Job description
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Posted 2 Oct 2025 Closing date 15 Oct 2025
Terms of Reference (ToR) to Support the ICGLR in Drafting a Regional Strategy on Durable Solutions for Refugees
- Who is the Regional Durable Solutions Secretariat?
ReDSS is a secretariat working on behalf of 14 international and national NGOs working on forced displacement in East Africa, the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes region.
We were established in 2015 in response to a desire by the NGO community to be more proactive in shaping durable solutions policy and programming in the region.
Our team works both a regional and country level and focusses on the translation of evidence and research into policies and programmes that can better deliver for displacement-affected communities.
We do this through a range of activities, including: convening key stakeholders at multiple levels to produce consensus around collective actions that can be taken; supporting new evidence generation through commissioning and undertaking research and analysis; and building the capacity of key actors through delivering training and developing tools and guidance.
We do not implement programmes directly, and by maintaining this distance are better able to play a neutral role across the system
About The ICGLR
The International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) is an intergovernmental organization composed of 12 Member States committed to promoting peace, security, stability, and development in the Great Lakes Region of Africa.
Established under the Pact on Security, Stability and Development in 2006, the ICGLR provides a political and technical platform for regional cooperation and policy harmonization on complex cross-border issues.
The ICGLR plays a central role in advancing durable solutions to displacement in the region, through its capacity to convene Member States and foster collective commitments.
This includes the development of a regional strategy on durable solutions for refugees and internally displaced persons, anchored in the ICGLR's broader frameworks on peacebuilding, governance, and human rights.
The organization works closely with national authorities, regional bodies, and technical partners to support coherent and coordinated responses to displacement-affected populations across the region.
- Purpose and objectives of the Consultancy The overall purpose of the consultancy is to support the ICGLR in the drafting, finalization and adoption of a regional strategy on durable solutions for refugees in the Great Lakes region and its action plan.
The role will be supported by a second consultant (ICGLR Liaison and Strategy Support), who will focus on coordinating with ICGLR, following up with key stakeholders, and supporting the organization of events and consultations.
The ICGLR regional strategy on durable solutions has been under development since 2023, with a draft outline endorsed by the Regional Advisory Group after consultations with member states and outcomes of preliminary consultations conducted across the region.
While significant groundwork has been laid, this consultancy will aim to accelerate the process by bringing on a dedicated strategy drafter to lead the development of the strategy and accompanying action plan, building on existing material and consultations.
With a roadmap already in place and coordination support embedded in the process, this role is expected to drive the strategy through to technical validation and political endorsement within a defined timeframe.
The Scope Of Work Includes Three Key Areas
- Draft and finalize a regional strategy on durable solutions for refugees in the Great Lakes region and accompanying action plan
Building on the approved draft outline and initial consultations, develop and iteratively refine a comprehensive regional strategy on durable solutions for refugees in the Great Lakes region.
This includes producing successive drafts of the strategy and accompanying action plan, integrating feedback from ICGLR, Member States, and partners, as well as existing and ongoing analytical work and research on durable solutions in the Great Lakes region – including those undertaken to inform the process or content of the strategy.
The Consultant will be expected to support the process through to validation and final endorsement by member states and other relevant stakeholders.
Validation will be done at three levels: by the Regional Advisory Group, technical endorsement by Member States, political endorsement by Member States.
- Facilitate consultations and support stakeholder engagement
Working closely with the ICGLR, ReDSS and UNHCR, the Consultant will be expected to design and lead targeted consultations with key stakeholders.
This includes developing and implementing a stakeholder engagement plan; conduct consultations; supporting the organization and documentation of consultations with ICGLR Member States, regional bodies, civil society, and other relevant actors; and integrating feedback into successive versions of the strategy.
The Consultant will also be expected to provide technical input to shape the agendas and content of broader peer-learning events and political dialogues organized with the ICGLR, ensuring that outcomes from these forums contribute meaningfully to the strategy development process and reflect diverse perspectives.
