Norwegian Red Cross
Scoping Review: Integration of Referral to Protection Services within NoRC Supported Activities in Priority Countries
Terms of Reference (TOR)
August 2024
Background:
The Norwegian Red Cross (NoRC) has outlined its intention to strengthen protection interventions in its international portfolio in the international Strategy (2024-2026) and the Operational Framework[1].
The centrality of protection is a core commitment within the humanitarian system, as emphasized by the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). These bodies have established international protection standards, including the IASC Policy on Protection in Humanitarian Action and the ICRC Professional Standards for Protection Work. One of the key standards is the effective use of referral systems to ensure that individuals receive appropriate protection and assistance tailored to their specific needs. The NoRC aligns with these commitments and standards to enhance our protection interventions globally, ensuring that our actions are guided by best practices and international norms.
Priority interventions for NoRC-supported interventions include improving access to protection services for people in need. The primary approach to achieving this is through referrals, which involves directing a person to another service provider when their needs go beyond the expertise or scope of work of the current provider. The goal is to ensure that individuals receive comprehensive assistance beyond immediate healthcare needs.
Referrals can cover a wide range of services, including healthcare, nutrition, education, shelter, livelihoods/cash, safe spaces, legal aid, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) (counselling), child protection, and services for SGBV survivors. These are services provided by public or private entities, including humanitarian and civil society organisations.
Referral mechanisms vary depending on the context, entry points, and type of services being referred from/to. These mechanisms can be as simple as awareness raising and sharing of information about available services (orientation to services/signposting), or as complex as formal referrals with informed consent based on formalized Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), and in some instances case management.
For NoRC, referrals to protection services are primarily initiated through the following operational modalities:
- Health facilities (PHC and secondary level of care).
- Community health settings (ICCM/ CBHFA) (community health workers /volunteers).
- Other NS facilities, such as branch offices or community centers (staff/volunteers).
In countries where NoRC supports partners with the provision of health care services to SGBV survivors, establishing or reinforcing referral pathways to offer additional services of protective character, based on need, is already a priority, and ongoing in several locations. NoRC aims to better utilize or, if necessary, set up, referral pathways that enable individuals, including and beyond SGBV survivors, to receive protection (and other) services based on their needs. This includes closer cooperation and coordination with the protection cluster, the SGBV and Child Protection sub-cluster.
Purpose and Scope:
The purpose of this scoping review is to understand the current extent of referral to protection services, specifically, SGBV, Child Protection, legal assistance, and other services directly related to safeguarding vulnerable individuals in programmes supported by NoRC. The review aims to identify opportunities and challenges in how our partners relate to the defined protection services within different operational modalities (see reference above).
The primary target group of this evaluation are individuals involved in the referral process, both health personnel and Red Cross staff and volunteers. The review will focus on evaluating the extent to which these groups are aware of, understand, and are (using) referring individuals to protection services.
Specifically, the review will seek to understand better:
- Understand how NoRC HNS partners currently, if at all, refer to protection services, identifying what kind of services are available, as well as challenges and opportunities in the referral process.
- Identify best practices related to referral that currently exist, both within the movement and also externally, in areas where NoRC partners are operating.
- Analyze the challenges and opportunities related to protection referrals within the operational modalities referenced above.
- Assess the knowledge of the health workforce, including volunteers involved in community-based healthcare services, regarding protection referrals.
Based on the above, the review will then seek to:
- Determine ways, through actionable recommendations, to support NS in integrating into existing referral systems or if necessary, establish referral procedures in different operational modalities.
- Determine the best methods and actionable recommendations for providing capacity building on effective referral practices to NoRC-supported partners working through different operational modalities.
- Develop clear guidance on how to support NoRC partners in the identification of protection risks and people in need, how to determine appropriate responses, and how to identify relevant stakeholders and partnerships.
Suggested countries to be included in the review are Pakistan, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Lebanon, and Colombia (selection of countries could be subject to change). The final selection of countries will be determined in agreement with regional and country offices based on the agreed methodology and time-bound specificities related to access.
Specific contexts where HNSs are doing referrals for survivors of SGBV will be included in the review. To document the lessons learned and review the potential for broadening this service to the broader population. It will be important that NoRC staff access health facilities to ensure that relevant context-specific information is collected.
Review Questions and Methodology:
The review will be conducted by an external consultant and utilize a combination of methodologies to assess the feasibility and opportunity for strengthening referral mechanisms to protection services.
The review aims to use a mixed set of methodologies; mapping of ongoing initiatives including a review of to what degree NoRC partners are aligned with Protection cluster recommendations on referral in specific contexts, key informant interviews, focus group discussions and potentially a survey.
The technical proposal/inception report should include the outline of a suitable methodology and appropriate data collection methods adapted to the purpose of the evaluation. It is free to suggest any additional methodological approaches and data collection methods and questions that are not mentioned in the ToR.
