Disasters Emergency Committee
Gaza Crisis Appeal – Response Review
Call for Expressions of Interest
1. Introduction
The Disasters Emergency Committee unites 13 of the largest UK humanitarian charities1 to
raise funds in response to major international humanitarian crises. Whilst the members are
responsible for the delivery of a quality emergency response the secretariat
2. Background
Following decades of conflict between the State of Israel and Occupied Palestinian
Territories tensions again escalated in Gaza in June 2014 after three Israeli teenagers were
abducted in the West Bank. Hamas denied responsibility but Israel arrested hundreds of
Hamas activists whilst Hamas retaliated by launching hundreds of rockets from Gaza,
targeting Tel Aviv. Israel began shelling Gaza on July 8 and sent in ground troops on July
18, aiming to destroy Hamas’s missile stores and a large network of tunnels used to
smuggle goods in and out of Gaza. The abducted Israeli teenagers were later found dead,
as was a Palestinian teenager abducted in East Jerusalem in a suspected revenge murder
for which several Israelis were arrested.
The conflict resulted in a humanitarian crisis affecting all people of Gaza with the one power
plant destroyed and water and sanitation infrastructure damaged. Estimates reckon that over
2,000 people have been killed including children and women. Over 64,150 people have had
their homes severely damaged or destroyed leading to large scale displacement.
Even before this flare up the majority of people were dependent upon aid. The need reached
such a level that on 8th August DEC launched an appeal to the British public for funds to
support the response. DFID has provided £2 million Match Aid funding so that by 19th August
2014 £10 million has been raised by the secretariat and members. Initially an allocation of
£TBC has been made to 11 DEC members for their response in Gaza.
DEC Member Agency Programmes
DEC response period is divided into Phase 1 – which runs for 6 months – and Phase 2
which generally runs for 18 months2.
Funding allocations: TBC
ActionAid; Age International; British Red Cross; CAFOD; CARE International UK; Christian Aid; Concern;
Islamic Relief; Oxfam; Plan UK; Save the Children UK; Tearfund & World Vision
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There have been exceptions where the scale of the disaster and level of funds raised warranted an extension to 3
years.
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11 DEC Member Agencies are responding to this crisis in Gaza during the first response
phase – 6 months.
3. Objectives of the DEC Response Review:
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To provide an overview of the response so far; identify gaps, priority areas and
unmet needs from sectorial and cross-cutting perspective in order to inform Phase 2
plans.
To identify key lessons from this response including innovations and exemplary
programming.
To review member agencies’ responses against DAC criteria (excluding impact as it
is too soon to assess this).
Specific areas of enquiry: To be determined once members’ plans have been
submitted.
4. Timing and Resources:
The field mission should take place in early November 2014 with a view to providing a draft
report by the end of the month at the latest in order that the findings can inform DEC
member agencies’ phase 2 plans which will be submitted at the end of December.
A meeting with members in UK prior to the field work will enable discussion with UK based
staff. A further 2 days may be taken prior to departure for the review of agency plans and to
make contact with Members’ head offices.
We expect the field mission to be a maximum of 8 days in the Region but this is subject to
discussion with the consultant and lead agency.
A further 5 days after the fieldwork may be taken for report writing. Time should be allowed
for a workshop in the UK after the first draft of the report has been prepared in order to take
account of feedback.
The team leader will be supported by a representative from a DEC member agency and a
member of the DEC secretariat staff. A national evaluation consultant may also join the
team.
5. Field Coordination:
One DEC Member Agency will be responsible for helping to coordinate the field mission in
Gaza - TBC. DEC Members, where appropriate, will ensure that key partner agencies meet
the consultants and ensure the work funded by the DEC is open for scrutiny.
The lead agency will organise two meetings of the DEC Agencies [or partners] one at the
start of the mission and one at the conclusion, to share and triangulate finding. The first
meeting will enable the Consultant/s to facilitate a review exercise; enable discussion on the
cumulative coverage and impact of the DEC response; and on the specific issues outlined
above. In addition to providing feedback, the final meeting could be used to identify any
programme, policy, or advocacy issues that need attention and help facilitate discussions on
whether agencies are willing and able to take them forward.
