Terms of Reference: Research on Sustaining Economic Activity in Refugee Camps

1. Background

Save the Children Rwanda, through its innovation arm Kumwe Hub, is implementing the "Bridging the Digital Divide” (BDD) programme in the Mahama refugee camp in Rwanda. The programme aims to connect refugees to the internet, and create solutions that enable refugees to pay for the internet connection themselves. As part of its evolution, the program is now expanding into the field of livelihoods, with a focus on sustaining economic activity for refugees. This initiative seeks to explore viable models that enable refugees to generate income, thereby fostering self-sustainability in relation to their internet connection. 

The BDD programme is hiring the consultancy firm to carry out the desk review or literature review. This service provider will be meeting the following experience and qualifications detailed herein below. 

2. Objectives 

The primary objectives of this research are as follows:

• To examine successful approaches and strategies implemented by other refugee camps or relevant actors worldwide in sustaining economic activities for refugees.
• To identify best practices, innovative solutions, and lessons learned from initiatives that have effectively supported refugees in generating income within camp
• To provide recommendations and insights on how Kumwe Hub can further support the development of sustained economic activity for refugees in the Mahama

The use of information generated from this research will be used to learn from, adapt and implement into the programming of Bridging the Digital Divide programme in Rwanda.

3. Scope of Work

The consultancy firm is expected to conduct a comprehensive desk research covering the following areas:

• Review of literature, reports, and case studies on economic sustainability initiatives in refugee camps/refugee settlements globally. Some case studies should not only focus on the East African context, but also include regions across the globe. The research should also include examples of refugee camp settings working with and without cash assistance
• Analysis of successful models and programmes that have empowered refugees to engage in economic activities and become self-sufficient and self-reliant.
• Examination of challenges faced and lessons learned from previous initiatives, with a focus on adaptability to the Mahama refugee camp 
• Presentation of at least 10 successful models, and contact information to a programmes contact from the successful initiative (for potential follow-up contact by the Kumwe Hub Programmes Manager). Models should not only focus on the provision of financial support (e.g. grants or loans) in order to sustain economic activity within refugee camp

4. Timeline and deliverables

The research is expected to be completed within 2 weeks. Within this proposed timeline, the consultancy firm will deliver the following:

1. Develop a detailed plan and methodology for the desk research.
2. Complete a literature review to gather relevant information on sustaining economic activity in refugee camps across other contexts at regional, Africa and global scale.
3. Analyze findings and extract key insights.
4. Develop a comprehensive report outlining successful models, challenges, and recommendations.

5. Reporting and Communication

Regular check-ins will be scheduled to monitor progress and address any queries. The final report is expected to be submitted by the agreed-upon deadline. 

6. Budget

Interested consultancy firms are invited to provide a detailed budget proposal outlining the costs associated with undertaking this research, including any potential expenses.

7. Time for Performance

The period of performance shall be 2 weeks with latest submission by 10 February 2024. 

8. Questions/Clarifications

All additional questions and/or requests for clarifications regarding this procurement must be made via email and submitted to Emilie Reeh on emilie.reeh@savethechildren.org before 11 January 2024. Phone calls or requests for online meetings will be accepted in response to requests for proposals.

9. Qualifications

To be eligible to complete this assignment, the consultancy firm must present:

• A minimum of 2 consultants listed who will conduct the desk review research 
• At least 1 of the consultants must possession of a Masters degree in Economics and/or International Development
• At least 1 of the consultants must have experience with research with a focus on literature review
• At least 1 of the consultants must have experience (studies or working experience) within the field of market economies
• Desirable: Experience with business in the humanitarian sector
• Submission of 1-2 examples of similar assignments completed 

10.  Submission of Proposals

Interested consultancy firms are requested to submit:

1. A technical proposal
2. A financial proposal
3. Evidence of items listed in the Qualifications section (for example through the presentation of resumes of all consultants working on the assignment, and and 1-2 examples of similar completed assignments) 

11. SELECTION CRITERIA

11.1 Essential Criteria

• RDB Business registration certificate
• Valid RRA tax clearance certificate
• Valid RSSB tax clearance certificate
• VAT certificate 

11.2 Capability criteria’s

• Two CVs for the staff that will conduct the research,
• At least 1 of the consultants must possession of a master’s degree in economics and/or International Development (Master’s degree)
• At least 1 of the consultants must have experience (studies or working experience) within the field of market economies.
• Experience with business in the humanitarian sector for three years 
• At least 1 of the consultants must have experience with research with a focus on literature review.
• A technical proposal 

11.3 Financial criteria’s

• A financial proposal which is competitive 

Proposals must be submitted by 15 January 2024 at 12:00 PM, Rwanda time. Proposals must be submitted to rwanda.bid@savethechildren.org. 

Save the Children Rwanda reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal and to negotiate modifications to the scope of work and budget with the selected consultancy firm.