Terms of Reference for Consultancy
Development of Oxfam in Africa’s Humanitarian Pillar Document
- Background and Introduction
Oxfam is a global organization committed to addressing poverty, inequality, and injustice. As part of our mission, we aim to provide effective and principled humanitarian assistance to communities affected by crises and disasters.
To ensure a cohesive approach to our humanitarian programming, Oxfam in Africa’s Humanitarian Team is seeking a consultant to develop an overall pillar document that would guide our humanitarian programming in Africa, would provide a monitoring framework, and that could be used for fundraising purposes.
This document should be grounded in Oxfam’s four global humanitarian approaches, be aligned with the Global Strategy Framework 2030, the Horizon Plan 2.0, the Humanitarian Horizon Guide, and Oxfam’s in Africa new overall strategy. It should also draw on the common themes, issues, and humanitarian contexts found in the various country-level humanitarian response strategies.
- Objectives of the Consultancy
The primary objective of this consultancy is to develop a comprehensive pillar document for Oxfam in Africa’s humanitarian work. This strategy should:
2.1 Undertake a situation review and analysis taking into account and grounded in Oxfam’s strategies and humanitarian approaches including: i) The four global humanitarian approaches as found in the Global Strategic Framework 2030 (Local Humanitarian Leadership; Safe Programming; Feminist Principles and Community Engagement) ii) Oxfam’s Horizon Plan 2.0; iii) Oxfam’s Humanitarian Horizon Plan 2 (2024 – 2027); iv) Oxfam in Africa’s new overall strategy; and v) Oxfam in Africa Country level humanitarian strategies.
The review shall reflect humanitarian contexts, common themes, issues, and recommendations from across Oxfam in Africa Country Offices
2.2 Through a consultative process and application of appropriate analysis tools undertake a thorough SWOT analysis and stakeholder mapping to provide guidance on how to leverage partnerships, collaborations while minimizing identified risks.
2.3. Ensure integration and alignment across Oxfam’s core humanitarian program sectors, humanitarian approaches, and the humanitarian strategic enablers.
2.4. Propose focus areas and develop pillar objectives and key result areas drawn from identified gaps and priorities, while ensuring that the humanitarian strategy is globally and regionally relevant, considering the diverse contexts in which Oxfam operates within Africa.
- Scope of Work
The consultant(s) will be responsible for the following key tasks:
3.1. Conduct a review of Oxfam’s global humanitarian approaches and their applicability to African contexts.
3.2. Analyze Oxfam’s new overall strategy for Africa and identify how the humanitarian pillar document can support and align with it.
3.3. Review and analyze the 16+ existing country-level humanitarian response strategies in Africa to identify common themes, challenges, and opportunities relevant to Oxfam’s core programmatic sectors.
3.4. Engage with key internal stakeholders and select partner organizations to gather insights and feedback on the proposed humanitarian strategy.
3.5. Develop a comprehensive programmatic humanitarian pillar document that outlines the vision, objectives, key principles, priorities, and implementation approaches for WASH, food & economic security, protection, and gender.
3.6. Ensure that the strategy is aligned with Oxfam’s Humanitarian Horizon Plan 2 (2024-2027), including an emphasis the four humanitarian focus areas.
- Deliverables
The consultant(s) are expected to deliver the following sequentially:
4.1. A short analysis report based on the review of country-level humanitarian response strategies, including a summary of common themes and challenges.
4.2. A draft humanitarian pillar document, including vision, objectives, principles, and priorities to solicit Oxfam in Africa’s feedback and comments.
4.3. A final humanitarian pillar document, incorporating feedback and recommendations from Oxfam and key stakeholders.
4.4. A results framework with proposed milestones, timelines, and indicators for success.
- Timeline
The consultancy is expected to be completed within six weeks of the contract signing date. A detailed timeline and milestones will be developed in consultation with the selected consultant(s).
- Qualifications and Expertise
The consultant(s) or consultancy team should possess the following qualifications and expertise:
6.1. Demonstrated experience in humanitarian strategy development, preferably with a focus on international NGOs and/or humanitarian organizations.
6.2. A deep understanding of humanitarian principles and approaches, including Local Humanitarian Leadership, Safe Programming, Feminist Principles, and Community Engagement.
6.3. Familiarity with Oxfam’s work and values is an advantage.
6.4. Strong research and analytical skills, including the ability to review and synthesize existing documents and strategies.
6.5. Excellent communication and writing skills.
6.6. Knowledge of humanitarian contexts and challenges in Africa is highly desirable.
- Budget
Oxfam invites interested consultants to submit a detailed budget proposal, including all consultancy fees, travel expenses, and any other related costs.
How to apply
Interested consultants are invited to submit their proposals, including a detailed CV and a cover letter, outlining their approach to the consultancy, no later than 15 April 2024 to ssc.consultancy@oxfam.org . Submissions will be evaluated based on qualifications, experience, and proposed methodology.
Oxfam reserves the right to select the consultant(s) based on the most suitable proposal and to negotiate terms and conditions as necessary.
For any inquiries or clarifications, please contact: Robert.Lankenau@oxfam.org