TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR A CONSULTANT TODOCUMENT THE STATUS OF DURABLE SOLUTIONS IN NORTHERN UGANDA.

Project: Assessment on Durable Solution in Northern Uganda

Position/Level: Short Term International consultancy

Duration: Three months

Background

With the signing of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement in 2006 and subsequentrelative peace and security and the achievement of freedom of movement in Northern Uganda, Internally Displaced Persons began the process of return to villages of origin. At present, 85% of thepopulation originally displaced to the camps has returned home, resulting in the closure of 192 camps in the Acholi, Teso and Lango Sub Region out of the original 243 camps.

In addition, the government of Uganda through the Peace Recovery and Development plan (PRDP) is supporting the returnprocess byimplementing a three year plan aimed at bridging the development gaps in northern Uganda.

While the Peace Recovery and Development Plan (PRDP) aims to improve access to basic services, the implementation and challenges associated with recovery programs also persist, making it pertinent to monitor the return and recovery efforts to identify factors which prevent full (re)integration and achievement of durable solutions for formerly displaced persons.

Consequent to the foregoing, the Framework for Durable Solution drawn by the UN Secretary General on the Human Rights of the IDPs sets out theprocesses and conditions aimed towards the full achievement of Durable Solution of formerly displaced persons. In 2010, UNHCR together with government and civil societyorganizationwill apply the Framework for Durable Solution to determine the level of (re)integration of the formerly displaced persons.

Objective and scope

The main objective of the project is to understand the status of Durable Solutions of formerly displaced persons and advise the competent authorities and stakeholders on the gaps in order to realign priorities and programs to address humanitarian, recovery and development needs.

The Assessment on Durable solution is a government led process but with participation from UN agencies and civil society organizations, which is expected to cover five districts within the Acholi sub-region in Uganda.

Detailed tasks and activities

  • Participate in the development of the survey tools and data base; ensure quality of methodological approach; overseethe overall assessment, ensure revision and updating of work-plans; prepare budget,communicateregularly with each of the District Durable Solution Core Team (DDST)and provide regular progress reports.
  • Facilitate the reporting process and preparation of official documentation of the overallstatus of Durable Solution Assessment including the agenda, organization of work and reports of the different Assessment Teams.
  • Coordinate with the DDST, the District Disaster Management Committees (DDMCs)and the Assessment Teams in each district to process and perform quality control of such information/documentation.
  • Assist inthe implementation of the Standard Operating Procedures for the Assessment of Durable Solutions
  • Organize and participate in joint field visits with members of theDDMC.
  • Monitor,evaluate and report progress of the Assessment and providesuggestions to the DDST.
  • Analyze data collected through questionnaire prepared for the purpose.
  • Organize at least one workshop per District with all key stakeholders to streamline activities and provide feedbacks.

Management arrangement and time line

The consultant will work under the overall supervision of the Head of SubOffice Gulu, and in close cooperation with District Durable Solutions Core Team (DDST), members of the DDMC including all stakeholders.

The total duration of the assignment is 3 months.

Deliverables

At the end of the field Assessment, the consultant is expected to compile and present the consolidated findings to all actors in the districts for discussion.

The consolidated report of the assessment for the Five Acholi Districtsshould beconcise, articulate and with in the main objectives of the study which is clearly written, in English versions, using Arial 11 point.

The Assessmentreport should consist of:

  • Executive summary and recommendations not more than 10 pages;
  • Main text, to include : current context (return process);cluster systems; evaluation purpose and methodology;presentation of data analysis and commentary; and conclusions;
  • Appendices, to include: evaluation terms of reference; maps;framework on Durable Solutions; Questionnaire;andbibliography;
  • References used in the drafting of the Assessment report.
  • The final report of the Durable Solution Assessment remains available for access by development humanitarian actors, governments and all stakeholders.

A final report should be submitted not later than30th September 2010.

Competencies and Skills

  • Advanced university degree in international relations, political science, Law

and/or development studies, business administration or other related disciplines including key knowledge in documentation and reporting.

  • At least five (5) years of progressively responsible work experience, including (how many?) years at the international level.
  • Practical experience with survey design and methodology is an important requirement with experience in data management and applied statistics.
  • Demonstrated capability of good understanding of the Cluster Approach and the Framework for Durable Solution is a compulsory requirement.
  • Good organizational skills, ability to work under pressure while respecting deadlines.
  • Good interpersonal skills and ability work in a multi-cultural, environment, withdiplomacy and discretion.
  • Excellent command of oral and written English, including excellent drafting skills is key for the position.
  • Good analytical skills and ability to understand and adapt to complex socio-cultural back ground in regard to the overall programming.
  • Demonstrated leadership,facilitation and team working skills and ability to establish harmonious working relations with other UN agencies/I/NGOs and most importantly with the Local district leadership, civil societies and the IDP communities.
  • Highly motivated; able to motivate and build the capacity of others and to drive initiatives forward with minimal day-to-day supervision.
  • Good qualitative and quantitative research skills including experience in conducting community-based processes and/or research on social issues (Essential)
  • Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS word, Excel and Power point)
  • Experience working with the UN including Document Management isan advantage.
  • Experience in managing of teams and documentation.

Application Procedures

Qualified and interested candidates are requested to forward to Mr Mulugeta Zewdieat copying Mr Jeddy Namfua at o later than 30th June 2010.

Only short -listed candidates will be notified.

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