Research on the Impact of Freedom of Movement on Self-Reliance of Refugees in the East and Horn of Africa

Terms of Reference: Research on the Impact of Freedom of Movement on Self-Reliance of Refugees in the East and Horn of Africa

Introduction
The African Refugee-Led Network (ARN) is a coalition of refugee-led organization networks (RELONs) and refugee-led organizations (RLOs) that work to amplify the voices and advocate for the rights of refugees in Africa. The network focuses on building a vibrant and a strong institution with capacity to advocate for participation and inclusion of RLOs and refugee in issues affecting the livelihood and wellbeing. The African Refugee Led Network (ARN) was formed in 2019 when Global Refugee-led Network (GRN) convened 72 refugee leaders (from 14 nationalities living in 11 different host countries) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with the aim of advocating for increased refugee participation in policymaking in Africa through advocacy for improvements in the lives of refugees and to contribute to policymaking discussions and refugee response work on the continent. The Africa Summit was a follow up of the very first Global Summit of Refugees that took place in Geneva in 2018.

Background and Context
The East and Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes region is expected to host 23.6 million forcibly displaced and stateless people by the end of 20241.The East and Horn of Africa region hosts refugees who often face challenges in achieving self-reliance and economic independence. Freedom of movement plays a crucial role in refugees’ ability to access livelihood opportunities, education, healthcare, and social services. Understanding the impact of freedom of movement on refugee self-reliance and economic independence is essential for informing policies and interventions aimed at improving their well-being and integration.

Objectives of the Research
The main objective of this research is to explore the impact of freedom of movement on the self-reliance of refugees in the East and Horn of Africa.
Specific objectives include:
i. Establish refugees’ experiences and perceptions regarding freedom of movement and its influence on their ability to access livelihood opportunities.
ii. Identifying the challenges and barriers refugees face in exercising their freedom of movement and its implications for their economic independence.

1 https://reporting.unhcr.org/operational/regions/east-and-horn-africa-and-great-lakes

iii. Exploring the role of freedom of movement in refugees’ access to education, healthcare, and social services and its impact on their self-reliance.
iv. Providing insights and recommendations for policies and interventions aimed at improving freedom of movement and promoting self-reliance among refugees in the region.

Methodology
The research will employ a qualitative approach, using methods such as in-depth interviews and focus group discussions to gather rich, nuanced data from refugee communities in selected locations across the East and Horn of Africa. It will further employ participatory approaches methods such as community workshops, participatory mapping, or visual storytelling to actively involve refugees in the research process. Sampling techniques will ensure diversity in refugee demographics, including gender, age, and nationality.

Scope of Work:
The research will involve:
i. Reviewing relevant literature, policies, and reports on freedom of movement and refugee self-reliance in the region.
ii. Conducting in-depth interviews with refugees, key informants, and stakeholders involved in refugee assistance and protection.
iii. Facilitating focus group discussions to explore common themes and perspectives among refugee communities.
iv. Analyzing qualitative data thematically to identify patterns, trends, and insights related to freedom of movement and self-reliance. Data will be coded into themes and sub themes.
v. Drafting a comprehensive research report summarizing the findings, conclusions, and recommendations.

Deliverables
The consultant(s) will be expected to deliver the following:
•An inception report outlining the research methodology, sampling strategy, and data collection tools.
•Interview and focus group discussion guides tailored to the research objectives.
•Raw data collected from interviews and focus group discussions, including transcripts and field notes.
•A draft research report presenting the qualitative findings, analysis, and key themes.
•A final research report incorporating feedback from stakeholders and reviewers.

Timeline
The research is expected to be completed within 3 months, including data collection, analysis, and report writing.

Application Requirements
Interested candidates are expected to provide the following documentation:
•A technical proposal with detailed response to the TOR, with specific focus on addressing the scope of work and, the methodology to be used which demonstrates understanding of ethical issues in the research contexts.
•Sample of evidence of previous research work or related work, etc.
•Initial work plan based on methodology outlined, and indication of availability.
•A detailed budget proposal inclusive withholding tax to be paid to Kenyan authorities outlining the costs associated with the assignment.
•Company/organizational profile or CV including a minimum of three traceable, recent, and relevant references.
•The consultant can be based in any of these countries Ethiopia, Kenya, or Uganda.
•Refugee led research organizations highly encouraged to apply.
Qualifications and Expertise
The consultant(s) should possess:
•Experience in conducting qualitative research, particularly in refugee contexts.
•Proficiency in qualitative data collection methods, including interviewing and facilitation of focus group discussions.
•Knowledge of the East and Horn of Africa region and familiarity with refugee issues.
•Excellent analytical and report writing skills.
•Refugee individual consultants are highly recommended to apply.

Qualifications and Expertise
The consultant(s) should possess:
•Experience in conducting qualitative research, particularly in refugee contexts.
•Proficiency in qualitative data collection methods, including interviewing and facilitation of focus group discussions.
•Knowledge of the East and Horn of Africa region and familiarity with refugee issues.
•Excellent analytical and report writing skills.
•Refugee individual consultants are highly recommended to apply.