• Who is the Danish Refugee Council?

The Danish Refugee Council

Founded in 1956, the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading international NGO and one of the few with a specific expertise in forced displacement. Active in 40 countries with 9,000 employees and supported by 7,500 volunteers, DRC protects, advocates, and builds sustainable futures for refugees and other displacement-affected people and communities. DRC works during displacement at all stages: In the acute crisis, in displacement, when settling and integrating in a new place, or upon return. DRC provides protection and life-saving humanitarian assistance; supports displaced persons in becoming self-reliant and included into hosting societies; and works with civil society and responsible authorities to promote protection of rights and peaceful coexistence.

The Mixed Migration Centre

The Mixed Migration Centre (MMC) is a global network engaged in data collection, research, analysis, and policy and programmatic development on mixed migration, with regional hubs in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and Latin America, and a global team based across Copenhagen, Geneva and Brussels. MMC is a leading source for independent and high-quality data, research, analysis and expertise. MMC aims to increase understanding of mixed migration, to positively impact global and regional migration policies, to inform evidence-based mixed migration responses for people on the move and to stimulate forward thinking in public and policy debates on mixed migration. MMC’s overarching focus is on human rights and protection for all people on the move. The three overall objectives of the MMC are:

• To contribute to a better, more nuanced and balanced understanding of mixed migration (knowledge)
• To contribute to evidence-based and better-informed migration policies and debates (policy)
• To contribute to effective evidence-based protection responses for people on the move (programming)

The MMC is part of, and governed by, DRC. MMC regional hubs are hosted within DRC regional offices, but part of the global MMC network. While its institutional link to DRC ensures MMC’s work is grounded in operational reality, it acts as an independent source of data, research, analysis and policy development on mixed migration for policymakers, practitioners, journalists, and the broader humanitarian sector. The position of the MMC does not necessarily reflect the position of DRC. For more information on MMC visit our website (https://mixedmigration.org/).

• Purpose of the consultancy

Within the framework of research on climate and mobility in the Middle East, MMC is seeking proposals from a qualified company or consultant(s) to conduct comprehensive field data collection in at least one of four locations across the Middle East: Aden (Yemen), Al-Hasakah (Syria), Bekaa Valley (Lebanon), and Al-Qadissiyah (Iraq).

• Background

The Middle East, with its predominantly arid and semi-arid landscapes, has historically faced a challenging climate. The escalating impacts of climate change, however, have intensified these environmental stressors. The region is grappling with rising temperatures, dwindling freshwater resources, erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, severe dust storms, and unpredictable floods. These shifts disproportionately affect communities’ dependent on climate-sensitive livelihoods like agriculture and pastoralism, threatening their food security, livelihoods, and well-being. Furthermore, the Middle East is a region characterised by significant internal and international migration and displacement. These complex mobility dynamics are increasingly intertwined with climate change, which acts as a threat multiplier, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities and driving individuals and communities to seek alternative livelihoods and safer environments. Climate stressors further compound the challenges faced by internally displaced and migrant communities in the region, who are often living in precarious conditions with limited access to resources. In the face of these acute climate vulnerabilities, a concerning governance gap exists. While the specific challenges vary across these countries, common themes among most countries in the region include limited institutional capacity for climate adaptation and mitigation, insufficient investment in climate-resilient infrastructure, and inadequate social safety nets to support those most affected. Addressing this governance gap is often hindered by the region’s existing socio-economic and political challenges, which amplify the impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations.

Between December 2023 and April 2024, the MMC, with funding from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), conducted an extensive review of existing literature to assess the current state of knowledge regarding the impacts of climate change on mobility in the Middle East. This initial phase culminated in a workshop to validate the findings and engage in discussions with regional and national experts and practitioners about critical areas requiring further research. A key takeaway from the first phase of research and expert discussions was the recognition that climate change impacts on mobility are not uniform across the Middle East. Instead, they vary considerably depending on local contexts, including the specific climate hazards faced by different communities, their socio-economic vulnerabilities, and their existing mobility patterns. Participants emphasised the need for more nuanced, area-specific research that takes into account the diverse climate patterns, their impact on affected populations, and mobility dynamics across the region.

