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Tenders are invited for Study on the Architecture of the Initial Emergency Response in Mali: Existing Capacities, Constraints and Prospects for Development Closing Date: 16 Oct 2026 Type: Consultancy 1. Background and Rationale Mali is facing a protracted humanitarian and security crisis, characterized by population displacement, conflict and violence, access restrictions, climate shocks and significant humanitarian needs. In this context, the ability to put in place a rapid and appropriate response immediately after a shock is an essential element of effective humanitarian action. In recent years, emergency response mechanisms have been one of the main mechanisms for responding quickly to the urgent needs of populations affected by new shocks. However, the evolution of the Malian context, access constraints, humanitarian funding, capacity building of national and local actors as well as the localization agenda raise the question of the future architecture of the first emergency response. It is therefore necessary to better understand which actors are currently able to perform the different functions of the first response, under what conditions and with what limitations, as well as possible improvements. Following a shock, how should the first emergency response be organized in Mali, which actors are best placed to provide each of the essential functions, how can they complement each other, and what architectures are realistic according to the different contexts? The study thus aims to inform future choices by identifying rapid, effective, realistic, complementary emergency response models adapted to the diversity of Malian contexts, rather than limiting itself to proposing adjustments to the existing mechanism. In this context, the study does not only aim to determine how to strengthen or integrate local capacities into existing emergency response mechanisms. More broadly, it aims to determine which emergency first response architecture is best suited to Malis current contexts, taking into account the capacities already available at the state, local, community and humanitarian levels, as well as the operational and financial constraints that influence their mobilization. The study will therefore be structured around the essential functions of the first emergency response, rather than around a general institutional analysis. It will seek to understand which actors are currently able to carry out these functions, under what circumstances, with what limitations, and how their roles could be organised in a more complementary way. This approach should result in several operational models or scenarios adapted to the different Malian contexts, rather than a single recommendation applicable to the whole country. 2. Objective of the study The objective of this study is to analyze how the first emergency response following a shock should be organized in Mali, by identifying: the existing human, financial, material and service delivery capacities of the various actors involved; the essential functions of the first response and the actors capable of carrying them out effectively; the factors that facilitate or limit their mobilization; complementarities and possible overlaps between actors; the functions for which the leadership of humanitarian actors remains necessary; functions that could gradually be shared with or carried out by state, local or community actors; and the most relevant first response models in different contexts. The study should therefore produce operational conclusions that can be directly used to design or evolve future emergency response mechanisms in Mali. 3. Scope of the study The scope is a central element of this study in order to prevent the analysis from extending to a general assessment of the Malian humanitarian system. 3.1. Thematic scope The study focuses exclusively on the organization of the first phase of the response following a shock. In particular, it will analyse the following functions: Shock Alert & Identification Verification and rapid analysis of the situation Registration and identification of affected populations Targeting and prioritizing needs Mobilization and coordination of the first response Provision or facilitation of front-line assistance Referral to the appropriate services and response mechanisms Information, community communication and accountability Follow-up of the initial response and adaptation of it The analysis will focus on how these functions are currently carried out, the actors who carry them out, their capacities and limitations, as well as the realistic possibilities for future organization. The study will also examine the conditions necessary to ensure continuity between the first response and subsequent response mechanisms, but will not undertake a detailed analysis of the subsequent phases of the humanitarian response. 3.2. Definition of "first emergency response" For the purposes of this study, the first emergency response refers to the period immediately following a shock during which actors must: identify and verify the shock; quickly understand its magnitude and consequences; identify the affected populations and their priority needs; mobilizing actors and available resources; provide or facilitate urgent assistance; refer people to appropriate services and mechanisms; Conduct initial follow-up to tailor the response. The exact duration of this first phase may vary depending on the nature and extent of the shock and will be agreed with the consultant during the start-up phase. However, the analysis will need to remain focused on the initial response and not on the entire humanitarian response cycle. 3.3. Types of shocks considered The study may take into account different types of shocks that can trigger a rapid response, including: conflict and violence; sudden displacement of populations; natural disasters or shocks; other events leading to a sudden and significant deterioration in the living conditions or protection of the population. The aim is not to carry out a sectoral analysis of each type of crisis, but to identify the extent to which the architecture of the first response should vary according to the nature of the shock. 3.4. Covered actors The study will only analyse those actors who play, or could realistically play, a role in the first emergency response. a) State actors State structures at the national, regional and local levels; competent administrative and technical authorities; public structures that can contribute to warning, assessment, coordination, guidance or initial response. b) Community structures and local actors community authorities and structures; customary and religious actors; local organizations and associations; relevant community groups; host families and communities; private actors when their contribution to the first response is relevant. (c) Humanitarian actors national and international NGOs; United Nations agencies; coordination mechanisms and actors involved in the rapid response; Other humanitarian actors directly affected by the first response. (d**) Development actors** Development actors only to the extent that their capacities, resources or mandates can contribute to the first response or transition of response functions. The study will therefore not seek to analyze the entire development system in Mali. NB: The role of the State will be analysed explicitly. Rather than considering the government as one actor among others, the study will assess its current capacities, identify the emergency response functions it already provides effectively, the persistent gaps, the areas where these capacities can realistically be strengthened over time, as well as the functions for which community, local and humanitarian actors will continue to add real value. 4. Elements explicitly outside the scope In order to preserve the operational nature of the study, the following elements will not be the subject of an in-depth analysis: 4.1. The humanitarian system as a whole The study does not aim to map or evaluate all humanitarian institutions, organizations and mechanisms present in Mali. Actors will be analysed only in terms of their actual or potential role in the first emergency response. 4.2. The entire humanitarian cycle The study does not constitute an assessment of the entire humanitarian response, from the emergency phase to recovery, development or durable solutions. Later phases will only be addressed when they have a direct impact on the organization of the first response. 4.3. A general assessment of institutional capacity The study will not conduct a comprehensive institutional assessment of the state, communities or NGOs. It will only seek to determine what capacities are actually available and mobilized for first response functions, under what conditions and with what limitations. 4.4. A comprehensive assessment of humanitarian funding Funding will be analysed as a factor facilitating or constraining the organisation of the first response. The study will not seek to carry out a comprehensive analysis of humanitarian financial flows in Mali or a complete mapping of the financing of the different sectors. 4.5. General institutional reform The study may make institutional recommendations where necessary to improve the first response, but it will not propose a general reform of the institutional architecture of humanitarian action in Mali. 5. General Research Question In the aftermath of a shock, how should the first response be organized in Mali given the current capacities, comparative advantages, and incentives of state, local/community, and humanitarian actors, and what realistic and complementary architectures would be best suited to the different Malian contexts? 6. Specific research questions QR1. Mapping of emerge Tender Link : https://reliefweb.int/job/4232677/etude-sur-larchitecture-de-la-premiere-reponse-durgence-au-mali-capacites-existantes-contraintes-et-perspectives-devolution
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