Terms of reference for external consultancy

Briefing Paper:

 “A Thirst for Equality”

 The Role of IFIs and Government in Jordan’s Water Inequality

Justification

The briefing paper serves as a foundation stone of our advocacy and influencing efforts to address water scarcity and inequality. This paper is particularly significant in the context of Oxfam’s work in Jordan, where it seeks to unravel the complex interplay of water inequality with climate change, economic disparity, and gender inequality, and the role of International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in shaping this landscape.

The paper will highlight the disparities in water access and affordability across various segments of the population, revealing how the policies and infrastructure investments of IFIs exacerbate water inequality. It will also examine the inequitable distribution of water resources, illustrating how the most disadvantaged groups, especially women and refugees, disproportionately bear the impact of water scarcity despite their minimal contribution to the problem.

Furthermore, the paper will incorporate policy recommendations for addressing water inequality in Jordan. It will stress the need for both national and international action, including increased investment in water infrastructure, policy reforms, and greater cooperation among regional and global actors.

Objectives

• Uncover the relationship between water inequality and the influence of International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in Jordan, emphasizing the disparities in water access and the impacts on disadvantaged groups.
• Analyze the impact of privatization of water authorities on water inequality in Jordan. Investigate how privatization has affected water access, affordability, and quality, particularly for disadvantaged groups.
• Investigate how IFI policies and interventions have shaped the water management landscape in Jordan, potentially leading to under-resourced public services and a lack of equitable water infrastructure.
• Generate compelling facts and statistics on water inequality, the role of IFIs, and public expenditure to highlight the consequences of inadequate policies.
• Highlight the gendered impact of water inequality, particularly on women and girls from disadvantaged communities.
• Develop policy recommendations advocating for increased investment in water infrastructure and policy reforms, emphasizing the need for both national and international action to combat water inequality.

Contextual background and draft content

Jordan, a nation grappling with one of the world’s most acute water crises, is witnessing escalating water inequality, exacerbated by climate change, swift population growth, and the surge of refugees. Despite numerous attempts to alleviate these issues, water inequality remains a pressing concern, with disparities in access and affordability persisting across various regions and communities.

International Financial Institutions (IFIs), including the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, have significantly influenced the development of water policies and infrastructure in Jordan. However, the impacts of their interventions on water inequality are not fully comprehended, necessitating further exploration.

Suggested content (based on the signed off TORs for this research)

Executive Summary

Introduction

The critical issue of water inequality in Jordan, a country struggling with severe water scarcity, is shaped by various factors including the role of International Financial Institutions (IFIs) such as the IMF and World Bank, and the impact of privatization of water authorities. The introduction will also highlight the intersection of water inequality with climate change, economic and gender inequalities.

1. Historical Context and Evolution of Water Inequality This section will provide a historical overview of water inequality in Jordan, tracing its roots and evolution from the early 1980s to the present. It will examine the socio-economic and political factors that have contributed to the current state of water inequality. The influence of International Financial Institutions (IFIs) policies and interventions, and the effects of privatization of water authorities, will be highlighted as key contributing factors. This comprehensive view will shed light on how water inequality has been shaped over the past four decades in Jordan.

2. Role of IFIs, Government and Impact of Privatization in Water Management

This section will focus on the specific policies, projects, and programs related to water management that the IMF and World Bank have implemented in Jordan, as well as the impact of privatization of water authorities. It will examine the rationale behind these interventions, their implementation mechanisms, and their influence on water rights and water inequality. Additionally, it will discuss the government’s decision to accept and implement these policies, highlighting that the government had the autonomy to negotiate, reject, or modify these policies based on the country’s specific needs and circumstances.

3. Impact on Water Rights and Inequality

This section will examine the effects of water rights and inequality on various societal aspects in Jordan. It will scrutinize the relationship between access to water and socio-economic conditions, emphasizing that water access is a crucial determinant for socio-economic development. The implications of inadequate water access, such as declining social conditions and health issues, will be contrasted with the potential improvements in social and economic conditions that can be achieved through enhanced water access. Additionally. examine the methodology behind water “tariff” structures in Jordan and its effects on inequality. Assess how the current pricing models impact different socio-economic groups, particularly marginalized and low-income communities. Evaluate the extent to which water tariffs exacerbate financial burdens on disadvantaged households and suggest equitable tariff reforms to ensure affordable water access for all.The section will also probe into the correlation between household wealth and water inequality, investigating whether poorer areas are confronted with more severe water situations and exploring the correlation between water consumption and income level. This analysis aims to provide insights into how water rights and inequality affect different segments of the population, with a special emphasis on the most vulnerable groups.

