1. Background
In an era marked by an ever-evolving global humanitarian landscape, the role of diverse nations in contributing to Official Development Assistance (ODA) has become increasingly pivotal. Recognizing the shift from traditional donor models to a more multi-faceted global approach, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is looking to examine the ODA strategies of various countries and multi-lateral bodies, including those of non-traditional contributors, in an effort to better understand how to reduce the system-wide funding gap.
This project seeks to explore the motivations, strategic priorities, allocation mechanisms, and current platforms of engagement and influence that guide the ODA decisions, particularly those focused on humanitarian assistance, of a specific list of States and multi-lateral institutions. The focus is on understanding how these contributions can be leveraged to address regional challenges and/or global humanitarian needs resulting from the growing system-wide humanitarian funding gap.
By delving into the aid practices of countries with potential influence at the global and/or regional level, NRC aims to uncover insights that can inform more effective and collaborative humanitarian responses with non-traditional contributors. These country analyses will be critical for grasping the nuance of global aid dynamics, where a complex interplay of motivations shapes the current approach and will significantly impact the future of international humanitarian and development efforts.
By analysing various States’ and multi-lateral institutions’ contributions and methodologies in supporting development aid, humanitarian assistance efforts, or other solidarity initiatives, NRC seeks to gain insight into potential lessons of previous initiatives to explore more collaborative approaches with non-traditional contributors and the role of these specific non-traditional contributors in the evolving international aid landscape.
This research is not only timely but crucial for adapting to the changing contours of global humanitarian efforts, where traditional and non-traditional actors alike play pivotal roles. The study will aim to examine: South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, Nigeria, India and the Islamic and Asia Development Banks.
2. Objectives
The primary objectives of this research will be to develop ten individual briefs and a summary overview that outline the policies and approaches of these States/multi-lateral institutions in terms of their engagement in humanitarian and related solidarity or multi-lateral initiatives.
The briefs will aim to cover the following subject areas/answer the following questions:
Background and Aid Spending:
- What is the best estimate of current ODA eligible expenditure being allocated to address humanitarian crises around the world in 2022/23?
- What are the trends around humanitarian aid spending over the past 10 years including in relation to regions and countries funded, types of assistance (sectors, in-kind vs. financial etc.), types of partners (IFRC, UN, NGOs, governments, etc.), and funding mechanisms (multilateral, such as UN pooled funds/CERF vs. bilateral).
Economic, Political, and Geopolitical Interests:
- What economic and political interests, or historical ties, does the country have in regions where it provides the most humanitarian aid?
- How do these interests shape the nature and extent of its humanitarian initiatives?
- What geopolitical strategies or foreign policy objectives (e.g., regional influence, global status) might be influencing the country’s humanitarian actions?
- How does the country leverage humanitarian aid to strengthen its strategic alliances or counterbalance the influence of other nations?
- What are the main motivations and goals guiding its humanitarian efforts?
Domestic Considerations:
- How do domestic politics, public opinion, or economic conditions within the country influence its international humanitarian engagements?
- Are there internal pressures or incentives that drive the country’s involvement in humanitarian aid? Are there disincentives that hamper their involvement?
- Which government departments are involved in deciding aid allocations? Which department leads? Does the government have an aid strategy?
Strategic Priorities and Focus Areas:
- What are the country’s key priorities and focus areas vis-a-vis humanitarian assistance? How does this country determine the areas and sectors where it directs its aid?
Operational Strategies and Partnerships:
- What are the operational strategies and types of partnerships (with NGOs, government agencies, international organizations) the country uses for delivering aid?
- How does the country ensure effective coordination and collaboration across the humanitarian sector?
- Which funding mechanisms does it use to allocate aid (bilateral, multilateral etc.)
Engagement in Global Challenges:
- How does the country respond to global challenges (such as climate change, pandemics, refugee crises) that have humanitarian implications?
- Are there instances where the country has adapted its multilateral engagements in response to such global challenges?
Local Impact, Monitoring, Evaluation:
- How does the country assess and ensure the impact and effectiveness of its aid projects at the local level? At global level?
- How are capacity building and empowerment of local communities addressed in its aid initiatives?
- What are the monitoring and evaluation practices used to assess the success and impact of humanitarian assistance?
- How does the country adapt its humanitarian strategies in response to global challenges, feedback, and lessons learned? Are there specific lessons learned from past experiences that inform the approach of this country?
- Do they publish annual reports, reviews and assessments on the impact of their aid spending?
Challenges, Future Plans, and Global Engagement:
- What challenges does the country encounter in its humanitarian efforts, and how are these addressed?
- What are the future plans and priorities for humanitarian assistance, and how might these evolve in response to global trends?
- How does the country contribute to and engage in global humanitarian platforms (e.g., the Good Humanitarian Donorship (GHD initiative), CERF Advisory Group, etc.) and/or multilateral initiatives (including non-financial engagement)? How does the country contribute to or influence the global discourse on humanitarian aid and development?
- Are there regional organizations or blocs that the country is a part of, and how do these affiliations influence its humanitarian activities?
Entry Points
- Where have others succeeded or failed in engaging with this country?
- Through which entry points would it be viable to engage with this country?
3. Scope
The research will focus on:
- 10 States/multi-lateral bodies: South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, Nigeria, India, and the Islamic and Asian Development Banks.
- It will aim to provide a comprehensive response to the questions above, although each country profile does not need to answer each question specifically.
4. Methodology
The research will employ a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, including:
- Literature review of relevant studies and reports.
- Analysis of official documents, reports, and data.
5. Expected Deliverables
The research will result in:
- A 4-page brief (maximum) for each of the ten targets
- A summary presentation outlining key insights and trends
- An annotated bibliography highlighting key studies relevant to the topic
6. Timeline
The research is expected to commence in December 2023 and should be finalized by March 2024, with specific milestones for interim outputs agreed in advance.
7. Budget
A detailed budget will be developed but will not exceed GBP 12,000 / CHF 13,000.
8. Qualifications of the consulting company
The Consultancy must be a registered company or a sole trader and provide proof of registration.
Experience and qualifications
- An advanced degree in International Relations, Social Science, Humanitarian Affairs, Public Policy, Political Science or other relevant area.
- Knowledge of the global humanitarian system, and humanitarian financing policy background is a plus.
- Excellent research and English writing skills.
How to apply
We will review and interview qualified applicants on a rolling basis; please consider applying early. All submissions must be made on or before 23:59 (Geneva time) 13 December 2023, through the email addresses ch.gvatenders@nrc.no and nicole.anschell@nrc.no. The application should be titled ‘NRC Consultancy – Non-traditional contributors’ and include the following information:
- Curriculum vitae or company profile;
- Cover letter / Expression of Interest, which includes a paragraph about the proposed research methodology to achieve the objectives and produce the deliverables of the project
Proposed top-line work plan outlining specific dates for key deliverables
- Proposed budget in CHF or EUR, inclusive VAT and all charges as applicable
- Writing sample in English of relevant previous or current work
All service providers/consultants working with NRC should maintain high standards on ethical issues, respect and apply basic human and social rights, ensure non-exploitation of child labour, and give fair working conditions to their staff. NRC reserves the right to reject quotations provided by suppliers not meeting these standards. Consultants doing business with NRC will be screened on anti-corruption due diligence before NRC confirms a contract.
NRC reserves the right to accept or reject the whole or part of your offer based on the information provided. Incomplete offers which do not comply with our conditions will not be considered.
We look forward to receiving your application!