: Baseline Assessment for Cash-based Intervention. : Iraq, Erbil : IOM Consultant, equivalent P2 or P3. : 30 th June 2018 : CFCV2018/IRQ/107

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1 Call for CVs Position Title Duty Station Unit Classification Type of Appointment Duration of Appointment Estimated Start Date Closing Date Reference Code Open to Internal & External Candidates : Baseline Assessment for Cash-based Intervention : Iraq, Erbil : PDSU : IOM Consultant, equivalent P2 or P3 : IOM Consultant : Two (2) Months only : As soon as possible : 30 th June 2018 : CFCV2018/IRQ/107 Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants. IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment. Internal and external candidates are eligible to apply to this vacancy. For the purpose of the vacancy, internal candidates are considered as first-tier candidates. Context: Under general guidance of the Chief of Mission (CoM), the Head of Erbil Office, Direct supervision of head of AVRR National Programme Officer, Reintegration Focal Point will be responsible for the following duties: 1. Introduction IOM Iraq s integrated emergency response aims to address the immediate needs of displaced populations and assist the most vulnerable individuals in areas affected by displacement and conflict in Iraq. An essential part of IOM Iraq's emergency response focuses on Non-Food Items (NFI) and shelters such as Sealing Off Kits (SOKs), rehabilitation of damaged houses, and upgrade of shelter in informal sites. Although distribution of commodities continues to dominate humanitarian assistance, there is increasing attention and exploration on how donors and humanitarian actors can effectively use cash and vouchers to support conflict-affected people. Experience shows that commodity-based support is not always able to meet the most pressing needs of beneficiaries, sometimes leading them to sell their items in markets at lower prices to raise cash to cover other needs. When NFIs and basic food are available in local markets, cash and vouchers can be a more efficient way of delivering assistance, transferring choice in the Page 1 / 7

2 hands of beneficiaries and supporting local traders, suppliers and the broader economy. Therefore, it would be useful to carry out a baseline assessment to establish what are some of the pre-conditions to ensure the suitability and effectiveness of such cash-based interventions in Iraq. 2. Purpose This baseline assessment will analyse how cash activities can be implemented in the context of Iraq considering the existing financial infrastructure and lessons learned from other incountry practices, recommending possible options for cash-based interventions for the next USAID/OFDA project that IOM will implement in 2018/19. The assessment will also help to improve IOM Iraq s livelihood programmes related to cash-based work schemes. The baseline assessment is also expected to determine who are the critical stakeholders and check the capacity of the local markets to absorb cash programming and analyse the links between cash and NFI/ shelter to support more sustainable livelihood options. 3. Methodology The assessment will be carried out by an external consultant who will conduct: o Literature/desk review of IOM Iraq s emergency response (NFI and Shelter) and cashbased interventions, donor policies/strategies on cash, global best practices on cashbased intervention especially related to Shelter/NFI etc. o Key informant interviews (KII) with stakeholders in and outside the country who are knowledgeable about cash-based interventions and programmes (with a focus on NFI/shelter) including UN agencies & NGOs, the multi-purpose cash working group, cash consortium, financial institutions, and IOM regional/hq cash experts. o Key informant interviews or FGDs with representatives of the beneficiary community IOM Iraq s Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) team and the Reference Group (see item 7 below) will provide support during the implementation of the assessment, in addition to IOM s Regional Office/HQ cash expert(s). Regular debriefing meetings will be conducted between the consultant and the MEAL team and other key IOM Iraq staff. 4. Assessment Key Questions Below are some of the key questions that the baseline assessment should consider: a) Are there functional local markets? Are basic NFIs and shelter materials available at stable market prices? Are the markets near the communities? b) Can vendors meet the demands of beneficiaries? Are vendors willing to participate in voucher programmes? c) Are there reliable systems where payments related to voucher programmes can be made to vendors? d) Are there relevant legislation/regulations in Iraq guiding cash and voucher transfers? What are the regulations, if any regarding cash assistance for refugees or IDPs? e) What are the policies of the donors towards cash and voucher programmes? Page 2 / 7

3 f) Are there financial institutions/hawalas 1 or banks operating within Iraq that can be used to disburse cash to beneficiaries and to repay vendors against the cash vouchers? g) How is the security situation within IOM areas of implementation, as well the safety and security of cash? Will the cash and voucher transfer be cost-effective compared to commodity-based assistance depending on geographic locations where IOM operates? h) Does IOM Iraq have the required technical and implementing capacity to manage cash-based interventions? Are there robust monitoring and accountability mechanism in place? i) What are the risks associated with cash programming and mitigating measures IOM can put in place? j) How will the cash and voucher programme benefit the most vulnerable groups in the society (elderly, women, men, children, elderly, minorities, chronically sick and disabled)? Is cash the most appropriate modality for all target groups (including IDPs, refugees, host communities?). k) What modalities do other actors primarily use? What is the approach of the clusters, mainly the NFI/Shelter cluster? What are their lessons learned? 5. Key Deliverables The consultant is expected to produce the following deliverables: a) Work plan and inception report b) Briefing and debriefing meetings in addition to the routine meetings and discussions with the MEAL team, Programme Managers, ERG, Project focal points and IOM management. c) Summary of /initial findings; and d) A final report accompanied by a powerpoint which includes a clear cash strategy for IOM Iraq 6. Duration The assessment will start as soon as the recruitment process is finalised. The plan period is between July September Reference Group The work of the consultant shall be reviewed and validated by the Reference Group (RG) which shall consist of: The Senior Emergency Coordinator, Project Manager(s) (NFI/Shelter), Head of Mission Coordination Unit and the M&E Officer. The RG shall review relevant documentation during the implementation of the baseline assessment including the final report. After the finalization of the evaluation, the RG shall play a key role in facilitating the validation and ownership of the assessment findings and ensure effective sharing and use of lessons learned about what works and what does not work for programme improvement and accountability at all levels. 1 Hawala is a method of transferring money, is an alternative remittance channel that exists outside of traditional banking systems. Page 3 / 7