4. Legal and Policy Frameworks

This section will analyze the most impactful and outrageous  legal frameworks and policies related to water management in Jordan. Discuss how these have evolved over time and their impact on water inequality. Highlight any gaps, inconsistencies, or shortcomings in these policies.

5. Policy Recommendations and the Path Forward

The concluding section of the report will outline policy recommendations for addressing water inequality in Jordan. It will stress the need for both national and international action, including increased investment in water infrastructure, policy reforms, and greater cooperation among regional and global actors.

A gender analysis must be integrated across the sections and must highlight the disproportional impacts of climate change on women and girls.

Deliverables

Core full document including:

• Executive summary
• Briefing Paper (Word count: around 10,000 words in total)
• Data set on which the report is written.
• Annexes, supporting documents and data collection tools.
• A media-focused (media-friendly) summary report.

Time Frame

This consultancy commencement and end dates are:

Upon contract signature July 1^st to December 31^st 2024

Suggested methodology

Methodology could include:

1. Comprehensive Literature Review: Conduct a thorough review of existing literature on water scarcity, inequality, and the role of International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in Jordan. This should include academic articles, reports, policy documents, and other relevant publications. The review should focus on understanding the historical context, current situation, and future projections of water inequality in Jordan.
2. Data Collection and Analysis: Collect and analyze data on water access, affordability, and quality across different regions and communities in Jordan. This could involve the use of secondary data sources as well as primary data collection through surveys, interviews, or focus group discussions. The data analysis should aim to identify patterns and trends in water inequality and understand the impacts of IFI policies and interventions.
3. Case Studies: Develop detailed case studies to illustrate the real-world impacts of water inequality on disadvantaged groups, particularly women and refugees. These case studies should provide a human perspective to the issue and highlight the lived experiences of those most affected by water inequality.
4. Policy Analysis: Analyze the legal and policy frameworks related to water management in Jordan, and how they have influenced water inequality. This should include an examination of national laws, regulations, and policies, as well as international agreements and conventions that Jordan is a party to.
5. Stakeholder Consultations: Engage with key stakeholders, including government officials, IFI representatives, civil society organizations, and community members, to gain insights into their perspectives on water inequality and potential solutions. These consultations could be conducted through interviews, workshops, or roundtable discussions.
6. Development of Policy Recommendations: Based on the findings of the research, develop policy recommendations for addressing water inequality in Jordan. These recommendations should be practical, actionable, and tailored to the specific context of Jordan.

The consultant(s) should propose a more detailed methodology.

The consultant(s) are advised to familiarize themselves with Oxfam’s methodology note for our global report on climate equality.

Support

The consultant(s) will work in close coordination with Oxfam in Jordan and MENA teams who will review and comment on the different outputs and drafts throughout the process.

Audience

Regional and national decision makers, other civil society groups working on climate, development and human rights, informed public, regional and national media.

Translation

The document will be developed in English and final version will be translated to Arabic

Required profile

1. Academic Qualifications: A Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Environmental Science, Water Management, Public Policy, or Development Studies.
2. Experience: Proven experience in conducting research on water management, inequality, and the role of International Financial Institutions (IFIs). Familiarity with the context of Jordan and the broader MENA region would be an advantage.
3. Skills: Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and translate it into clear, concise, and actionable insights. Excellent writing skills, with the ability to produce high-quality reports in English.
4. Knowledge: In-depth understanding of water scarcity and inequality issues, climate change impacts, and the policies and operations of IFIs. Knowledge of the legal and policy frameworks related to water management in Jordan would be beneficial.
5. Gender and Social Analysis: Demonstrated experience in integrating gender and social analysis into research. Understanding of the intersectionality of water inequality with other forms of inequality, such as economic and gender inequality.
6. Communication: Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, IFI representatives, civil society organizations, and community members.

Call for proposals

Interested candidates / organizations should submit:

• Technical proposal that includes, background, focus of countries to be targeted, proposed methodology and time frame for submission.
• Proposed budget (broken down by days)
• CV and Cover letter summary showcasing relevant previous experience and explaining why you would be granted this consultancy. 

Applicants should submit technical and financial proposals as separate documents to [email protected] with the subject line: [INSERT TITLE] and RFQ Number [RFQ-JOAMM-24-0054]. no later than the 30th of June 2024

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be assessed according to the following criteria:

• Financial proposal 30%: reasonable budget for the proposed goals and activities and proper budget breakdown.
• Qualifications and competencies 20%: relevant experience of the consultant who will be conducting the assignment in Jordan
• Technical proposal 50%: Completeness of the proposal including: the approach, the methodology, Timeline, expected output(s).

Indicative calendar

• Final Draft Submission: December 25^th 2024