Rationale and purpose for Shock Responsiveness Study
The ESSN programme design/operational model was set up to respond to meet the basic needs of people within the context of a protracted crisis. It was not designed to respond to additional shocks (see below a list of potential shocks and triggers such as natural disasters, pandemics, etc.). In 2020, the socio-economic situation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic has created additional challenges for refugees that needed
to be met. Initial discussions with ESSN stakeholders concluded that the ESSN could be expanded vertically[1] through the provision of additional top-ups based on re-allocating resources, but the programme did not have the capacity to expand horizontally[2] unless further resources would be allocated. As such, in 2020, ECHO and other donors have chosen to fund other humanitarian organizations to provide one-time cash assistance to refugee households in Turkey, rather than building on the Kizilaykart platform. This demonstrates how the current inability to expand the ESSN horizontally has created a situation where ECHO has to fund other cash programmes that use different financial service providers and payment systems, hereby going against ECHO’s principles for harmonized cash programming.
As described in the 2016 World Humanitarian Summit[3] and confirmed in the Sustainable Development Goals, humanitarian actors at global level and in Turkey, including DG ECHO, are committed to finding ways to respond more efficiently to emerging crisis[4]. Linking humanitarian assistance to social protection systems and building shock-responsiveness into the Kizilaykart Platform (including the ESSN programme), a mature and well-functioning system, is one possible option for a more effective and efficient humanitarian response in Turkey[5].
Given recent socio-economic developments (especially the COVID-19 pandemic) and associated impact on needs and vulnerabilities, the Kizilaykart Platform would benefit from increased flexibility and adaptability to enable greater responsiveness to different types of shocks. The existing targeting criteria, system, triggers, and approach for inclusion and/or remaining in the ESSN programme could be adapted to make the ESSN more shock-responsive to current and potential future shocks. In short, the aim is to analyse the social policy space in Turkey and within TRC where Kizilaykart and ESSN operate and subsequently explore how Kizilaykart Platform (including the ESSN programme) could be adapted and contribute to a shock-responsive social protection[6] system.
The Shock Responsiveness Study for ESSN III shall start by exploring contextual factors in Turkey and specifically around Kizilaykart and the ESSN, including (a) level of interest from all key ESSN stakeholders, (b) legal frameworks and regulations, (c) organisational change, needs, mandates and strategies (i.e., TRC cash institutionalisation strategy), and (d) financing, among others.
Secondly, and as main focus of the research, the study shall analyse scenarios and existing operational systems and list practical pathways for adaption. In specific terms, the study will describe key components for future standard operational procedures and suggest cash preparedness actions for each of the possible scenarios as well as identify “crisis modifiers”/triggers that would allow ESSN resources to be used to respond to additional needs. Naturally the study will need to analyse trade-offs and how ESSN relates to and co-exists with other social safety net schemes existing in Turkey supporting vulnerable communities regardless of their legal status or citizenship. The study is meant to analyse internal practical requirements allowing the Kizilaykart Platform to be adapted to quickly respond to shocks and natural disasters and react to the evolving needs of the refugee population in Turkey.
Finally, the study will build on ongoing efforts to strengthen and further institutionalise, standardise, and systematise TRC’s organisational capacity and readiness to design and implement cash-based programmes across its international and domestic programmes. The study will provide input to establishing the feasibility of cash as a mainstream response modality across other TRC units and departments and advise how shock-responsiveness could be included into the cash institutionalisation strategy.
In summary, the key elements to be explored will include:
- ESSN and Kizilaykart Platform relationships and roles within the overall social policy framework in Turkey with a focus of clearly describe the legal framework in which Kizilaykart Platform operates when responding to shocks and disasters.
- Positioning of Kizilaykart platform within the wider TRC institutional context in responding to shocks and disasters (mainstreaming cash as a response modality across other departments), as well as identifying interest of key ESSN stakeholders to align with complementary social protection mechanisms in place (particularly for Turkish citizens).
- Type of shocks that the Kizilaykart platform would consider responding to.
- Type of triggers or crisis modifiers that would activate the response system.
