Baseline Assessment, Indicator Development and Training for Monitoring of Cross-Cutting Impact of the UNHCR Light Years Ahead Initiative in Selected Operations

Baseline Assessment, Indicator Development and Training for Monitoring of Cross-Cutting Impact of the UNHCR Light Years Ahead Initiative in Selected Operations

Background

Access to energy is a critical requirement, and a key challenge in humanitarian situations. More than 90% of refugees rely on traditional biomass for cooking and lighting, usually firewood and charcoal, which can have cross-cutting impacts on their well-being. In most circumstances, the distribution of fuel in humanitarian situations does not meet the needs of refugees, who are then required to leave the security of the camp to collect firewood, or have to find other means to purchase fuel. Furthermore, darkness may increase security risks around the camps at night, and also hinders educational, livelihood, and social activities during dark hours.

UNHCR, mandated to protect the rights and well-being of refugees, has implemented measures to address these issues, including through the current development of the UNHCR Strategy for Access to Energy, and providing refugees with fuel-efficient stoves, solar street lights, and solar lanterns through the UNHCR Light Years Ahead (LYA) fundraising initiative.

While energy-related activities have been expanding rapidly, there has been limited monitoring of the cross-cutting impacts of such activities, particularly LYA. Anecdotes from the field suggest a link between energy and other sectors, but a strong evidence base is needed. Tools to collect this evidence will allow UNHCR to regularly measure the effectiveness of energy-related activities, and increase understanding of needs and cross-sectoral impacts. With this evidence, UNHCR will be able to establish a comprehensive approach to the issue and enhance the design and structure of energy programmes, the selection of energy-related technologies, and the well-being and protection of refugees.

UNHCR is therefore seeking to develop relevant indicators related to LYA activities, including proxy indicators given the complexity of the relationship between energy and other sectors, particularly livelihoods, education, protection (sexual and gender-based violence – SGBV), environment, health, and nutrition. The indicators should be consistent with the UNHCR Strategy for Access to Energy, and should support gathering quantified evidence of the link between addressing the energy needs of refugees, and benefits in the aforementioned sectors. Context specific indicators which address community priorities should be included.


Objectives

The specific objectives of this project are to establish baselines, with clear indicators for monitoring and evaluation to measure the socio-economic impact of energy activities. These will primarily focus on LYA activities in camps and settlements in Chad, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda.

Training of staff and partners on the use of such indicators is also necessary to ensure proper and consistent monitoring.


Activities

During this assignment, the consultants will spend their time in Geneva, Switzerland; and in camp locations in Chad, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda. They will undertake the following broad activities in collaboration with UNHCR staff, local partners, and refugee and host communities:

- Desk review of materials on previous and existing energy-related activities in selected operations, including assessment reports, mission reports, project documents, etc.
- Development of a composite set of indicators, including proxy indicators if necessary, which consider existing indicators. These should encompass the impact of LYA activities on related sectors including SGBV, education, livelihoods, nutrition, food security, and environment
- Consult with refugee and host communities and include associated participatory and context specific indicators
- Undertake baseline surveys using agreed indicators to describe the current energy situation in the targeted locations. This includes establishing patterns of fuel/ energy use, current demand, and associated costs
- Prepare a draft M&E plan and associated tools in consultation with UNHCR
- Develop training materials and provide training for UNHCR staff and partners on using the M&E plan and tools
- Undertake follow-up monitoring and evaluation missions if needed


Timeframe

Week 1: Desk review, development of indicators, development of M&E training materials (Geneva, Switzerland)

Week 2-11: Country visits - Additional in-country desk review if needed - Community consultations and development of participatory indicators - Baseline assessments - Adaptation of M&E tools and training materials. - Training of staff and partners on use of indicators for monitoring

Week 12-13: Analysis and write-up

January-March 2014: Follow-up M&E missions as needed


Qualifications, required skills and experience

Between the two consultants, the following is required:

- Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the area of sustainable development, sociology/anthropology, economics, monitoring and evaluation, natural resource management or renewable energy
- At least six years relevant work experience in the area of energy access, environment, and/or livelihoods, with at least three years in the humanitarian field
- Extensive experience with monitoring and evaluation
- A demonstrated understanding of areas related to energy and environment such as protection, education and health
- Familiarity with energy use and needs in humanitarian situations and/or development in rural areas. This includes energy/fuel needs for cooking, and general provision of electricity
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, as well as the ability to explore and expand on innovative concepts
- Fluency in English and working knowledge of French. Knowledge of Arabic an asset
- Readiness to collect field data under harsh conditions


Please send your applications (cover letter and CV) by 6 September 2013 to hqenviro@unhcr.org