Christoffel Blinden Mission (CBM) International- Request For Proposal For Baseline Study For The Enabling Resilience To Climate Change-Related Risks Through Local CSOs’ Strengthening (ER2CC) Project

DEADLINE: 26TH JUNE, 2023
CHRISTIAN BLIND MISSION (CBM)
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR BASELINE STUDY FOR THE ENABLING RESILIENCE TO CLIMATE CHANGE RELATED RISKS THROUGH LOCAL CSOS’ STRENGTHENING (ER2CC) PROJECT AT CBM

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR BASELINE STUDY

(1) BASELINE STUDY SUMMARY

Project ID: NDICI CSO/2022/441-822 (P10134) Enabling Resilience to Climate Change Related Risks through local CSOs’ strengthening in Benue and Plateau State, Nigeria (ER2CC)

Name of Partner Organisation/s:
(1) Centre for Gospel Health and Development (CeGHaD) and

(2) Elim Christian Vocational and Training Centre (Elim CVTC)

Project start and end dates; 1st April 2023 – 31st March 2026

Phase of project if applicable: Inception Phase

Study Purpose: The purpose of this baseline study is to establish a starting point from which to measure progress and effectiveness of the ER2CC project in Benue and Plateau state of Nigeria

Study Type: Baseline Study

Contracting organisation/contact person: Christoffel-Blindenmission Christian Blind Mission e.V Nigeria Country Office Director: Mr. Bright Ekweremadu

Team members: External Consultant to be engaged

Primary Methodology: Mixed Methods, incl. Desk Review, Quantitative and Qualitative

Proposed Start and End Dates: 30 June – 30 July 2023

Anticipated Report Release Date: 4th August, 2023

Recipient of Final Report: European Union Delegation, Christoffel-Blindenmission Christian Blind Mission e.V and other implementing partners

(2) Project Description
CBM is an international development organisation, committed to improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities in the poorest countries of the world. Based on its Christian values and over 100 years of professional expertise, CBM addresses poverty as a cause, and a consequence of disability, and works in partnership to create a society for all. CBM humanitarian activities aim to equally reach and actively involve persons with disabilities, addressing specific needs while promoting and facilitating full inclusion in mainstream services. We work – together with local partners – on projects that are context-specific, from preparedness to immediate life-saving needs such as food, shelter and medical work, and longer-term rehabilitation interventions in fields such as education, water sanitation and hygiene; healthcare, livelihood and reconstruction.

Climate change is an ever-increasing threat to Nigeria, which is already experiencing a range of environmental and socioeconomic challenges. Climate change in Nigeria, especially in the North-Central region (Benue and Plateau state) has manifested in various forms such as changes in rainfall and temperature pattern, sea-level rise, desertification, land degradation, flooding, erosion, drought and food insecurity. These climate change impacts have resulted in significant damage of properties, displacement of people, widespread poverty and economic losses, a perfect instance is the perennial farmer-herder conflicts that has led to loss of livelihoods and disability in affected communities. These effects are as a result of Nigeria’s dependence on natural resources, including agriculture, forestry, and fisheries.

The country is also facing significant population growth, which exacerbates the human impact on the environment. The government of Nigeria has been taking steps in recent years to address climate change and its impacts, including developing a National Climate Change Policy, National Adaptation Plans, establishing a National Climate Change Commission, and investing in renewable energy sources. However, much more needs to be done to mitigate the effects of climate change in Nigeria and build resilience to its impacts.

The achievement of a climate-resilient society, however, requires a broad-based participation of all institutions and segments of the society. Government, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Community-based Organizations (including OPDs), Faith-based Organizations have a key responsibility to orient local communities to become aware of the impacts of climate change on their survival and support them to enhance their adaptive capacity. It was on this note that CBM responded successfully to a call by the European Union for action for climate change with the aim of empowering and promoting participation of CSOs in climate change responses in Nigeria, the action contributes to strengthening them and consolidating their role as actors for positive change.

More specifically, the action seeks to strengthen the local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Nigeria to facilitate the implementation of the Nigeria’s National Climate Change Policy (NCCP) at the state and local level and also implement climate change related disaster preparedness and mitigation measures in communities in Benue and Plateau state. The ER2CC project by CBM is being implemented in partnership with two local organizations (CeGHaD and ELIM CVTC) across 5 target Local Government Areas (LGAs) comprising of 20 communities in Benue and Plateau States with a 64% funding commitment of 500,000 EUR by the European Union Delegation.

