Country: Switzerland
Closing date: 15 Nov 2018
Purpose of Project and Background
The following are the Terms of Reference for the IFRC Shelter Cluster Global Focal Point (GFP) for Technical Coordination.
The 2005 Humanitarian Response Review identified a number of areas in which urgent action was required to enable a more effective, predictable and accountable humanitarian system. The resulting Humanitarian Reform Process was overseen by the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC). The cluster approach, aimed at providing adequate capacity and predictable leadership in key sectors of humanitarian response, was one of the agreed four pillars of the reform process. The other pillars comprised effective leadership and coordination in humanitarian emergencies through the UN Humanitarian Coordinator role; adequate, timely and flexible humanitarian financing; and strong partnerships between UN and non-UN agencies.
Through a Memorandum of Understanding with OCHA, signed in 2006, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) agreed to take on the responsibility of convening the Shelter Cluster for natural disasters.
The Global Shelter Cluster (GSC) is a very diverse and broad network of humanitarian operational agencies, research and academic institutions, donors, service providers and other stakeholders encompassing a wide range of disciplines and expertise, with the shared objective of strengthening the shelter response to humanitarian crises. The GSC is co-led by UNHCR (for conflict situations) and IFRC (for natural disasters).
The delivery of effective shelter response to disasters and crises requires timely, predictable, and widely accessible shelter coordination services at field level. This can only be achieved through strong capacity at the global level to mobilize and maintain the required human and financial resources and provide ongoing support to in-country teams. The Global Focal Points (GFPs) are a key element of the GSC capacity to provide shelter coordination services. They strengthen the link between global capacities and local coordination of shelter response efforts in the immediate aftermath of disasters and crises.
Predictable, timely and consistent shelter cluster coordination at the country level calls for the immediate availability of dedicated, trained, and experienced staff to deploy within 72 hours of cluster activation. A dedicated team of GFPs enhances the standing capacity of suitably qualified individuals to provide strong leadership and coordination of the shelter response at field level through Shelter Coordination Team (SCT) deployments .The “surge capacity” model for the Shelter Cluster is based on the sustained availability at global level of these GFPs with the required expertise in areas such as shelter coordination, information management, and technical support, who can be deployed at short notice to support the rapid establishment of a country level cluster after a disaster, or to support the scaling-up or gap filling of existing country-level clusters. The required coordination services can be provided immediately to responding shelter agencies whilst shelter coordination personnel from the cluster leads and partner agencies can be identified through existing rosters and deployed for the required duration. The GFPs also provide on-the-job training and mentoring to other SCT members deployed, whom they support remotely when the scale of the emergency and its response does not or no longer requires in-country presence of a GFP.
Outside of disasters, the GFPs contribute to enhance shelter cluster preparedness activities, by capturing best practice and feeding it back into SCT deployments and trainings, developing or updating guidelines and tools, and supporting GSC initiatives and priorities. The GFPs will also enable the GSC to consistently engage with and be represented in other relevant clusters, inter-cluster initiatives and IASC subsidiary bodies as applicable.
Alignment to the IFRC’s objectives and strategy
(IFRC’s Strategy 2020)
This project aligns with strategic aim 2 of IFRC Strategy 2020, to save lives, protect livelihoods, and strengthen recovery from disasters and crisis. It will provide human resources to the IFRC co-led GSC that may be deployed within Shelter Coordination Teams to provide shelter technical coordination services at the country level. Through improved shelter coordination, Shelter Coordination Teams strengthen the humanitarian shelter response to disasters.
Project objectives
The overall objective of the IFRC Shelter Cluster Global Focal Point (GFP) for Technical Coordination is to improve the shelter response of humanitarian actors by strengthening the GSC surge capacity and shelter preparedness system. This initiative mainly contributes to pillar 1 of the GSC Strategy, by supporting a predictable, effective, and timely response through coordination capacity.
Desired outcomes
In close coordination with the GSC Support Team and the IFRC Shelter Unit, the GSC Global Focal Point for Technical Coordination will contribute to the following outcomes:
Support remotely or in-country as required shelter coordination at country level on technical coordination issues, either in the role of Technical Coordinator in SCTs or through remote support to SCT members.
Contribute to developing enhanced shelter preparedness at global level.
Key functions
Outcome 1: Support as required shelter technical coordination at country level.
Output 1.1: Provide technical coordination services at country level. This will be done by ensuring surge capacity to respond to the initial coordination needs of the shelter response during the first days of major disasters or to support the scaling-up or gap filling of existing country-level clusters.
Activity 1: When requested, be deployed within 72 hours to a disaster in the role of Technical Coordinator in country, typically for a period of 3 to 4 weeks and potentially for up to 3 months.
Activity 2: Collaborate in the selection and deployment of Technical Coordinators in SCTs that will provide shelter technical coordination services of the Shelter Cluster at country level.
Activity 3: Provide a handover to the Technical Coordinator in the SCT.
Output 1.2: Provide training, mentoring, and distance support to Shelter Coordination Teams for the duration of the project.
