Background on the JDC
The World Bank–UNHCR Joint Data Center on Forced Displacement (JDC) was established in 2019 in response to the increasing magnitude, duration, and complexity of displacement as well as the need for enhanced complementarity between the humanitarian and development engagement on this issue. Here, socioeconomic data and evidence were deemed central to the success of international and national responses. Working through World Bank and UNHCR task teams and in close collaboration with governments, the JDC collects, analyzes, disseminates, and mainstreams socioeconomic microdata on forced displacement to inform national policy, development, and humanitarian action and operations.
By mid-2024, more than 120 million people globally were forcibly displaced. Among them are almost 40 million refugees, largely hosted in low- and middle-income countries. Over the last decade, the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) doubled, and it currently represents more than half the total of forcibly displaced persons globally. The number of stateless people remains underestimated because many countries do not report or are unable to capture the numbers of their stateless populations. The amount of financing available to address the challenges and overwhelming needs of both forcibly displaced and host communities has been falling. The JDC’s work remains highly relevant in this setting, aiming to improve the protection and well-being of forcibly displaced persons, stateless people and those affected by forced displacement through coherent implementation of evidence-informed policies and programs.
The JDC is strategically anchored in the World Bank and UNHCR to address challenges of global displacement through data-driven and evidence-based strategies. The JDC advances UNHCR’s Sustainable Responses approach, accelerating the implementation of the Global Compact for Refugees and solutions to forced displacement. Thus, aiming to maximize self-reliance and access to basic rights through greater and faster inclusion of forcibly displaced and stateless people in the communities that host them, earlier and more predictable development assistance in hosting areas, and enhanced whole-of-government leadership. The JDC underpins these efforts by promoting inclusion in national statistics and evidence-based policies that enhance the protection and self-reliance of displaced individuals until they can reach lasting solutions to their displacement. Concurrently, the JDC aligns with the World Bank’s Development Approach to Displacement which prioritizes the integration of displaced populations into national development plans and the enhancement of resilience in fragile contexts. By providing critical socioeconomic data, the JDC supports initiatives such as the IDA Window for Host Communities and Refugees (WHR) and the Global Concessional Financing Facility (GCFF), facilitating targeted and sustainable development interventions.
In its first term, 2020-2023, the JDC successfully operationalized its vision and established key partnerships. It produced concrete outcomes from its technical and financial investments, such as the development of statistical standards for IDPs and Statelessness; the collection and sharing of microdata and evidence from 40 large scale socioeconomic surveys across 30 displacement contexts that have informed some US$3 billion in development program funding and the design of humanitarian responses and programs; and establishment of the UNHCR Microdata Library and the Forced Displacement Survey.
In 2024, the JDC embarked on a second period implementing the new Strategy for 2024-2027, the JDC is guided by four strategic priorities in shaping and delivering on its work program:
- Systematic inclusion in national statistics
- Targeted production of high-quality data and timely analysis to inform policy and programs
- Data innovation to increase the quality, timeliness, and accessibility of data
- Operationalize data and evidence to strengthen solutions to forced displacement
To inform and support effective implementation of the JDC Strategy 2024-2027, the JDC Management Committee has endorsed an independent mid-term review and delegated the commissioning and administrative supervision to the JDC and its parent institutions. Building on the findings of the JDC mid-term review in 2022, the present review will take stock of the JDC Strategy implementation, including achievements and impact of activities to date, and management.
Purpose of assignment
The primary objective of this assignment is to conduct a comprehensive mid-term review of the JDC Strategy 2024-2027. This review will assess the strategy’s effectiveness, coherence, and efficiency, as well as evaluate the cumulative impact and sustainability of the efforts undertaken by the JDC since its inception. The review aims to identify any existing gaps or areas for enhancement, providing actionable insights and recommendations to the JDC. These recommendations will focus on potential adjustments or realignment of the strategy and its implementation in the short to medium term for tangible improvements, including ensuring that the JDC continues to effectively address the challenges of forced displacement and contribute to informed policy and program development.
Scope of work
The consultant will conduct a comprehensive mid-term review of the Joint Data Center (JDC). The review will focus on the following areas:
(i) Effectiveness of the JDC Strategy 2024-2027
- Examine the /extent to which the JDC is achieving its intended outcomes across its four strategic priorities and creating sustainability of efforts and JDC’s role in supporting the operationalization of the humanitarian-development nexus
- Consider whether the JDC is effectively enhancing stakeholders’ ability to make timely, evidence-informed decisions.
- Identify key factors that contribute to or hinder the effectiveness of the JDC’s activities.
(ii) Coherence of the JDC Strategy 2024-2027
- Analyze the alignment of the JDC Strategy with the strategic priorities of the World Bank, UNHCR, and other relevant international frameworks relevant to forced displacement.
- Determine the consistency of the JDC’s activities and outputs with its stated priorities and stakeholder needs.
- Review the effectiveness of the JDC’s coordination with other initiatives and partners to avoid duplication and enhance synergies.
(iii) Efficiency of the JDC Strategy 2024-2027
- Assess the efficient utilization of resources—financial, human, and technological—in achieving the JDC’s strategic priorities, and consider measures in place to optimize their use.
- Identify main challenges in the implementation process and propose solutions to improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
- Examine the JDC financial stability, including its success in raising necessary funds to support the 2024-2027 strategy, and review strategies employed to secure and manage these funds effectively.
(iv) Cumulative Impact of the JDC
- Consider the impact of the JDC’s activities on informing policy and operations related to forced displacement.
- Review the JDC’s contributions to improving the protection and well-being of forcibly displaced persons and host communities.