The project aimed at achieving 3 specific results:

Result 1: CSOs including OPDs, Women and Youth-led groups are capacitated and actively involved in climate-change related policy processes

Result 2: Strengthened capacities of CSOs (including OPDs, women and youth led and self-help groups (farmers’ groups and VESAs)) and community structures to adapt to climate related hazards and natural disaster

Result 3: Strengthened capacities of CSOs (including OPDs, women and youth led organizations) and community structures to promote peace and social cohesion

(3) Baseline Study Objective and Intended Use
The ER2CC project is at its inception phase and this baseline study is commissioned by CBM in order to establish sound baseline data from which to measure progress and effectiveness of the ER2CC project in Benue and Plateau state of Nigeria.

Specific Objectives:
(1) To provide baseline data that allows an assessment of the effectiveness of climate change response measures to be adopted on the ER2CC project

(2) The study will assess the appropriateness and viability of the current indicators and might suggest adjustments.

(3) To assess the status of implementation of the current policies and institutional responses to climate change in Benue and Plateau states.

(4) To assess the current capacity of local civil society organizations including OPDs, women and youth-led groups in the project target area in climate change response

(5) To accurately determine the population of persons with disabilities in the project target area using the WGSSQ.

(4) Scope of the baseline study
The scope of this baseline study will include activities that seeks to meet the objectives listed above. The study shall be conducted in selected project communities from the list below, to give representative sample. Find the distribution of the project communities below:

State: Benue and Plateau state

Implementing Partners: Elim Christian Vocational Training Centre, Igede (Benue state) and Centre for Gospel Health and Development, Jos (Plateau state)

Local Government Areas: Benue state – Gwer West and Konshisha and Plateau state – Langtang South, Riyom and Bokkos

Communities: Gwer west LGA- (Agagbe, Naka, Nagi, Aondoana), Konshisha LGA – (Tse-Anyom, Gungul, Agidi, Achoho), Langtang South LGA – (Mabudi, Talgwang, Kwaikong, Sabon Gida), Riyom LGA -(Danto, Dantse, Sopp, Riyom) and Bokkos LGA – (Kawel, Kunet, Kwatas, Maikatako).

(5) Limitations
Benue and Plateau state have experienced significant political and security challenges in recent times which could impact the conduct of the study. Political instability- especially as the country awaits the handing over exercise after the just concluded exercise where the two target states are going to have power been transferred to an opposition party– communal violence and insecurity could hamper the collection of data.

In the event of increased insecurity across the nation, there will be need for situational analysis and use of locally sourced enumerators for data collection that understand the socio-political early warning signs and safety measures based on their context. There might even be the need to conduct remote assessments and rely on remote methods, incl. document review, phone interviews, online sessions etc. Consultants should be familiar with such methods.

CBM will carefully evaluate the situation once the contract is signed and determine whether the study can be carried out as planned. In addition, CBM will provide a briefing on the current security situation and support as much as possible to ensure the safety of the team and stakeholders who will be involved in the process, including project partners and beneficiaries.

In general, the do-no-harm principle shall be applied during the study, which includes not putting any stakeholder at risk or creating any negative consequences.

(6) Target audience and learning

The target audience for this study could include different project stakeholders such as:

• Relevant Government MDAs in Benue and Plateau state such as: Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Agriculture etc.
• European Union Delegation (EUD) in Nigeria
• Christoffel Blinden Mission (CBM) International
• Project Co-Implementing Partners (CeGHaD and Elim CVTC)
• Local CSOs including JONAPWD, women and youth-led organizations in the project communities.

The findings from this study will be used primarily by the project for indicator tracking purposes. It will also be used for advocacy purposes and resource mobilization for efficient and effective climate change response in the target states.

(7) Study Questions
The study questions shall be structured to assess whether the project is well-designed, efficient, consistent and viable. This will provide foundation for subsequent studies/evaluations on the project.

(8) Methodology
The consultant will develop the detailed study methodology based on this TOR and a briefing with CBM (and the partners). Mixed methods shall be applied in this study and the methodology used shall fit the purpose of the study and needs to be documented in detail as an annex to the final report. The consultant is expected to submit a brief inception report detailing methodology for achieving the results of the study. The study must meet the principles of being inclusive, participatory and interactive, involving both male and female members of the community, as well as persons with disabilities.

