East Africa: Consultant, Gender, Displacement and Durable Solutions in East Africa and the Great Lakes

Apr 29, 2025 | Danish Refugee Council
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1. Who is the Regional Durable Solutions Secretariat?

ReDSS is a secretariat working on behalf of 14 international and national NGOs working on forced displacement in East Africa, the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes region. We were established in 2015 in response to a desire by the NGO community to be more proactive in shaping durable solutions policy and programming in the region. Our team works both a regional and country level and focusses on the translation of evidence and research into policies and programmes that can better deliver for displacement-affected communities. We do this through a range of activities, including: convening key stakeholders at multiple levels to produce consensus around collective actions that can be taken; supporting new evidence generation through commissioning and undertaking research and analysis; and building the capacity of key actors through delivering training and developing tools and guidance. We do not implement programmes directly, and by maintaining this distance are better able to play a neutral role across the system.

2. Purpose of the consultancy

ReDSS seeks to undertake a study to support understand how gender has been considered in durable solutions responses in East Africa and the Great Lakes and provide recommendations on how to strengthen this. This includes support in the development of practical guidance and identification of best practices for gender-sensitive durable solutions policy, planning and strategy. This should provide a broad framework for assessing the extent to which gender considerations are integrated in policy and planning in East Africa and the Great Lakes, with case studies across three contexts in the region, including a mix of internal and refugee displacement crises.

This work is foundational to the work of ReDSS and its members across the region and will act as a basis for ensuring that our engagements with key partners is appropriately informed by a gender lens. Dissemination of the findings will be integrated into various events and engagements over the coming period, including support to development and implementation of a regional strategy by the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) as well as national durable solutions planning and policy processes.

The consultancy must place a strong emphasis on the inclusion of the voices of displacement affected populations. The work will include primary data collection with IDPs, refugees and host communities. It will equally be guided by a Research Advisory Group which will be made up of refugee and IDP-led civil society and women’s rights organizations. Other experts may equally be invited to join, as relevant.

Priority in selection will be given to consultants who are from or have direct experience engaging with displacement-affected communities, particularly in the region.

3. Background

Amidst record displacement globally, the need for pathways and engagement towards the realization durable solutions for refugees and displaced populations is critical. This can only be inclusive and effective when there is recognition that women, men, girls and boys experience displacement differently, and often face distinct barriers to the achievement of durable solutions. Additionally, power dynamics and gender norms can influence the levels to which and ways in which women, men, girls and boys are engaged in decision-making surrounding durable solutions and mobility, from the household level up.

While gendered analysis and evidence is growing and there is increasing recognition across responses of the need for gender-sensitive programming, policy and planning, there continue to be significant gaps. Often conversations around gender-sensitive approaches continue to be framed around exposure to violence. It is well documented that experiences of displacement can increase risks of sexual and gender-based violence, including sexual exploitation and abuse, rape and domestic violence. These risks cut across cycles of displacement – from initial movement through secondary movements, the often-protracted period in displacement, and return, resettlement/relocation and (re)integration.

While further analysis of these dynamics as well as programming and policy shifts are undoubtedly necessary, gendered dynamics to the achievement of durable solutions affect all aspects of the experiences of displacement affected communities. IASC identifies 8 criteria for the achievement of durable solutions[1]; these reflect rights which are necessary to the achievement of durable solutions, but equally reflect areas where challenges remain in many countries in the region. Each also bring distinct gender dynamics. For example, conservative gender norms may impact women’s ability to access livelihoods, with particular impacts for female-headed households; conversely, experiences of displacement can sometimes mean a broadening of gender roles that expose women to new opportunities for work and/or development of their skills. Women also often face particular challenges claiming their HLP rights. Or, for example, the experience of men – particularly young men and boys – can often be distinctly impacted by community tensions, impacting their safety and security in areas of displacement or return.

