Consultancy for Conducting the Thematic Research

on

“Analysis of the added value of anticipatory action mechanisms in Southeast Asia that considered the meaningful engagement of the marginalized and most vulnerable groups.”

As part of “Inclusive and Gender Responsive Anticipatory Action in ASEAN (IGRAA) A project by the consortium of CARE International, Plan International and World Vision International, members of the AADMER Partnership Group (APG) and funded by ECHO.

Background

The Southeast Asia region is one of the most exposed to natural hazards in the world (ASEAN Disaster Risk Management Initiative. 2010), exposed to volcanoes, earthquakes, droughts, floods, landslides, and cyclones. Recurrent natural hazards have a high human and economic cost, affecting highly urbanized societies marked by exceptionally large inequalities. The increase in volume, severity and complexity of meteorological events is likely to affect more populations with significant socio-economic costs. Considering the vulnerability of the region in terms of disaster caused by natural hazards, support to the national Disaster Preparedness strategies is essential. These risks are further compounded by COVID-19 and its secondary effects. With attention to the needs regarding triggers and early warning capabilities, across the region, there is a need for support in developing triggers and expanding on vulnerabilities tackled.  

When disaster strikes, women, the elderly, people with a disability (PWD), children, and marginalized groups are more likely to be affected than the general population. Early warning messages tend to reach less women than men and are not suitable nor friendly for children, elderly, and people with disabilities. Effective early warning and anticipatory action systems can support and strengthen the ability of vulnerable groups to mitigate their impact. Therefore, it is crucial to support and encourage the incorporation of all vulnerable groups' issues and concerns into disaster preparedness and response efforts to ensure access and participation, covering all groups of people, resulting in a reduction in damage, loss of life and property when disaster strikes.

Currently, Southeast Asia countries are implementing anticipatory action approaches and the ASEAN Framework on the Anticipatory Action has been launched. The analysis the constructions of gender, disability, marginalize and vulnerability group in Anticipatory Action on DRR in Southeast Asia Region is therefore imperative to assess key achievements in SEA region in promoting GEDSI in Anticipatory Action in DRR, identify major challenges and gaps, and propose recommendations for future priorities to ensure impact of mainstreaming and promoting GEDSI in Anticipatory Action in DRR in the region.

The consortium of CARE International, Plan International and World Vision International, members of the AADMER Partnership Group (APG) and funded by ECHO HIP, implement a project that focuses on enhanced inclusive and gender-responsible Anticipatory Action for effective disaster preparedness within the ASEAN. This project has been designed in consultation and complementarity to FAO, the ASEAN Secretariat, DMHA and is intended to complement and have synergies with its key strategic document, the AADMER Work Program 2021-2025, and ASEAN Guidelines on Disaster Responsive Social Protection. Hence, the thematic research as part of the project activities, will be aligned with the ASEAN Framework for Anticipatory Action in Disaster Management that has been launched in May 2022 (ASEAN Secretariat, 2022), and in consultation with the Disaster, Management & Humanitarian Assistance Division of ASEAN Secretary, FAO, the regional Anticipatory Action Technical Working Group, and the consortium of IGRAA project.

Goal and Objectives

Goal: The propose thematic research  aimed to assess inclusiveness of Anticipatory Action in Vietnam and the policy advocacy in both country and regional levels and consistency with the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) Work-plan Programme 2021-2025

Objectives:

1. To understand the gaps and challenges of addressing gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI) of Anticipatory Action programmes and strategies in Vietnam and the Southeast Asia region

2. To understand the the policy engagement and advocacy of mainstreaming GEDSI anticipatory action into policy decision process

3. To draw key lesson learned from organizations implementing and supporting Anticipatory Action work in Vietnam and the Southeast Asia region, namely, FAO, German RedCross, IFRC, UNFPA, iNGOs, and CSOs

4. To review and assess the different funding opportunities  and existing technical support for AA work in Southeast Asia that are inclusive and accessible to all

Scope of Work and Limitation

• The study is expected to look into the anticipatory action related work of iNGOs, national NGOs, and the multilateral organizations (For example: FAO, IFRC, UN Women, etc.)
• The study is expected to look into the ASEAN Framework on Anticipatory Action for Disaster Management, policy framework and institutional mechanism of key countries in SEA region
• The study focuses  on women leaders, PWD, marginalized and most vulnerable groups in ASEAN state members.
• The study only covers the ASEAN state members that already have Anticipatory Action project documentation due to the time limitation.
• The study may refer to other countries’ research and published reports only for literature study and comparison during analysis if necessary.

