1. Background
HEKS/EPER was founded in 1946 by the Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches (FSPC) as the aid organization of the Protestant Churches in Switzerland committed to the dignity of every human being. This respect for human dignity finds expression in universal human rights. All human beings should be able to lead a life in dignity and in social, economic and political security based on fundamental Christian values such as justice, self-determination, respect, solidarity, responsibility, and participation. HEKS/EPER collaborates with its operational partner organizations to support local initiatives to eliminate dependencies on relief. HEKS/EPER is active in more than 30 countries with more than 200 projects around the world, running its own Coordination Offices in 17 primary-focus regions. HEKS/EPER has been present in South Sudan for the past 40 years, focusing its efforts on rural community development and humanitarian aid to combat the causes of hunger, poverty, and injustice through its focus on access to land; livelihoods and food security; improved access to safe and clean water; and conflict transformation and peacebuilding initiatives.
As of July 2016, the majority of people in Yei have been multiply displaced with some going into exile, both in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo as well as relocating to other urban centers within South Sudan. However, with the signing of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflicts in South Sudan (R-ARCSS)[1] and formation of the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU) in South Sudan on 22nd February 2020[2]. The formation of the new government and subsequent full implementation of the peace accord is widely hoped to end the suffering of the people of South Sudan, a young nation that has faced years of conflict. This has attracted many displaced persons to voluntarily return to their homes, with the hope of rebuilding their lives. HEKS/EPER through its partners has provided assistance to the extremely vulnerable IDPs, Returnees and Host Communities trapped in Yei by the crisis to stabilize their food security and peacebuilding.
2. Purpose and objective
The main objective of the livelihoods and market assessment is to provide practical recommendations and input to inform the new phase of HEKS/EPER’s livelihood programming, which aims to enable and prepare vulnerable Returnees, IDPs and Host Communities living in Yei and Morobo Counties to proactively position themselves for livelihoods recovery and to participate in income-generating activities. The recommendations shall consider the South Sudan 2019 FSL Cluster Strategic Objective priorities considering the specific needs of the beneficiaries. Through existing HEKS/EPER’s datasets and beneficiaries’ information, the study will inform HEKS/EPER of any existing age or gender-related barriers or any other obstacles to access livelihood opportunities for PooCs within different categories (IDP, returnees and host communities), which shall be considered for future planning. It shall also analyze beneficiaries’ livelihood and market participation, behaviors, resilience status, and preferences. All data shall be disaggregated by age and gender/ settlement types and locations.
The market and livelihood assessment should be completed in 2 weeks (approximately 5 days of data collection in Yei).
3. Scope and focus
Note that the following points are indicative and are to be finalized between HEKS/EPER and the Consultant.
i. Analyze existing data and information about targeted locations to provide an overview of the number of returning residents and or displacement/movement and settlement patterns, food security situations, income level, education, hygiene and sanitation situations, livelihoods experiences and capacities, coping mechanisms, and financial and security risks and management strategies.
ii. Analyze the different stakeholders in the specific region: who is doing what and when. The analysis must take into consideration actions by the Government, UN agencies, (I)NGOs, Churches, and other structures.
iii. Conflict lines: conduct an actor’s mapping and describe the conflict lines between specific actors and the status quo of the relationships. Provide comprehensive information of the conflict situations (dividers and connectors) and the possible impact of reported incidents of violence on project activities and stability of the PooCs; Analyze the availability, access to and use of functional local institutions for conflict resolution as well as the quality of those – participation, representation, and satisfaction of users within the target locations which will help in recommending for appropriate measures to meet the objective of the project.
iv. Provide a clear picture of the WASH and Livelihood as well as food security situations gaps, for IDPs, returnees, and Host Communities (disaggregated by age and gender/ settlement types). Identify opportunities.
v. Make recommendations for appropriate livelihoods’ strategies with practical action points, including methodologies.