6. Other Coordination:
The DEC Secretariat will:
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Compile contact information for member agencies in UK and Gaza
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Make available Member Agency programme plans and budgets, as well as any
internal Member Agency RTE or evaluation findings
The consultant/s will arrange own visa, insurance. If travelling from the UK, travel to the
region may be arranged by DEC.
7. Report:
The Consultant will be responsible for delivery of a draft report and Executive summary
written in English and submitted 10 days following finalising the fieldwork. This will be shared
with member agencies and a meeting of representatives set up at the DEC office in London
with the consultant/s to discuss the findings prior to finalisation of the text.
The report must be confined to the specific objectives of the mission and should not be more
than 25 pages, excluding an executive summary. A map of the members’ operations may be
included in an appendix. It is the intention of the DEC that the report will be published so a
glossary of abbreviations and terms should be included in order that it is accessible to a wide
audience. Appendices providing commentary on individual agencies’ performance are
welcome where appropriate but as not all agencies’ programme will be reviewed this is not
essential. However, case studies that highlight good practice are both desirable and
welcome.
Recommendations should be based on empirical evidence gathered during the course of the
mission, prioritised and limited to 10 key points. This mission is not a commentary on the
overall international relief effort, but a timely snapshot of the efforts and behaviours of DEC
members. The report should avoid generalisations or speculation as to the possible role of
the DEC in current or future emergencies. If other issues do arise, discussion with the DEC
and HC will determine how they should be addressed.
FONT: the report should be provided in Ariel 11 to ensure accessibility and submitted in
Word.
The response review findings are those of the author and will be made available to the
members as such. Any communication on the findings will make it clear that the report
reflects the opinions of the authors alone and not those of the DEC or its members. It is
intended that the report will be made available on the DEC and ALNAP websites. We may
also organise for a public launch of the report in UK if there is sufficient interest.
8. Consultant Profile
Consultants should be confident they are able to obtain the necessary visa to enter Gaza.
Selection will be made against the profile outlined, the elements set out below as evidenced
in the submission and the strength of the methodology presented.
DEC would like to involve a local consultant on the team. The lead consultant will be
encouraged to help identify the most appropriate person.
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Key skills and abilities for the team:
Essential
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Previous experience in the evaluation of humanitarian programmes, including
methodologies for engaging with affected populations
A sound understanding of the context in Gaza and Middle East
A good understanding of the DEC and an appreciation of the Accountability
Framework
A sound knowledge of Humanitarian Principles, Red Cross Code of Conduct and
Sphere standards
An appreciation by the bidder of key constraints on the use of Sphere standards
and the Red Cross/NGO code
Clear written English
Desirable
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Previous experience of working in the region would be an advantage. Where this
is not the case the consultant will need to demonstrate their understanding of the
country, region and type of disaster.
9. Expressions of Interest should include:
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Covering letter which demonstrates motivation and confirmation of availability in
November 2014
Indicative daily rate for work in UK and work in the region
CV which demonstrates how the consultant meets the essential skills and abilities
Two references with contact details of referees [if not already provided]
The selection panel may wish to see substantive pieces of work
10. Process
DEC Secretariat will work with members to elaborate full terms of reference once
members’ plans have been received by 9th September.
Consultants who the DEC deems have met the criteria and would be suitable for the
commission will be contacted and requested to submit full proposals against completed
TOR to include:
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Conceptual framework and methodology for how the work is to be undertaken
Work plan and schedule
Outline budget
Please make contact with Annie Devonport, Head of Programmes and Accountability or
Frances Crowley, Learning and Accountability Officer if you have any questions and email
your expression of interest and supportive documents to adevonport@dec.org.uk [c.c.
fcrowley@dec.org.uk] by 09.00 GMT 3rd September 2014.
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