MMC has received additional funding from FCDO to conduct a follow-up research project focused on the impacts of climate change on mobility in specific locations within the Middle East. This project will involve primary field data collection through case studies in four distinct locations within countries across the region. The case studies aim to provide area-based information on the impact of climate-related factors on affected populations, analyse mobility patterns and aspirations in relation to these factors, and assess the effectiveness of adaptation strategies.

Building on its expansive work on climate change and mobility in other regions, MMC has developed a conceptual model that recognises the complex interplay between climate change and human mobility. This model acknowledges that climate change impacts can influence various mobility outcomes, being voluntary and involuntary movements, as well as voluntary and involuntary immobility. It emphasises the need to understand the diverse pathways and experiences associated with each type of mobility, taking into account the specific vulnerabilities and adaptive capacities of different individuals and communities.

• Objective of the consultancy

The objective of this consultancy is to gather primary field data through case studies in four distinct locations within the Middle East: Aden (Yemen), Al-Hasakah (Syria), Bekaa Valley (Lebanon), and Al-Qadissiyah (Iraq). The data collection will employ a mixed-methods approach, incorporating household surveys, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and individual interviews to provide a holistic understanding of the relationship between climate change and human mobility in these locations. The consultant will be responsible for recruiting and training enumerators and facilitators, conducting data collection activities, ensuring data quality and ethical compliance, and delivering clean data to MMC.

The consultant will be required to:

• Recruit and train qualified enumerators and facilitators
• Develop and implement effective participant recruitment strategies
• Conduct household surveys, focus group discussions, and individual and Key informant interviews
• Ensure data quality and ethical compliance
• Deliver cleaned datasets and transcripts to MMC

Scope of work and Methodology

The research project will conduct four in-depth case studies in diverse locations across the Middle East to examine the intricate relationship between climate change and human mobility. By focusing on the lived experiences and diverse mobility patterns of affected populations, this research aims to achieve the following objectives:

• Deepen the understanding of perceptions, behaviours, aspirations, and mobility outcomes among Middle Eastern populations grappling with the effects of climate change. This will involve exploring how individuals and communities perceive environmental risks, whether and how they adapt to changing conditions, what their aspirations for the future entail, and how climate change influences their mobility decisions, if at all.
• Amplify the voices of those directly affected by climate change in the Middle East, ensuring their perspectives inform policy discussions and interventions. Promoting accountability to affected populations, this research aims to provide a platform for marginalised and vulnerable groups to share their experiences, challenges, and needs, thereby informing policies and interventions that are responsive to the realities on the ground.
• Generate knowledge on the scope and nature of mobility from climate-affected areas in the Middle East, examining voluntary and involuntary mobility patterns, and the implications for both origin and destination communities. This will involve analysing the diverse pathways taken by individuals and households, the challenges they face, and the opportunities they encounter in the process of adapting to a changing environment.
• Inform evidence-based policy measures and programmes that can effectively address the challenges of climate-induced mobility in the Middle East, promote resilience among vulnerable populations, and protect the rights and well-being of those on the move. This research aims to contribute to the development of sustainable and equitable solutions and effective governance that address the root causes of forced displacement and facilitate safe and orderly migration pathways.

The data collection will utilise a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative techniques to provide a holistic understanding of the relationship between climate change and human mobility in these locations. The scope of data collection is as follows:

• Household (HH) Surveys: These surveys will quantitatively explore household adaptation strategies to climate change, mobility patterns, the impact of climate change on mobility aspirations and capabilities, and the diverse migration outcomes for individuals and households in climate-affected areas.
• Focus Group Discussions (FGDs): FGDs will be conducted with specific demographic groups within the assessed locations (young adult men, young adult women, and adult men and women) to qualitatively examine collective experiences, perceptions, and coping mechanisms related to climate change and mobility at the community level.
• Individual Interviews (IIs): In-depth semi-structured interviews will be conducted with individuals representing various mobility experiences – those who have moved or returned (voluntarily or involuntarily) and those who originate from and have remained in the location, or those who have moved to the location and resided there for at least six months. – to gain a deeper understanding of individual motivations, decision-making processes, and the perceived success of migration as an adaptation strategy.
• Key Informant Interviews (KIIs): semi-structured interviews with subject-matter experts, policymakers, local authorities, and community leaders will provide insights into local and national policies, governance structures, and perceptions related to climate-induced mobility, as well as gaps in policies and programmatic interventions.