As a minimum, the study process should include the following key steps:

• Desk review of relevant documents
• Initial briefing sessions with CBM Country Office and partners.
• Field Phase with application of specific data collection tools.
• Analysis of findings
• Reporting of findings and recommendations

Do-No-Harm, Safeguarding and Confidentiality

As regards confidentiality and data protection, the consultant must take all reasonable steps to ensure that the respondents are not adversely affected by taking part in the study in line with the do-no-harm principle. S/he must keep their responses confidential and must not do anything with their responses that they are not informed about at the time. Also, particular care must be taken with children and teenagers. Consent must be granted by a parent or caregiver for interviews with children aged under 18 and CBM’s child safeguarding policy should be applied in all circumstances. The consultant should create safe and accessible spaces for women and other vulnerable groups to participate in group discussions or interviews.

Following data collection and analysis, the consultant will share preliminary findings with CBM CO in Nigeria (and partners). This shall be achieved through debrief sessions at CBM CO. The sharing of preliminary findings is an opportunity for the stakeholders to hear what the consultant has found and to be involved in thinking through recommendations if any. It should include constructive discussions around the key findings identified by the study.

Equality and inclusion/gender equality
The study data shall be dis-aggregated according to gender, age (adults/children) and disability status. For the collection of data on disability, the use of the Washington Group Short Set of Questions is mandatory. Consultants need to be guided on the Washington Group Questions and their application.

(9) Management Responsibilities and Baseline Study Team

CBM’s Responsibilities

• Contract the consultant selected through a robust procurement process;
• Oversee the implementation and quality of the study;
• Provide project specific documents (Project Proposal, Logical Framework etc.)
• Review and approve inception report
• Monitor and assess the quality of the study and its process
• Provide guidance and institutional support to the external consultant
• Facilitate access to study areas;
• Facilitate and participate in briefing and de-briefing meetings
• Review draft baseline study report
• Pay the consultant based on the agreed terms and conditions specified in the expression of interest
• Approve the final report; all products related to the evaluation shall be submitted to CBM Nigeria at the end of the assignment and upon approval of the final report.

Responsibilities of the consultant

• The consultant will develop an inception report for review by the CO and Initiatives and approval by CBM CO.
• The draft report will be shared with CBM for review and feedback. The final draft will also be sent to CBM for approval and signing off. The final instalment of consultant’s fees will be disbursed following sign off.
• The consultant will be responsible for all logistics arrangements, flight, vehicles, accommodation and disability inclusive venues for interviews and group discussion, as well as for training of data collectors as needed.
• The consultant will be responsible for the arrangements of all data capturing tools/devices for the data collectors.
• The consultants will ensure that all data collectors have the basic skills to translate English into local languages used in areas of interventions, for easy understanding of the respondents.
• The consultant will be responsible for data security and anonymity.
• All consultants and enumerators and persons otherwise directly engaged with the target groups/project participants have to sign the Code of Conduct and Safeguarding Policy and must adhere to its stipulations.

Implementing Partner’s Responsibilities

• Facilitate the consultant’s access to key stakeholders and specific information or expertise needed to perform the assessment;
• Ensure that all stakeholders are kept informed;
• Support and participate in briefing and de-briefing meetings;

Requirements for the Baseline Study Team

Consultant
The team leader will be an experienced senior consultant, who will be responsible for the overall process and the production of a high-quality final baseline study report.

Required Expertise

• Advanced degree in environmental science, climate science, geography, ecology, humanitarian, development or other related fields.
• Minimum of 12 years’ experience in issues of environment in Nigeria and have successfully conducted at least five similar studies
• Knowledge of the local climate and environmental conditions in study areas will be an added advantage.
• Experience working with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, or research institutions on projects related to climate change and environmental sustainability
• Strong understanding of environmental and climate issues, monitoring processes, adaptation and evaluation.
• Analytical skills and ability to clearly synthesize and present findings in a concise and logical sequence.
• Ability to draw practical conclusions and to prepare well‐written reports in a timely manner.
• Awareness and sensitivity to the particular needs of persons with disabilities including psychosocial disability, women and children is desirable.
• Knowledge of the culture of the peoples in Benue and Plateau States will be an added advantage.
• Consultants and data collectors must be able to speak and interpret Hausa and other local language to English language.
• An inclusive and gender balanced team is desirable.

