RFP 00337026 Provision of Gender Dimension of Climate Security and Adaptation in the Context of the Karamoja Region

Who is the Danish Refugee Council?

Founded in 1956, the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading international NGO and one of the few with specific expertise in forced displacement. Active in 40 countries with 9,000 employees and supported by 7,500 volunteers, DRC protects, advocates, and builds sustainable futures for refugees and other displacement-affected people and communities. DRC works during displacement at all stages: In the acute crisis, in displacement, when settling and integrating in a new place, or upon return. DRC provides protection and life-saving humanitarian assistance; supports displaced persons in becoming self-reliant and included in hosting societies; and works with civil society and responsible authorities to promote the protection of rights and peaceful coexistence.

DRC has been operational in Kenya since 2005 and is one of the United Nations Refugee Agency’s (UNHCR) largest Implementing Partners in the refugee response. DRC is present in Garissa (Dadaab & Garissa), Turkana (Kakuma, Kalobeyei & Lodwar), Nairobi and Mandera counties.

Purpose of the consultancy

DRC Kenya, through Danida SPA funding, is commissioning a study in the Karamoja cluster covering the Turkana Loima sub-county, North Pokot Alale Sub-county, and Moroto District to understand the Gender dimensions of climate security and adaptation. The purpose of studying the Gender Dimension of Climate Security and Adaptation in the Context of the Karamoja Cluster is to understand how climate change impacts different gender groups in unique ways and to ensure that climate adaptation and security strategies are inclusive, equitable, and effective. The Karamoja Cluster, a region already vulnerable to climate-induced challenges such as droughts, resource scarcity, and conflicts, experiences these impacts unevenly due to entrenched gender inequalities. Women, girls, and marginalized groups often bear the brunt of climate-related risks, as they have limited access to resources, decision-making power, and adaptive capacities. This study seeks to uncover these gendered vulnerabilities, roles, and strengths, providing a nuanced understanding of how climate change exacerbates existing inequalities and shapes the security and adaptation landscape in the region. By doing so, it aims to inform policies and programs that address the specific needs of all gender groups, ensuring that no one is left behind in climate action efforts.

Furthermore, the study aims to strengthen climate security and adaptation by promoting gender-responsive strategies that enhance community resilience and social cohesion. Climate-induced resource scarcity often fuels conflicts and insecurity, disproportionately affecting women and marginalized groups who face heightened risks of displacement, violence, and loss of livelihoods. By analyzing the intersection of gender, climate change, and security, the study will provide actionable recommendations for inclusive conflict resolution, resource management, and adaptation planning. It will also highlight the critical roles that women and marginalized groups play in building resilience, advocating for their empowerment and participation in decision-making processes. Ultimately, the study seeks to contribute to sustainable development in the Karamoja Cluster by aligning climate adaptation and security efforts with global commitments to gender equality, human rights, and climate action.

Background

The Karamoja Cluster, a cross-border region encompassing parts of Uganda, Kenya, South Sudan, and Ethiopia, is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The region faces recurrent droughts, erratic rainfall, and environmental degradation, which exacerbate food insecurity, resource conflicts, and displacement. These challenges are further compounded by gender inequalities, as women, girls, and marginalized groups often bear the disproportionate burden of climate-related risks while having limited access to resources, decision-making, and adaptive capacities.

Understanding the gender dimensions of climate security and adaptation is critical to developing inclusive and effective strategies that address the unique vulnerabilities and strengths of different gender groups. Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is seeking a consultant to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the gender dimensions of climate security and adaptation in the Karamoja borderlands and provide actionable recommendations for gender-responsive policies and programs.

The objective of the consultancy

The consultancy aims to comprehensively analyze the gender dimensions of climate security and adaptation in the Karamoja region (Kenya and Uganda). This study will examine how climate change impacts different gender groups by investigating gender roles, inequalities, and intersectional factors—such as age, ethnicity, and socio-economic status—that shape vulnerability, adaptation practices, and security dynamics. It will assess how climate-induced challenges (droughts, resource scarcity, and conflicts) exacerbate existing gender disparities, leaving women, girls, and marginalized groups with limited access to resources, decision-making power, and adaptive capacities. The consultancy will critically evaluate current climate and security policies to identify gaps in gender responsiveness and develop context-specific recommendations that integrate gender perspectives into adaptation planning, conflict mitigation, and resource management. Key objectives include:

• Examine how gender roles, inequalities, and intersectional factors influence climate impacts and adaptation strategies.
• Investigate how climate-induced resource scarcity intensifies conflicts and deepens gendered vulnerabilities such as displacement and gender-based violence.
• Assess existing climate and security policies for gender responsiveness and identify gaps in addressing diverse needs.
• Develop actionable, context-specific strategies to mainstream gender perspectives into adaptation planning, conflict resolution, and resource management.
• Provide a roadmap for equitable climate resilience that prioritizes marginalized voices, aligns with global frameworks, and fosters sustainable security in the Karamoja region.

