Home-based: Baseline Study on the Protection of Civilians in Areas under the Influence of Armed Groups and de Facto Authorities in Yemen

Geneva Call is a neutral and impartial non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting respect for international humanitarian norms in armed conflict and other situations of violence. Geneva Call’s mission is to ensure that armed groups and de facto authorities (AGDA) respect International Humanitarian Law and basic humanitarian principles in the areas where they fight, or they control. Armed conflict drives food insecurity and famine in multiple ways. Fighting disrupts food supplies, food production, and food systems by damaging critical infrastructure and contaminating or destroying agricultural land. Unsurprisingly, millions of people threatened by food insecurity and famine live in armed conflict zones, including areas under the influence of AGDAs. Better respect for international humanitarian law can mitigate these causes of conflict-related food insecurity. In 2021, Geneva Call expanded its humanitarian engagement by adding food insecurity and famine as a new thematic priority. Through the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO)-funded project, "Protection against Food Insecurity and Famine," initiatives to address and prevent food security will be piloted in targeted territories under the influence of AGDAs Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), South Sudan, Yemen, and Myanmar.

II. Background: 

Geneva Call has been active in Yemen since 2008 and has been working mainly in the southern governates with AGDAs to promote general protection of civilians with a focus on the protection of children, the prohibition of landmines and the prevention of sexual violence as well as humanitarian access. The escalation of the conflict in 2021 inflicted severe damage on Yemen's economy, civilian infrastructure, healthcare, education, and vital services. The 2022 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) highlights a disturbing statistic: nearly 60% of the deaths resulting from the conflict in Yemen are attributed to indirect consequences, notably the lack of access to clean water and healthcare. Among the hardest hit are the displaced populations, who bear the brunt of these consequences. Food insecurity has surged by 18% due to the relentless armed conflict, which serves as a primary driver. This increase stems from various factors, including displacement, the disruption of livelihoods, and the breakdown of distribution systems caused by extensive damage to essential infrastructure, food stocks, and markets. This baseline study's primary objective is to assess the initial conditions of food insecurity within the designated intervention areas. It serves as a foundational reference point against which future changes and progress can be measured. This comprehensive assessment will empower project stakeholders to effectively evaluate the impact of interventions or changes and determine the extent to which project goals have been attained.

III. Objective: 

• To assess the initial conditions of conflict-induced food insecurity and its effects on civilian populations in targeted intervention areas, including those influenced by AGDAs.
• To create a baseline for monitoring changes and enhancements in food security conditions over time, allowing Geneva Call to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention.

IV. Scope: 

This study is to be conducted in four governorates: Al-Hudaydah, Taiz, Ma’rib, Al- Dhalea, Shabwa and Aden, making the sampling of:

• All types of persons, including women, children, youth, and elderly as well as persons with disabilities.
• Family members and caregivers of persons with disabilities.
• marginalized people in the community, where they are considered the most vulnerable in the community.
• Displaced people, whether displaced for once or multiple times.
• Tribal Leaders, community and religious leaders, local civil society organizations - and women’s organizations.
• Different AGDAs in the study areas.
• Food security and agriculture (FSAC) cluster, local NGOs and INGOs.
• Local authorities in the targeted areas.

V. Methodology: 

If possible, the baseline study should adopt a comprehensive and participatory approach, taking into account the opinions of various targeted actors and comparing their views and perceptions regarding food insecurity issues in the target areas. The preference is for the study to embrace a mixed-method approach, and the consultant is expected to apply a conflict sensitivity lens throughout the data collection process to mitigate potential negative impacts on conflict dynamics.

The proposed data collection methods include, but are not limited to:

• Desk Review of Existing Literature and Relevant Secondary Data: conduct a thorough review of pertinent literature and secondary data sources to gather existing knowledge, insights, and statistics related to food insecurity in the target areas.
• Contextual Analysis: undertake a contextual analysis to attain a deeper understanding of conflict dynamics, historical context, and the stakeholders involved.
• Key Informant Interviews: engage with project target groups and stakeholders, including AGDAs, civilian populations, CSOs and community leaders, as well as individuals with in-depth knowledge of the food insecurity situation and conflict dynamics.
• Survey of Civilian Population (when possible and appropriate): conduct surveys among the civilian populations in the target areas to gather insights into their experiences and perceptions of conflict-induced food insecurity conditions and its effects on them.