These dynamics vary significantly from one context to another, and while they may be known or assessed to a certain extent – for example through research, gender-sensitive data, or monitoring and gender analysis completed to inform programming – it is unclear the extent to which these inform durable solutions processes. This is also as gender norms at country and local levels can also influence the level of buy-in for specific gender-sensitive analysis, objectives or interventions. Gender capacity in displacement responses – both among response actors and Government agencies – tend to be systematically underfunded; in the context of increasing funding gaps across the globe, it is also unclear how this will impact levels of gendered analysis, advice and sensitive programming.

The breadth and complexity of these dynamics – and the multiple challenges of ensuring they are properly assessed and addressed in displacement responses – suggests that gathering lessons learned and best practices and developing practical guidance could support ensuring that national and regional displacement policy, planning and strategy is gender-sensitive.

4. Objective of the consultancy

Building on existing evidence and practice, ReDSS seeks to commission a consultant to conduct a study that will help identify practical guidance and best practices for ensuring gender-sensitive durable solutions planning, policy and programming. Given the broad scope of the durable solutions agenda and the cross-cutting nature of gender dynamics, the work is proposed to be conducted in three phases:

  1. Integration of a gender lens into existing durable solutions frameworks and approaches

The consultants will be expected to undertake an extensive literature review, with a particular focus on literature relating to displacement dynamics in ReDSS’s region, to explore what is known about the particular effects of forced and protracted displacement on different genders – including what data and statistics are available. This should cover both the drivers of vulnerability and resilience, and the potential factors implicating durable solutions responses and processes. It should also provide initial conclusions on the extent to which gender considerations have been included in durable solutions planning strategy and policy in the region to date. This should consider UNHCR’s understanding of durable solutions, the established IASC framework on durable solutions as well as the gender accountability framework and other regional and global frameworks on gender in emergencies. Emerging thinking being developed by the ReDSS coalition that focusses on tackling economic, social and political barriers to solutions should also be considered, particularly in framing the findings. A short inception phase will provide an opportunity for the consultants to propose and finalise an approach with the ReDSS team.

This initial phase should also include the establishment and engagement with the Research Advisory Group described above to ensure strong inputs from those with lived experience of displacement, with particular emphasis on civil society leaders and organizations led by women and/or displacement affected communities. If required, this engagement could be complemented with consultations with other stakeholders. At the end of this phase, the consultants should produce:

  • A report summarizing the findings of the initial consultations and literature review, presenting an overview of gendered barriers to durable solutions in the region.
  • A framework for assessing how gender has been integrated into durable solutions processes in the region, to support completion of phase 2 (see below).

2. Review of how gender has been integrated into durable solutions processes in the region

The consultants will be expected to undertake rapid gender reviews of durable solutions processes in three countries in the region, with the countries to be identified during the first phase. ReDSS has tentatively identified Burundi, Uganda and Somalia as countries of focus, though there is opportunity for discussion on this. Selection should be based on criteria to be determined with ReDSS and the Research Advisory Group, but aim to provide a range of experiences that speak to the diversity of forced displacement in the region, with an expectation of at least one context in the Great Lakes region, and a mixture of both refugee and internal displacement experiences. These rapid reviews should apply the framework developed in the first phase to each context, exploring the following high-level questions:

  • How has gender been approached in durable solutions related policies and programming in the context?
  • Where have been the biggest gaps, based on an application of the proposed framework?
  • How have gender considerations shaped processes that have sought to strengthen the role of displacement-affected communities in decision-making and participation?
  • What evidence of good practice can be identified, either in policy or programming, for solutions with a gendered lens? What lessons have been learned?

The consultants will be expected to propose a methodology for these rapid reviews that provides a balance between depth and breadth, combining literature review, interviews with key stakeholders and focus-group discussions where relevant. This should include a strong emphasis on engagement with displacement affected communities, and local civil society actors which represent them. The presence of team members within each of the contexts is expected to be critical for delivery.

At the end of this phase, the consultant should produce 3 individual case studies on key contexts in the region.

3. Development of recommendations and tools for the ReDSS Coalition and our partners

Finally, the consultants will be expected to develop recommendations, both in relation to the individual contexts and more broadly for the ReDSS coalition, around how we can strengthen our approach to gender in future activities. This should include specific and practical approaches or processes that can be introduced or advocated for to promote gendered approaches to solutions at country and regional levels.

