TOR: Development of ReDSS knowledge management and capacity development strategy at Danish Refugee Council

Consultancy objective

The objective of this consultancy is to develop ReDSS comprehensive knowledge management and capacity development strategy using various learning approaches to promote a culture of learning and reflection to improve durable solutions programming and policies and to strengthen the capacity of practitioners and policy-makers in the field of durable solutions.

Specific objectives

• Conduct consultations with ReDSS members and other relevant stakeholders in Kenya, Somalia and at regional level to review their current learning and training approaches and assess their knowledge and capacity needs and priorities at different levels (management/ technical and country/field levels) with regard to displacement and solutions. This will help ReDSS develop a common learning and research agenda to address key knowledge and practice gaps to inform better programming and policy
• Conduct a thorough review of ReDSS current learning, capacity development and information sharing tools internally and externally to assess to what extent existing tools are responding to the needs of ReDSS targeted audiences
• Develop a monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning (MEAL) component in the knowledge management and capacity development strategy including outcomes and output levels indicators to monitor its value added, effectiveness, use and impact and to ensure that knowledge is effectively translated into action.

Methodology

The strategy will be developed through a very participatory and consultative process to ensure active engagement and ownership by ReDSS members.

• The first step will involve extensive physical and online consultations with ReDSS members and key stakeholders to establish a baseline analysis while the second step will focus on developing the strategy based on information and evidence gathered in the baseline analysis. This will include:
• A people centered approach so data and evidence will be collected and analyzed together with ReDSS members and key stakeholders under the guidance of a steering committee composed of ReDSS and non ReDSS members
• Online survey to assess ReDSS members and key stakeholders knowledge management and capacity development needs, learning models/approaches
• Key Informant Interviews with ReDSS members and other key stakeholders (Minimum 40 participants within ReDSS consulted and 10 external)
• Validation workshops with key stakeholders
• Possible field visits to Kenya and Somalia

The baseline analysis will also be used to propose systematic method and tools to capture not only existing but also emerging knowledge for both learning and capacity development.

Expected deliverables / outputs

• Inception report (with power point presentation) outlining the consultant’s understanding of the TOR, methodology, work-plan, budget and a list of key informants representing ReDSS members and external audience to be consulted. A presentation will be made to the Steering Committee.
• Preliminary report outlining the results of the baseline analysis and the outline of the strategy that will be presented and discussed with the Steering Committee. This will include an assessment on the effectiveness of ReDSS information products, training modules and information sharing tools. It will also include detailed recommendations based on the consultations.
• A draft knowledge management and capacity development strategy which will include:

• Immediate overall and specific objectives and outputs for both knowledge management and capacity development components
• Learning and capacity development approaches to be used to implement the strategy
• Monitoring, evaluation and learning component including outcomes and outputs levels, distinct indicators, baseline, target value, data source, frequency, means of verification and risks, as well as MEAL template and timeframe for both real time and long term monitoring to ensure that knowledge is effectively translated into action.
• A short power point presentation highlighting the key questions used to guide consultancy, methodology, key findings (baseline analysis) and recommendations (15 slides maximum)
• Validation workshops with ReDSS members and key stakeholders

Management and timeframe

This consultancy will be managed by the ReDSS Coordinator and a steering committee made of ReDSS members and external stakeholders. The consultancy will be conducted over a period of 40 consultancy days.

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of experience in similar assignments involving development of knowledge management strategies, including design, and delivery of knowledge management strategies, research, evidence building and analysis
• Strong knowledge of the region and the socio-economic and political dynamics affecting it; more specifically on displacement trends with a demonstrated ability to manage politically sensitive contexts
• Solid experience in capacity development of a wide range of actors including adult learning, mentoring and coaching, training of trainers and impact monitoring of capacity development activities
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the organization

Required Skills

• Strong analytical and writing skills with proven experience in producing high quality reports with ability to present complex information in a simple and accessible manner
• Strong experience in translating evidence and research into programming and policy guidance
• Excellent coordination, inter-personal facilitation and communication skills to build trusted relationships with a wide array of actors
• Good IT command, and experience of applying ICT (information communications technology) to knowledge management
• Flexibility, proactive engagement, ability to work under pressure and to demonstrate high tolerance for change, complexity and unpredictability

Commitments

DRC has a Humanitarian Accountability Framework, outlining its global accountability commitments. All staff and consultants are required to contribute to the achievement of this framework. For general information about the Danish Refugee Council, please visit www.drc.dk.