The data collection efforts will be guided by the following overarching research questions:

• How do individuals and communities in the Middle East perceive and experience the impacts of climate change on their livelihoods and well-being?
• What are the primary drivers of mobility (including migration, displacement, and immobility) in the context of climate change, and how do these drivers interact with other social, economic, and political factors?
• What are the diverse adaptation strategies employed by individuals and communities to cope with climate change, and how do these strategies intersect with mobility decisions?
• What are the perceived successes and challenges of migration as an adaptation strategy, and what are the aspirations and needs of those who have moved or returned?
• How can policy and governance frameworks be strengthened to better address the challenges of climate-induced mobility, promote resilience, and protect the rights and well-being of affected populations?

Sampling and Recruitment:

• Household Surveys: Purposive and snowball sampling will be used to select a diverse and representative sample of 100 households per location, with efforts made to ensure gender balance. An additional 10% buffer will be added to the total number of surveys to account for potential non-responses or unusable interviews.
• Focus Group Discussions: 4 focus group discussions will be conducted in each location representing the abovementioned population groups. Participants will be recruited through direct identification and referrals, ensuring representation from different age and gender categories.
• Individual Interviews: Purposive and snowball sampling and referrals will be employed to select 12 individuals per location, representing the different mobility outcomes. Depending on the local context, 4 interviews will be conducted with internally displaced and/or migrant and refugee individuals in each location (2 per population group if both are present or 4 for one population group if only one is present).
• Key Informant Interviews: A purposive sampling approach will be used to identify and recruit key informants based on their expertise and relevance to the research questions, including but not limited to, community leaders, local authorities, and policymakers. A total of 5 Key Informant interviews will be carried out per location.

Additional Considerations:

• The data collection partner will play the lead role in identifying and accessing suitable participants for all data collection methods, leveraging their local knowledge and networks.
• Data collection tools will be piloted and refined to ensure cultural appropriateness and relevance to the local context. All tools will be developed by MMC and provided to the partner.
• Ethical considerations, including informed consent, confidentiality, and protection of vulnerable groups, will be prioritised throughout the data collection process.
• The data collection partner will maintain regular communication and collaboration with MMC to ensure quality control, address challenges, and exchange insights.

General requirements, terms, and conditions:

• Data Security and Protection: The partner will implement and maintain robust data security and protection measures throughout the project, ensuring compliance with MMC’s data protection and security SOPs and any applicable local data protection regulations.
• Contingency Planning: The partner will develop and implement contingency plans to address potential disruptions to data collection, such as security concerns, or other unforeseen circumstances.
• Regular Reporting: The partner will provide frequent progress reports to MMC, detailing the status of data collection, any challenges encountered, and proposed solutions. They will also proactively communicate any issues regarding deliverables, timeline adherence, or data quality.
• Ethical Compliance: The partner will strictly adhere to the ethical guidelines detailed in the research protocol, ensuring informed consent, confidentiality, and the protection of vulnerable groups throughout the data collection process.
• Human Resources: The partner will be responsible for all aspects of human resource management, including recruitment, training, supervision, and compensation of enumerators and facilitators. The partner will also ensure the safety and security of staff involved in data collection.
• Collaboration and Communication: The partner will maintain open and transparent communication with the MMC research team, providing regular updates, seeking guidance when needed, and responding promptly to any queries or concerns.
• Ethical and Accountability Standards: The consultancy is expected to uphold the highest ethical standards in research, adhering to the guidelines detailed in the research protocol. The DRC’s Humanitarian Accountability Framework (http://www.drc.dk/HAF.4265.0.html) guides the conduct of all staff. Familiarity and compliance with this framework are required for this project.
• Confidentiality and Intellectual Property: All data, information, and materials generated during this consultancy are the property of MMC and must be treated as confidential. The selected consultancy will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement upon contract signing. Any use, reproduction, or dissemination of the materials produced, in whole or in part, requires prior written permission from MMC.

