Consultancy- SAM UEI

Organizational Context

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with 191 member National Societies. As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, our work is guided by seven fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.

In the Americas, the IFRC Secretariat is organized through a group of support services and technical functions, and geographical configurations of Country Cluster Delegations and Country Offices. The Country Cluster Delegation (CCD) in Port of Spain (POS) covers 13 countries in the Caribbean. Various teams deliver assistance, support, and advice to national Red Cross societies. In turn, these teams are supported by support services teams.

IFRC’s Strategy 2030 (S2030) – a platform for change– defines its vision, and approach for the period 2021-2030. IFRC is committed to building the resilience of communities to disasters by advocating for laws and policies that promote an enabling environment for disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation and the entry and facilitation of international humanitarian aid. Without the appropriate mechanisms in place, authorities can be quickly overwhelmed by relief operations and vital aid can be delayed. The IFRC contributes to more effective disaster preparedness and response and getting relief to vulnerable people faster.

The Caribbean is the second most hazard prone region in the world, facing natural, man-made and health hazards (e.g., dengue). Climate change compoundsthese risks, deepening vulnerabilities from high costs of living and poverty levels, insularity, and dependence on imported goods. It also influences the frequency, intensity, and unpredictability of hazards, weakening local resilience and requiring a sustained effort of adaptation by Caribbean populations and institutions.

The geographical location and geology of the countries of the Caribbean region exposes them to a range of natural hazards including tropical storms, floods, tsunamis, landslides, droughts, seismic activity. Vulnerability to natural hazards is further exacerbated by anthropological influences on the natural environment such as urbanisation, deforestation, coastal settlements, and inadequate physical development planning which leads to higher levels of risk as well as impacts. The confluence of these issues has potentially devastating effects on lives and livelihoods and can overwhelm the capacity of governments and local institutions. 

The IFRC’s Strategy 2030 strategic aims are, ‘saving lives, protecting livelihoods, and strengthening recovery from disasters and crises, as priorities for meeting its global humanitarian mandate to strengthen community resilience. To this end, Red Cross Societies in the Caribbean need to stand consistently ready to serve the needs of impacted populations.

As part a key part of this preparedness, is the ability to receive monetary aid in the service of humanity. Any entity that wishes to do business with the federal government and who will receive federal funds or a subaward must have a UEI number issued via www.SAM.gov, as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Therefore, it is critical that Red Cross Societies are compliant with this requirement.

Job Purpose

The IFRC’s Port of Spain Country Cluster Delegation is soliciting the services of a consultant to support the complete and accurate registration or renewal for the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued by the System for Award Management (SAM) for 13 Red Cross Societies in the Dutch and English-speaking Caribbean.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

The key deliverables for this Consultancy include the following: 

• Submission of a plan of action within 10 days of signing the consultancy agreement for review and approval
• All 13 Red Cross Societies have been successfully registered or have renewed their SAM issued UEI number
• Training for at least 2 members of staff in each Red Cross Society in the processes and procedures required for the renewal of the UEI
• Training for at least 2 members of staff of the IFRC POS CCD in the processes and procedures 
  required for the renewal of the UEI Final Report

Support to be provided to the Consultant 
The Consultant will be supported directly and managed by the Technical Lead – Evolving Crisis and Disasters in the Port-of-Spain CCD. Additional support will be provided by the Disaster Management Coordinator for the POS CCD.
The Consultant will report to the Technical Lead – Evolving Crisis and Disasters who will be responsible for validating the deliverables.

Job Duties and Responsibilities (continued)

Timeframe
The estimated timeframe forthis consultancy is 3 months with the requirement that all 13 Red Cross Societies are compliant on or before May 31st, 2024.

Payment
Payment will be made in two instalments, upon:

• 50% upon signing of the Consultancy Agreement.
• 50% upon the confirmed successful completion of all 13 Red Cross Societies having registered for or renewed their SAM issued UEI number via a final report.

Education

• Undergraduate in Social Sciences or Humanitarian- REQUIRED
• Postgraduate in Social Sciences or Humanitarian fields- PREFERRED

Experience

REQUIRED

• Previous knowledge and experience working with the SAM and UEI systems-
• Related Disaster Risk Reduction experience
• Disaster Management Field
• Previous knowledge and experience developing key resource materials for training

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

REQUIRED

• Ability to conduct thorough research tasks.
• Excellent Desk Research skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Data gathering skills and techniques
• Knowledge in current and emerging research trends.
• Effective technical communication skills

Competencies, Values and Comments

• High attention to detail
• Prioritizes workload to meet deadlines
• Demonstrates accountability for results
• Solicits cross-functional cooperation
• Accepts responsibility/shares credit
• Respects diversity and cultural differences
• Communicates clearly, effectively and with confidence

Selection Criteria

The Consultant is required to submit a technical and financial proposal which should include a detailed research methodology that proposes an action plan to achieve the Consultancy’s Objectives and Deliverables in accordance with these Terms of Reference.