Algeria: Livelihoods Market Study

Do you want to work in our new operation in Algeria? Would you like to conduct an inspiring market study which will be the milestone of our activities? We are looking for an extremely informed individual with understanding of the Saharawi livelihoods conditions.

Background

After forty years living in a refugee situation in camps located in the south-west of Algeria, the Saharawi refugees continue to live in one of the most protracted displacement situations globally, without any realistic short- or mid-term perspective of a durable solution.

Despite the Saharawi population in Algeria enjoying the right of free access to basic services as water, energy, health, as well as technical and university levels of education, all of which are provided by the host government of Algeria, they do still not enjoy access to the formal labour market.

One of the important characteristics of the Saharawi refugees is the presence of many youth having professional education in areas such as medicine, nursing, teaching or engineering, with most graduates coming from Cuban universities. There are also technicians trained in electricity, auto-mechanic, carpentry and metal work, amongst others.

A number of recent publications stress that Saharawi continue to live under precarious humanitarian conditions in an extremely hostile desert environment and with very limited options for self-reliance. Nevertheless, recent assessments also emphasize that there are options for livelihood support that need to be further explored, involving more market oriented and demand driven approaches.

About the Job

With the aim of setting up operations and seeking to move Saharawi livelihood strategies in a positive direction, this study will have the double purpose of a) understanding Saharawi livelihood strategies and portfolios to the level of detail that is necessary to b) identify possible options for relevant, coordinated and effective livelihood support to be provided by DRC and its partners on the ground.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. An in depth understanding of current Saharawi livelihood strategies and portfolios: Listing and describing key livelihood strategies during displacement within the political and economic context:


2. A strong analysis of markets of relevance in the refugee camps and Tindouf markets for potential future livelihoods support interventions


3. An analysis of the main sectors for employment and self-employment and main gaps in skills: building on the above market analysis, this requires an understanding and overview of skills required by the labour market:


4. An evaluation of the experiences so far of implementing livelihood support programs among the Saharawi refugee population


5. In initial investigation of livelihood support program options that are able to link Saharawi refugees with markets outside their local context, within existing sectors like artisan.


6. Finally and logically build on the above, the delivery of feasible and relevant recommendations for the key pillars of a future livelihood strategy to be implemented by DRC and its partners.


7. Since livelihoods are realized in the intersection between refugees themselves, the market as well as the state providing the legal framework for both market and refugees, recommendations should be organized along these lines.


8. Recommendations should be as specific as possible and include options and limitation for both technical and direct livelihoods support interventions, as well as advocacy messages aiming to influence the environment in which refugees make their living.


9. Provide concrete recommendations for sectors/production chains to be prioritised for VCA.


10. Recommendations should also include an assessment of the relevance of UNHCR’s ‘graduation approach’ as well as how to ensure compliance with UNHCR Minimum Guidelines for Livelihoods Projects. Finally, ideas for how to strengthen coordination between the important stakeholders on the ground should be included.

Coordination & Supervision:

The consultant or organization selected will be hosted by DRC / UNHCR in Tindouf. Main national counterparts are Saharawi Ministries, Saharawi Red Crescent and Algerian Red Crescent. The consultant will refer to the DRC management (CD Tunisia), with secondary line of communication and reporting to the Head of Base (Algeria) and the Regional MENA office in Amman, including the Regional Cash and Livelihoods Advisor there.

Deliverables:

1. Inception report prior to commencing fieldwork


2. Full report (hard and soft copy) of all findings, directly responding to the TOR objectives outlined above


3. Executive summary


4. Key recommendations to DRC and UNHCR in terms of future livelihoods support projects, structured as indicated above (Objective 6).


5. Debriefing presentation

About you

To be successful in this role you must have:

1. Post-graduate degree in economy, social sciences, or relevant development-oriented subject;


2. Substantial experience in practice-oriented livelihoods research.


3. At least 5 years’ experience with International NGOs and/or NGO sector in the design and implementation of market-oriented livelihoods support projects.


4. At least 2 market studies undertaken for private companies and/or NGOs or public institutions, within the last two years.


5. Prior experience leading and conducting labour market assessments.


6. Spanish, English essential, Arabic and French an asset


7. Excellent research and analysis skills.


8. Familiarity with community-based and participatory approaches to research activities.


9. Excellent computer skills including excel, word and power point.

We offer

DRC will offer the successful applicant a 60 working-days, the assessment must commence no later than January 25.

DRC will assist with logistical arrangements: travel to and from the field; all necessary documentation; travel insurance; accommodation in the field;

DRC will pay consultancy fees at a mutually agreed rate;

There are restrictions on movements by the hosting authorities for security reasons although the area is not deemed an insecure environment. DRC will provide security information and the evaluation team is expected to follow DRC security procedures.

DRC/ UNHCR staff located in the assessment areas will provide necessary support to the assessment team.