4 8. Proposed Workplan Activity Responsible Location 3 Months Jul Aug Sept Meetings: M&E team and other key staff in IOM M&E Team Erbil X Iraq Desk review Consultant Erbil X Development/Review of KII tool Consultant Erbil X Conduct Key Informant Interviews Consultant X X Data Analysis Consultant Erbil X X Report writing Consultant Erbil X X Dissemination, feedback and debriefing Consultant Erbil X X 9. Relevant International and IOM policies/standards The baseline assessment processes shall be in line with IOM Data Protection Principles 2, IOM code of conduct, and do no harm principles. Qualifications a) Postgraduate degree in Economics, demography, food security, livelihood and related fields. b) At least 5-7 years of hands-on experience working on NFI and shelter cash programming. c) Strong background in monitoring and evaluation techniques, and ideally have experience in doing assessments in conflict-affected countries. d) Conversant with the NFI and shelter context in Iraq, other countries in the Middle East or MENA region e) Experience in developing and implementing cash-based interventions. f) Ability to analyze complex NFI and shelter systems. g) Excellent knowledge and experience in survey design, implementation of surveys and statistical data analysis. h) Knowledge of Iraqi culture and the dynamics is an advantage. i) Previous experience similar assignment with IOM, UN or donors is an added advantage Application process All applications should be sent to XXX by noon p.m. of 30 June 2018 with Consultancy Assignment to Conduct a Baseline Assessment for Cash-based Intervention on the subject line. Application should include the following: o A letter with an expression of interest and a proposal, including an initial workplan with suggested methodologies and budget for all assessment related costs (consultancy fees, travel, per diem etc.) o Two recently written reports of similar evaluations. 2 IOM Data Protection Manual, Page 4 / 7

5 o Updated CV (s) including relevant work experience and qualifications. o Contact details for three references. Applications not including all the above information will not be reviewed. IOM is an equal opportunity employer. Languages Fluency in English and other language is as advantage. Required Competencies Accountability Accepts and gives constructive criticism Follows all relevant procedures, processes, and policies Meets deadline, cost, and quality requirements for outputs Monitors own work to correct errors Takes responsibility for meeting commitments and for any shortcomings Client Orientation Identifies the immediate and peripheral clients of own work Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with clients Identifies and monitors changes in the needs of clients, including donors, governments, and project beneficiaries Keeps clients informed of developments and setbacks Continuous Learning Contributes to colleagues' learning Demonstrates interest in improving relevant skills Demonstrates interest in acquiring skills relevant to other functional areas Keeps abreast of developments in own professional area Communication Actively shares relevant information Clearly communicates, and listens to feedback on, changing priorities and procedures Writes clearly and effectively, adjusting wording to the intended audience Listens effectively and communicates clearly, adapting delivery to the audience Creativity and Initiative Actively seeks new ways of improving programmes or services Expands responsibilities while maintaining existing ones Persuades others to consider new ideas Proactively develops new ways to resolve problems Page 5 / 7

6 Leadership and Negotiation Convinces others to share resources Actively identifies opportunities for and promotes organizational change Presents goals as shared interests Articulates vision to motivate colleagues And follows through with commitments Articulates vision to motivate colleagues and follow through Performance Management Provides constructive feedback to colleagues Identifies ways for their staff to develop their abilities and careers Provides fair, accurate, timely, and constructive staff evaluations Uses staff evaluations appropriately in recruitment and other relevant HR procedures Holds directly reporting managers accountable for providing fair, accurate, timely, and constructive staff evaluations Planning and Organizing Sets clear and achievable goals consistent with agreed priorities for self and others Identifies priority activities and assignments for self and others Organizes and documents work to allow for planned and unplanned handovers Identifies risks and makes contingency plans Adjusts priorities and plans to achieve goals Allocates appropriate times and resources for own work and that of team members Professionalism Incorporates gender-related needs, perspectives, and concerns, and promotes equal gender participation Masters subject matter related to responsibilities Identifies issues, opportunities, and risks central to responsibilities Persistent, calm, and polite in the face of challenges and stress Treats all colleagues with respect and dignity Works effectively with people from different cultures by adapting to relevant cultural contexts Knowledgeable about and promotes IOM core mandate and migration solutions Teamwork Actively contributes to an effective, collegial, and agreeable team environment Contributes to, and follows team objectives Gives credit where credit is due Seeks input and feedback from others Delegates tasks and responsibilities as appropriate Actively supports and implements final group decisions Takes joint responsibility for team's work Technological Awareness Page 6 / 7

7 Learns about developments in available technology Proactively identifies and advocates for cost-efficient technology solutions Understands applicability and limitation of technology and seeks to apply it to appropriate work Resource Mobilization Establishes realistic resource requirements to meet IOM needs Other Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment and verification of residency, visa and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable. Only candidates residing in either the country of the duty station or from a location in a neighbouring country that is within commuting distance of the duty station will be considered. In all cases, a prerequisite for taking up the position is legal residency in the country of the duty station, or in the neighbouring country located within commuting distance, and work permit, as applicable. How to apply: Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications via a link: In order for an application to be considered valid, IOM only accepts online profiles duly completed. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Posting period: From: to Page 7 / 7