Key questions that the study should explore are as follows

1. How effective the existing early warning system reaching to the most vulnerable groups (Trigger Actions Development and Communication to most vulnerable people/GEDSI Responsive, what are the barriers)
2. How is the Vulnerable groups' voice and leadership in planning and early action based on the received early warning information?
3. What is financing typology that might be used for Inclusive Anticipatory Action (cash transfer, calamity fund, pool funding, national contingency fund, social protection guarantees/social safety & disaster nets, fiscal risk mitigation, insurance, etc.);

Tentative Timeline*

The research is expected to start on30  July 2022 and completed by 30^th November 2022 with the following schedule:

*The timeline is subject to change as appropriate due to the consultant(s) selection process. The change(s) is subject to discussion and consensus between the consultant(s) and the IGRAA consortium members

Methodology

The consultant can use the mix methodology of quantitative and qualitative survey as appropriate and according to inputs and suggestions from the committee, including

• The research should combine desk research and field work in one of the Countries in SEA which is Viet Nam.
• Literature study from other researches on GEDSI and AA
• Interviews and focus group discussions with related agencies on AA as well as the GEDSI groups in the community
• The survey(s) should include consulting with women, children, elderly, PWD. The Researchers/consultants are expected to have experience consulting with communities.

Deliverables

1. Inception Report

Inception is prepared by the consultant – after an initial review of relevant documentation and some initial interviews. It shall present:

• Literature study including the conceptual framework(s) to be used in the analysis, in this case to use ASEAN AA framework.
• the key questions and methodology;
• analytical framework for answering the evaluation questions with rubrics or assessment scales that will be used for assessing the information, data sources and collection, sampling and key indicators;
• selection of case studies
• first list of interviewees/stakeholders
• detail research schedule

The Inception Report also includes a timeline for the analysis process. It shall explain the strengths, weaknesses and limitations and the means used to address these limitations. The consultation team should suggest a tentative structure of the final report. The Inception Report should be written in English and should not exceed 15 pages excluding annexes.

2. Final Report

• A fit-to-print research report in English containing findings, conclusions and recommendations, whereby the conclusions must be clearly derived from the findings and the recommendations be clearly based on the conclusions.
• The report should contain valid references and data for evidence
• Additionally, a short and concise presentation (PowerPoint) shall be prepared by the consultation team for the project consortium use.
• At the end of the process, provide the content for a shorter public report or leaflet (max. 8 pages).

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results

• Deliverables submitted according to timelines outlined above.
• Quality of the deliverables according to the tasks outlined above.

Criteria for Consultants/Research Institution

The researcher(s) are expected to work closely with the consortium lead CARE International and the IGRAA Consortium members (Plan International and World Vision).

• Completed a master’s degree in political or social sciences, international relations, migration, environment, law, or a related field. PhD in related topics is an advantage.
• Minimum 7 years experience in research and policy analysis on GEDSI, environment, climate change and disaster risk reduction.
• Experience in coordinating internal and external inputs from multiple stakeholders at all levels.
• In depth knowledge of key concepts, issues, actors and processes around GEDSI, environment, climate change and disaster risk reduction. •
• Sound knowledge of international and regional policy processes in the areas of GEDSI, environment and climate change.
• First rate drafting skills in English, and demonstrated ability to write clearly, succinctly and in a manner that appeals to a wide audience.
•  IT proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams as well as experience with virtual coworking tools and website management

Budget:

The budget of TOR development will use the ECHO-HIP project with the expectation of contribution from ASEAN in terms of meeting facilities (online/offline) and the website.

We invite interested candidates to submit an application with a current CV, a proposal (including a brief evaluation description, a timeline and a budget), and relevant references or past relevant experiences.

References

ASEAN Secretariat. (2022). ASEAN Framework on Anticipatory Action in Disaster Management. ASEAN Secretariat. https://asean.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/ASEAN-Framework-on-Anticipatory-Action-in-Disaster-Management.pdf

ASEAN Disaster Risk Management Initiative. (2010). Synthesis report on Ten ASEAN countries disaster risks assessment. World Bank, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction–Regional Office for Asia and Pacific (UNISDR AP), Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR)

https://www.thaingo.org/jobs/files/ToR_FBEA_Thematic Research_July 22.pdf