The review aims to assess and answer the following questions:
Feasibility and effectiveness of referral integration:
- What types of protection referrals are currently implemented within NoRC-supported programmes and how are these protection referrals carried out in practice by staff and volunteers?
- If relevant/operational, are partners aware of and utilize the referral guidance provided by the protection cluster and SGBV and CP Area of Responsibilities in the areas of operations?
- How can different operational modalities serve as an entry point for referral to protection services?
- What are the opportunities and challenges associated with integrating referral mechanisms within these modalities?
- What are lessons learned in contexts where NoRC are supporting partners in referring survivors of SGBV to protection and other services, and how can we learn from this?
- What mechanisms could be put in place to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of these referrals over time (including the identification of suggested indicators and measurement tools)?
- How can NoRC support the sustainability and scalability of partners’ investment in referral to protection services?
Contextual relevance and adaptation
- What challenges have been encountered in the implementation of protection referrals in contexts where this is already taking place?
- What opportunities have been identified to improve the referral process?
- What referral options are available in humanitarian contexts (distinguished between different types of contexts) and what specific challenges or opportunities might different contexts present related to referral to protection services? How would services potentially need to be adapted and how could risks be mitigated?
- How can NoRC ensure that referral mechanisms that are delivered in different operational modalities are designed and executed in a way that is responsive to the specific needs and preferences of individuals in need seeking protection services?
- How can information about protection services be effectively communicated to the catchment population/target group at different RCRC locations and services, including the identification of challenges and opportunities to be leveraged?
- What considerations must be taken to ensure that ethical considerations do no harm, including ensuring the safety and confidentiality of individuals, throughout the referral process?
Stakeholder engagement and partnerships:
- Who are the key stakeholders and partners involved in providing protection services in the different kinds of contexts where NoRC partners operate and are our partners aware and part of these mechanisms?
- How do existing coordination mechanisms among these stakeholders contribute to the efficiency of referral pathways (with a particular focus on protection)?
- How can we improve HNS and overall movement engagement in the national protection cluster, SGBV subcluster, child protection and other relevant protection coordination/technical groups at the country level?
- How can NoRC and our national partners establish effective partnerships to ensure seamless referral pathways for individuals in need of protection services?
Recommendations for enhancing capacity:
- What training and capacity-building initiatives are required to empower NoRC staff to effectively support partners to identify and refer individuals to protection services according to relevant guidelines and standards?
To the degree possible, the consultant should seek to engage with local communities when answering the above questions to ensure that the recommendations suggested are appropriate and responsive to the needs of the population. However, there must be careful consideration of the sensitivity of topics discussed and it is imperative that survivors are not sought out, and confidentiality must be strictly maintained throughout the review process. The consultant must adhere to ethical guidelines and best practices for working with vulnerable populations, ensuring the dignity and safety of those involved.
Deliverables:
- Inception report (6 pages maximum) with the following content
- Suggested methodology
- Initial findings based on initial desk review.
- Final report with the following content:
- The methodology employed, including limitations and considerations.
- Key findings and insights derived from document analysis, interviews, and surveys.
- Recommendations for integrating referral to protection services within NoRC-supported approach to health.
- Proposed action points for implementation, including stakeholder engagement and risk management adaptations.
- Annexes if relevant
Specific Deliverables:
- Initial Planning and mapping
- Develop a detailed project plan outlining tasks, responsibilities, and deadlines for all relevant stakeholders in the review including planning for data collection (and travel if relevant) to selected country locations.
- Finalize the methodology of the review based on the final TOR. This should include a detailed plan for how NoRC staff alongside HNS staff will support the consultant in data collection, especially in contexts where access is a challenge.
- Identify and secure necessary resources, conduct mapping and develop inception report.
- Data Collection
- Distribute surveys/questionnaires to NoRC colleagues, and support remotely with data collection in areas where access will be an issue. This should involve close collaboration with the NoRC in the respective countries and the national societies that will implement the program.
- Conduct data collection in relevant locations identified by the Protection team to collect data as per the agreed methodology in the inception report.
- Analysis and Drafting
- Analyze collected data, including findings from document analysis and interviews. This part should be led by the consultant but in close collaboration with the protection team lead and other relevant colleagues. Regular check-ins should be scheduled to ensure alignment and address any issues promptly.
- Draft the report, including sections on methodology, key findings, recommendations, and proposed action points.
- Review and refine the draft report with input from stakeholders.
- Review and Finalization
- Share the draft report with the reference group and solicit feedback from the reference group. Consider if this can be done through a workshop in person or online to enable discussion of key findings and recommendations more in detail.
- Incorporate feedback and finalize the report, ensuring clarity, coherence, and alignment with organizational standards.
- Prepare annexes, if relevant, and ensure all necessary documentation is included.
- Present the final report to the reference team and other relevant stakeholders.
Timeline:
The review must be completed by mid-December 2025. A suggested timeline based on the above deliverables should be presented by the supplier in the bid submitted.
