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Term of Reference To Conduct a Study on the Effectiveness and Successes of Cash Intervention

Background

Liberia has a predominantly tropical climate. The combination of this climate and the low-lying land (most of the country is below 500m in altitude) makes the country vulnerable to reoccurring flooding, particularly during the peak of the rainy season (July– September). During these periods, rainfall in coastal locations including the country’s capital, Monrovia, is over 5,000 mm a year, making Monrovia one of the wettest capitals in the world.

Beyond the geographic features of the country, inadequate urban planning due to the mass migration of rural populations to urban centers for economic opportunities further exacerbates the intensity of the flooding caused by the heavy seasonal rainfall. The increased quantity of rainfall and misuse of wetlands and waterways, in low-lying areas, have been the cause of recurrent and extreme flooding in almost all vulnerable communities.

In 2022, over 60,000 persons were affected by floods in 46 communities in Montserrado (Monrovia and its environs) and 8 communities in Margibi County. The floods led to the damage of homes, water points contamination, and breakdown in the livelihoods of community people. In rural communities and some agricultural cultivation urban and semi-urban communities; gardens and farmlands were hugely impacted by the flood waters.

NDMA data show that over 5,000 homes were damaged due to the heavy rainfall in these two counties; about 60,000 persons were displaced. The displaced populations sought shelter in public and private buildings and centers; while most of them left personal household items and other belongings behind.

The Liberia National Red Cross Society (LNRCS), in partnership with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) through the Government of Liberia represented by the National Disaster Management Agency via the Ministry of Internal Affairs, entered into a tripartite project agreement in 2023 to provide cash assistance to families who were affected by massive flooding in 2022. The project was designed to support affected communities to recover and strengthen their livelihoods through direct cash transfers. A target of 9,680 persons (1,841 families) were targeted to benefit from the support in Montserrado and Margibi Counties as recovery and resilience-building assistance.

LNRCS is hiring the technical consultancy service (s) of qualified individuals, groups of individuals, and or firms to conduct a study on the effectiveness and successes of the project (cash intervention) in the two counties of operation (Montserrado and Margibi).

Scope of Work

The Consultant will:

• Conduct interviews with beneficiaries of the cash intervention across the two counties

• Identify success stories, lessons learned, and impacts of the cash intervention that can be used for future programming

• Document case studies showcasing positive outcomes linked to the overall goal of the intervention

Methodology

The study will utilize a qualitative research method. The consultant will conduct one-on-one interviews with individuals who have received cash transfers to understand their experiences, perspectives, and how the cash intervention has affected their lives. These interviews will provide detailed insights into the nuances of how the cash interventions have been utilized, the challenges faced by the affected people, and the overall impact on their well-being.

Also, key stakeholders involved in implementing the project will be interviewed to gather a comprehensive understanding of the project’s design, implementation, and outcomes. They will use appropriate methods and tools such as focus group discussions and other participatory approaches to gather information.

Deliverables

The consultant will present a detailed report on success stories and impact of the project as follows:

1. An Inception Report as an initial commitment for the engagement

1. Draft Narrative Report

1. PowerPoint Presentation and Validation of the Findings/Final Report. This will include a compilation of case studies with photos and testimonials.

Timeline

Implementing the engagement will run from June 14-28, 2024 as follows with key milestones:

Budget

Present a cost of the work including fieldwork, transportation, and report writing.

Please include a justification for the proposed budget.

Qualifications

Generally, the applicant/consultant must have:

• Demonstrated experience in conducting qualitative research studies.

• Knowledge of research methodologies, data collection techniques, and analysis methods specific to qualitative studies.

• Understanding of cash interventions, poverty alleviation programs, or related fields.

• Familiarity with the context in which the cash intervention is being implemented.

• Ability to interpret qualitative data effectively and draw meaningful conclusions.

• Proficiency in qualitative data analysis software.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills to articulate findings clearly.

• Ability to present complex information straightforwardly.

• Capacity to manage timelines, resources, and deliverables effectively.

• Experience in overseeing research projects from inception to completion.

• Evidence of previous successful qualitative research projects.

• Positive references or testimonials from previous clients or collaborators.

• A Master’s Degree or its equivalence in any of the social sciences with the requisite proof of experience.

Ethical Considerations

• Ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders, researchers, and participants.

• Experience in engaging with diverse groups and ensuring inclusivity in research processes.

• Respect for diverse perspectives and experiences of participants.

• Adherence to ethical guidelines in research involving human subjects.

• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and data security.

• Protect the confidentiality and anonymity of individuals involved.

Contact Information

Submission of proposals: June 12-17, 2024 at 4:30 pm

You can send soft copies to: lnrcs.procurement@liberian-redcross.org and

lnrcs.recruitment2016@liberian-redcross.org

Hard copies of proposals can be delivered at: the Liberian Red Cross, 107 Lynch Street, Opposite ATS/Adjacent Ministry of Public Works between 8:30 am to 4:30 pm daily.