The Use of MPC and Cash for Protection in Syria

  • Remote
  • TBD USD / Year

Caritas Austria

Consultant(s) required for a research study into the use of MPC cash and Cash for Protection in Syria

Context for the work

The CWG will formalize collaboration to map and document evidence on past and ongoing CVA Programmes, including activities in both MPC and Cash for Protection (CfP). The aim of this joint project is to compile a comprehensive evidence document/report on the use of Multi-Purpose Cash (MPC) and CfP in Syria, to strengthen the evidence on the use of cash in Syria and disseminate the findings to a wide audience. The rationale for this work is the existing gap in documentation of evidence on the implementation of MPC and CfP in Syria.

The final report will be guided by the contributions on documentation and monitoring done by the various CVA and protection actors such as UNHCR, UNICEF, UNRWA, NRC, Caritas, DKH and Oxfam, in direct cooperation with the protection sector in Syria and other actors who would be interested in contributing to this report and learn from it.

The report will be used to improve CVA programming and build the actors’ capacity on monitoring CVA and cash for protection programmes.

Specific tasks of the consultancy

Key activities of the consultancy include:

  1. Collect and review the available assessments and reports developed post Covid-19 on market analysis and monitoring, affected population and the most vulnerable groups accessibility, functionality, CVA cost efficiency, recipient’s modality preferences, affordability of basic goods and FSPs capacity.
  2. How CfP can ensure more effective protection of Persons of Concern (PoCs) in Syria.
  3. The impact of the utilization of MPC on protection programmes in Syria.
  4. Investigate how CfP can ensure more effective protection of Persons of Concern (PoCs) in Syria.
  5. Conduct interviews with key informants, CVA and protection Practitioners (UN Agencies, NNGOs, INGOs and CVA actors) in Syria and in the MENA Region.
  6. Synthesise the findings into a narrative report drawing the feasibility and effectiveness/impact of using MPC and CfP Programmes/ Projects in Syria.
  7. Coordinate and participate in roundtable discussions with humanitarian actors on the findings of the study.
  8. Organize and conduct a webinar to present the findings and recommendation of the study.

Key Deliverables/Outputs

During the consultancy, the following outputs will be expected:

  1. Comprehensive plan detailing the timelines to achieve the objectives within the ToR.
  2. Collective narrative report including a timeline on available case studies, assessments and reports.
  3. Facilitation of virtual round table with programme managers/technical staff to discuss findings.
  4. Webinar to present findings.

Methodology

  • The consultant/ Consultancy team will have an inception meeting with the relevant colleagues to set the outlines of the study and agree on the methodology.
  • An inception report before the actual data collection and study begin.
  • Review of existing MPCA and CfP programmes SoPs and monitoring tools and published reports.
  • Review of available reports and individual case studies done by the CVA Actors in Syria.
  • Conduct key informants interviews with practitioners in Syria.
  • Developing a comprehensive study that covers the appropriateness and effectiveness of CVA and CfP programming.
  • Reflecting outcomes of the round table discussion on the draft report to produce the final edition.

Essential profile of the consultant

For this piece of work, Syria CWG is looking for the following expertise:

Relevant qualifications:

  • Demonstrated knowledge of the CVA context in Syria.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of Protection and Cash for Protection in Syria.
  • Previous experience working in the MENA region.
  • Demonstrated work experience in Cash and Voucher assistance, both at a strategic and technical level.
  • Knowledge of the coordination architecture.
  • Proven research, analysis and writing skills.
  • Fluency in English, Arabic is an advantage.
  • The CWG and Caritas Austria will not be able to support Visa process if required.
  • If the applying consultant/ Firm/ Company is/are sub-contracting individuals/ firm/s for the purpose of data collection inside Syria, the CV/s and firm profiles must be submitted as supporting documents within the technical proposal.

Selection Criteria

70% technical, narrative proposal, CV, experience, and background of the applicant
30% financial offer

RESPONSIBILITIES AND CONDITIONS

Confidentiality of information: All documents provided to the evaluator(s) and all data collected during field research must be treated as confidential and used solely for the purpose of this evaluation. Respondents shall not be identified in reports without their explicit written permission. Photo, video, and other research data that can be traced back to individual research participants shall be anonymized unless agreed otherwise, in writing, with the person concerned.

Ownership of data, findings, products: CAUT retains full ownership of all data, findings, and products produced as part of this assignment.

Support by CAUT and partners: All relevant documents including programme proposal, reports, etc. will be provided for the consultant(s). Field research can be supported and facilitated by CAUT and partners based upon the methodology and approach defined and depending on Covid-19 related restrictions. Relevant contacts of other stakeholders will be shared upon the consultant(s)’ request.

Safeguarding and protection: For the time of the assignment, the evaluator commits to safeguarding and protection policies and procedures that are shared and reiterated during the preparatory phase.

Distribution Policy: Intended users of deliverables are CAUT, project implementing partners, donor, and other Caritas Internationalis Member Organisations.

All deliverables generated through this evaluation will be subject to approval by CAUT before public dissemination.

For more details please refer to the Terms of Reference an associated documentation at the link provided.

Concultancy duration: estimated 25 days
Timeframe: December 2022 – February 2023

location: Consultancy can be home-based with no travel if proven the data collectors/ analysts are based in Syria

How to apply

Interested applicants should submit their application via e-mail to:

[email protected]

with the subject line ‘Consultancy: MPC and Cash for Protection’. All applications should be made using the template format which can be downloaded on the following link: https://wolke.caritas.at/s/wzYnWqPbzAz8Px7

Password: 2Ksy4oEEYs

This link also contains important information for applicants, please refer to these before making your application.

Deadline for submission of applications is 12th December 2022, 8:00am CET.

Consultants who do not submit their quotation by this deadline or not using the required application form will not be considered.

The application should include as a minimum:

  • CVs of the consultant (and/or team members as appropriate)
  • Cover letter which clearly summarises relevant experience
  • Technical proposal including:
    • Methodology and tools
    • Detailed work plan incl. timeline
    • Examples of relevant previous work
    • Financial proposal (in EUR) including a clear breakdown of costs including fees and other expenses such as travel, accommodation and transportation

Closing date: 12-Dec-22