Thematic Review and Capacity Assessment of DanChurchAid with special focus on Partnerships in Development and Humanitarian Assistance

Description: In accordance with the Strategy for Danish Support to Civil Society in Developing Countries (2008) thematic reviews of the framework organisations will be undertaken to enhance the professional dialogue between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and these organisations. The last thematic review of DanChurchAid (DCA) with an annual frame allocation of 115 million DKK was undertaken in 2006. As reflected in the Civil Society Strategy there are new challenges for civil society actors in terms of the aid effectiveness agenda including greater emphasis on results-orientation and documentation, tendencies to restricted space for operation in a number of countries, and interventions in fragile states and situations to mention a few. Danish civil society organsiations incresingly operate in new ways with international and within global networks and alliances to achieve better  programme cooperation, division of labour and harmonisation of interventions. It is in this context that the theme of Partnerships has been chosen for the thematic review of SCD which will also incorporate the humanitarian portfolio of the organisation as described below.

DCA implements humanitarian activities (as part of Action by Churches Together Alliance, ACT) in relation to the Strategy for Danish Humanitarian Action (2010-2015). With the humanitarian strategy Danida has initiated a process of strengthening Danish humanitarian support by revisiting, consolidating and focussing priorities, modalities and partnerships. In this context Danida has introduced the objective of establishing strategic partnerships with selected partners. The overall aim is to give implementing partners higher funding predictability and operational flexibility in exchange for better planning and clear performance targets against the priorities of the Strategy for Danish Humanitarian Action, as well as allowing for a stronger focus on quality and delivery from partners. In accordance with the strategy, partners are selected primarily based on their adherence to humanitarian standards and codes of conduct, their ability to reach and engage vulnerable beneficiaries in all phases of their activities, past performance, cost effectiveness as well as their strategic position in the global humanitarian system, in a specific thematic field or in a particular geographic area. Agreements are subject to an in-depth assessment of their capacity in order to ascertain their eligibility as partners. DCA is currently negotiating a humanitarian partnership agreement with MFA.

OBJECTIVES

The general objectives of the thematic review are to:

• Provide MFA with an assessment of DCA’s follow-up of the recommendations from the latest reviews and annual negotiations.
• Analyse and assess the organisation’s performance in relation to the theme (Partnerships in Development and Humanitarian Assistance) chosen for the thematic review with special focus on documentation of results and capacity of DCA to implement key areas within their international assistance.
• Provide an input to preparation of a Partnership Agreement in the humanitarian field.
• Provide a basis for a mutual dialogue and learning process for DCA and MFA.

OUTPUTS

An inception report, incl. specification of TOR for the field trip.

• A debriefing report, not exceeding 4 pages excluding annexes.
• A review report, not exceeding 25 pages, excluding annexes.

SCOPE OF WORK

The review will consist of a desk study, consultations with SCD headquarters in Copenhagen and ACT partners in South Sudan and North Western Kenya, field visits to South Sudan and North Western Kenya, debriefing meetings at field and headquarter level and a debriefing meeting with MFA. It should be noted that adjustments to the scope of work can take place based on discussions following an inception note from the consultants.

T IMEFRAME

The overall time schedule for the assignment is:

Preparation and HQ study:  Start Mid October 2011

Field study: End October – Mid November 2011         

Final Draft Report: End November 2011 (Week 47)

Deadline for applications: 2 September 2011 at noon Danish time

The standard application form should be used. Applications not using the standard form may be rejected. Applications received after the time limit shall be rejected.

Click here to download the application form. 

Criteria for selection:  A minimum of three and a maximum of five applicants with references best suited for this assignment will be invited to submit a tender.