In addition, the consultants will be requested to support ReDSS in developing or adapting capacity building tools on solutions to incorporate a dedicated component on gender and durable solutions for use going forward. The type and content of these tools should be established and developed based on the findings of the literature review and rapid gender reviews (for example, training packages, data collection tools, etc.), but should include a finalized framework for assessing how gender has been integrated into durable solutions processes in different contexts.

5. Scope of Work and Methodology

For the purposes of the consultancy, the Great Lakes region covers all twelve-member states of the ICGLR, namely: Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Congo Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. While it is expected that the Gender Analysis address dynamics across the region, particular emphasis should be tentatively placed on the Burundi, Uganda and Somalia refugees’ responses. The specific scope of work will be established between ReDSS and the Consultant(s) – in consultation with other relevant actors – during the inception phase. In line with time and resource constraints, this could include – for example – focus on specific regional displacement contexts or priority thematic issues.

The consultant(s) will be responsible for developing a detailed methodology as part of the inception report. The methodology should align with the objectives of the Gender Analysis and outline the research questions, data sources and approach to data collection and analysis. While there is some flexibility in the proposed approach, it is expected to include a strong desk review and qualitative component (particularly key informant interviews) and be designed in a way to capture valuable insights into the gendered impacts of displacement and offering practical solutions for durable solutions in East Africa and the Great Lakes region.

The consultant(s) should also ensure the meaningful inclusion of diverse perspectives, including those of refugee, host community and government representatives – as well as other operation and political actors. A gender-sensitive approach is encouraged to better understand how gender norms impact refugee policies and practices.

The final methodology will be agreed with ReDSS and should balance breadth of perspectives and the need for practical recommendations with time and resource considerations.

6. Deliverables

Phase 1 Integration of a gender lens into existing frameworks and approaches

Expected deliverables & Indicative description of tasks: Comprehensive literature review - A detailed report summarizing the findings of the initial consultations and full literature review, presenting an overview of gendered barriers to durable solutions in the region as well as key information and data gaps. Maximum expected timeframe - 15 working days

A draft framework for assessing gender integration - A framework for assessing how gender has been integrated into durable solutions processes in the region, to support completion of phase 2, informed by the literature review and consultation with relevant stakeholders. Maximum expected timeframe - 10 working days

Phase 2 Rapid Gender Analyses

Expected deliverables & Indicative description of tasks: Three country analyses - Three separate country analyses reviewing approaches to gender across durable solutions processes in the region. This should include findings of contextualized literature reviews and primary data collection. Maximum expected timeframe - 50 working days

Phase 3 Recommendations and tools

Expected deliverables & Indicative description of tasks: Final report - short summary report of findings across Phases 1 and 2, including recommendations on approaches to further integrate a gender lens into durable solutions processes in the region. Maximum expected timeframe - 18 working days

Finalized framework for assessing gender integration - Revised draft framework for assessing gender integration in durable solutions processes, adapted based on further consultations and finding of rapid country analyses. Maximum expected timeframe - 5 working days

Gender integration tools - Contextualizable tools on approaches to gender integration and durable solutions to support the capacity of key stakeholders. Maximum expected timeframe - 10 working days

Phase 4 Conclusion

Expected deliverables & Indicative description of tasks: Dissemination - Presentations of the findings and briefing on the tools for ReDSS staff and other relevant stakeholders. Maximum expected timeframe - 2 working days

7. Duration, timeline, and payment

The assignment should be completed by the end of November 2025. The consultancy firm shall be paid the agreed consultancy fee upon completion of the deliverables listed above. The consultancy fee will be paid in instalments that will be detailed in the contract.

8. Proposed Composition of Team

This consultancy is open to submissions by firms. We expect the proposal to prominently feature locally-led analysis, particularly emphasizing the lived experiences of refugee communities. This can be achieved either through the expertise of the consultant or team, targeted partnership or collaboration, or other specific design approaches to effectively integrate these perspectives in the process and conclusions.

