Consultancy for undertaking a review of the role of diaspora actors in localisation efforts

1. Who is the Danish Refugee Council and DEMAC?

Founded in 1956, the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading international NGO and one of the few with a specific expertise in forced displacement. Active in 40 countries with 9,000 employees and supported by 7,500 volunteers, DRC protects, advocates, and builds sustainable futures for refugees and other displacement affected people and communities. DRC works during displacement at all stages: In the acute crisis, in displacement, when settling and integrating in a new place, or upon return. DRC provides protection and life-saving humanitarian assistance; supports displaced persons in becoming self-reliant and included into hosting societies; and works with civil society and responsible authorities to promote protection of rights and peaceful coexistence.

DEMAC, the Diaspora Emergency Action & Coordination network, is an initiative hosted by the Diaspora Programme. DEMAC aims at enhancing diaspora emergency response capacity and coordination local actors with the institutional humanitarian system. The objective is to contribute to transforming the humanitarian landscape by laying the ground for a deeper understanding of diasporas as humanitarian actors with different modus operandi for the implementation of aid, identifying and opening potential spaces for engagement, cross-fertilization and increased coordination between diaspora and institutional relief providers.

To read more, please visit www.demac.org.

2. Purpose of the consultancy

This consultancy aims to conduct a comprehensive review of the role of diaspora actors in supporting localisation efforts within the humanitarian system, specifically under the framework of the Grand Bargain. It will focus on identifying their role, contributions, gaps in their inclusion, and practical recommendations to enhance their involvement in locally led humanitarian responses.

3. Background
The Grand Bargain, launched during the World Humanitarian Summit (WHS) in 2016, is a commitment by international actors, including donors, UN agencies, INGOs, and other stakeholders, to improve humanitarian outcomes for affected populations through increased efficiency, effectiveness, accountability, and more equitable partnerships. One of the key pillars of the Grand Bargain’s strategy for achieving these goals is the localisation of aid. While there is no universally agreed definition of localisation, the Grand Bargain emphasizes the principle of “making principled humanitarian action as local as possible and as international as necessary,” recognizing the continued importance of international actors, particularly in conflict settings.

A core commitment under the Grand Bargain is to reach a critical mass of quality funding, achieve cost efficiency, increase funding and support to local actors, and ensure greater participation of affected populations in decision-making at all stages of the programme cycle. In essence, localisation seeks to transform humanitarian action by shifting power and resources toward local actors.

However, numerous reviews and reports, including the 2023 independent assessment of the Grand Bargain, have highlighted the slow progress in achieving this objective. Despite some advancements, the percentage of funding reaching local actors remains below the agreed target, and local organizations continue to face significant barriers in accessing international funding directly. Intermediary organizations often act as gatekeepers, limiting the flow of resources to local responders.

Diaspora actors, defined by the DRC as migrants, refugees, and their descendants who live outside their country of birth or ancestry but maintain emotional and material connections to it, represent a unique yet underutilized resource in the localization agenda. Unlike other international actors, diaspora-led humanitarian organizations—acting as transnational entities—have strong ties with local communities and work closely with local actors to support them. In many contexts, they are trusted partners, making them valuable contributors to both humanitarian and development programs.

In 2016, DEMAC supported diaspora representatives in taking part in a pre-summit session with the United Nations Secretary General (UNSG). They spoke at the Member States and Other Stakeholders Announcement Plenary, delivered a speech at the Special Session on “People at the Centre” and submitted a joint diaspora commitments statement endorsed by 41 organisations.

Regardless, the role of diaspora actors has been largely overlooked within the Grand Bargain and broader localisation discussions, with little explicit reference to them in international actors’ localisation commitments. Notably, Grand Bargain signatories do not account for funds provided to diaspora organisations as part of their direct funding to local actors, though they acknowledge exceptions may be warranted in cases where government restrictions prevent organisations from maintaining headquarters in the affected country.

This consultancy aims to explore the value and role of diaspora actors in localisation efforts, how they can address existing gaps, and propose actionable steps for their inclusion in future policy frameworks and operational practices.

4. Objective of the consultancy

The purpose of the consultancy is to:

1. Review of gaps and challenges in the localisation efforts of key Grand Bargain signatories:
   1. Assess whether diaspora actors have been considered or utilized to address the challenges identified in the signatories’ localization efforts.
   2. Identify the key gaps and barriers preventing signatory members from including diaspora actors in achieving localized implementation of aid.
   3. Collect diaspora actors’ perceptions on reasons why Grand Bargain signatories have difficulties meeting their commitments.
2. Highlight diaspora roles and contributions to localisation:
   1. Explore signatories’ (both international and local actors) perceptions of diaspora humanitarian actors and their perceived role within the localization agenda.
   2. Assess the contributions of diaspora actors in strengthening local humanitarian responses, supporting local civil society organizations, and acting as effective actors, supporters, enablers and/or intermediaries of localisation.
   3. Identify barriers preventing diaspora actors from facilitating a more localized response.
   4. Document examples of diaspora humanitarian engagement where they successfully addressed common challenges faced by Grand Bargain signatories.
   5. Identify and document different contexts in which diaspora actors, as transnational actors, are perceived as part of local civil society, and contexts where they function as transnational intermediaries.
3. Influence policy and practice:
   1. Provide internal recommendations for DRC on its strategic and programmatic approach on diaspora and localisation.
   2. Provide recommended pathways for a more systematic integration of diaspora actors into localisation policies and frameworks, advocating for their inclusion in global humanitarian policy, programming, and funding structures.

