Baseline Survey Consultant

1.Background Information Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Germany (VSF Germany) is an International Non-Governmental Organization (INGO), providing humanitarian aid and development assistance to pastoralists and vulnerable communities in areas where livestock is of importance. VSFG supports animal health, livestock related agriculture, marketing, food safety, drought responses and mitigation, capacity development of communities and governmental institutions, peace and conflict resolution with the ultimate aim of improving food security and strengthening livelihoods and resilience of pastoralist communities. VSFG currently implements activities in Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Somalia, Sudan and South Sudan with country programs coordinated from the Regional Office Nairobi. VSF-Germany has been in South Sudan since 1998 covering the States of Upper Nile, Jonglei, Warrap, Eastern Equatoria, Western Bar el Ghazal and Lakes State, supporting emergency and recovery programmes alongside communities in the said States. VSF-Germany has received grant from EU in South Sudan under EU Alliance in support of the Horn of Africa Initiative. The proposed is Kapoeta East Pastoralists' Livelihoods, Empowerment, Adaptation and Peace (LEAP) Project planned to be implemented in Kapoeta County of Eastern Equatoria State of South Sudan with the overall objective of contributing to strengthening resilience of agropastoral communities to recurring climate shocks and livelihood-induced conflicts in Kapoeta East. The proposed project has total budget of Euro 3,157,895.52 and will be implemented in two (2) Payams of Kapoeta East together with its partner, Enjojo Foundation, for the period of 30 months (June 01, 2026 – January 31, 2029). In addition, the action targets Natinga Payam which is strategically located in the cross-border area of Kapoeta East and other counties in the Eastern Equatoria state for the peace component intervention. As part of the project implementation process, VSF-Germany and its partner (Enjojo Foundation) planned to undertake project baseline survey through external consultant to collect qualitative and quantitative baseline data for each of the project indicators (see attached log-frame as annex) that will be used to monitor and evaluate the progress of the project, update the project’s monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system, and revise the project documents. Details of the baseline survey assignment is indicated below for the better understanding of the assignment.

2. Description of the Project

2.1: Relevance and context analysis

South Sudan faces a complex and protracted humanitarian crisis rooted in historical marginalization, chronic poverty, and underdevelopment, compounded by recent shocks including climate change, conflict, and economic instability. It ranks among the top five global hunger hotspots and is one of the most climate-vulnerable countries. As of early 2026, South Sudan is experiencing extreme food insecurity, driven by ongoing conflict, widespread displacement, flooding, and economic instability. During the lean season (April to July 2026), approximately 7.55 million people (53% of the population) are projected to face Crisis or worse conditions (IPC Phase 3 or above), with around 1.3 million in Emergency (Phase 4) and tens of thousands at risk of Catastrophe (Phase 5). Climate change has intensified both droughts and floods, disrupting agriculture and pastoralism - key livelihood sectors. Vulnerable groups such as women, children, the elderly, and the disabled are disproportionately affected. Resource scarcity, especially water and pasture, fuels localized conflicts, worsened by weak governance and limited institutional capacity. Kapoeta East County, located in Eastern Equatoria State along the South Sudan - Kenya border, epitomizes the challenges of pastoralist borderlands: recurrent droughts, fragile livelihoods, and protracted insecurity. The semi-arid environment is marked by highly variable rainfall, frequent drought cycles, and progressive land degradation, which have drastically reduced pasture and water availability. Livestock - particularly cattle, goats, and sheep - form the backbone of household economies, social status, and cultural identity. However, these assets are increasingly undermined by climate shocks, disease outbreaks, and cross-border cattle raiding. The county’s estimated population of 120,000 -180,000 is predominantly pastoralist (Toposa ethnic group), with over 60% under the age of 25. Youth face limited livelihood opportunities, often resorting to cattle raiding or armed group participation. Women and vulnerable groups bear disproportionate burdens, with restricted access to resources, services, and decision-making. Weak state presence, poor infrastructure, and reliance on customary governance further exacerbate vulnerability. Cross-border insecurity with Turkana (Kenya) and Nyangatom (Ethiopia) communities perpetuates cycles of violence, while porous borders facilitate illicit arms flows and livestock theft. Despite these challenges, Kapoeta East holds significant potential for resilience-building. Livestock production, informal cross-border trade, and traditional peace institutions provide entry points for integrated interventions. To ensure effective coordination, maximize resource efficiency, and avoid the duplication of interventions across Kapoeta East, a comprehensive partner mapping highlights the strategic positioning of key stakeholders, their operational footprints, and implementation methodologies. Dan Church Aid (DCA), through the SPREAD Project, operates across the Narus, Katikor, and Lotimor Payams, utilizing an integrated peacebuilding and resilience approach that mobilizes community action groups, facilitates cross-border dialogues, and strengthens local economies through Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), livelihood support, small-scale irrigation schemes, and market linkages. Complementing these efforts, the Food and A