4. Deliverables
The assessment should use relevant Minimum Economic Recovery standards and analytical tools (Household economy approach, sustainable livelihoods framework, Emergency market and mapping analysis, FAO and ILO livelihood assessment, etc.).
The assessment will employ mixed methods. The tools and specific methodological approach will be discussed and agreed between HEKS/EPER and the consultant.
A formal presentation of the key findings for the office in Kampala is required. The consultant should keep HEKS/EPER team regularly informed of progress on key issues arising that may require additional direction or suggestions for other key informants or reference materials.
The final report should be analytical and user-friendly detailing key findings and providing clear and forward looking recommendations. The report will be drafted in English with a length between 20 and 40 standard pages (Times New Romans 12 at 1.5 line spacing). The structure of the report will be agreed between HEKS/EPER and the consultant.
Following is the list of deliverables to be submitted by the consultant beside the market and livelihood assessment report:
i. An inception report with a detailed assessment work plan, data collection tools and methodology (following the desk review).
ii. A half-day workshop with HEKS/EPER’s and partners’ staff to present the main findings and recommendations.
iii. A first draft of the market and livelihood assessment report.
iv. A final report inclusive of HEKS/EPER’s and partners’ comments.
5. Qualifications
i. Advanced University degree (Master Level minimum) in Development Studies, Development economics, Socio-economic studies, or other related fields. Additional areas of experience could include poverty reduction; economics, business administration or management.
ii. Minimum of 5 years of relevant practical field experience within one or more of the following areas: Socio-economic and/or household economy assessments; risks and vulnerability assessments, Market assessments.
iii. Experience and knowledge in livelihood programming and Cash-Based Interventions and assistance.
iv. Demonstrated experience in conducting assessments for planning and/or evaluation purposes. Familiarity with established assessment and analytical tools is desirable (e.g. Household economy approach; Sustainable livelihoods framework; Emergency Market and mapping analysis; Minimum economic and recovery standards, etc.).
v. Experience in conducting an in-depth market survey and livelihood assessment in protracted conflict situations.
vi. Demonstrated excellent analytical, writing and reporting skills
vii. Prior work experience in South Sudan and/or proven knowledge of South Sudan is essential.
viii. Demonstrated publications record, covering research, technical, and policy areas;
ix. Excellent networking skills with private and public sector institutions;
x. Extensive computer skills in Microsoft Office (excel, word, PowerPoint, etc.).
xi. Familiarity/ understanding of the geographical areas covered by the assessment and working with conflict-affected people.
xii. Fluency in written and spoken English.
xiii. Knowledge of Juba-Arabic or Bari language will be a strong asset.
6. Responsibilities of HEKS/EPER and its Partners.
i. HEKS/EPER will provide the consultant with all related documents and relevant materials.
ii. For the logistics, HEKS/EPER through its partners will provide the consultant with transportation to and within the project sites and arrange translation services if necessary.
iii. HEKS/EPER will provide support to the consultant in organizing all the necessary field-visits, meetings and survey samples.
iv. HEKS/EPER will provide comments on 1st draft within an agreed timeframe.
7. Bidding proposals
Interested candidates should submit their application material including:
i. Technical and financial proposal, plan and schedule. Data collection/analysis, methodology and draft collection tools will be explained in an inception report once the consultant will be awarded the mandate and a contract signed.
ii. CV of all proposed parties.
iii. Cover letter clearly summarizing experience as it pertains to this assignment and three professional references.
iv. At least one example of a market and livelihood assessment report (Similar to that described in the ToR).
v. HEKS/EPER will select the best proposal based on the experience and capacity of the consultant(s), quality of the technical offer and the financial offer.
8. Submission deadline
The closing date for receipt of applications is 17th April 2020 (Incomplete bidding materials will not be considered). Applications will be evaluated upon reception.
How to apply:
Application materials shall be submitted to**:** hekseperrecruitment@gmail.com. The email subject line should quote “Market and livelihoods Assessment and the applicant’s full name.