- The feasibility and potential uses of a flexible Kizilaykart platform, including agility to deal with new shocks and crises and the actions and pathways
More specifically, the analysis will look at shock-responsiveness scenarios, potential pathways for adaptation and detailed practical CVA preparedness actions, requirements, and risks. This analysis will be based on the following framework[1]:
- Trigger/Shock
Suitable shock-responsive response option(s): (Vertical expansion; horizontal expansion; geographical targeting; etc.)
Requirements:(cash preparedness actions; necessary adaptations to the Kizilaykart platform; regulatory framework; partnerships; funding channels, etc.)
Risks and Challenges
Potential triggers to explore could be:
- The negative socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the socio-economic conditions of all refugees in Turkey.
- An earthquake that affects all Turkish citizens and refugees in one region.
- Sudden influx of vulnerable migrants into Turkey.
Scope and Methodology
The final scope and methodology for the ESSN III Shock Responsiveness Study will be initially drafted by the consultant based on the TORs and collaboratively developed/finalised between the consultant and key stakeholders, including ECHO, TRC, IFRC and Government of Turkey, via a series of iterative steps.
The ESSN III Shock Responsiveness Study will offer in-depth and comprehensive analysis with an external and independent perspective by exploring how existing infrastructure of the ESSN /Kizilaykart could be adapted and linked to existing social protection / shock-responsiveness mechanisms/infrastructure, by and identifying recommendation of shock-responsiveness options and pathways. The methodology will use an in-depth contextual analysis as well as primary data collection tools, including key informant interviews or in-depth interviews, and other methods as relevant and agreed. The study may use comparative methods with other similar systems in the region to assess the feasibility and eventually practical steps needed for such adaption. The study will start by analysing the results of the first round of the ESSN Third Party Monitoring, which will focus on ESSN effectiveness and include shock-responsiveness as one of the cross-cutting elements under analysis.
The study shall consider several criteria when analysing potential shock-responsiveness options for ESSN, including (a) meeting needs; (b) coverage; (c) timeliness; (d) predictability; (e) overlaps with existing systems, (f) sustainability, (g) comprehensiveness or (h) cost-effectiveness.
The study shall analyse how ESSN and Kizilaykart platform could potentially adapt and modify using as points of reference the standard shock-responsive options for safety nets, specifically: (a) Vertical expansion, (b) Horizontal expansion, (c) Design tweaks, (4) 'Piggybacking', or (v) Alignment of ESSN with other systems, focusing specially on the first two.
In line with and informed by this process, the framing and study design of the Shock Responsiveness Study for ESSN III adopts a mixed method analytical approach to assess the following three dimensions but with a primary focus on the internal dimension and practical cash-preparedness actions:
- External dimension questions, which will focus on the analysis of the social policy framework in Turkey where Kizilaykart Platform and ESSN III operate, and specifically to assess level of interest of ESSN key stakeholders on an enhanced shock-responsive ESSN or Kizilaykart platform system.
- Contextual dimension questions, which will focus on an analysis of shocks, and triggers or crisis modifiers.
- Internal dimension questions, which will focus on listing possible response scenarios and identifying specific cash preparedness-related actions, operational requirements, and risks for each of those scenarios of an enhanced shock-responsive ESSN/Kizilaykart, while also building on existing efforts to further institutionalise the use of cash and voucher assistance within TRC’s domestic and international programme and including an element of shock-responsiveness into the cash institutionalisation strategy.
Expected deliverables and milestones
Across the full life cycle of the ESSN III Shock-responsiveness Study, the selected Service Provider(s) will be expected to submit the following outputs and deliverables in English:
- ESSN III Shock Responsiveness Study Draft Inception report – discussion draft
- ESSN III Shock Responsiveness Study Final Inception report, capturing the scope of work and methodology and updated following feedback on the draft Inception Report. The report will include information regarding:
- Proposed study design and methodology for data collection and analysis.
- Technical approach and tools that will be used, and why these are appropriate.
- Detailed timeline and project/work plan supporting the achievement of project milestones and objectives, and any other key actions that the service provider should undertake.
- Progress updates throughout the work.
- Shock Responsiveness Study for ESSN III Final Report – Analysis, finding and recommendations/pathways for implementation. This will include the facilitation of a final (online) workshop with all key ESSN stakeholders where the results will be presented.
- Slide decks and other materials as required in order to support the running of review and validation workshop with key stakeholders to enable finalising of all reports; sharing of draft versions of the report with relevant stakeholders, via the IFRC project focal point, for feedback before being finalised.