- Ensure coordination with key stakeholders throughout the drafting process
Coordinate with the ICGLR Secretariat, ReDSS, UNHCR, and the broader RAG to ensure alignment and responsiveness throughout the development of the regional strategy.
This should involve multiple rounds of review and briefings to this group and other relevant stakeholders on key pillars and process developments.
It will also include participation in relevant meetings and presenting successive drafts of the strategy and action plan in key forums to support validation and buy-in.
- Background The history of the Great Lakes has been characterized by large-scale forced and protracted displacement within, and to a lesser extent outside, the region.
The main drivers of displacement are poverty, political instability or crisis, armed conflict between and within countries, ethnic tensions and control over land and natural resources.
The search for durable solutions to the protracted displacement situation in the Great Lakes is a key humanitarian and development concern.
This is a regional/cross border issue, dynamic, with a strong political dimension, and which demands a multi-sectorial response that goes beyond the existing humanitarian agenda.
To That End, The International Conference For The Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), a Sub-regional Organization Of 12 African Member States1 Has Adopted Several Instruments Designed To Foster a Regional Approach To Tackle The Issue Of Forced Displacement
- 2004 ICGLR Declaration on Peace, Security, Democracy and Development in the Great Lakes region: Commitment by ICGLR Member States to address the root causes of and find lasting solutions to the protracted problems of displaced and refugee populations, notably with regards to their peaceful co-existence with resident populations, their voluntary repatriation and return or local integration, with the full involvement of local authorities and host populations, and within the framework of tripartite agreements where applicable.
Encouragement to countries of origin to create the conditions conducive to the return of refugees.
- 2006 ICGLR Framework for the Protection, Assistance and Search for Durable Solutions for Displaced Populations (Refugees and IDPs) and communities that host them: intends to establish a regional framework for protection, assistance and search for durable solutions for refugees, IDPs and the burden placed on communities that host them.
Concrete activities at the regional level were envisioned such as: - Agreeing on a mutually consistent legal framework on the treatment of refugees to reduce inefficiencies and contradictions that would make them difficult to apply regionally – harmonization of national laws and policies on refugees;
- Use existing initiatives such as Development Assistance for Refugees (DAR) and Development through Local Integration (DLI) in areas of return and areas hosting refugees and IDPs;
- Initiate or strengthen tripartite agreements for the voluntary return of refugees
- Resettlement countries to increase their quotas since resettlement was also one of the durable solutions to the refugee problem.
- 2019 High Level Meeting of Ministers in charge of refugees in the Great Lakes region – Munyonyo outcome document: Member States recommended the ICGLR to develop a regional strategy on comprehensive durable solutions for the Great Lakes region and an action plan to implement this strategy.
The Regional Durable Solutions Secretariat (ReDSS) has supported the efforts of the ICGLR to develop this regional strategy through the organization of several events, such as a regional peer-learning event on comprehensive durable solutions for refugees in the Great Lakes region, organized in Bujumbura in January 2023, and a training of trainers for representatives of ICGLR member states in September of the same year.
In 2024, ReDSS continued its engagement by supporting the ICGLR to organize a second regional peer-learning workshop in Nairobi, focusing on building consensus around the core pillars of the strategy.
1 Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Republic of South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania and Zambia.
In 2025, this support has included online consultations to gather input from Member States, direct consultations with other stakeholders – including refugee-led organizations, as well as facilitation of a Regional Advisor Group, which endorsed a draft strategy outline in June 2025.
As the process moves forward, ReDSS will continue to provide technical and coordination support through additional peer-learning workshops, capacity strengthening sessions, and strategic research, alongside continued participation in policy dialogue and coordination platforms with ICGLR and its Member States – in close partnership with UNHCR.
The process is also supported by the Regional Advisory Group (RAG), a multi-stakeholder coordination platform co-led by the ICGLR and ReDSS, which brings together various policy and technical experts to provide guidance and strategic oversight for the development of the regional strategy on durable solutions strategy.
These initiatives, and the broader responsibilities of this Consultancy, are part of an EU-funded action on the Advancement of comprehensive durable solutions for refugees in the Great Lakes region through increased dialogue and peer-learning exchanges.