Scope of Work and Methodology

The consultant will be expected to complete:

Desk Review

• Conduct a comprehensive review of existing literature, policies, and frameworks related to climate change and pastoralism in Kenya.
• Analyze relevant national and county-level policies, including the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP), County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs), and other sectoral strategies.KNAP, National policy on gender and development,2023-2027 strategic plan.
• Review case studies and best practices on climate change adaptation in pastoral communities globally.

Field Research and Stakeholder Engagement

• Conduct field visits to Turkana Kenya, North Pokot Kenya counties, and Moroto District of Uganda to gather primary data on the impacts on Gender dimensions.
• Engage with key stakeholders, including pastoral communities, county governments, NGOs, research institutions, and development partners.
• Organize and facilitate focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs) with relevant stakeholders.

Final Report and Policy Paper Development

• Develop a comprehensive final report for the study
• Develop a policy paper outlining the findings, analysis, and recommendations.
• Incorporate feedback from stakeholders and validation workshops.
• Finalize the final report and the policy paper, ensuring it is clear, concise, and actionable.

Deliverables

The Consultant will meet the following deliverables:

• Inception report

Inception report, outline of the methodology, work plan, and develop data collection tools.

• Research Assessment

Collect, review, compile, and analyze all raw information and data from desk and field research, as outlined in the finalized methodology.

• Validation

1 debrief session in person or virtual (In Nairobi) of the preliminary findings to the DRC.

• Reporting

A synthesized report with research findings, analysis, and recommendations (no longer than 30 pages)

• Finalization of the assessment

Final Report (with feedback integrated) no longer than 30 pages

One policy paper brief.

The Consultant will provide the documentation by email

Duration, timeline, and payment

The total expected duration to complete the assignment will be no more than 20 days working days. The payment schedule will be as follows:

• 20% Upon submission of the inception report
• 40% Upon submission of 1st draft of the assessment
• 40% Upon DRC Kenya’s approval of the final report and policy paper

Proposed Composition of Team

DRC expects this consultancy to be conducted by one consultant. DRC will provide area-based project staff that will be available throughout the fieldwork. This staff member will support with logistics arrangements and help organize interviews, Focus Group Discussions, and meetings. While the DRC staff could conduct interviews based on the methodology and questionnaire developed by the consultant, the consultant is expected to lead the engagements in Karamoja during the fieldwork and have an existing network to identify relevant respondents.

Eligibility, qualification, and experience required

The successful candidate will lead the organization and implementation of the work and is responsible for delivering the required outputs, working with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.

The ideal consultant(s) should possess the following qualifications:

• Must be a master’s Degree holder in gender studies, environmental science, climate change, conflict studies, or a related field.
• Proven experience in conducting gender analysis, particularly in the context of climate change, security, or adaptation.
• Strong understanding of the socio-economic and cultural context of the Karamoja Cluster.
• Experience in qualitative and quantitative research methods, including participatory approaches
• 3-5 years of experience in gender, climate, conflict, and peacebuilding with strong, proven research skills.
• Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills.
• Strong understanding of the Karamoja region context and cross-border dynamics.
• Willingness and ability to travel to conflict-affected communities in Karamoja
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and local communities.

Location and support

The Consultancy will take place in Turkana County, Pokot North Sub-county, and Moroto District. The Consultant will provide her/his computer and mobile telephone, data analysis platforms, and other essentials required for the accomplishment of the deliverables.

Travel

The consultancy requires travel to the fields that are Turkana Loima sub-county, Pokot North, and Morotto Uganda. The consultant may need a national Identification card to support in travels. DRC will cover all the consultant’s travel and accommodation in the field, and the consultant will cater for their meals and that of their enumerators. DRC will also provide an introduction letter of the consultant to relevant government authorities.

Evaluation of bids

All bidders will be scored for each of the below criteria and will be assessed for profile and qualifications (document 1), technical approach (document 2), and similar experience (document 3).

Only those shortlisted will be contacted for an interview with the panel to ensure their understanding of the consultancy services.

1. Profile and qualifications (weighted percentage – 40%).
   1. The candidate meets the profile and qualifications for the TOR.
   2. The consultant(s) should have relevant experience in conflict and climate change assessments.
   3. The consultant(s) have relevant experience in sectors similar to those of the focus of the TOR.
   4. The consultant(s) provide examples of previous work carried out in this field.
2. Technical approach (weighted percentage – 40%)
   1. The technical approach addresses the key aspects and deliverables of the ToR.
   2. The strategy draws on sector good practice and is relevant to the task.
   3. The technical approach will deliver the required outputs within the deadline.
3. Oral interviews (weighted percentage 20%)

The financial offer will then be weighed against the technical proposal (cost/ quality).

DRC will conduct reference checks from at least two previous works as an additional mandatory requirement.

Please find complete biding documents in the following link: RFP 00337026 Provision of Gender Dimension of Climate Security and Adaptation