1.         ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND 

CESVI established its presence in Pakistan in 2005 and has worked on WASH, Shelter, Health, FSL[1], DRR[2], and Climate Change, reaching approximately 2.5 million beneficiaries across Pakistan. In Sindh, CESVI has implemented several projects in Mirpurkhas, Umerkot, and Tharparkar over the past decade, including ECHO-funded flood and COVID-19 responses in the past two years, along with its ongoing community-based disaster risk reduction project in district Mirpurkhas. CESVI has worked extensively on improving the resilience of disaster-affected and at-risk communities through climate-smart interventions. Through its evidence-based programming, CESVI has built an in-depth understanding of the local context and has developed extensive local networks and excellent working relations with communities, partners, and government agencies. 

2.         ABOUT THE PROJECT

The project “Building Institutional Capacity and Resilience Against Natural Disasters (BRAND)’’, funded by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, DG ECHO, is being jointly implemented by the consortium and Alliance2015 partners Welthungerhilfe (WHH as lead organization) and CESVI, as well as WHH’s implementing partner FRDP[3]. The project focuses on DP[4]/DRR, targeting three sub-sectors: 

1. Contingency planning and preparedness for response, 
2. Information, communication, and public awareness, 
3. Hazard, risk analysis, and early warning.

The project will strengthen institutional capacities, processes, and practices which include but are not limited to streamlining the coordination mechanism through DRR units, integrating disaster losses and impact data across all disaster management governance units at national, provincial and district levels, streamlining the ex-ante disaster response decision support systems, facilitating the implementation of PDMA[5]/DDMAs[6] through formulation of implementation frameworks/strategies, and strengthening early warning systems through better use of data, triggers, protocols and response strategies. In addition, by engaging a wide array of stakeholders including PDMA, DDMAs, PMD[7], Rescue 1122, Civil Defense, and other government organizations, media, academia, and the Telecom sector, the project will enhance hazard risk knowledge, bridging the gap between research and practice and promote conducive discussions around linking disaster risk financing to effective response mechanisms. 

3.         BACKGROUND

In 2018, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) formulated the National Disaster Response Plan (NDRP), with the PDMA Punjab being the sole entity to subsequently develop its Provincial Disaster Response Plan (PDRP), translating broader objectives into actionable strategies. In alignment with the NDRP 2018, the action aims to extend technical and financial support to PDMA Sindh, facilitating the development of its PDRP. This initiative is intended to build the capacity of the PDMA Sindh and DDMAs to effectively prepare for and respond to emergencies. The Provincial Emergency Operations Center (PEOC) and District Emergency Operations Centers (DEOCs) will be the key stakeholders. To accomplish this, the action will engage a consultant who will enhance the technical capabilities of PDMA/DDMAs through specialized consultation workshops. The development of the response plan will involve six consultative workshops at the divisional level and one provincial-level workshop, uniting key stakeholders to deliberate on recommendations and amendments.

4.         SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

• Develop a multi-hazard disaster response plan to enhance the preparedness levels of provincial and district-level disaster management authorities and key response organizations, ensuring improved coordination and communication among stakeholders during emergencies.
• Ensure the disaster response plan is inclusive of the needs of the vulnerable groups, taking into account factors such as age, gender, disability, and socio-economic status.
• Clearly define the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders, establishing a framework for their respective contributions and actions during different phases of a disaster.
• Identify and prioritize resources required for effective disaster response, ensuring efficient allocation and utilization of personnel, equipment, and financial resources.
• Develop a capacity-building plan to enhance the skills and capabilities of provincial and district-level key response organizations ensuring they are well-prepared to handle diverse emergency scenarios.
• To conduct regular drills and simulation exercises to test the effectiveness of the response plan, identify gaps, and improve overall readiness.

5.         SCOPE OF WORK

• Desk review of the NDRP 2018 to gain a comprehensive understanding of its integral components and strategic directives.
• Consultation meetings will be held with the PEOC team of PDMA Sindh and DDDMAs to plan the consultation workshops.
• In collaboration with the PEOC of PDMA Sindh, organize and conduct 06 divisional-level consultative workshops to gather input and insights from provincial and district-level stakeholders involved in disaster management; divisions included Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Sukkur, Shaheed Benazirabad, Larkana and Karachi.
• In collaboration with the PEOC of PDMA Sindh, conduct 01 provincial-level workshop to consolidate findings and recommendations derived from the divisional consultative workshops. 
• Develop the draft PDRP based on the information collected from the consultative workshops. 
• The draft version must be shared with the relevant stakeholders for their feedback and approval.
• Designing the plan.
• Share the soft and printed versions of the plan with CESVI Pakistan for approval.

6.         DELIVERABLES

The scope of the consultancy includes;

• Inception report, including detailed work plan, design and methodology.
• Plan and conduct 07 consultative workshops and share activity reports; 01 provincial and 06 divisional level workshop reports.
• The draft English version of the plan must be shared with the PDMA Sindh for their feedback and approval.
• Upon receiving approval, a final-designed soft copy of the plan and at least five printed colour copies are to be submitted with the final report. 
• Sharing of the final activity report after thorough review and feedback from the consortium.  

7.         ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

7.1. THE CONSULTANT

• S/he will take the lead in the consultation process with the PDMA Sindh to plan the workshops. 
• S/he will be responsible to conduct 07 consultative workshops; 01 provincial and 06 divisional-level workshops. S/he will be responsible to develop and share the activity report of each workshop.
• S/he will develop the draft plan and share it with the PDMA Sindh and other relevant stakeholders for review and feedback. 
• S/he will develop the soft-designed copy of the plan and submit it along with at least 05 printed colour copies to Cesvi Pakistan with the final report.

7.2. The CONSORTIUM

The consortium will be responsible to;

• Facilitate the consultant during coordination with the PDMA Sindh and other stakeholders.
• Organize and arrange logistics of the consultative workshops.
• Manage the workshop participants’ data and share it with the consultant for reporting.
• Monitor and supervise the work of the Consultant.
• Provide feedback/inputs to draft reports and plans.
• Provide other technical assistance/feedback as necessary.
• Ensure payment of the agreed amount. Payment will be linked to the successful delivery of agreed deliverables. 

8.         TIMELINE

The engagement is expected to commence once a contract has been signed between the Consultant/ firm and Cesvi but should not take more than 06 months.

9.         ESSENTIAL AND DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS 

• At least a Master’s degree preferably in disaster management, environmental/social sciences or related academic qualification in the sector.
• Consultancy firms/individual consultants with a specialized team who have extensive demonstrated experience of at least 5 to 7 years in developing disaster management and contingency plan(s) and engaging provincial and district-level disaster management authorities in Sindh province. 
• Flexible characteristics and attitudes for situational adjustments and modification during implementation will be added value. 

10.   SUBMISSION OF TECHNICAL AND FINANCIAL PROPOSAL:

Individuals/consultancy firms who meet the requirements are invited to submit their SEALED BIDS including the following:

• All firms/Individuals must read the RFQ carefully and submit all mandatory documents. Submit RFQ in Sealed Envelop along with below documents and documents mentioned in RFQ till 21 MAy 2024 in CESVI Office Islamabad. 
• A cover letter detailing the consultant’s/firm’s suitability for the assignment and current contact information is required.  
• The proposal must include a clear methodology for the assignment along with a detailed work plan based on the scope. A table with approximate dates of completion of each of the above-mentioned deliverables.
• Profiles of the team members, including detailed work experience and education; please clearly identify the overall lead consultant.
• Provide a soft or printed copy of two disaster management plans along with the proposal. Weblinks can also be shared.
• Any other relevant reference of the past assignment(s), if any.