DRC seeks to recruit Consultancy for a qualitative research – Afghanistan

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Who we are :

Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a private, independent, humanitarian organization working on all aspects of displacement in more than forty countries throughout the world. The aim of DRC is to protect refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) against persecution and to promote durable solutions to the problems of forced displacement on the basis of humanitarian principles and human rights. DRC’s international activities are currently framed by the following three programme platforms:

The Emergency Platform which focuses on emergencies where people are being displaced or are at risk of being displaced, and their life and dignity is under threat. The objective of the emergency platform is to save lives, safeguard dignity, and alleviate immediate suffering for people affected by the emergency.

Solutions to Displacement Platform which focuses on durable solution to displacement. DRC believes that a durable solution is in place when refugees, IDPs or returnees no longer have specific assistance and protection needs that are linked to their displacement, and their human rights are respected. The objective of the Solutions Platform is to reduce risks and vulnerabilities stemming from displacement, and to identify and work toward durable solutions to their displacement.

Addressing Root Causes Platform which focuses on the root causes of displacement and ways to promote peaceful, inclusive and resilient societies. Activities under this platform aims to support communities in becoming less fragile to recurring conflict and ensuing displacement. The platform’s core hypothesis is that fragility is root causes of conflict-induced displacement, and to prevent fragility and displacement, all aspects of resilience should be strengthened at local and national levels.

Background and context :

Afghans engage in migration due to a multiplicity of factors such as the continued and worsening security situation in Afghanistan, lack of rights, high unemployment and environmental hazards. The largest movements of Afghans are within the region, primarily to Iran and Pakistan. However, Afghans also continue to make their way towards Europe via the migration corridors of Pakistan and Iran, facilitated by smugglers.

Extensive research on the protection risks faced by migrants (Including the Mixed Migration Center Asia) clearly document that such risks include physical and sexual abuse, kidnapping, crime and death for all involved, in particular for the more vulnerable segments of the migrants – including women, youth, and children. Migrants and refugees report trauma and ongoing psychological and physical distress resulting from their experiences.

Despite the many that have gone before them, Afghans engaging in or considering engaging in irregular migration often do not have a realistic and credible picture of the journey and the situation upon arrival. Research published by MMC’s 4Mi in September 2018, shows that 31% of the Afghans interviewed did not feel they were aware of the risks of migration prior to the journey. 12% felt the journey was worse than expected.^[1]They are often not sufficiently informed about the protection risks en route, their rights and ways to access services, and the asylum procedures upon arrival. Furthermore, there is a difference in the level of knowledge between Afghan male and female migrants, with males more likely to be aware of potential dangers. Younger males who had been returned from Europe appeared more determined to re-attempt migration in the future – 70% of young men said they would migrate again despite the fact they would face many protection risks. The young men report a strong desire to re-migrate due to high level of debts incurred (up to USD 18,000) and socio-cultural pressures that shame unsuccessful migrants. Others, especially those travelling with families or females, appeared deterred by the possibility of violent experiences along the way.

The drivers and experiences of migration are not consistent for the multiplicity of migrant profiles. These differences highlight the importance of tailoring protection related interventions and messages to the situation of specific segments of communities. Despite a clear need for accurate information, there is little evidence that traditional information campaigns managed by international agencies are particularly helpful in targeting refugees and migrants and changing behaviours. On the contrary, research has shown that people on the move in mixed migration flows place trust in information passed on by their networks abroad in regard to information about irregular migration journeys and protection risks.

Migration plans are often, and perhaps understandably, modelled after the successful journeys of peers already in Europe, and the diaspora continues to be a trusted source of information on the journey. The role of community, especially the Afghan diaspora, has shown to be important determinant in migration behaviour. MMC’s research shows that 40% of the Afghans interviewed used friends and family in country of destination as their first source of information about migration, including information about routes, destination, costs and risks.^[2] Many Afghans in Europe report frequently receiving calls from migrants prior to departure or en route requesting information and other forms of support. Focus group discussions with representatives from the Afghan diaspora in Denmark confirm that Afghans in Europe are frequently approached for information by potential migrants while still in Afghanistan (or a neighbouring country) or while the migrants are on the way. Migrants ask for information on the route or the situation in potential countries of destination – including asylum procedures, work opportunities, potential support; or they call when they have ended up in difficult or dangerous situations where smugglers demand more money, where they have been detained and see no way out, or otherwise confronted with dangerous or threatening situations.

Furthermore, research looking at the Afghan and Somali diaspora finds that the diaspora consider themselves as having a role in preventing abuses en route, informing about (the risks of) irregular migration and improving the protection environment for migrants and refugees.^[3] However, from the focus group discussions it was clear that information was often requested from members of the Afghan diaspora where they did not know the correct answers or they subsequently found that they had delivered wrong information that might have put the migrant or refugee at further risk. The research recommends that (i) Diasporas could interact directly with home communities, or through an intermediary in the form of an NGO or of local community facilitators; (ii) Diasporas could also be offered trainings and seminars in relevant rules and procedures, enabling them to pass on accurate and relevant information on destination country asylum systems, reception mechanisms, etc.

