Background

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is one of the world's leading humanitarian NGOs, working in more than 40 countries to provide assistance with a rights-based approach to refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced persons, returnees and migrants. DRC has commissioned a consultancy focused on anticipatory action. Anticipatory action is a proactive approach that seeks to mitigate the impacts of disasters before they occur, rather than waiting for the crisis to unfold. This consultancy aims to develop strategies and tools for communities to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to potential emergencies more effectively. By leveraging data analysis, early warning systems, and community engagement, the consultancy will provide DRC with actionable recommendations to improve community capacity for early action. The ultimate goal is to reduce the human and economic costs of disasters and ensure a more timely and efficient delivery of aid to affected populations.

This Consultancy aims to develop a methodology for implementing anticipatory actions in disaster-prone areas and will focus on creating training tools, developing a model for anticipatory action, establishing baselines, and conducting semi-annual implementation follow-ups.

Objective: To design a robust anticipatory action framework that integrates best practices and lessons learned, develop comprehensive training tools for effective community education on anticipatory actions and to establish a baseline for evaluation of the impact.

Scope of the work: The consultancy is set to be executed across 8 selected communities within 2 states that are frequently affected by disasters, particularly those vulnerable to flooding and droughts. The initiative will focus on bolstering community resilience, emphasizing localization, and sustainable approaches. Moreover, a core objective of all planned activities is to integrate protective measures. This comprehensive strategy aims to empower communities to effectively manage and mitigate the risks associated with natural disasters, fostering a culture of preparedness and proactive response.

The consultancy will involve the following key components:

• Development of a methodology for anticipatory action based on best practices and lessons learned: The approach involves conducting thorough risk assessments, leveraging existing knowledge and expertise, and adapting strategies based on observed trends and patterns.
• Creation of training tools and materials for educating local communities and local actors on anticipatory actions: a participatory and community-centered approach will be used to develop tailored tools and materials. This approach involves engaging stakeholders in the process, tailoring materials to local contexts, and ensuring cultural relevance. Additionally, incorporating interactive and hands-on learning activities to help enhance understanding and retention of key concepts.
• Establishment of a baseline to measure the effectiveness of anticipatory actions:

Identifying Key Indicators, setting Benchmarks, data Collection and Analysis, establishing monitoring mechanisms, reporting and Evaluation.

• Methodology. - The consultancy will involve a thorough review of existing literature, case studies, and best practices in anticipatory action. The consultant will work closely with key stakeholders to develop a methodology that is tailored to the specific needs and challenges of the target communities. These activities will be coordinated with the DP Specialist.
• Baseline Establishment. -The consultant will work with local partners to establish a baseline for measuring the impact of anticipatory actions. This will involve collecting data on key indicators before the implementation of anticipatory actions to serve as a reference point for future assessments.
• Training Tools. - The consultant will develop comprehensive training tools and materials to educate local communities on the importance of anticipatory actions, the steps involved in implementing them, and the potential benefits of early action. The training tools will be designed to be easily accessible and user-friendly.
• AA model development. - The consultancy will focus on developing a model for anticipatory action that can be adapted to specific disasters scenarios and geographical locations. The model will include clear guidelines, protocols, and monitoring mechanisms to ensure effective implementation of anticipatory actions.
• Semi-Annual Follow-Ups. - The consultant will conduct semi-annual follow-ups to assess the progress and impact of anticipatory actions. This will involve gathering feedback from local communities, monitoring key indicators, and making any necessary adjustments to the methodology.

Deliverables:

The consultant will deliver the following key outputs:

• Methodology for anticipatory action. 1 months from starting period
• Training tools and materials. 2 months from starting period
• Model for anticipatory action. 2 months from starting period
• Baseline report. 2 months from starting period
• Semi-annual implementation follow-up reports. 2 reports

Timeline: The consultancy is expected to be completed within 4 months The consultant will be required to adhere to the agreed-upon timeline and deliver all outputs in a timely manner.

Reporting: The consultant will be required to submit regular progress reports to the DP Specialist, detailing the activities undertaken, challenges faced, and outcomes achieved. A final report summarizing the key findings and recommendations will be submitted at the end of the consultancy.

Budget: The consultancy will have a fixed budget including all costs related to methodology development, training tools, model creation, baseline establishment, and semi-annual implementation follow-ups.

Required experience and competencies:

• At least five (5) year of postgraduate professional experience in anticipatory action, early warning, emergency preparedness planning, disaster risk management and/or risk analysis.
• Ability to write and prepare technical reports and develop mitigation, prevention, and response plans.
• Experience in interacting with local governments and institutions.
• Experience interacting with local communities.
• Desirable: Experience in disaster preparedness work in Venezuela.
• Desirable: Protection Risks identification experience
• Excellent written and spoken English required.
• Availability to start working immediately.

Competencies:

• Excellent analytical skills and a constructive approach to problem solving.
• Ability to write clear and concise reports and communicate effectively.
• Ability to deliver outputs by agreed deadlines.
• Ability to manage her/himself and others with minimal supervision.
• Strong organizational skills.

Procedure for proposals:

Interested consultants must submit the following elements:

• Curriculum vitae.
• Motivation letter from the person(s), documenting how he/she meets the requirements for the consultancy.
• Written sample, publication or similar (maximum 10 pages).
• Technical proposal, including budget.

Deadline to apply: Until June 20th, 2024

Additional information about this consultancy, please contact: pablo.castro@drc.ngo or manfredi.miceli@drc.ngo