Activity 1: Provide mentoring and support, either remote or in place, for deployed Technical Coordinators in coordination with other Global Focal Points and the Senior Officer, Shelter Cluster Coordination.
Activity 2: Participate in and give active support to training and awareness initiatives related to shelter technical coordination.
Activity 3: Support other GFPs and the Senior Officer for Shelter Cluster Coordination in the preparation and delivery of the annual Global Coordination Workshop and other regional and country-level workshops as appropriate.
Output 1.3: Support sector-based preparedness and contingency planning at country level.
Activity 1: In coordination with other GFPs, Regional Focal Points (RFPs) and the Senior Officer, Shelter Cluster Coordination, support priority countries for the development or updating of the technical component of sector-based preparedness and contingency planning for shelter response.
Activity 2: In coordination with country-level shelter clusters, support the preparation and organization of the technical component of the contingency planning process.
Activity 3: Support country-level clusters in carrying out hazard and risk analysis, scenario building and developing planning assumptions.
Activity 4: Contribute to the development of sector/cluster response plans and support country-level clusters in the implementation of shelter technical preparedness actions.
Output 1.4: Lead or participate in country-level shelter cluster reviews and evaluations.
Activity 1: At the request of the Senior Officer, Shelter Cluster Coordination, carry out internal reviews of the technical component of IFRC-led SCT deployments.
Activity 2: Consolidate the end of mission reports, lessons learnt, independent reviews and feedback related to technical coordination from different SCT deployments and prepare a management plan to address the resulting recommendations.
Activity 3: In agreement with the Senior Officer, Shelter Cluster Coordination, participate in country level inter-agency shelter cluster impact evaluations and SCT deployment evaluations.
Outcome 2: Contribute to developing enhanced shelter preparedness at global level.
Output 2.1: Ensure that SCTs have the appropriate technical coordination tools, with special emphasis on the continuous revision and updating of the technical related content of the Shelter Coordination Toolkit.
Activity 1: Provide technical inputs to the constant revision and updating of the Shelter Coordination Toolkit.
Activity 2: Identify with the Shelter & Settlements Team, other GFPs, the Senior Officer, Shelter Cluster Coordination, and deployed coordinators and technical coordinators other tools that need to be developed and/or improved.
Activity 3: Develop or improve the identified tools in close consultation with deployed coordination teams.
Output 2.2: Contribute to the review, development of content, and facilitation of the Humanitarian Shelter Coordination Training and other regional or country level trainings as required.
Activity 1: Provide inputs to the continuous revision and updating of the Humanitarian Shelter Coordination Training.
Activity 2: Develop additional content for specific modules and/or sessions of the distance and residential components of the Humanitarian Shelter Coordination Training and other regional or country level trainings as required, in coordination with the Senior Officer, Shelter Cluster Coordination and other GFPs.
Activity 3: Contribute to the organization and delivery of the Humanitarian Shelter Coordination Training and other regional and country level trainings as required.
Output 2.3: Participate in the maintenance and development of the Shelter Cluster website.
Activity 1: In close coordination with the Senior Officer, Shelter Cluster Coordination, and the Global Focal Point for Information Management, contribute to the continuous improvement and design of the website.
Activity 2: Provide relevant technical coordination-related content for the website. Ensure that all the tools and good practices developed are captured in the website for the benefit of the technical coordinators.
Activity 3: Regularly monitor the website both at the global and country level sites to provide inputs and additional content as necessary.
Activity 4: Provide support to the GFP for Information Management in maintaining the website as required.
Output 2.4: Contribute to advance the Global Shelter Cluster strategy and annual priorities.
Activity 1: In agreement with the Global Shelter Cluster Coordinator and the Senior Officer, Shelter Cluster Coordination, chair and/or participate in selected GSC Working Groups and Communities of Practice, as well as support specific SAG activities as required.
Activity 2: Participate in and contribute to the preparation, organization, design, and facilitation of the Global Shelter Cluster meetings as required.
Activity 3: Contribute to global level inter-cluster initiatives to strengthen inter-cluster linkages and participate in relevant IASC subsidiary bodies in agreement with the Global Shelter Cluster Coordinator and the Senior Officer, Shelter Cluster Coordination and in coordination with UNHCR in its capacity as GSC co-lead agency.
Activity 4: In coordination with the GFP for Information Management, contribute to the development and maintenance of global information management products (global 3Ws).
Activity 5: As member of the GSC Support Team, contribute to activities in the GSC Support Team annual work plan.
Activity 6: Any other tasks that may be required to achieve the objectives of these terms of reference.
The priority focus of the GFP function is to ensure the achievement of outputs 1.1 and 1.2. The contribution to the other outputs will depend on the number and magnitude of disasters that occur during the timeframe of the project and funding available to support related activities.
Method of delivery and reasons for selecting that method
In order to effectively meet their global responsibilities, the GSC partners have agreed to organize and coordinate their activities through a management approach that allows participation and at the same time streamlines decision making. The GSC management structure has been informed by the experience of country-level shelter clusters since 2006 and the Transformative Agenda.
