected populations on the basis of humanitarian principles and the Human Rights. In Somalia, DRC is providing relief and development services using a human rights framework, aiming at supporting IDPs and host communities affected by conflict and natural disasters. Currently, the main sectoral programmes include; Food Security and Livelihoods; NFI/Shelter; WASH and Infrastructure; Protection and Advocacy; Community-Driven Recovery and Development; as well as Emergency Response. DRC HoA & Yemen 2012-2014 Strategic Program Document is aimed at ensuring synergy and complementarity of all humanitarian interventions in the region.
DRC is a member of the Return Consortium (RC) in Somalia which was established in 2012 in order to support internally displaced persons (IDPs) wishing to return to their areas of origin in Somalia as part of durable solutions to internal displacement. Between 2012 and 2013, DRC supported over 10,795 individuals to return to their areas of origin mainly Beletweyne in Hiran Region, Middle and Lower Shabelles and a small number within Somaliland.
PURPOSE & OBJECTIVE OF CONSULTANCY
IDP Voluntary returns are carried out within the aegis of the RC’s standard operating procedures in addition DRC’s internal policies which aim to ensure voluntariness of return, safety, dignity and sustainable reintegration for IDP households in Somalia.
The purpose of this audit is to examine DRC’s compliance performance with the Return Consortium’s Standard Operating Procedures on Voluntary returns in the IDP returns processes that DRC has facilitated on behalf of OFDA, EC and UNHCR.
Specifically, the audit seeks to:
• Determine the quality and consistency of DRC in applying the RC SOPs on Voluntary returns and the Monitoring and Evaluation Manual during implementation of the returns activities
• Identify and document the lessons learnt and provide recommendations for design and implementation of future programs.
SCOPE OF THE REVIEW
The compliance audit shall assess DRC’s compliance performance in all DRC’s areas of operation within the IDP returns project, including Galkayo, Beletweyne, Ainabo, Jowar, Balad and Afgoye. Sound sampling methods shall ensure a representative data and statistically reliable analysis outcomes.
This audit will not examine DRC’s compliance performance with own standard procedures (such as finance and procurement), but will focus on compliance performance vis-à-vis the RC SOPS.
Key informants for the audit shall include project beneficiaries, DRC staff, RC Members, Donors among others.
DELIVERABLES:
Inception Report – The inception report will be a scoping exercise for the compliance audit and will include the proposed methodologies, data collection and reporting plans with draft data collection tools such as interview guides, the allocation of roles and responsibilities within the team, a timeframe with firm dates for deliverables, and the travel and logistical arrangements for the team. This inception report is expected within 5 days after signing of the contract.
Debriefings / Feedback to Area Managers at field levels – The consultant will report his/her preliminary findings to the respective DRC’s Area Managers, Protection Manager and the Returns Coordinator, before leaving the field.
Draft report – A draft report, identifying key findings, conclusions, recommendations and lessons for the current and future returns projects implementation and taking into consideration the outputs of the debriefing session. This will be reviewed by DRC for initial feedback. The draft report will be expected at least 7 days before the end of the exercise.
Final report – The final report (max 35 pages, excluding the preliminary pages and annexes), will contain a short executive summary (max 3 pages) and a main body of the report covering the background of the interventions, a description of the audit methods and limitations, findings, conclusions, lessons learned, clear recommendations (which includes risks assessment / humanitarian access). Recommendations should be specific, feasible, and in line with DRC’s and RC Mandate. The report should also contain appropriate appendices, including a copy of the ToR, cited resources or bibliography, a list of those interviewed parties and any other relevant materials. The final compliance audit report will be submitted one week after receipt of the consolidated feedback from DRC. The report should be Five (5) Hard-cover-bound copies and soft copy in two (4) CD- ROMs in pdf version.
Sample Compliance Audit Questions
The program compliance audit should answer at least the following questions:
? To what extent was the RC M&E framework applied at relevant project levels?