- Regular reports and updates – written or oral, as required and requested – to the IFRC, in particular the project focal point, and final wrap-up of the project in an accountable and appropriate manner.
Deliverables:
September 2021: ESSN III Shock Responsiveness Study Draft Inception Report: Including briefings and stakeholder meetings, desk review, preparation of study design and methodology, data collection and analysis approach and tools, detailed timeline and project/work plan, preparation, submission, and finalising of draft inception report, including via review and validation workshop and incorporating feedback received
October 2021: ESSN III Shock Responsiveness Study Final Inception Report: Finalising of draft inception report, including via review and validation workshop and incorporating feedback received
November 2021: ESSN III Shock Responsiveness Study Final Report: Including data collection and analysis, preparation of draft report, incorporation of feedback received, presentation for validation at workshop, finalising and submission of final report, accompanied by all relevant data and supporting / project documents; dissemination materials and activities
December 2021: ESSN III Shock Responsiveness Wrap-Up: Including wrap-up workshop, and all other activities required to facilitate correct and accountable closure of the project
Skills and qualifications
The Service Provider should have demonstrable knowledge and experience in the following areas:
- At least 10 years’ experience in monitoring and evaluation of humanitarian cash-based programmes and social safety net programmes.
- Proven track record in programme management and experience in cash programmes, in responding to emergencies and programme design and implementation with large NGOs, UN agency or government.
- Demonstrated understanding, expertise and experience working on issues related to cash-based programming, social protection, shock responsiveness and refugees.
- Demonstrated experience in designing, planning, organising, and conducting surveys, Key informant interviews in social safety net programmes/humanitarian cash transfer programmes.
- Sufficient resources and staff to carry out the assignment effectively and efficiently in English and Turkish.
- Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing.
Call for proposals
Applicants are expected to submit to IFRC the following documents:
- Financial proposal
- Technical proposal including delivery in line with project’s existing design and methodology
- Workplan and detailed timeline
- Composition of team (if need be)
- CV of key team members with assurance letter that team members are fully committed to undertake the assignment (any change in team members will be subject to approval from IFRC and only on an exceptional basis)
- Short description of similar assignments and sample of previous work
- A reference list of previous clients
- A copy of registration
Contract Award Criteria
The contract will be awarded on the following basis:
25 points: Adherence to Terms of References specifications and related requirements, including (i) a clear understanding of required deliverables; and (ii) a robust, appropriately proposed methodology and approach
20 points: Demonstrable ability to delivery coherence and consistency with the existing ESSN III Project Plan.
25 points: Quality of suggested team member(s) to undertake all aspects of the assignment, meeting academic and qualification requirements; minimum 10 years’ experience, demonstrated experience in carrying out similar work
30 points: Financial Proposal: Competitive fee rates and expenses in relation to the market and demonstration of value for money; clear and effective financial plan to deliver output-based deliverables and key performance measures; financial approach and methodology for ensuring the requirements will be delivered on time and in line with agreed costs, highlighting any financial risks.
Conditions:
- The Service Provider will work on its own computer(s) and use its own office resources and materials in the execution of this assignment. The contractor’s fee shall be inclusive of all office administrative costs.
- Local travel and airport transfers (where applicable) will be covered in accordance with IFRC rules and tariffs.
- Flight costs will be covered at economy class rate as per IFRC policies.
- Any air tickets for travel will be authorised by and paid for by IFRC directly and will be for the attendance of meetings and workshops, and in agreement with the project’s focal point.
- Organisations must declare direct or indirect conflict of interests.
- Organisations must also adhere to principles of impartiality, neutrality, integrity, and confidentiality.
Timeframe:
Duration of consultancy is expected to take up to three (3) months with an estimate of 30 to 40 working days.
IFRC Recourse in Case of Unsatisfactory Performance:
In case of unsatisfactory performance, payment will be withheld until quality deliverables are submitted. If the contractor is unable to complete the assignment, the contract will be terminated by notification letter sent 30 days prior to the termination date. In the meantime, IFRC will initiate another selection in order to identify an appropriate candidate.
How to apply:
Kindly visit IFRC Career website to apply;
https://www.ifrc.org/en/who-we-are/working-with-us/current-vacancies/job-description/?id=82976