The GSC is organized as follows:
Strategic Advisory Group (SAG): a permanent body that works to advance the Cluster’s strategic direction and overall work plan. The SAG is elected by and composed of agencies and institutions that are part of the GSC.
Global Cluster Lead Agencies: The GSC is co-chaired by UNHCR and the IFRC. The IFRC convenes the Shelter Cluster in natural disaster situations, while UNHCR leads the Shelter Cluster in conflict situations. The Global Cluster Lead Agencies are responsible for establishing a broad partnership base to advance the Cluster’s aim and objectives. The Lead Agencies call and chair the Global Shelter Cluster Meeting and the SAG. They coordinate and facilitate the implementation of the Global Shelter Cluster core functions.
Working Groups: task-oriented and time-bound structures with clear executable deliverables that are established by the SAG to address particular identified priorities.
Communities of Practice: thematic groups of expert individuals that provide technical support to the global or country level clusters, develop good practice, and address critical issues within their areas of expertise.
Support Team: a team of dedicated personnel seconded by different cluster partners. This team is the support cell or secretariat of the GSC and is responsible for its day to day functioning. The team provides technical and surge support to country level clusters and facilitates the work of the SAG, working groups, and communities of practice. It also provides inputs to inter-agency discussions and inter-cluster coordination at the global level and contributes to building capacity and enhancing preparedness.
The IFRC GFP for Technical Coordination is a member of the GSC Support Team and works together with shelter cluster partners and UNHCR to advance the work of the GSC.
To coordinate the Shelter Cluster at the country level, the IFRC deploys a Shelter Coordination Team (SCT). The shelter coordination team serves as a ‘secretariat’ of the country level Shelter Cluster. Its dedicated, full-time staff work exclusively on coordination services to shelter agencies. The SCT does not engage in any IFRC operational activities, and thus is able to provide independent and neutral coordination services to the Shelter Cluster members. The IFRC establishes a firewall between its role as Shelter Cluster convener, and its operational role as shelter implementer.
The SCT is a flexible coordination mechanism. Its composition varies depending on the size and needs of a disaster. The IFRC typically deploys a dedicated team of 3-4 people, but if a disaster response requires additional support from the Shelter Cluster, the SCT can incorporate several additional roles. In large scale disasters, the team can exceed 20 people. The key positions of the SCT ensure that core services are provided to shelter agencies, delivering consistent and predictable support that is easy for partners to understand.
SCT key positions include a Coordinator, and Information Manager, a Technical Coordinator, and a Recovery Advisor. The deployment of IFRC-led SCTs is funded through a globally managed project within the IFRC country-level Emergency Appeal.
When the GFP is deployed as Shelter Cluster Technical Coordinator or in any other capacity as a member of a SCT, he/she will ensure at all times when carrying out the assignment that he/she adheres to the conditions of the International Federation commitment to undertaking a leading role in emergency shelter in natural disasters, namely:
the Federation shall at all times adhere to the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, its policies, procedures as well as those of the Movement, relevant to international disaster response (including the Seville Agreement);
the Principle of Independence will be upheld in respect of extra funding required to exercise this lead role;
the Federation will not accept accountability obligations beyond those defined in its Constitution and own polices; and
the responsibilities of such leadership will be clearly defined, leaving no room for “open ended” or unlimited obligations.
At the global level, the IFRC GFP for Technical Coordination reports to the IFRC Shelter Lead. When deployed at the country level as a member of a SCT, the GFP will report to the Shelter Cluster Coordinator. The SCT maintains a reporting line to the IFRC Country Representative for administrative and security purposes.
As instructed by the IFRC Senior Officer, Shelter Cluster Coordination, and in coordination with UNHCR, the IFRC GFP for Technical Coordination will work closely with other members of the GSC Support Team, OCHA, Shelter Cluster partners, and other global clusters carrying out coordination functions in other sectors/areas.
At the country level, the IFRC Country Representative is the primary authority on issues regarding security and safety. The IFRC GFP for Technical Coordination will function as other Federation delegates in this regard and will comply with all security and safety guidelines.
Support to be provided to theGFP for Technical Coordination
The Senior Officer, Shelter Cluster Coordination, will brief the GFP and provide backstop in dealing with any issues that may raise during the assignment. He will be the main focal point for the GFP and available throughout the assignment period to provide support as required.
The Global Focal Point for Information Management and other GFPs from IFRC, UNHCR and other GSC partners will provide support to the GFP as required. Other members of the Global Shelter Cluster Support Team will also provide support in their respective areas of expertise.
At the country level, the IFRC Country Representation will provide logistics and administration support to the GFP as required.
Timeframe
This assignment is for a period of one year, starting on January 1, 2019 until December 31, 2019.
How to apply:
Interested applicants, please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest in this consultancy and how your experience, qualifications and skills make you an ideal candidate for the role. Please also include your daily fee.
Applications are to be sent to ela.serdaroglu@ifrc.org and pablo.medina@ifrc.org before the deadline.