Specific tasks:

Recruitment and Training of Enumerators and Facilitators:

• Recruit and select qualified enumerators and facilitators with relevant experience and language skills, ensuring gender balance in the team. A team lead for each location must be appointed and will act as the main point of contact with MMC.
• Organize and conduct a comprehensive training program in collaboration with MMC, primarily covering the research objectives, methodology, ethical considerations, data collection tools, and interview techniques. Training material will be provided by MMC in English.

Participant Recruitment and Selection:

• Develop and implement effective recruitment strategies to identify and engage with the target populations in each location, using purposive and snowball sampling techniques as outlined above and in the research protocol.
• Screen potential participants to ensure they meet the inclusion criteria and represent the profiles relevant to the research.

Data Collection:

• Obtain necessary authorisations and permits for data collection, with the support of MMC when required.
• Code and program the household survey tool using KoboCollect or a similar platform, to be validated by MMC.
• Administer household surveys face-to-face using digital data collection tools. Phones or tablets are to be provided by the partner.
• Conduct in-depth individual interviews and key informant interviews, either in person or remotely, following the provided interview guides and ensuring detailed transcriptions.
• Facilitate focus group discussions in safe and private spaces, ensuring active participation from all group members.
• Obtain informed consent for audio recording of interviews and focus group discussions, where applicable, and ensure secure storage and handling of recordings.

Data Management and Quality Assurance:

• Implement robust data management procedures to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and security of the collected data.
• In coordination with MMC, conduct regular data cleaning and quality checks, addressing any inconsistencies or errors in a timely manner.
• Share cleaned data with MMC at pre-determined intervals throughout the project for review and feedback.
• Provide regular feedback to enumerators and facilitators on data quality and adherence to protocols.

Translation and Transcription:

• Provide accurate translations of all data collection tools (surveys, interview guides, FGD guides).
• Transcribe all interviews and FGDs verbatim into English.

Communication, Reporting and Documentation:

• The selected consultancy will maintain regular communication with the MMC Project Specialist, providing at least bi-weekly updates on the progress of data collection, including through online meetings. This will include regular sharing of cleaned partial data (at pre-determined intervals), observations, and feedback at agreed-upon intervals throughout the project.
• Submit regular progress reports to MMC, detailing the status of data collection, challenges encountered, and any proposed solutions.
• Maintain detailed records of all data collection activities, including participant recruitment, interview schedules, and any ethical considerations or challenges faced during the process.
• Submit all collected data, transcripts, and debriefing notes to MMC in a timely and organised manner.

Deliverables

The Consultant will submit the following deliverables as mentioned below:

Phase

Expected deliverables

Indicative description tasks

Due Date

Phase 1: Field preparation

Data collection work plan and field planning

Detailed schedule for all activities (and contingency planning)

15 October 2021

Phase 2: Data collection, cleaning, validation, and delivery

Household survey datasets

Datasets including raw data as well as clean and validated data sets (CSV files), with cleaning and deletion logs

20 December 2024

Focus group discussion transcripts

Transcripts (raw and clean) and audio recordings of focus group discussions

30 December 2024

Individual interview transcripts

Transcripts (raw and clean) and audio recordings of individual interviews

30 December 2024

Key informant interview transcripts

Transcripts (raw and clean) and audio recordings of key informant interviews

30 December 2024

Data collection documentation

Full documentation regarding data collection, including notes and observations on any changes or modifications

30 December 2024

The Consultant will provide the documentation by email.

Duration, timeline, and payment

The contract signature is expected in October 1st, 2024. All work outlined in this document must be finalised within three months of this date. The consultant shall be prepared to complete the assignment no later than 30 December 2024. Payment will be provided on completion of the deliverables.