Children and Adults at Risk Safeguarding Policy: As a condition of entering into a consultancy agreement the evaluators must sign the CBM Safeguarding Policy and abide by the terms and conditions thereof.

• The contracted consultant adheres to the CBM Code of Conduct and commits to CBM’s Safeguarding Policy.
• Related Statements of the above must be signed together with the contract.
• The consultant also commits to the highest standards of data security.
• CBM is an equal opportunities employer, and particularly encourages qualified persons with disabilities to apply.

(10) Deliverables
The deliverables that will be required of the Consultant and the timeline for submission will include:

Inception Report
The Consultant is expected to submit an inception report latest 1 week after receipt of all background documentation. The purpose of this report is to ensure that the consultant covers the most crucial elements of the exercise including the appropriateness and robust methodology to be employed as well as gender and diversity representation and participation of different social groups for inclusive analysis of needs.

The inception report provides the organization and the baseline study team with an opportunity to verify that they share the same understanding about the study and clarify any expectations at the outset. The report should reflect the baseline study team’s review of literature and the gaps that the field work will fill. The report should also reflect opportunities for participation of persons with disabilities in the development of methodology, data collection and analysis.

Final Report
The final study report (in easy to understand English and in accessible format) with a maximum 30 text pages (+ annexes) must be submitted to CBM Country Office within 3 weeks after completion of the field phase. CBM will provide feedback which has to be incorporated within 2 weeks.

The report shall include a 2-3 pages’ executive summary in English that can potentially be used for publication purposes (e.g., CBM website).

The baseline study report is an exclusive property of CBM and should not be released without prior authorization, to any other party. The final report will be available through CBM.

Data Sets
The Consultant will be expected to submit complete data sets (in Excel) of all the quantitative data as well as the original transcribed qualitative data gathered during the exercise. These data sets (filled consent forms) should be provided at the time of submission of the final report.

Draft of new log frame
The logical framework with the updated baseline for the indicators being tracked will also be submitted by the Consultant.

Summary Findings
On submission of the final report, the consultant is expected to submit a PowerPoint presentation (maximum 12 slides), summarizing the key findings and main recommendations. This should be submitted together with the final report.

On submission of the final report, the consultant is expected to submit a PowerPoint presentation (maximum 12 slides), summarizing the key findings and main recommendations. This should be submitted together with the final report.

(11) Baseline study Schedule

Proposed Time Frame: 30/06/2023 to 30/07/2023

Duration of Activities
The duration of the evaluation exercise shall be 30 days according to the schedule below:

12. Payment Mode

The first tranche of payment (50%) will be made upon submission and approval of the inception report and invoice submitted by the Consultant.

The last tranche of payment (50%) will be made following the submission and approval of all deliverables as stated above and receipt of invoice from consultant.

Appendix 1: Stakeholder Analysis for Study.

Primary Stakeholders:

(1) Local Civil Society Organizations including the Organization of Persons with Disabilities

What is their interest and contribution in the proposed project? They are the primary beneficiaries of the project, they will play a key role in ensuring the sustainability of the project achievements.

What is their power and influence in the project? (1-5 rating, 1=low, 5=high) 3

Will the project involve/these stakeholders in the study? How? Yes, they will be assessed for their capacity and structure to respond to climate change issues and challenges.

(2) Women and youth-led groups

What is their interest and contribution in the proposed project? They are the primary beneficiaries of the project, they will play a key role in ensuring the sustainability of the project achievements.

What is their power and influence in the project? (1-5 rating, 1=low, 5=high) 3

Will the project involve / these stakeholders in the study? How? Yes, they will be assessed to determine their involvement in climate change responses in their local communities and their coping mechanisms.

(3) Farmers groups and members

What is their interest and contribution in the proposed project? They are the primary beneficiaries of the project, they will play a key role in ensuring the sustainability of the project achievements.

What is their power and influence in the project? (1-5 rating, 1=low, 5=high) 3

Will the project involve/these stakeholders in the study? How? Yes, they will be assessed to determine their local practices to curb and mitigate the effects of climate change in their local communities and their coping mechanisms.

(4) Women and men including those with disabilities

What is their interest and contribution in the proposed project? They are also beneficiaries of the project and often time they play a major role as community volunteers and project influencers.

