Call for proposals: Scoping support for humanitarian data challenge
We are seeking proposals from consultants with expertise in humanitarian data systems to support the development of a new innovation funding call focused on tackling systemic data challenges.
Job details
Overview
We are seeking an experienced consultant to undertake a two-month rapid scoping review and provide expert analysis and recommendations that will inform the focus and design of a future innovation funding call.
Data is increasingly central to effective humanitarian action and response, supporting decision-making across preparedness, anticipatory action, response and recovery. However, despite the vast quantity of humanitarian data available, persistent systemic challenges mean that data does not always translate into better decisions. These challenges include fragmented governance, weak incentives for information sharing, limited interoperability, inconsistent standards, variable data quality, weak institutional capacity, competing organisational priorities and unequal power over whose knowledge is collected, interpreted and acted upon.
Objective
The consultancy will provide an important initial evidence base for the subsequent co-design process and stakeholder engagement. The consultancy will support internal decision-making in the following areas:
- Rapid evidence review – conduct a targeted rapid evidence review on how data currently informs humanitarian decision making, existing evidence of the initiatives and actors that are actively working in this space, as well as the key challenges and evidence gaps.
- Selection of systemic challenges and geographic context – identify and prioritise the most pressing systemic challenges that could form the focus of the funding call. Consider how the identified challenges manifest across different geographic contexts and identify a shortlist of countries or regions where the systemic challenges are especially significant (if applicable) and where innovation could add the greatest value. One of the regions of interest is East Africa, and we are open to other geographic recommendations.
- Partner mapping – map key organisations, networks and initiatives that we could engage as a partner to support the next stage of funding call development. This should include potential partner organisations with the expertise, system knowledge, convening power and network connections to help we validate and deepen the findings with relevant stakeholders already embedded within the system itself, and to support the subsequent co-design of the funding call.
The findings will enable us to make an evidence-informed decision about which potential systemic challenges and geographic contexts to focus the funding call on, supporting the design of a relevant, well-targeted systems-change funding call.
Timeline
- Launch: 1 October 2026
- Application deadline: 14 October 2026
- Expected start date: November 2026
- Duration: Two months
How to apply
Full application details and submission instructions are available in the Request for Proposals.
Documents you require are:
Schedule 1: Cost Structure Proposal
Appendix 1: Elrha Contract Terms and conditions
Appendix 2: Elrha Incident Prevention and Management Policy
About Elrha
Elrha is a global organisation that finds solutions to complex humanitarian problems through research and innovation. We fund and support projects that go on to shape the way in which people across the world are supported during a crisis. We’re an established and respected part of the humanitarian community, working closely and meaningfully with our fellow networks and actors to make change happen.
Read our strategy: Shaping the future: our strategy for research and innovation in humanitarian response 2023 – 2040. It sets out how we’ll work with our community to realise its potential in humanitarian response, and how we’ll capture the real change and improvements to the lives of people affected by crisis.
Commitment to diversity and inclusion
At Elrha, we view diversity as a strength and reflect this in our hiring practices and culture. A diverse workforce helps us tackle the complex challenges of the humanitarian sector.
We strive to create an inclusive environment where all team members feel valued and empowered. Our initiatives promote equality and ensure that everyone has a voice in shaping our organization and the communities we serve.
What do we do?
Elrha is dedicated to improving humanitarian outcomes by funding innovative projects and studies worldwide.
We focus on critical areas such as health, education, and emergency response to address the evolving needs of vulnerable populations. Through our strategic partnerships and rigorous research, we aim to drive impactful change and enhance the effectiveness of humanitarian efforts.
Why work for us?
At Elrha, we foster a collaborative and inclusive culture that empowers our team to create meaningful impact in the humanitarian sector.
Our commitment to diversity, innovation, and professional development ensures that everyone has a voice and the opportunity to grow. Join us in our mission to drive positive change!
Meet our team
Our dedicated staff and governance groups are at the heart of everything we do. Our team, trustees, and advisers, join us from diverse backgrounds, bringing unique expertise and experience to our work to find solutions to complex humanitarian problems.
