About InterAction:
InterAction is the largest U.S. based coalition of international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs)
with 180+ members working around the world in low- and middle-income countries, fragile and postconflict states, and emerging/growth economies. Member organizations are large and small, secular and
faith-based, with a focus on people living in the world’s most poor and vulnerable places. The U.S. public,
foundations, and governments support the work of our member NGOs that collectively invest and manage
more than $15.4 billion a year. InterAction revenues come from dues, government grants, private
foundation and corporate grants, and a fee-for-service program portfolio. Using its collective voice and
convening power, InterAction seeks to shape important policy decisions and actions across a wide range
of issues – including foreign assistance, humanitarian relief, development, economic equity, food security,
and climate change – that advance human dignity, human potential, and self-determination.
To learn more about InterAction's mission, DEI approach, values and more visit the link
below: https://www.interaction.org/about-interaction/interactions-approach-to-diversity-equity-inclusion/
Who We Are - InterAction
Summary:
InterAction is soliciting Expression of Interest (EOI) from National Consultants (three positions) to conduct
a project on local leadership in humanitarian response and a national staff capacity assessment, with a
final deliverable being a report detailing the national staff capacity and local humanitarian frameworks and
practices, with a humanitarian shelter and settlements lens.
InterAction is seeking National Consultants based in countries affected by humanitarian crises (natural
hazards and conflicts) or those that have strong networks of humanitarian actors and are able to travel to
those countries for consultations. All three National Consultants under this TOR and the Principal
Consultant (advertised separately) will work as a team.
Background and objectives:
The topic of “localization” or local leadership in humanitarian response is not new. The humanitarian
community formally expressed support for this concept in the voluntary and non-binding Grand Bargain,
with the aim of increasing aid efficiency by working with more local organizations in humanitarian
responses.
Despite this expressed commitment, the humanitarian community has been slow to put that commitment
into practice. Most of the research and effort has been focused on funding mechanisms, rather than how
much national staff participate in the decision-making during a humanitarian response.
Given the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic and the foreseeable reduction in travel and deployment by
expatriate technical advisors, national staff and organizations have absorbed the added responsibility of
managing S&S programs, and thus have become even more at the forefront of responses. To identify and
address the gaps in competencies of in-country staff, specifically technical S&S related skills, InterAction
will conduct an in-depth capacity assessment of national shelter staff.
NOTE: Up to three National Consultants will be selected. Please read the application process carefully
and submit all required documents. Submit only the required documents and please do not exceed
prescribed limits for said documents. Ideally, each consultant will come from Asia, LAC, or Africa region.
Expected activities and deliverables:
• All three National Consultants will work with a Principal Consultant (employed by InterAction:
https://bit.ly/3sALx1Q) to develop the objectives, strategy, and methodology of the study,
including systematic interviews and surveys and analysis, as well as drafting country reports.
• Conduct literature review of the select country/region, review InterAction’s initial consultation
notes, and analyze trends of humanitarian action, actors, and outcomes.
• Examine existing national humanitarian framework, regulations, and practices, as pertaining to
local and international actors in sectors such as shelter and settlements.
• Provide input into the development of surveys and interview questions. Identify key local, national
and international humanitarian actors and platforms to deploy such surveys and interviews.
• Deploy online surveys, conduct interviews, and analyze findings.
• Final deliverable will include a report detailing the national staff capacity and humanitarian
framework and practices, with an assessment framework that could be deployed for other
countries.
• Other tasks will be identified at the onset of the project and are subject to change.
Qualifications:
• 5-10 years of experience in humanitarian response in the country or region selected.
• Some specific experience in shelter and settlements or other technical sectors preferred.
• Must have existing and extensive networks of and contacts with national/local humanitarian
organizations and platforms in the select country.
• Track record of research and publications in related topics. List key publications in your
application, including designing and conducting interviews and surveys.
• Demonstrable and superior research and writing skills, with an ability to synthesize substantial
amounts of information quickly and to write clearly.
• Ability to analyze complex quantitative and qualitative data.
• Proven project management skill and ability to adapt to change in the projected trajectory of the
project.
• Be flexible and adaptable to the timeline of Principal and other country consultants.
• Available for up to 60 days within the one-year project timeline.
• Available for limited local or regional travel and able to facilitate consultation with relevant
stakeholders.
• Second language capabilities.
Period of Performance:
It is expected the work will take an estimated 30-50 days spread over several months. Consultant must
be available from August 2022 through June 2023. InterAction reserves the right to hire several
consultants for shorter or longer periods to fit the context and need. All timelines are subject to change
based on mutual agreement. Hiring of consultants is subject to grant approval.
Application Process:
Interested consultants should send the following documents to jobs@interaction.org, with a copy to
jking@interaction.org, indicating “National Consultant – Regional Staff Capacity Assessment” in the
subject line, preferably by 30 July, 2022. Only finalists will be contacted. Applications will be reviewed as
received.
Attachment A: Company profile or individual resume with contact detail, background (highlighting specific
experience humanitarian assistance) and qualifications (see above) as it pertains to the objectives of the
work, relevant credentials, and any relevant partnering agreements.  (Max. 2 pages)
Attachment B: Outline and overview proposed by the National Consultant, describing the proposed
process, methodology of assessment, platforms for deployment of interviews and surveys, analysis, and
proposed outputs. (Max. 3 pages).
Attachment C: Rationale for why a particular country or region was selected by the consultant for this
project, unique characteristics related to humanitarian crises, and local response..Please explain your
network and expertise in select country/region. Priority will be given to region/countries with high
occurrence of humanitarian crises (Disasters and conflicts). (Max. two pages)
Attachment D: Links to prior published work and references for prior work (Max. one-page).
Attachment E: Detailed cost proposal with appropriate breakdown in days and proposed activities. (Max.
one-page).
Questions/Comments: Please send your initial inquiries related to the consultancy via email
to jking@interaction.org before 15 July 2022