What is their power and influence in the project? (1-5 rating, 1=low, 5=high) 4

Will the project involve / these stakeholders in the study? How? Yes, they will be respondents in the study.

(5) Girls and boys including those with disabilities

What is their interest and contribution in the proposed project? They are the main target of the project intervention, considering their vulnerability status, they contributed towards the achievements of the project.

What is their power and influence in the project? (1-5 rating, 1=low, 5=high) 2

Will the project involve/these stakeholders in the study? How? Yes, they will be respondents in the study.

(6) Community structures

What is their interest and contribution in the proposed project? They are the primary beneficiaries of the project, they will play a key role in ensuring the sustainability of the project achievements.

What is their power and influence in the project (1-5 rating, 1=low, 5=high) 5

Will the project involve/these stakeholders in the study? How? Yes, they will be assessed for their existence and involvement in climate change responses in their communities. They will also provide relevant context specific information.

Secondary stakeholders:
(1) Volunteers (VESA facilitators etc.)

What is their interest and contribution in the proposed project? They will provide support to the project either directly or indirectly, their support is immeasurable.

What is their power and influence in the project (1-5 rating, 1=low, 5=high) 3

Will the project involve/these stakeholders in the study? How? Yes

(2) State and Local Government

What is their interest and contribution in the proposed project? They are good stakeholder and gate keepers of the project locations, they assist in integrating partners and the locals.

What is their power and influence in the project (1-5 rating, 1=low, 5=high) 5

Will the project involve / these stakeholders in the study? How? No

(3) Board of partner organisation

What is their interest and contribution in the proposed project? Administrative support will be duly provided by them and sensitive discussions are mostly done with the board.

What is their power and influence in the project (1-5 rating, 1=low, 5=high) 4

Will the project involve / these stakeholders in the study? How? No

(4) Federal Government

What is their interest and contribution in the proposed project? They regulate activities of organizations and provide the required support.

What is their power and influence in the project (1-5 rating, 1=low, 5=high) 3

Will the project involve / these stakeholders in the study? How? No

(5) Community

What is their interest and contribution in the proposed project? They will take ownership of the project through the provision of support and acceptance of the project

What is their power and influence in the project? (1-5 rating, 1=low, 5=high) 5

Will the project involve / these stakeholders in the study? How? Yes

(6) Implementing Partner Project staff

What is their interest and contribution in the proposed project? They are saddled with the day to day activities of the project.

What is their power and influence in the project (1-5 rating, 1=low, 5=high) 5

Will the project involve/these stakeholders in the study? How? Yes

(6) CBM staff

What is their interest and contribution in the proposed project? They provide technical support in project implementations

What is their power and influence in the project (1-5 rating, 1=low, 5=high) 5

Will the project involve / these stakeholders in the study? How? Yes

How to apply

(13) Applications
Qualified evaluator should submit via email:

• A cover letter indicating interest, commitment for availability during expected time frame
• Curriculum Vitae of the expert/s
• A short summary of your understanding of the TOR
• A technical offer, which must include a detailed suggestion on the baseline study approach/methods, the plan and the timeframe.
• A financial offer, including daily professional fees for each consultant, any other costs related to the study, including travel cost, insurance etc.
• At least two (2) examples of previous baseline study reports or two references
• A statement of availability of all team members during the suggested time frame – CBM may terminate the contract in case the suggested expert is unavailable after signing of the contract and if no adequate consultant with the same expertise can be nominated as replacement and agreed with CBM and the partners.

The application should be sent to procurement.nigeria@cbm.org titled “Statement of Interest: “ER2CC Baseline Evaluation” in the subject line. The deadline for applications is 26 June, 2023.

Regarding the selection criteria, the technical and financial proposals will account for 70% and 30% respectively. The main study criteria of the technical proposal are: methodology (30%), team composition/key personnel (15%), professional experience (10%), experience relevant to this study (15%).

If you have any questions about the terms of reference, please send your queries to emeka.duru@cbm.org

(14) Documents
The following documents as well as any other document not listed below but is relevant to the baseline study will be shared with the Consultant:

• Project Proposal and Logical framework
• Reports from previous and similar projects in the target states
• Gender and disability study report in the target states
• CBM templates to be used for reporting
• Children and Adults at Risk Child Safeguarding Policy etc.