ALNAP - An international inter-agency forum working to improve learning and
accountability within the humanitarian system
'Global Study on Consultation with, and Participation by, Beneficiaries and
the Affected Population in the Planning, Management, Monitoring and
Evaluation of Humanitarian Programmes'
Terms of Reference for Project Director
Background
Despite the introduction in 1994 of the Red Cross/NGO Code of Conduct
committing signatory agencies finding ways: "to involve programme
beneficiaries in the management of relief aid", there remains wide variation
in practice and continued criticism on the inadequate involvement of
beneficiaries and affected populations. The bulk of humanitarian assistance
is still a 'top-down' affair and 'downward accountability' to the
beneficiaries and affected populations remains very weak.
ALNAP, as an inter-agency forum working to improve learning and
accountability in the international humanitarian system, is committed to
improving 'downward' accountability within the system and has already
undertaken two preliminary studies on the issue. These identified a lack of
analysis and understanding of what constitutes 'good practice' in different
contexts and stages of an emergency as a critical block to the greater
involvement of beneficiaries and affected populations.
The Global Study, approved by members at ALNAP's April 2000 biannual
meeting, provides a hybrid research and action-learning process involving
numerous agencies and a range of emergency contexts. A consortium of
interested ALNAP member organisations and individuals has been established
as has a smaller Steering/Management Group drawn from amongst their number
to guide and take the study forward.
Overall Objective
The overall objective of the Global Study is to develop a 'Handbook of Good
Practice on Consultation with, and Participation by, Beneficiaries and
Affected Populations in the Process of Planning, Managing, Monitoring and
Evaluating Humanitarian Programmes', for agencies working in different
contexts and stages of an emergency
Objectives
· To assess current consultation & participation practice in a range of
emergency contexts
· To identify examples of good practice
· To identify gaps or inadequacies in current practice and contributing
factors
· To produce and disseminate the results of 5 context case studies as
individual monographs
· To produce and disseminate an overview report published commercially
· To prepare a provisional Handbook of Good Practice
· To identify possible Phase 2 activities for testing and further developing
the Handbook
Research Design
Emphasis throughout will be placed on operational methods and the
development of practical field-oriented guidance.
The Global Study will involve action-research context case studies in 5
different emergency situations:
i. sudden impact natural disaster in a poor country;
ii. sudden impact natural disaster in a rich country;
iii. complex emergency with non-displaced populations;
iv. complex emergency with displaced & refugee populations;
v. complex emergency (to be confirmed)
A common factor for consideration will be the influence of 'previous
presence' on the engagement of beneficiaries by responding organisations.
The studies will be undertaken by 5 separate two-person teams consisting of
an external researcher with experience of social research in emergency
contexts, and a practitioner/researcher seconded by an ALNAP member
organisation.
Duration
Phase 1 will commence with the appointment of the Project Director in early
2001 and is due to complete by the end of December 2002.
Purpose of the Project Director Post
The purpose of the Project Director post will be to undertake the day to day
management of the Global Study, under the guidance of the Steering Group.
The Project Director will report directly to the Steering Group.
Specific Areas of Responsibility
The Project Director's responsibilities will include:
i. Funding
Identify and secure additional funding for the project
Ensure delivery on funding pledges received for the project
Monitor/manage project income/expenditure on the basis of agreed financial
procedures
Identify and meet funders reporting requirements
Produce monthly income and expenditure reports for the Steering Group
ii. Case Studies
Identify suitable case studies for consideration by SG
Detail the nature, methodology and schedule of the case studies
Identify and address logistical issues such as accommodation, transport,
insurance, communication, financial procedures etc.
Brief research teams, discussing and clarifying ToR, schedule and
contractual obligations
Oversee progress of case studies ensuring contractual obligations are being
met.
Facilitate cross-fertilisation between teams during the fieldwork
Undertake mid-term field visit to each team
iii. Recruitment/Secondment Process
Draft terms of reference for Administrative Assistant, Research Teams
(external and seconded) and Editor, for approval by SG.
Manage recruitment and appointment process, to include dissemination of ToR
though advertising, networks and direct approach to individual researchers;
shortlisting; interviewing; and, contractual arrangements through ODI.
iv. Steering Group Meetings and May 2002 Workshop
Facilitate quarterly Steering Group Meetings (actual or telephone
conference)
Draft May workshop agenda on the basis of shared research team findings and
the stated objectives (i. identify commonalities between cases; ii. identify
good practice and gaps; iii. identify what areas, if any, need to be
trialed)
Arrange venue, equipment, catering and material for the May 2000 Workshop.
Arrange flights and hotels for participants as required
v. Publications
Identify and negotiate contract with publisher
Oversee production of case studies as individual monographs
Prepare an Overview Report in book form
Identify appropriate 'journals' in which to publish results
Person Specification
i. Essential
Excellent management skills including strong track record in the management
of socio-economic research in developing country context
Knowledge and experience of the humanitarian sector, including direct
experience of complex emergencies
Experience of research design with operationally practical objectives
Excellent oral and writing skills
Excellent fundraising skills
Excellent financial skills
Knowledge of MS word and Excel
ii. Desirable
Previously published
Knowledge of French and/or Spanish
Terms of Employment
The appointment is for a 2-year contract but will be subject to an initial
4-month probationary period to ensure that sufficient funding is in place to
support the project.
Applicants linked to academic institutions will not be required to resign
their posts.
Applications
As the first stage in the appointment process, applicants are asked to
submit (along with relevant supporting documentation such as CVs) a covering
letter outlining their suitability for the post of Project Director.
Applications should be addressed to Kate Robertson, ALNAP Secretariat, 111
Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7JD. Closing date 23 February 2001.
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