Geneva Call welcomes additional recommendations regarding data collection methods from interested applicants. The comprehensive methodology, including the selection of sampling techniques, data collection protocols, and the identification of target groups, will be developed by the consultant as part of their role.

VI. Ethical Considerations: 

The consultant/firm will be in contact with Geneva Call partners and beneficiaries and will be required to sign and apply/adhere to the following Geneva Call policies:

• Code of conduct.
• Child protection policy.
• Anti-corruption policy.
• Policy on Harassment and Sexual Violence; and
• Confidentiality agreement.

In addition, the consultant is required to strictly apply the following ethical principles:

• Conflict Sensitivity
• Do no harm principle; and
• Gender sensitivity.

VII. Timeline: 

• Call for proposals: 28 September - 12 October, 2023
• Screening and shortlisting of applicants: 15 - 18 October, 2023
• Interviews with shortlisted applicants: 23-26 October, 2023
• Inception Report submission: no later than 16 November 2023
• Data collection: 20 November - 15 December, 2023
• Final report submission: 28 December 2023

VIII. Budget and Resources: 

The overall budget available for this consultancy is 13,500 CHF. This would either be a team of consultant and field monitors (national and/or international. The consultancy is expected to submit remuneration based on the submission of deliverables, provided that the report meets the specified requirements as stated here.

IX. Roles and Responsibilities: 

The lead Consultant is responsible in managing his/her team and they are expected to closely communicate any changes with Geneva Call team.

X. Deliverables: 

The baseline study is expected to start no later than the first week of November 2023. The deadline for the submission of the final report is 28 December 2023.

Expected deliverables include:

1. Inception report, at minimum, explaining the detailed methodology, instruments to be used for data collection and analysis, identifying risks and mitigation plan, work plan, etc. This document will be used as an initial point of agreement and understanding between the Consultant and Geneva Call.
2. Final baseline study report should encompass the following elements:
   • Executive Summary
   • Table of Content
   • Introduction
   • Limitations
   • Methodology
   • Key findings
   • Recommendations
   • Conclusion

The final report should not exceed 30 pages, excluding annexes.

XI. Qualification Requirements: 

The following qualifications are required for this consultancy, with a specific focus on addressing food insecurity in armed conflict:

• Demonstrated experience and competence in research and evaluation in the field of protection of Human Rights, IHL/IHRL, or humanitarian affairs, with a particular emphasis on food security issues in conflict settings.
• Strong conceptual and analytical skills, especially in the context of assessing and mitigating food insecurity during armed conflicts.
• Knowledge and practical know-how of international humanitarian norms, including those related to food assistance and protection of vulnerable populations in conflict zones.
• Research/assessments/evaluation experience in Yemen, with a specific focus on the impact of armed conflict on food availability and access.
• Research experience with vulnerable populations, including children and marginalized groups, will be preferred, as this is crucial for assessing the food security needs of the most at-risk individuals and communities.
• Previous work on Protection, Rule of Law, Child Protection (CP), and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) programming in conflict-affected areas will be preferred, as these areas of expertise are closely related to addressing food insecurity in such contexts.

How to Apply: 

Interested and qualified consultants/firms must submit the following documents:

• An updated curriculum vitae (of all individuals included in the consultancy team), highlighting relevant professional experience and qualifications for this consultancy.
• A technical proposal explaining the understanding of the consultancy, as well as the methodological approach describing the different stages, the timetable, and the tools and deliverables that will be used for each stage.
• A financial proposal with a detailed budget.
• A sample of work, related to this consultancy.
• Full contact information for at least two recent client references.

Applications should be submitted by email to hmehmood@genevacall.org no Later than 24 October 2023. Please Indicate 'Baseline Study on The Protection of Civilians in Areas under the Influence of Armed Groups and De Facto Authorities in Yemen' in the subject of the email.