- Identify unintended positive or negative impacts of the JDC’s work and propose ways to address them.
(v) Sustainability of JDC Interventions
- Review how effectively the JDC has established its supported data, analysis, tools, methods, and resources as lasting public goods accessible to all relevant stakeholders.
- Assess the JDC’s success in promoting national ownership of data through regular surveys, thereby investing in the sustainable production of quality data on forcibly displaced and stateless people.
- Examine the integration and maintenance of capacities and partnerships with governments, development, and humanitarian partners to ensure the continued mainstreaming of socioeconomic data and evidence in planning and programming.
- Consider approaches implemented by the JDC to ensure the long-term sustainability of its initiatives and assess their effectiveness in maintaining the relevance and utility of its outputs.
(vi) Actionable Recommendations
- Propose actionable recommendations to inform the realignment of the JDC’s strategy and interventions in the short to medium term.
Methodology
The methodology for this mid-term review is designed to be comprehensive yet flexible, allowing the selected consultant to leverage their expertise and experience to refine and enhance the approach. The following outlines the broad methodological framework, which can be adjusted in consultation with the JDC and its parent institutions:
- The review will employ qualitative data collection and analysis. This may include case studies, desk reviews, and stakeholder interviews.
- The consultant will utilize a variety of data collection methods, including but not limited to structured interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis. The use of existing local, regional, or national data, as well as data from similar initiatives, is encouraged to enrich the analysis. Data collection methods to be validated with the JDC as part of the endorsement of the Consultant’s inception report.
- Active engagement with key stakeholders is essential. The consultant will conduct consultations and meetings with relevant groups to verify findings and ensure the review reflects diverse perspectives. A list of diverse stakeholders for interviews will be prepared in consultation with the JDC and its parent institutions to gather comprehensive feedback.
- The review will assess performance against established indicators, utilizing baseline and target data where available. The consultant may propose additional indicators as deemed necessary.
- While the ToR provides a foundational approach, the consultant is encouraged to propose additional or alternative methods that align with their expertise. Any significant changes to the methodology should be discussed and agreed upon with the JDC and its parent institutions.
- The review should use as a foundation existing monitoring, reporting and evaluation documents to avoid unnecessary duplication and maximize the value of additional engagement with stakeholders and teams.
- As an initial deliverable, the consultant will provide a detailed inception report outlining the refined methodology, work plan, and any proposed adjustments to the approach.
- The JDC will provide updates on the progress of the implementation of the review to the Management Committee in the regular schedule of meetings and when warranted provide updates by e-mail.
Deliverables
The consultant(s) will be responsible for providing the following deliverables:
- Inception note: A detailed note outlining the methodology, work plan, and timeline for the mid-term review, including any initial findings or observations.
- Interim progress update: A briefing update on the progress of the review, highlighting key findings, challenges encountered, and any adjustments made to the work plan.
- Draft review report: A preliminary version of the review report, presenting the findings, analyses, and proposed recommendations for feedback and discussion.
- Final review report: A complete and polished report incorporating feedback from stakeholders, detailing the findings, analyses, and actionable recommendations for the JDC’s strategy realignment and interventions.
- Presentation of findings: A formal presentation summarizing the key findings and recommendations of the review, delivered to JDC Management and relevant stakeholders.
Proposed timeline
Mid-term review process:
- Inception note by end of September 2025
- Interim progress update by end of November 2025
- Submission of Draft review report by end of January 2026
- Submission of Final Report by end of February 2026
- Presentation of findings by March 2026
Qualifications
The consultant should possess a robust academic background and proven expertise in the following areas:
- A master’s degree in a relevant field such as Economics, International Development, Public Policy, or a related discipline.
- At least 10 years of professional experience in evaluating and reviewing international programs, projects, and institutions.
- Comprehensive knowledge of the application and operational use of socioeconomic microdata and analysis in addressing issues related to forced displacement in low- and middle-income countries.
- A thorough understanding of national statistical systems in low- and middle-income countries, complemented by insights into the global statistical framework.
- Familiarity with the evolving global statistical landscape, including cutting-edge technologies, novel approaches and methodologies, emerging data sources, and innovative collaborations and partnerships.
- Strong analytical skills, with the ability to distill complex information and present it in a clear and accessible manner.
- Experience in development or humanitarian work in low- and middle-income countries is considered advantageous.
- Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to write clearly and concisely.
- Proficiency in both written and spoken English.
Contract type, schedule and application process
The consultant will be offered a Short-Term Consultant (STC–Level 2) contract. The consultant will report to the GTFS2 Manager of the Fragility, Conflict and Violence Global Themes department, World Bank, in consultation with the Director for the Division of Resilience and Solutions, UNHCR. The consultant will provide time sheets as required by World Bank Group standards.
The initial consultancy contract will run for 40 days until March 31, 2026, with a possible contract extension dependent on the project’s needs and demonstrated positive performance, subject to compliance with World Bank STC term regulations.
The assignment will be remunerated upon delivery of the agreed outputs, at the agreed fee rate and the agreed number of days of professional fees chargeable, according to the normal procedures of the World Bank.
Request for Expressions of Interest
The JDC now invites eligible consultants to indicate their interest in providing the services outlined above. Interested parties should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services, as well as a detailed financial proposal.
The attention of interested parties is drawn to the World Bank’s Procurement for Projects and Programs page where more detailed information on regulations, procedures and conflict of interest information can be found.
Expressions of interest must be emailed, with all supporting documentation, to the attention of Maimouna Mbow Fam at [email protected] no later than midnight (CET) on August 15, 2025.
Interviews will take place during the second half of August 2025.