Somalia: Humanitarian-Development-Peace Triple Nexus Research

Feb 7, 2022 | Oxfam Novib
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Conflicts and shocks linked to climate change are more frequent and intense, leading to poverty and inequality, exacerbating these phenomena and people’s vulnerability. In this context, humanitarian relief, development program and peacebuilding are not serial processes: they are all needed at the same time to tackle the systemic inequalities that trap people into poverty and expose them to risk. There is a need to look at both what we do and how we do it to ensure the aid sector remains fit for purpose and impactful in light of both the increasing protracted nature of crises and the internally sectoral challenges around limited human and financial resources to continuously respond.

The triple nexus, or programming across humanitarian-development-peace pillars, thus means creating synergies and common goals across short-term emergency response program and longer-term social change processes in development, as well as enhancing opportunities for peace so that individuals can enjoy the full spectrum of human rights.

For some time, Oxfam Somalia has been delivering humanitarian and resilience interventions and we are expanding our work and learning to ensure programming across t nexus becomes a key approach e.g. piloting complementary peacebuilding activities in selected villages which already receive resilience and humanitarian focused funding. Interventions proposed under this project will thus help further test triple nexus approaches, refine our thinking and document our existing practical expertise in support of the development of Oxfam Somalia Nexus strategy.

Objective

Research on feasible triple nexus programming in Somalia will be conducted across Somaliland, Puntland, and South-central Somalia. The research is aimed at capturing Oxfam and partners’ experiences and good practices that are already taking place in the respective geographical locations and assessing them against HDP concepts (at a sectoral level and also based on Oxfam nexus policy). The result of this research is envisaged to inform development of a country-wide triple nexus strategy, guiding partners’ and Oxfam’s work in Somalia. Our Nexus strategy is anticipated to contribute to  and decisions about the right mix of humanitarian-development-peace (HDP) components.

Strategic fit: This research will look into and bring out, in-depth analysis of opportunities and Oxfam’s comparative advantage(s) related to programming across the nexus. Research must also take into account other complementary commitments such as LHL/localization, how Oxfam partners with local community structures to promote transformative peace processes and events. The Nexus strategy will ensure that Oxfam Somalia has a clear road map on the implementation of the concept of the triple nexus in all its programs and influencing work.

Findings of this research should provide a systems approach and look beyond the silos of humanitarian, development, peacebuilding, and advocacy towards a pragmatic model of implementing the RRR framework.

Specific Objectives

  • Examine and undertake critical analysis of, both general and context specific, risks and opportunities that underpin different programmatic approaches
  • Recommend context specific right mix of humanitarian- development and peace nexus in view of realities on the ground and a pathway to support decision-making on this mix in future programme design.
  • Capture Oxfam and partner good practices and produce learnings to be used for organizational showcasing and fundraising on successful triple nexus program carried out by Oxfam and its partners
  • The consultant is expected to develop research document that could be used to inform foundations for Oxfam Somalia nexus strategy development

Methodology and sampling overview

The research will employ both quantitative and qualitative methods. This will allow to provide in-depth/broader understanding of the current situation of the affected communities. The criteria for selecting sites will depend on the context, hence, target villages for the assessment will be selected based on operational distribution of Oxfam and partners. In addition, the research will consider various clusters/geographic split of our program in South central, Puntland and Somaliland.

Sampling will be primarily purposive with quotas for each administrative areas, meaning that findings will be indicative, and all various interviews of the assessment will be purposively conducted with fully informed community members such as heads of households from both host community and internally displaced persons (IDPs), community leaders, villages committees, government representatives etc. The methodology must be intentionally designed to gather diverse perspectives e.g. from women, host and IDP community members etc.

The desk-based review should draw on grey literature, Oxfam, partner and other agencies assessments and reports as well as existing programme documentation e.g. donor reports to support the development of learning materials and associated implementation guidance. Focus group discussions and KIIs with Oxfam and partner staff as well as key sectoral actors could also be included.

Indicative questions of the research

The assessment data collection tools should cover more in depth to the main programmatic themes of Humanitarian, development and peace building. However, a topline of the key questions and priorities required for the research to meet will be as follows:

  1. What approaches, tools and ways of working currently used by Oxfam and partners in Somalia are enabling or disenabling for successful programming across the nexus?
  2. What needs to change within the wider aid sector (with a focus on Somalia systems and services) to support nexus programming e.g. within coordination mechanisms or funding patterns?
  3. Is the HDP nexus concept relevant/applicable to our primary objective of meeting communities needs and priorities (as identified by them)? Will it help us achieve our mission/vision in line with our organizational values?
  4. What do we still need to learn to improve the safe (do no harm), successful implementation of HDP nexus approach within the Somalia context?
  5. What indices or measuring matrix could be used to monitor our progress against the goals Oxfam’s sets within its’ Somalia Nexus strategy?

Deliverables

Oxfam EFSVL and acting head of program will review and approve of the following deliverables:

  • A technical proposal clearly indicating activities, timelines, and delivery plan
  • Data collection tools
  • A comprehensive participatory research report of maximum 45 pages based on the objectives set above and of publishable quality which includes learning briefs/case studies of good practice, recommendations for Oxfam nexus strategy and further instructive guidance for the roll out of nexus programming in Somalia context (see assessment questions).
  • Executive summary that is stand alone and can be used separately
  • Review of findings and validation workshop in March 2022.

Geographic scope and duration of work

The research will take place in Somaliland, Puntland and South-Central Somalia. Tentatively, this assignment is expected to be completed within 24 working days.

Qualifications

The lead consultant/consultancy firm of the assessment should have:

  • At least 10 years practical experiences in development humanitarian and peace in preferably fragile setting. While both external and in country consultants are eligible to apply, knowledge or prior experience of Somalia context is preferable
  • Demonstrate expertise and experience in conducting similar assignments for reputable organizations.
  • Excellent analytical, oral and written communication skills in English.
  • Technical capacity necessary in executing this assignment including high level analytical skills, and strong report writing skills.
  • Good reputation in context and in working with INGOs; experience working with Oxfam is an added value.
  • Commitment to Oxfam’s values and principles.

How to apply

Seasoned consultant/firm with hands on background on program complementarities, strategy development having ability to produce solid research should submit an EOI to SOM-Consultancies@oxfam.org latest on 15th February with the following:

  • Brief CV along with a succinct rationale of how the consultant/consultant team meet the requirements above (max. 3-5 pages)
  • Technical proposal of how the work will be undertaken including methodology and proposed schedule (max. 8-13 pages) + compnay profile if any
  • Evidence of prior experience relevant to the task required attached
  • Indicative budget including daily rates in USD for each team member. including costs related to transport, and accommodation, meals does necessarily require to be incorporated to the budget.
  • Government tax shall also be include (6% for national firms/individuals and 12% for international firms/individuals)
  • Contact details for three referees for similar type of work done for reputable agency.
  • Previous research similar done, if any.
  • While preserving covid protocol, willingness to undertake this work, including field visits of the targeted assessment areas in Somalia.