Consultancy Terms of Reference for Research on Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems and Anticipatory Action (MH-EWS & AA) in Zimbabwe
Consultancy, Research Jobs
Job Description
Consultancy period:30 days
Project: Building Resilient, Inclusive and Accountable Communities in Zimbabwe (BRIC-Zim).
Duty Station: Combined - Remote and field work focusing on rural and urban Zimbabwe for the assessment of MH-EWS and AA
Background:
The BRIC-Zim Project is funded through Ireland’s Civil Society Partnership (ICSP) to ensure communities realize their rights, exercise leadership and build resilience for a life free from poverty, violence and discrimination in Buhera, Gutu, Matobo, Mberengwa, Zvishavane and Harare
To enhance institutional systems for anticipate, preventing and responding to shocks, Oxfam has partnered with the Department of Civil Protection and local organizations in Zimbabwe to ensure that responses to conflicts and crises, including disease outbreaks, are more inclusive and informed by the needs, rights, and vulnerabilities of the most marginalized individuals. This collaboration focuses on strengthening the capacity of local groups in early warning, disaster preparedness, and response within targeted communities.
The project is aligned with Zimbabwe’s Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Policy, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) and the Paris Agreement, Agenda 2030, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Early Warning for All initiative (EW4All), and the Humanitarian-Development-Peacebuilding (H-D-P) approach, ensuring a comprehensive and coordinated response to disaster risk and resilience.
In the current stage of the project, Oxfam in Zimbabwe is looking to support the strengthening of capacities of government, local authorities and other service providers, as well as local groups on early warning, disaster preparedness and response in the targeted communities of Buhera, Gutu, Matobo, Mberengwa, Zvishavane and Harare. To inform and guide this process, this consultancy seeks to contract a suitable professional to produce a Research Paper on Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems and Anticipatory Action (MH-EWS & AA) Best Practices, including disease outbreaks, in Zimbabwe.
Duties and Responsibilities
Purpose and Objectives:
The purpose of the assignment is to assess the current state of multi-hazard early warning systems and Anticipatory Action in Zimbabwe, through stocktaking, mapping, and analysis of present best practices. The goal is to inform and guide the enhancement of Zimbabwe’s MH-EWS & AA, fostering the establishment of a more effective and responsive system to mitigate the impacts of hazards and subsequent disasters, especially considering disease outbreaks.
The overarching objective is to foster collaboration, facilitate knowledge exchange, and implement a roadmap for enhancing the nation's resilience against diverse hazards, including disease outbreaks.
The program is looking to recruit a qualified consultant to:
1. Conduct a comprehensive stocktaking and mapping of existing practices and initiatives related to multi-hazard early warning systems and early actions in Zimbabwe.
2. Document best practices on multi-hazard early warning systems and early actions in Zimbabwe detailing overview of the approaches and methods applied to achieve results.
3. Map and analyze early warning, disaster preparedness and response systems in the targeted communities
4. Review current policies or legislative documents relating to Anticipatory action both at national and local levels
5. Recommend strategies to strengthen Multi hazard early warning systems and anticipatory actions approaches in Zimbabwe
Scope of Work:
The consultant will perform a comprehensive combination of desk-based meta-synthesis and engage in primary data collection methods, such as interviews and surveys, to analyze the current state of multi-hazard early warning systems (MH-EWS) and Anticipatory Actions (AA) and their application. This analysis will focus on identifying gaps, barriers, enablers, and potential solutions to enhance the effectiveness of MH-EWS & AA for communities.
Expected Outputs:
1. Brief inception report detailing the approach and methodology, workplan
2. Comprehensive Report: Provide a detailed report summarizing the findings from the meta-synthesis and primary data collection, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of existing multi-hazard early warning systems (MH-EWS) and anticipatory actions (AA) – with a focus on Buhera, Gutu, Harare metropolitan area, Mberengwa, Zvishavane Rural and Matobo districts. The report will include identified gaps, barriers, and enablers, along with actionable recommendations for improvement.
3. Within the report, provide recommendations for a Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (MH-EWS) and Anticipatory Action (AA) Protocols: This report will focus on various hazards, including drought, disease outbreaks and will include an in-depth analysis of adaptation capacities. It will feature a detailed Implementation Plan that clearly outlines the necessary improvements and specific actions required to enhance the effectiveness of MH-EWS and AA including the application of AA in disease outbreaks, protocols in Zimbabwe. The report will serve as a strategic guide for stakeholders, providing clear pathways for strengthening resilience and response mechanisms in the face of multi-hazard and disease outbreak risks.
4. Stakeholder Presentation: Develop and facilitate a presentation designed to communicate the key findings and recommendations to relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community organizations. This presentation will facilitate discussions on enhancing MH-EWS and AA in disease outbreaks and enhancing collaboration among stakeholders.
Qualifications and Experience
Oxfam seeks a research consultant or a research team with the following qualifications:
1. Demonstrated Expertise in Research: Extensive experience in conducting both secondary research and synthesis, complemented by a proven track record of producing comprehensive reports for humanitarian and development organizations.
2. Technical expertise: in disaster risk reduction (DRR) and preparedness, particularly in the area
of Early Warning Anticipatory Action (EWEA) as well as expertise in using a range of methods, including rapid reviews and action research, ideally in the WASH in emergencies or humanitarian sector.
3. Previous Experience: a minimum of two examples of similar thematic evaluations, research or learning projects completed
4. Robust Analytical Abilities: Capacity to analyze and interpret substantial volumes of information, translating complex data into clear and accessible findings for diverse audiences.
5. Fluency (written and spoken) in English is required.
6. Excellent written communication skills and the ability to produce structured, high-quality reports.
How to Apply
How to Apply: Interested applicants should read the detailed Terms of Reference and submit a technical and financial proposal to: Zimtenders@oxfam.org.uk on or before 20 May 2025.
1. Updated CV/Resume of applicant.
2. A motivation letter/ expression of interest demonstrating prior experience with similar assignments (maximum of three samples of previous work related to the assignment).
3. A brief description of the approach and methodology including timelines/schedule for carrying out the assignment.
4. Detailed, proposed work plan and detailed budget (with details such as professional fees, etc.).