- Deliverables This timeline may be adjusted to accommodate endorsement requirements and other related policy and strategy processes, subject to mutual agreement.
Phase 1 – Inception and review
Expected deliverables -Revised roadmap:Drawing on the roadmap endorsed by the RAG, update timeline and process to reflect planned consultations and validation milestones.
The revised roadmap should be endorsed by the RAG
Stakeholder engagement plan: Develop a stakeholder engagement plan, in close consultation with ReDSS, ICGLR and UNHCR, to inform drafting.
The stakeholder engagement plan should be endorsed by the RAG.
Expected duration - Within 4 weeks
Phase 2 - Drafting of regional strategy and action plan and early engagement
Expected deliverable - Draft strategy and action plan: Drawing from the existing outline and engagement to date, draft the first version of the regional strategy and accompanying action plan.
Consult with ICGLR, ReDSS, UNHCR and other key actors on structure, content and direction.
Prepare materials for review by the RAG and other relevant briefings to support review.
Briefings or presentations to the RAG and key partners.
At least 3 briefings or presentations to the RAG and key partners to present structure, key elements and gather input.
Phase 3 - Technical validation
Expected deliverables - Facilitation of consultations and technical engagement: With the support of the Consultant – Liaison and Strategy Support – organize and facilitate consultations with key technical stakeholders, including from Member States, operational actors, civil society, etc.
Coordinate inputs and ensure structured engagement around key pillars of the strategy.
Revised draft based on technical revision: Incorporate technical feedback into the revised draft strategy and action plan and prepare final draft for political review and endorsement.
This draft should, as far as possible, reflect a final document endorsable by Member States.
Coordination with Member States and technical briefings to support validation and buy-in: Prepare and conduct at least three technical briefings with key stakeholders, such as the RAG, Member States technical.
Focal points, thematic working groups, etc.
Continuously consult and coordinate with technical focal points from across Member States and ICGLR National Coordinators to endorse edits and ensure ultimate adoption.
Presentations in strategic forums - Develop content and present the updated draft in at least four relevant coordination or policy forums (e.g. ICGLR meetings or forums, donor briefings, thematic platforms) to support situating the strategy within broader regional or thematic efforts, fostering complementarity with other initiatives, and raising the profile of the work to encourage political traction.
Expected duration - Within 4 weeks
Phase 4 - Political endorsement
Expected deliverable - Support to the ICGLR Secretariat in preparation of briefing materials, talking points, and related documentation for the political endorsement process: Provide technical inputs and support for the development of necessary materials linked to political endorsement, in close collaboration with the ICGLR Secretariat, ReDSS and UNHCR.
Strategic coordination with ICGLR Secretariat and Member States: Ensure necessary coordination and engagement with the ICGLR Secretariat and Member States to facilitate political endorsement, including building consensus where required.
Final strategy and action plan package: Lead the finalization of the strategy and action plan reflecting any final adjustments required for endorsement and publication.
Phase 5 - Learning and handover short learning and handover note
Expected deliverable - Develop a short learning note summarizing key lessons from the process, reflections and opportunities for implementation, and present to ICGLR, ReDSS and UNHCR.
Expected duration: Within 41 weeks
- Duration, timeline, and payment The assignment is expected to be completed through up to 135 working days between November 10th 2025 and August 31st 2026.
The Consultant will be expected to be available intermittently throughout this period in line with Member State and internal review processes and engagement.
In the event that the process is delayed due to factors outside of the Consultant, ICGLR or ReDSS's control, a limited extension to the consultancy may be considered to ensure finalization of the strategy and action plan.
Any such extension will be subject to mutual agreement and availability of funds.
Payment Modalities The consultancy fee shall be paid in three instalments as follows: - First instalment: Payable upon validation of the Stakeholder Engagement Plan.
- Second instalment: Payable upon completion and approval of Phase 1 and Phase 2 deliverables.
- Final instalment: Payable upon successful completion and acceptance of the consultancy.