Timeline

Timeframe

Activity

Sub activity

Month 1 – October

Field preparations

Application for and obtaining authorisation

Month 1 – October

Schedule for data collection and proposed contingency planning

Month 1 – October

Household Surveys

Translation, scripting, coding

Month 2 – November

Training

Month 2 – November

Pilot testing

Month 2 – November

Participant recruitment

Month 3 – December

Data collection

Month 3 – December

Data cleaning and validation

Month 3 – December

Delivery of data

Month 1 – October

Focus group discussions

Translation of tools

Month 2 – November

Training

Month 2 – November

Data collection

Month 3 – December

Transcription translation, cleaning and validation

Month 3 – December

Delivery of transcripts

Month 1 – October

Key Informant Interviews

Translation of tools

Month 2 – November

Training

Month 2 – November

Data collection

Month 3 – December

Transcription translation, cleaning and validation

Month 3 – December

Delivery of transcripts

Month 2 – October

Individual Interviews

Translation, scripting of interview guides

Month 2 – November

Training

Month 2 – November

Participant recruitment and data collection

Month 3 – December

Transcription, translation, data cleaning and validation

Month 3 – December

Delivery of transcripts

Proposed Composition of Team

The final team composition and structure are at the discretion of the consultant, ensuring that the necessary capacities and expertise are present to successfully execute the project. The following team composition is suggested, and can be adapted as needed:

• Project Manager
• Field Research Coordinators
• Enumerators
• Facilitators
• Transcribers
• Translators
• Quality Control Officer

Eligibility, qualification, and experience required

• The partner must be a registered company or civil society organisation with the legal authorisation to operate in the relevant countries and conduct research activities.
• A strong track record of conducting both quantitative and qualitative data collection, including household surveys, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions, in the Middle East context, particularly in conflict-affected or fragile settings.
• Prior experience working on research projects related to climate change, environmental issues, or human mobility is highly desirable. Experience working with MMC or organisations of a similar nature is a plus.
• Expertise in utilising digital data collection tools (e.g., KoboCollect or similar platforms) for efficient and accurate data entry and management.
• Proficiency in conducting qualitative and quantitative data cleaning.
• Ability to translate research instruments and data from Arabic (including local dialects) to English and vice-versa.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English and Arabic.
• In-depth understanding of the local context, cultural norms, and sensitivities in the target locations, including strong knowledge of the political, economic, and social dynamics in the target locations.
• Established relationships and networks with communities, local authorities, and relevant stakeholders in the assessed areas is a strong asset.
• Ability to navigate potential challenges and ensure access to hard-to-reach or marginalised populations.
• Sufficient human resources, including experienced enumerators and facilitators, to effectively manage and implement the data collection process.
• Access to necessary logistical support, including transportation, and communication equipment.
• Capacity to adapt to changing circumstances and challenges in the field, particularly in conflict-affected or fragile settings.
• Demonstrated ability to access and operate in the assessed locations (Aden, Al-Hasakah, Bekaa Valley, Al-Qadissiyah), taking into account the unique security and logistical challenges in each area. Strong preference will be given to organisations/firms with established presence and networks in multiple or all locations or can showcase a clear and feasible plan to establish such a presence rapidly and securely.
• Legal Status:
• Proven Experience:
• Technical Expertise and language capacity:
• Local Knowledge and Networks:
• Capacity and Resources:
• Access and Operational Capacity:

Technical supervision

The selected consultant will work under the supervision of the MMC Middle East Project Specialist.

Location and support

The work assignment will be conducted in Aden (Yemen), Al-Hasakah (Syria), Bekaa Valley (Lebanon), and Al-Qadissiyah (Iraq). The consultant will be responsible for securing all necessary logistical support, equipment, and resources required to fulfil the tasks outlined in this consultancy, including but not limited to transportation, communication devices, and any other tools or materials necessary for successful project execution.

Travel

The consultancy team will be required to establish a presence in the four data collection locations: Aden, Al-Hasakah, Bekaa Valley, and Al-Qadissiyah. They will be responsible for all travel arrangements pertaining to field activities, as required.

Submission process

Reference to invitation letter for detailed submission instructions.

In addition, the proposal must include:

• Timeline and budget, and details on how each of the requirements will be met. All preparatory work must be included in the timeline and budget, as well as the data collection itself and all data processing. (All fees must include VAT)
• Portfolio of relevant work: qualitative and quantitative data collection.
• References from three researchers/non-governmental organisations (or similar) who have conducted data collection using your services. Please ensure that their contact information is included and current.

How to apply

Click Here to download full package

Email submission

Bids can be submitted by email to the following dedicated, controlled, & secure email address:

tender.ro02@drc.ngo

Contact Person

Supply Chain Office

sc.query.me@drc.ngo