Coordination with Protection Colleagues and Reference Team
The primary liaison for the consultant will be the Protection Team Lead, who will play an active role in the development of the methodology and data collection alongside the consultant. Collaboration with the SGBV and health advisor, who have supported partners already with referral for protection services for survivors of sexual violence will be particularly important, but also other protection colleagues should be actively involved throughout the process, providing guidance, support, and feedback to the consultant based on need.
Throughout the review process, the consultant will engage with a diverse reference group, ensuring comprehensive input and perspectives are considered. This reference group will include representatives from the Protection Teams from IPP and KOS, the Health Advisor, and one representative related to results and learning. To ensure that recommendations are relevant and operationally feasible, the reference group will also encompass representatives from the regional and country offices based on identified profiles alongside the regional representatives.
Location and travel
The consultancy will be conducted remotely, but presence in Oslo or a country part of the review could be an advantage. Travel will be on a needs basis.
Required Qualifications
The required qualifications for this consultancy include:
- Strong understanding of protection principles and relevant frameworks as well as experience working directly with protection-related activities, such as SGBV, Child protection MHPSS etc.
- Experience working with RCRC National Societies.
- Experience in referral to protection services.
- Experience in conducting qualitative and quantitative research, including proficiency in data collection and document analysis.
- Prior experience conducting similar reviews or evaluations in humanitarian or development contexts, with a focus on protection programming and referral mechanisms.
- Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with vulnerable populations and ensure their meaningful participation in the review process.
- Knowledge of and experience working in challenging environments, including conflict zones, post-conflict settings, and areas affected by natural disasters.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to facilitate discussions, build consensus, and manage relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
- Cultural sensitivity and awareness of power dynamics, with a commitment to ensuring the inclusion and participation of marginalized groups and individuals.
- Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
- A demonstrated ability to analyse, process information, and present conclusions and recommendations in a coherent and brief manner.
- Ability to work within tight deadlines and available resources.
- Good understanding of the RCRC Movement. Knowledge of the NoRC is desired.
- Excellent written and spoken English skills.
Quality and Ethical Standards
The evaluators should take all reasonable steps to ensure that the evaluation is designed and conducted to respect and protect the rights and welfare of people and the communities of which they are members, and to ensure that the evaluation is technically accurate, reliable, and legitimate, conducted in a transparent and impartial manner and contributes to organisational learning and accountability. Therefore, the evaluation team should adhere to the evaluation standards and specific, applicable processes outlined in the IFRC Framework for Evaluations.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application material by September 15th 2024 to:
Mari Aasgaard, Team Lead Protection, International Programs and Preparedness department (mari.aasgaard@redcross.no, with a copy to
Øivind Hetland, Senior Advisor Evaluation and Learning, International Programs and Preparedness department (oivind.hetland@redcross.no)
If you have questions related to the ToR, please contact Mari Aasgaard by 10th September.
The initial submission will go through a pre-selection process. Candidates who pass this stage will be required to submit documentation as specified by NoRC in the organization’s procurement rules and regulations. Additionally, selected candidates must complete the detailed specification of demands and the NoRC standard contract. Further information and sharing of these documents will be provided to candidates who are selected in the pre-selection process.
Application materials should include:
- Technical proposal not exceeding five pages that
- demonstrates an understanding and interpretation of the ToR
- outlines a methodology to meet the requirements in the ToR
- proposes a timeline for deliverables, including time for NoRC and partners to comment on deliverables.
- Cover letter summarizing your experience as it pertains to this assignment, your daily rate, and three professional references.
- A brief description of your firm or institution (for applicants other than individual consultants).
- Curricula Vitae (CV) for all members of the team applying for consideration.
- Financial proposal itemizing estimated costs for services rendered (daily consultancy fees), and other relevant costs required for the review such as accommodation and living costs, transport costs, stationery costs, etc.
Application materials are non-returnable, and we thank you in advance for understanding that only short-listed candidates will be contacted for the next step in the application process.
According to Norwegian tax law, the Norwegian Red Cross can only enter consultancy contracts with companies registered as legal entities with their respective tax authorities. For individual consultants, temporary employment contracts are signed. Contracted consultants shall sign the Norwegian Red Cross “Standard Procurement Terms and Conditions” and the “Code of Conduct for Corporate Social Responsibility for Suppliers to the Norwegian Red Cross”.
[1] The Operational Framework is governed by the Norwegian Red Cross’s Institutional Strategy and the International Strategy. These documents establish the direction for the international work and engagement of the Norwegian Red Cross. The purpose of the Operational Framework is to establish the operational direction of the international work by describing the humanitarian outcomes sought and the technical guidance and standards applied. All international operations[1] supported by Norwegian Red Cross will adhere to the guidance and technical standards described in this framework.
How to apply
Interested candidates should submit their application material by September 15th 2024 to:
Mari Aasgaard, Team Lead Protection, International Programs and Preparedness department (mari.aasgaard@redcross.no, with a copy to
Øivind Hetland, Senior Advisor Evaluation and Learning, International Programs and Preparedness department (oivind.hetland@redcross.no)