- Proposed Composition of Team Applicants must be either (i) registered as individual consultants with the relevant national authorities, or (ii) affiliated with an academic, research, or consultancy institution legally registered in their country of operation.
Proof of registration or institutional affiliation will be required prior to contracting.
- Eligibility, qualification, and Experience
The Consultant Should Possess The Following Qualifications
- Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in Political Science, International Relations, Public Policy, Development Studies, or a related social science field;
- Minimum of 10 years of proven experience in policy development, strategic planning, or advisory roles related to forced displacement, migration, or refugee issues;
- Demonstrated ability to lead the development of high-level strategic or policy frameworks, with experience producing flagship reports or strategies for regional or international organizations.
- Demonstrated ability to analyse complex political, social, and displacement dynamics and translate findings into actionable strategic recommendations.
- Proven experience engaging with government actors, regional bodies, and international stakeholders in consultative processes.
- In-depth knowledge of displacement and migration dynamics in the Great Lakes region, including institutional and political frameworks.
- Strong analytical and writing skills, with a track record of synthesizing complex information into actionable strategic guidance.
- Experience working with or advising regional institutions such as the ICGLR, AU, or RECs is a strong advantage, Fluency in English, with proficiency in French a strong asset.
Knowledge of local languages in the Great Lakes region is an added advantage - Technical Supervisor The selected consultant will work under the supervision of: Elysia Buchanan, ReDSS Manager-Great Lakes A parallel reporting line to the Directorate of Gender, Women and Humanitarian Affairs will also be maintained.
- Location and support Submissions for this consultancy are open to bids from consultants based in ICGLR Member States.
The Consultant will provide her/his/their own computer and mobile telephone.
- Travel This consultancy is expected to include travel within the ICGLR region and potentially to Geneva or other international lobby capitals.
All required travel will be agreed in advance with the ReDSS Great Lakes Manager and will be covered by the DRC in accordance with its standard staff travel policies.
- Submission Process Please refer to the RFP Invitation Letter
- Evaluation of bids Please refer to the RFP Invitation Letter
- Terms & Conditions DRC will evaluate proposals and award the assignment based on technical and financial feasibility in line with DRC Procurement guidelines.
DRC reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal received without disclosing reasons to applicants and is not bound to accept the lowest bidder.
- Confidentiality All information presented, obtained, and produced is to be treated as DRC's property and is considered confidential for all other purposes than what is outlined in these terms of reference.
- Additional Information For additional information regarding these terms of reference, please send your questions to Regional Supply Chain Manager:
Please find complete bidding documents in the following link: RFP-RO Consultancy on Drafting the Regional Strategy
How to apply
Bids can be submitted by email to the following dedicated, controlled, & secure email address:
When Bids are emailed, the following conditions shall be complied with:
- The RFP number shall be inserted in the Subject Heading of the email e.g. RFP-RO Drafting the Regional Strategy:
Separate emails shall be used for the 'Financial Bid' and 'Technical Bid', and the Subject Heading of the email shall indicate which type the email contains
The financial bid shall only contain the financial bid form, Annex A.2 or vendors financial bid in own format
The technical bid shall contain all other documents required by the tender, but excluding all pricing information
Bid documents required, shall be included as an attachment to the email in PDF, JPEG, TIF format, or the same type of files provided as a ZIP file.
Documents in MS Word or excel formats, will result in the bid being disqualified.
- Email attachments shall not exceed 4MB; otherwise, the bidder shall send his bid in multiple emails.
Failure to comply with the above may disqualify the Bid.
DRC is not responsible for the failure of the Internet, network, server, or any other hardware, or software, used by either the Bidder or DRC in the processing of emails.
Bids will be submitted electronically.
DRC is not responsible for the non-receipt of Bids submitted by email as part of the e-Tendering process
Job details
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- Program/Project Management
Years of experience
Themes
- Mine Action
- Protection and Human Rights
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Consultancy To Support The Icglr In Drafting A Regional Strategy On Durable Solutions For Refugees