The results of this review will be compiled into a comprehensive report outlining key findings and recommendations for Grand Bargain signatories and the wider humanitarian community. Additionally, the consultant will draft a position paper, based on the review’s findings, for DRC and DEMAC, in close consultation with their key staff members.

5. Methodology
Below a proposed methodology the applicants are invited to develop further:

Rapid literature review

• Conduct a rapid review of existing documents, reports, and evaluations related to the Grand Bargain, particularly focusing on its localization and participation workstreams to assess the gaps regarding the inclusion of diaspora actors in the Grand Bargain documentation. This will include a review of the outcomes of the Grand Bargain and Grand Bargain 2.0, as well as assessments conducted by organizations such as the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) and the Humanitarian Policy Group (HPG).
• The review will also aim to identify contexts where diaspora, as transnational actors, could be regarded as a more integral parts of local civil society rather than as external actors.

Key Informant interviews

• Conduct at least seven interviews (of which two with DRC Localisation Unit staff) with key Grand Bargain stakeholders, including donor agencies, international NGOs, UN agencies, and other institutional actors, to gather their perspectives on localisation, the challenges in implementing localisation efforts, and their views on the role of diaspora actors within the Grand Bargain’s localisation agenda.
• Engage with local civil society organisations and community-based actors (at least seven) to document their experiences in the role diaspora actors play in supporting and enabling their locally led responses.
• Conduct at least seven interviews with diaspora networks and organisations with successful localisation practices to capture innovative approaches to common challenges in localisation and explore potential solutions to enhance diaspora engagement in these efforts.

Analysis and drafting of deliverables and dissemination

• Report: Prepare a report (approximately 15 pages) that presents the analysis of information gathered from the desk review and interviews. The report should enhance the understanding of gaps in localisation implementation and highlight the potential contributions of diaspora actors. It should include case studies demonstrating how diaspora actors have supported and empowered local actors in locally led responses or implemented actions recognised as locally led by local communities. Additionally, the report should formulate practical recommendations for integrating diaspora actors into localisation policies, objectives, and programmes, including funding mechanisms, partnership models, and accountability frameworks. The report will be tailored to inform humanitarian policymakers, donors, and practitioners about the role of diaspora actors in localisation efforts.
• Position Paper: Develop a concise position paper (2-3 pages) focused on external communication, summarizing the critical role of diaspora actors in localisation efforts. This paper will be designed for advocacy and public dissemination.
• Stakeholder Presentation: Deliver a presentation summarizing the findings and recommendations to key stakeholders, with an emphasis on actionable steps for including diaspora actors in future localisation strategies.

6. Deliverables

The Consultant will submit the following deliverables as mentioned below:

• Expected deliverable: Inception Report
  • Indicative description tasks: A brief inception report indicating how the objectives of the research will be achieved. The inception report will include drafts of data collection tools.
  • Due date (in working days): 3 days after the start of the consultancy
  • Associated payment: 20%
• Expected deliverable: Initial findings workshop
  • Indicative description tasks: Internal workshop conducted with DRC and DEMAC staff to present and discuss initial findings during or after the data collection. The workshop will help the consultant define the structure for the final report and support the drafting of relevant and actionable recommendations.
  • Due date (in working days): 15 days after the validation of the inception report
• Expected deliverable: Full report
  • Indicative description tasks: Approximately 15 pages excluding case studies and annexes. The report’s outline will be agreed upon after the initial findings workshop.
  • Due date (in working days): 20 days after the start of the consultancy
• Expected deliverable: Position paper
  • Indicative description tasks: 2 – 3 pages position paper focused on external communication, summarizing the critical role of diaspora actors in localisation efforts. This paper will be designed for advocacy and public dissemination.
  • Due date (in working days): 3 days after the validation of the report
  • Associated payment: 80%
• Expected deliverable: Presentation and briefing
  • Indicative description tasks: The presentation will be arranged by DRC and DEMAC and may be happening several months after the end of the consultancy depending on opportunities at relevant international humanitarian forums.

Payment will be provided upon completion of the deliverables according to the associated payment scheduling as seen above.

7. Duration, timeline, and payment

The total expected duration to complete the assignment will be no more than 20 working days.

The consultant shall be ready to start the consultancy by the 8th of November 2024 and complete the assignment before the end of the year 2024.

8. Eligibility, qualification, and experience required
– At least 10 years of relevant experience in the humanitarian sector.
– Strong expertise in diaspora humanitarianism, including experience engaging with or supporting diaspora actors in humanitarian settings.
– In-depth understanding of humanitarian policies, actors, and systems, with experience working directly with institutional humanitarian actors such as UN agencies, INGOs, and donors.
– Comprehensive knowledge of humanitarian localisation principles, including the Grand Bargain and other relevant frameworks and policies that guide the humanitarian sector.
– Proven ability to translate research into policy recommendations and contribute to external communications, such as position papers and advocacy materials.
– Strong background in qualitative research, with well-developed analytical skills.
– Exceptional writing and presentation skills in English, with the ability to clearly communicate findings and recommendations to diverse audiences.

9. Technical supervision
The consultant will collaborate closely with Raphaël Capony, Head of DRC’s Diaspora Programme ([email protected]) and Miralyne Zeghnoune, DEMAC Research and MEAL Specialist ([email protected]). It is anticipated that the consultant will maintain regular weekly contact with the focal points. The focal points will be responsible for ensuring timely responses to drafts and inputs provided by the consultant.

10. Location and support
The consultancy is remote. DEMAC and DRC can facilitate contact with relevant institutional and diaspora actors upon request.