Many migrants seek out new contacts with compatriots based in Europe via social media channels. Migrants rely on a wide information and communication network comprising social media (e.g. Facebook, Instagram) as well as mobile phone communication. Even during movement, migrants have access to telephones, though sometimes intermittently; given that there is strong evidence that when migrants are robbed (by smugglers, bandits, other migrants and in some cases state officials) their phones are among the first items to be taken. Respondents indicated that maintaining communication was high on the priority list of migrants, and that they are willing to purchase or borrow phone access. Increasingly expanding mobile phone networks and coverage provides migrants with the infrastructure required to maintain links with communities at home, smugglers, diasporas and other migrants on the move.^[4]

With financial support of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, DRC will support members of the Afghan diaspora in Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands to engage with migrants and refugees in a way that reduces protection risks. The initiative will be implemented over 36 months from June 2019 until June 2022.

Purpose :

The purpose of the consultancy is to produce a high-quality research paper focused on the Afghan Diaspora’s perceptions of their role and connections to the current migration flow from Afghanistan to Europe. The aim of this study is to understand the views of selected Afghan diasporas in Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands on irregular migration, including an exploration of diasporas’ own role and connections with a focus on information sharing in particular in relation to protection assistance to displacement affected persons in country of origin and on the move. The research will document good practices in relation to diaspora protection information management, and map existing Afghan information sources, channels (including ICT), and how the information ranks with regard to credibility, importance, and usage. The research will build on in-depth qualitative data through desk review, focus group discussions with Afghan diaspora groups, and a survey that will canvass attitudes and opinions.

Geographical Area and Target Group :

The study will collect primary data in the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany, among Afghan diasporas who are in contact with migrants from Afghanistan.

The primary data collection is combined with a literature review and desk research (mapping of active Afghan platforms providing information to Afghan migrants) as well as a quantitative survey to gain further understanding of the Afghan Diaspora’s perceptions of their role and connections to the current migration flow from Afghanistan to Europe.

The report is expected to suggest and discuss programmatic recommendations as to how to engage with and assist the Afghan diaspora to provide relevant and factual information to contribute to an improved overall protection environment for people on the move from Afghanistan.

Planning and implementation :

The research shall be completed in consultation with DRC Diaspora Programme and Mixed Migration Centre (MMC) Europe.

Desk Research :

The consultant will carry out a substantial desk research to establish already existing information about the experiences of Afghan diaspora in relation to migration from Afghanistan to Europe. The review is anticipated to include, at a minimum a review of reports issued by relevant UN agencies and NGOs as well as relevant academic papers. The desk research will also include a mapping of active Afghan platforms providing information to Afghan migrants.

Methodology & Tools:

The consultant will lead the development of the methodology for qualitative and quantitative data collection and design of tools to conduct key informant interviews with Afghan diaspora groups. The interviews shall, as a minimum, include the following themes: role(s), connections, information sharing, and potential support.

Field Data Collection:

The research consultant will be responsible for the planning and implementation of the field data; this could include identifying and training of field data collectors if the consultant chooses to work with a team of researchers. It is expected that all data collectors will have the needed language, technical skills, and access to the geographical areas. The research consultant is responsible for identifying informants and ensuring the quality of the data collected, DRC will assist throughout the process.

Scope of the Field Research:

Approximately 90 in-depth qualitative key informant interviews with Afghan diasporas in Germany (40), The Netherlands (30), Denmark (20).

Analysis & Report Writing:

The consultant will be responsible for analysing the data and writing up the draft research paper including recommendations for programming. DRC Diaspora Programme and MMC Europe will support this process and review draft sections as they are prepared.

In drafting the report, the consultant will adhere to the MMC editorial guidelines for written products and presentations, which will be provided as part of the contract.

The ToR can be found here: https://drc.ngo/relief-work/procurement-in-drc

How to apply :

Procedures for submission of quotation

Interested teams or consultants are expected to submit the following items in response to these terms of reference:

• Updated CV(s);
• A technical proposal (no more than 15 pages) that covers (i) the consultant’s suitability for the assignment, (ii) suggested process;
• approach and methodology, and (iii) a proposed payment plan (optional);
• A budget covering daily consulting fees in EUR (see section on ‘proposal evaluation’ for details);
• A statement of availability for the duration of the research;
• One or more work sample(s) of similar assignments; and
• Completed DRC Supplier Profile Registration Form.

Deadline 1 July 2019

Submission of Bid :

Please use the documents available here: https://drc.ngo/relief-work/procurement-in-drc.

The bid can be delivered directly to the tender box, mailed or delivered by courier services, or alternatively send by email to the following dedicated, secure & controlled email address: tender@drc.ngo

THE RFQ BID FORM CANNOT BE EMAILED TO ANY OTHER DRC EMAIL ADDRESS

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