Tenders Are Invited For Consultancy A Vision And Functional Framework For The Evolving Humanitarian Data Ecosystem

Tenders are invited for Consultancy A Vision and Functional Framework for the Evolving Humanitarian Data Ecosystem Closing Date: 5 Nov 2025 Type: Consultancy H2H Network Consultancy A Vision and Functional Framework for the Evolving Humanitarian Data Ecosystem What is the H2H Network? H2H stands for humanitarian to humanitarian. The concept refers to humanitarian organisations who provide technical services and resources to other humanitarian actors rather than directly to crisis-affected populations. The range of specialized services that H2H actors provide is broad, encompassing data, information and analysis; community engagement and accountability; security, logistics and programme support as well as quality and professionalisation. The H2H Network brings together high-quality, independent humanitarian service providers who bring cross-cutting technical expertise in service of the broader humanitarian community. Services and resources produced by H2H organizations are free and accessible to all humanitarian actors, thus serving as common goods for the aid sector. The network emerged following the World Humanitarian Summit (WHS) in 2016 and is now a growing network of over 60 member organisations. The H2H Network is hosted by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) in Geneva, Switzerland, through which these services are being procured Background H2H is leading a collaborative process with humanitarian data and information management (IM) actors to develop a shared vision and functional framework for the future of the humanitarian data ecosystem. The process responds to demand from donors, OCHA and operational partners for greater clarity on roles, coherence and collaboration across the ecosystem. Humanitarian common services are approached as humanitarian public goods and shared system infrastructure that sustain principled and effective action across the ecosystem. The consultancy will also differentiate productive redundancy, which can strengthen resilience, from harmful overlap, which may reflect coordination or governance gaps. For the purposes of this work, humanitarian data and information management are understood broadly to include the collection, processing, analysis, sharing and use of data and information to inform decisions at all levels of humanitarian action. This encompasses both structured and unstructured data, qualitative and quantitative information, and the systems, tools and norms that underpin them from field-level assessments to global analytical platforms. The emerging vision emphasises a humanitarian data ecosystem that is distributed, resilient and grounded, yet still enables global comparability and interoperability. Such an ecosystem should safeguard technical integrity and independence, promote transparency and accountability, and ensure that evidence serves people and communities rather than political or institutional interests. To translate this vision into practical terms, the process will explore and define the core functional areas of the humanitarian data ecosystem, do be defined and agreed during the consultancy, these may include functional areas (e.g Data collection and generation, Analysis and synthesis etc.) or other organisational frameworks. The work will also consider how these functions operate and interact at Operational / country level and Global level. Cross-cutting issues may include governance and accountability of humanitarian data systems; funding and sustainability of global and common-goods functions; data quality, ethics and independence; ownership and localisation; and the key datasets and information flows that underpin humanitarian coordination and decision-making At the technical level, the work will explore how humanitarian data functions operate in practice and what capabilities they require to remain effective. This includes examining data architecture and interoperability standards (HXL, OCHA COD/FOD, HDX, API-based exchange); metadata and taxonomy alignment (sectoral classification, location coding, indicator harmonisation); and data governance and stewardship mechanisms, including licensing, privacy and ethical data use. It will assess analytical frameworks and methodologies and the systems and platforms that underpin them. The consultant is not expected to adopt or endorse any single framework or institutional model; all references above are illustrative only and intended to guide respondents in their bid. Objective of the consultancy The objective of this consultancy is to produce a refined, evidence-informed and consensus driven vision and functional framework for the humanitarian data ecosystem that: Sets out a clear, shared vision that a broad range of stakeholders can buy into. Defines key functional areas, the outcomes they enable and what is required in each area. Identifies practical and, where appropriate, challenging proposals for improvement and collaboration across operational, regional and global levels. Provides targeted recommendations for policy makers and practitioners across stakeholders. Adapts relevant Digital Public Goods lessons to humanitarian services. Scope of work Working in close collaboration with the H2H team, the consultant(s) will: Refine the draft vision (above): Review existing materials and draft texts as provided Validate and sharpen the vision through targeted consultations with H2H members and selected external stakeholders. Integrate a succinct, agreed vision statement (likely 150-200 words). Stakeholder engagement Conduct structured interviews and small group discussions to test findings and build buy-in. Start from areas of high consensus, then present considered recommendations where change or investment is needed. Define key functional areas Conduct a focused literature and document review on humanitarian IM and data functions, standards and governance. Identify the core functional areas of the ecosystem and map how each contributes to outcomes such as decision-making, accountability, coordination and comparability. Describe what is needed in each function to realise the vision, focusing on functions and outcomes rather than organisational mandates. Synthesis and presentation Present interim and final findings and incorporate feedback. Produce a concise written synthesis and a short slide deck Validation workshop with key stakeholders to review the final outputs. Deliverables The Consultant(s) will provide Inception note: refined vision statement, methodology, stakeholder list, interview guide, and workplan. Functions framework: definition of functional areas, outcomes, and needs per function. Final synthesis report: with clear recommendations and options. Including policy makers summary. Presentation deck: 810 slides capturing the vision, functions and next steps. Duration and timeline Contract duration: To be agreed Expected level of effort: 15-20 working days (guidance, subject to proposal). Indicative period: Nov 2025 Jan 2026. Experience and qualifications This work is likely to people completed by an individual or small group (2-3) with experience across the following areas: Essential 10+ years in humanitarian IM, data systems, analysis or adjacent technical fields. Strong understanding of data architecture, standards, interoperability and governance. Demonstrated ability to facilitate inclusive, multi-stakeholder processes. Excellent synthesis and analytical writing skills for non-technical and senior audiences. Ability to balance neutrality with thought leadership. Technical Familiarity with humanitarian decision-making contexts and use of evidence. Experience in qualitative methods (interviews, focus groups) and literature reviews. Strong presentation skills and clear visual communication. Preferred Experience with networks or membership-based organisations. Prior engagement with H2H member organisations or similar consortia. Technical supervision The selected consultant will work under the supervision of the H2H Director. Location and support The consultant will be based remotely and use their own IT equipment and computer. Travel None. Submission process Interested individuals or teams should submit the following documents to [email protected]: Resume(s) Cover letter, including a response to the ToR, a proposed approach, and an indication of availability in line with the proposed number of days. A cost offer (RFQ document) consisting of an inclusive daily fee for the proposed number of working days. Completed DRC Supplier Profile Registration Form Deadline October 31st 2025 midnight CET. Proposals may be reviews in advance. Please contact Alice Darcq below for any questions on the bid process. Payment plan A down payment of 20% will be made and the remaining will be paid upon reception of deliverables. Payments will be milestone-based: 20% upon acceptance of the inception note, 30% upon submission of the draft functions framework, and 50% upon delivery of the final synthesis report and presentation. Evaluation of bids The evaluation is made on a technical and financial basis. Contact person For any inquiries related to this RFP, kindly contact Alice Darcq, H2H Network Head of Finance and Operations, [email protected] How to apply Send an email to [email protected] Tender Link : https://reliefweb.int/job/4183503/consultancy-vision-and-functional-framework-evolving-humanitarian-data-ecosystem