Livelihood recovery support for conflict affected households in urban settings in Kirkuk governorate This project will deliver a cash-based asset replacement livelihood intervention in urban areas of Riyadh and Hawija sub districts (Hawija district), in Kirkuk governorate. Cash grants will be distributed to 190 identified selected beneficiaries following a socio-economic vulnerability and capacity assessment of crisis-affected populations. With reference to the cluster’s SOPs and  in consultation with Advisory Committees, TF will ensure that specific vulnerable target groups (including women, people living with disabilities, and the elderly) and a proportionate representation of all minority/ethnic/religious groups are selected for assistance. A breakdown in gender and age is provided as a part of disaggregated indicators. The overall number of direct beneficiaries is expected to be 70% men, 30% women. TF recognizes that HHs depict a number of cultural norms such as patriarchy in the HH, associated with men as decision-maker and control over finances. Nonetheless, there is a growing number of women achieving a degree of independence, often through sheer necessity, and the project aims to capitalize on this social trend. Priority will be given to female headed HHs and HHs with (large) numbers of dependents with special needs  like people with a disability or elderly.

The grants are intended to replace or repair productive assets lost or damaged during conflict and/or displacement such as equipment, supplies and infrastructure necessary to re-establish livelihoods. Upon completion of project awareness and sensitisation in targeted locations, individuals will submit grant applications to be considered for funding. A vulnerability and capacity assessment will be conducted on shortlisted applicants, to select final beneficiaries. Beneficiaries will submit a business plan after undergoing a four-day business development training to improve their financial literacy and business management skills. Grants will be disbursed through a mobile money transfer (Zain money) or Hawala agents, with whom TF has existing framework agreements. TF will conduct Post Distribution Monitoring (PDM) 3-4 weeks after grant disbursement to gather feedback on the distribution process and monitor grant utilisation.  Additional coaching and mentoring will be provided on a continuous basis with project staff to monitor business performance, and knowledge and skills gained during the business development training. Business appraisals will be conducted three months after grant disbursement to assess profitability and sustainability of income generating activities. 

The project will be implemented in consortium with a local NGO, Women Empowerment Organization (WEO), who will be responsible for conducting PDMs, and providing coaching and monitoring support to beneficiaries. Tearfund will use dedicated resources provided by this grant (see line 2.7 within the budget) to build their capacity in project management, and strengthen their livelihood programming through the following:
- Livelihood training sessions, and training on the Kobo tool
-Training on the SEVAT
- ToT training for WEO staff on the Business Development Module facilitation
- Joint review with TF staff on business plans and mentoring
- Mentorship and capacity building of selected WEO staff on business appraisal process
- Mentorship and capacity building to target WEO staff in conducting PDMs
- Payment of salary of one WEO staff (Project officer) who will work from TF office in Kirkuk during the
project period and attached to TF livelihoods Project Manager to develop their skills and expertise in
project cycle management
Through these activities, WEO will increase their livelihoods programmatic capacity, and gain exposure to IHF compliance, and coordination mechanisms.