Description

About InterAction:

InterAction is the largest U.S. based coalition of international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) with 180+ members working around the world in low- and middle-income countries, fragile and post-conflict states, and emerging/growth economies. Member organizations are large and small, secular and faith-based, with a focus on people living in the world’s most poor and vulnerable places. The U.S. public, foundations, and governments support the work of our member NGOs that collectively invest and manage more than $15.4 billion a year. InterAction revenues come from dues, government grants, private foundation and corporate grants, and a fee-for-service program portfolio. Using its collective voice and convening power, InterAction seeks to shape important policy decisions and actions across a wide range of issues – including foreign assistance, humanitarian relief, development, economic equity, food security, and climate change – that advance human dignity, human potential, and self-determination.

To learn more about InterAction's mission, DEI approach, values and more visit the link below: https://www.interaction.org/about-interaction/interactions-approach-to-diversity-equity-inclusion/

Who We Are - InterAction

Summary:

InterAction is soliciting Expression of Interest (EOI) from National Consultants to conduct a project on environmental considerations in humanitarian response and coordination.

InterAction is seeking National Consultants either based in or with experience in Turkey, Syria or Pakistan. The National Consultant, Principal Consultant (advertised separately) and InterAction will work as a team.

Background and objectives:

The humanitarian community is increasingly recognizing the importance of integrating environmental considerations into emergency response operations. Natural disasters, conflicts, and other crises can have a significant impact on the environment, and these impacts can have serious consequences for the long-term well-being of affected communities. To ensure that emergency response operations are conducted in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner, it is important to have clear guidance and coordination mechanisms in place.

The consultant will be responsible for assessing the environmental considerations that arise during the early response phase of humanitarian operations, with a focus on the Turkey/Syria earthquake response or the Pakistan flood response and will provide recommendations to enhance environmental best practices in the sector.

Specifically, the consultant will:

• Review the minimum environmental standards that are applied by each organization in the context of large-scale and fast-paced emergencies and assess how these standards are being met in the current response operations.
• Review the environmental requirements of donors and the extent to which these requirements are integrated into the response.
• Investigate any formal or informal coordination mechanisms at cluster/sector level adopted to ensure that environmental considerations are integrated into the early response phase of humanitarian operations.

Additionally, the consultant will look at the following:

1. Planning/Early Response

Was adaptation of environmental best practices given priority during: the response strategy; in practice, or coordination? If so, identify those guidelines and practices?

• These could include government guidelines, law, directions, and support.
• Relief agency guidelines – primarily humanitarian but also development agencies as applicable
• Coordination structure guidelines – such as environmental support task force or working group.

2. Ongoing/Current Response:

With interviews or questionnaire:

• Identify key stakeholders in the environmental interventions – such as ministries, environment focused NGOs/UN agencies, if any
• What other interventions are being taken – sustainable materials, reduction of waste, information, communication, or trainings conducted (both for communities and agencies)
• Some examples/brief case studies available
• Potential experts/contacts/agencies to be contacted for further information.

3. Coordination:

• Is there any formal or informal coordination, helpdesk, or other forms existing?
• What are some of the environmental challenges (immediate or long term) for agencies?
• Suggestions/recommendations: What possible mechanisms could work to coordinate a safe environmentally responsible response? Good and bad examples
• General recommendations for future response?

Expected activities and deliverables:

• Conduct a desk review of relevant policies, guidelines, and best practices related to environmental considerations in humanitarian response and coordination in the relevant context.
• Conduct a review of minimum environmental standards applied by organizations operating in one of the chosen contexts and assess how these standards are being met in the current response operations.
• Conduct key informant interviews with representatives from humanitarian organizations, donor agencies, and relevant government ministries to identify challenges and opportunities related to environmental considerations in the early response phase of humanitarian operations.
• Develop recommendations for formal and/or informal coordination mechanisms that can be adopted to ensure that environmental considerations are integrated into the early response phase of humanitarian operations.
• Prepare a final report of approximately 15-20 pages summarizing the findings and recommendations, including an executive summary of approximately 1-2 pages.

Qualifications:

• At least 5 years of experience in humanitarian response and coordination, with a focus on environmental considerations preferred.
• Knowledge of the policies, guidelines, and best practices related to environmental considerations in humanitarian operations.
• Experience working in one or more of the countries of focus (Turkey, Syria, Pakistan).
• Excellent analytical, written and oral communication skills.
• Fluency in English is required. Fluency in one of the relevant national languages is preferred.

Period of Performance:

It is expected the work will take an estimated 15 days spread over 2+ months. Consultant must be available immediately and up to September 2023. All timelines are subject to change based on mutual agreement.

Application Process:

Interested consultants should send the following documents to jobs@interaction.org, with a copy to mmenestrina@interaction.org, indicating “National Consultant – Environmental Considerations in Humanitarian Response and Coordination” in the subject line. Application deadline is March 8, 2023 but applications will be reviewed as received.

Attachment A: Company profile or individual resume with contact detail, background (highlighting specific experience humanitarian assistance) and qualifications.

Attachment B: Proposal, including methodology and workplan.

Attachment C: Detailed cost proposal with number of days and daily rate requested. Exact number of days contracted will be based on local context, consultant’s profile, and availability.

Questions/Comments: Please send your initial inquiries related to the consultancy via email to mmenestrina@interaction.org.

Apply at: https://bit.ly/3m6AOvo