? To what extent did the intervention conform to the RC SOPs?
o Were the RC guidelines adequate to inform DRC’s response to returns activities?
o Was the return process conducted in a way that accorded IDP safety and dignity?
o Were human rights consistently respected?
o Were benefits distributed fairly as per the RC guidelines in each return location?
? What mechanisms were put in place for coordination with the local authorities, donors, and other actors; and how effective were they?
In addition, the Consultancy team is expected to formulate other relevant questions to assist in respond to a program compliance audit of this nature.
METHODOLOGY
It is envisioned that the program compliance audit will be conducted using a combination of quantitative and qualitative data as applicable. The consultancy team will however, in consultation with DRC, design an appropriate and comprehensive methodology and techniques to conduct the audit. The methodology should ensure an area-wise analysis and presentation of findings based on the objectives stated above.
The consultant will suggest how sampling of respondents and collection of information will be done to inform the specific objectives above.
DRC’S RESPONSIBILITIES
The Consultants will be work closely on a day to day basis with the DRC Protection Manager. He/she will refer to the Deputy Country Director, Somalia Programme. DRC staff in the programme areas, led by Area Managers will provide the necessary day to day support to the compliance audit team, as may be needed.
DRC will provide the following to the lead consultant:
Transport to and from the field.
All necessary project documents as requested by the consultant
Travel Insurance, where applicable
Accommodation in the field
Pay consultancy fees at a mutually agreed rate
The terms and conditions of service and payment will follow DRC’s terms of consultancies.
DURATION OF THE CONTRACT
It is anticipated that the consultancy will take 25 days from the date of signing the contract, preferably within May 2014. The consultant will be required to develop a feasible plan of work covering the proposed period and submit this as an integral part of the proposal for this consultancy.
PROFILE OF THE CONSULTANT
• The Lead Consultant should have a postgraduate degree in Social Sciences or other relevant field.
• Demonstrable experience in program audit in humanitarian set up/s with a focus on IDPs assistance programs especially in Somalia.
• Knowledge of strategic and operational management of humanitarian operations and proven ability to provide strategic recommendations to key stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to clearly synthesize and present findings, draw practical conclusions and to prepare well-written reports in a timely manner.
• Experience in qualitative and quantitative data collection and data analysis techniques, especially in emergency operations.
• Experience, knowledge and clear understanding of Somalia’s humanitarian context.
• Demonstrate ability to access different program locations within Somalia while collecting primary data. Good interpersonal skills and understanding cultural sensitivities.
• Readiness to travel to Somalia and conduct direct standard audit compliance related activities.
ASSESSMENT AND AWARD OF CONSULTANCY
DRC will evaluate proposals and award the assignment based on technical and financial feasibility. DRC reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal received without giving reasons and is not bound to accept the lowest bidder. Only those shortlisted will be contacted. Due to the nature of the task and the time frame, preference will be given to a team of consultants with ability to carry out multiple tasks at the same time within Somalia. Subcontracting of the consultancy will not be accepted.
For general information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult www.drc.dk.
Commitments
DRC has a Humanitarian Accountability Framework, outlining its global accountability commitments. All staff members are required to contribute to the achievement of this framework (http://www.drc.dk/HAF.4265.0.html).
How to apply:
APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications and experience are invited to submit their Expression of Interest (Eol).
We only accept applications online on www.drc.dk > Vacancies > Current vacancies (click on the vacancy, then on “Apply” at the bottom of the window that opens).
The EoI should include:
• CV(s) and or company profiles with details of qualifications, experience, telephone number and names of three referees.
• Technical proposal that summarize understanding of the ToR and the proposed methodology.
• Financial proposal providing cost estimates of daily consultancy fees in US dollars.
• The foreseen work plan for the days. Daily consulting rate is negotiable, although will be commensurate to DRC consultancy terms and standards.
Interested parties should forward the expression of interest, in English and marked ‘IDP Returns Program Compliance Audit’ not later than 30th April, 2014.
