Switzerland: Consultancy - support in community based protection methodology manual

1. Background

The ICRC applies community-based approaches – underpinned by the “do no harm” principle – in various ways to reinforce the operational relevance, effectiveness and impact of its activities across different programmes. Specifically for the Protection Division, the aim of the activities undertaken is to strengthen communities’ resilience and to better respond to the perceived or actual threats often linked to an armed conflict or other situations of violence.

In line with the ICRCs Institutional Strategy 2019-2022 that states *“f**acilitating the meaningful participation of affected people and ensuring they have space and agency within the humanitarian response is critical in addressing their situation. It will require time,** new approaches, practical tools and techniques to make a difference***…, the Protection of Civilian Populations unit is producing a Community-Based Protection (CBP) Manual.

First developed in 2011, the CBP methodology and approach has evolved substantially adapting to challenges and lessons learned. The methodology today builds upon the initial risk reduction activities to ensure that the ICRC response is driven by communities’ priorities and is inclusive.

Over the past 3 years, the CBP team has trained nearly 600 colleagues in 24 delegations based on this updated methodology, but it is currently spread out in many documents and separate tools. To ensure continuity of the trainings and expand the ICRCs response in this area there is a need to have a manual that provides practical guidance on how to roll out the CBP approach (the methodology), and that highlights the community issues the ICRC has addressed within the frame of its humanitarian response (the practice).

2. Purpose of the CBP Manual

While today there exist external reference documents on CBP, the ICRC uses a more simplified and practical tool so to ensure continued and extended operationalization of the approach in contexts affected by the conflict.

This manual will thus be mainly addressed to field colleagues of the ICRC as well as those of partner humanitarian organizations (Movement National Societies) who are directly interacting with communities and people affected by the conflict. However as the CBP approach requires engagement of the coordination and management teams, it will also address their specific roles in a successful deployment. This manual will not be designed for ICRC CBP trainers who have already been integral in developing the current methodology and practice; additional materials for these individuals will be considered in 2019.

3. Consultancy scope and focus

The main objective is to produce the final version of the CBP manual. The majority of the work will be comprised of taking the existing tools and knowledge and adequately translating them into a manual format. This will require building on the CBP team’s current work and developing further the analysis from the CBP workshops and ICRC responses to the population. The writer will also be responsible to coordinate the review process amongst subject-matter experts/colleagues and ensure comments are adequately addressed into the final version. The consultant will work closely with the CBP Advisor and Associate based in the ICRC Geneva HQ, as well as the regional CBP Advisors based in Dakar and Bogota and more generally the Protection of Civilian Populations Unit (CIV), management and other thematic advisors.

4. Authority and responsibility

The consultant is responsible for producing the deliverables within the established timeframe of the consultancy, the authority of which is the ICRC’s own.

5. Deliverables

Under the supervision of the CBP advisor the consultant is expected to:

• Consolidate the manual according to the agreed plan with the team;

• Ensure the lay-out and design of the manual is appropriate for its purpose;

• Finalize the writing of key sections in the following chapters: Introduction; People-centered programming; Designing the response; and, Risk-reduction activities.

• Lead the review process; and,

• Provide editing and fact checking of the Manual.

6. Timeline

The consultancy will be comprised of two phases:

1. Finalizing of initial draft (during October/November)

2. Consolidation and delivery of final draft (during November/December)

The number of days required to complete these two phases is estimated to 40 days. A final draft of the Manual is expected by the end of December 2018. The consultant should be available to commence early October 2018.

7. Profile of the candidate

• Proven ability to consolidate, analyse and synthesise information

• Excellent English writing and editing skills

• Data presentation and visualization skills

• Knowledge of the ICRC and humanitarian community based approaches are strong assets.

• Graphic design skills are an asset.

Given much of the project will be based on in-person interaction, meetings and interviews, consultants based in Geneva and surrounding areas are invited to apply.

Please email to mpawlak@icrc.org and in copy ckhoubesserian@icrc.org, with the following title “Consultancy – CBP methodology manual”. Please include:

• a short proposal (approx. 2 pages), including proposed fees per day and overall rate.

• CV

• Examples of previous, relevant work.

• At least 2 References

• Information about your legal status (company or self-employed)

The final deadline for application is Friday 31st August 2018, 6 pm