Rapid Reflection on the Scale-up of Cash Coordination for the Türkiye/Syria Earthquake Response
Background
The February 6th earthquakes that hit Türkiye and Syria have caused widespread destruction with many people still living in temporary shelters. Organisations and cash working groups across north-west Syria, Damascus, and Türkiye mobilised in the early days and weeks of the crisis to support partners providing emergency assistance to survivors, including through cash and voucher assistance (CVA).
The contexts in each of the areas of operation differ greatly due to political and economic factors, including the accumulated impact of the protracted crisis on refugees, host communities, and internally displaced people (IDPs). With the emergency flash appeals expiring in May 2023, this is a timely point of reflection on how cash coordination mechanisms scaled up in each of the response areas in order to respond to the needs of vulnerable populations.
PURPOSE & OBJECTIVES
To analyse the speed and effectiveness of the scaling up of cash coordination mechanisms in a rapid onset crisis, and how that may impact the humanitarian CVA response. It aims to identify good practice, as well as things to avoid during a scale-up; to have wider use beyond the current crisis. This is meant to be a rapid reflective piece covering the first three months of the response in the three response areas of north-west Syria, Government of Syria held areas, and Türkiye. Particular areas of focus include:
- How quickly and effectively did the humanitarian cash coordination mechanism respond to the crisis.
- Did the transition into the new cash coordination model have an impact on this?
- Particularly for Türkiye – links with existing social protection mechanisms and coordination with government, as well as coordination with newly registered actors after the earthquake.
- The quality of coordinating:
- The targeting and de-duplication of CVA between and within clusters, the government (where relevant), and the cash working groups at both central and sub-national levels.
- The setting of sectoral and multi-purpose CVA transfer values, and re-evaluating the appropriateness of the minimum expenditure basket.
- Inter-cluster coordination of the delivery of CVA in all areas of the response, including inter-sectoral cash guidance.
- Coordinating the quality of scaling up cash coordination while being mindful of localisation. Specifically, meaningful engagement of local actors (national NGOs, governments) in coordination structures.
- Barriers to scale-up of cash coordination and delays in delivery (if any).
- The involvement of coordination mechanisms in the allocation of pooled funds for the delivery of CVA.
- How are coordination mechanisms considering CVA for the recovery phase of the response, where relevant?
The outcomes of the reflective piece will be used to hold roundtable discussions with stakeholders (including cash coordinators, UN, cluster coordinators, donors, and local actors). Specific format and invitees will be determined at a later stage with the aim of fostering collaborative discussions on cash coordination, focusing on a way forward for cash coordination while transitioning out of the emergency phase of the operation.
DELIVERABLES
Deliverables will include:
- An inception report, no more than 3 pages, outlining methodology and research questions. Methodology is expected to include a proportionate desk review and key informant interviews, with qualitative analysis.
- 3–5-page papers for each context assessing the scale-up of cash coordination
- A summary of 2 pages including recommendations for future rapid-onset crises
- Presentation of results in roundtable discussions (3-5)
MILESTONES & PAYMENT SCHEDULE
One single payment on completion of 100% of the work (final deliverables).
ESSENTIAL PROFILE OF THE CONSULTANT
For this piece of work, CALP is looking for the following expertise:
- Demonstrated technical knowledge of humanitarian CVA programming
- Strong understanding of the international aid architecture, including on cash coordination mechanisms
- Excellent time management and ability to deliver on agreed deadlines
- Excellent analytical and writing skills with eh ability to summarise the synthesise data
- Good interpersonal and networking abilities
- Strong written and verbal English language skills.
Desirable skills:
- Understanding of how humanitarian systems scale-up during an emergency
- Experience of working with humanitarian and development stakeholders
- Arabic and Turkish language skills
PROPOSAL EVALUATION CRITERIA
- Value for money
- Relevant experience with humanitarian CVA programming
- Understanding of aid architecture and cash coordination mechanisms
- Understanding of the specific country contexts
- Ability to analyse and synthesise information
- Clarity of proposal
Interested candidates should submit their Technical & Financial Proposals to consult@CALPnetwork.org, indicating the subject: Rapid Reflective Piece on Türkiye/Syria Earthquake Response. The deadline for applications is June 6th 2023.
The proposal should include the following:
- Short technical proposal outlining the proposed methodology, workplan, and budget.
- CVs of the proposed candidate(s).
- Two writing samples illustrating succinct and clear writing skills.
Your financial and technical proposal should be valid for 90 days.