9. Eligibility, qualification, and experience required

The consultant(s) should possess the following qualifications:

  • Advanced degree in Social Sciences, Political Affairs, International Relations, Development Studies, Gender Studies, or a related field;
  • At least 5 years of proven experience in conducting Gender analyses, particularly to inform responses to displacement, migration or refugee issues;
  • Ability to assess and provide gender-sensitive approaches to displacement issues and identify the different needs, vulnerabilities, and capacities of men, women, boys, and girls.
  • Knowledge of displacement and migration dynamics in the Great Lakes region is a strong added advantage;
  • Experience conducting field research, needs assessments, and data collection related to gender, displacement, and durable solutions.
  • Excellent analytical, writing and communication skills;
  • Fluency in English and/or French (spoken and written). Knowledge of local languages in the Great Lakes region is an added advantage.

10. Technical supervision

The selected consultant will work under the supervision of:

  • Elysia Buchanan, ReDSS Manager-Great Lakes

11. Location and support

Submissions for this consultancy are open to bids for remote work or work with team members based in ICGLR Member States. Ideally the (lead) consultant will be based in the Great Lakes region, particularly in a relevant country of ReDSS operations (Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Tanzania, Somalia, Rwanda and DRC).

The Consultant(s) will provide her/his/their own computer and mobile telephone.

12. Travel

This consultancy is not expected to include travel.

13. Submission process

Please refer to the RFP Invitation Letter

14. Evaluation of bids

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

  • Administration Evaluation: A bid shall pass the administrative evaluation stage before being considered for technical and financial evaluation. Bids that are deemed administratively non-compliant may be rejected. Documents listed as per the administrative criteria must be submitted with your bid.
  • Technical Evaluation: For the award of this project, the evaluation criteria will govern the selection of offers received. All bids that pass the Technical Evaluation will proceed to the Financial Evaluation. Bids that are deemed technically non-compliant will not be financially evaluated
  • Financial Evaluation: The financial offer will then be weighed against the technical offer. The total cost of the financial offer including tax should be mentioned in the DRC Bid Form Annex A.2, within the budget breakdown. Note: DRC is a VAT Withholding agent appointed by KRA

DRC will conduct reference checks from at least 1 previous work as an additional mandatory requirement.

Please refer to the RFP Invitation Letter for more information.

15. TERMS & CONDITIONS

DRC will evaluate proposals and award the assignment based on technical and financial feasibility in line with DRC Procurement guidelines. DRC reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal received without disclosing reasons to applicants and is not bound to accept the lowest bidder.

16. CONFIDENTIALITY

All information presented, obtained, and produced is to be treated as DRC’s property and is considered confidential for all other purposes than what is outlined in these terms of reference.

17. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For additional information regarding these terms of reference, please send your questions to Regional Supply Chain Manager: procurement.RO01@drc.ngo

Please find the complete bidding documents in the following link: RFP-RO01-003801 Great Lakes Gender Study Consultancy

How to apply

Bids can be submitted by email to the following dedicated, controlled, & secure email address:

tender.ro01@drc.ngo

When Bids are emailed, the following conditions shall be complied with:

The RFP number shall be inserted in the Subject Heading of the email:

  • Separate emails shall be used for the ‘Financial Bid’ and ‘Technical Bid’, and the Subject Heading of the email shall indicate which type the email contains
    • The financial bid shall only contain the financial bid form, Annex A.2 or vendors financial bid in own format
    • The technical bid shall contain all other documents required by the tender, but excluding all pricing information
  • Bid documents required, shall be included as an attachment to the email in PDF, JPEG, TIF format, or the same type of files provided as a ZIP file. Documents in MS Word or excel formats, will result in the bid being disqualified.
  • Email attachments shall not exceed 4MB; otherwise, the bidder shall send his bid in multiple emails.

Failure to comply with the above may disqualify the Bid.

DRC is not responsible for the failure of the Internet, network, server, or any other hardware, or software, used by either the Bidder or DRC in the processing of emails.

Bids will be submitted electronically. DRC is not responsible for the non-receipt of Bids submitted by email as part of the e-Tendering process