Warm for Winter 3: Improved Shelter Conditions and Energy Efficiency Through this project, Caritas Switzerland (CACH) and Caritas Jordan (CAJO) will extend their established shelter assistance to additional 235 households (HH) in Eastern Amman, Irbid, Mafraq and Zarqa. It builds on among others, two JHF-funded interventions in shelter winterization (JOR-18/DDA-3560/SA2/Sh./INGO/10660 and JOR-19/DDA-3560/SA1/Sh./INGO/12742). The accrued experience as well as an own contribution by CACH will translate into a more focused and cost-efficient approach, which targets a caseload that is 30% higher compared to the previous intervention. 

As in the past, timely approval of the competent national authorities is anticipated that allows for a speedy response in line with the priorities specified by the sector. The project will improve winter-resilient standards by providing repair and insulation work against dampness, mold, flooding, draught/cold and will thereby advance dignified living conditions for particular at-risk groups through the application of easy to implement and cost-effective energy efficiency measures. The project will upgrade sub-standard shelters, which will also prepare the beneficiaries for the coming winter season 2020/2021.

The 235 HH (70% Syrian and 30% Jordanian) will be selected from the CAJO database and through referrals that are both crosschecked with RAIS. HH benefitting from the assistance will be selected on the basis of the following criteria: 1) living in sub-standard shelters (shelter type score 3), 2) living in poverty (predicted welfare score 3-4), 3) specific protection risks related to gender, age, disability or extreme economic vulnerability. Caritas has established centres with previous experience in shelter maintenance and protection (namely, referrals and case management) in each area. The caseload is distributed across these centres to continue needs-based and timely implementation. 

The selection of HH starts by analysing data captured during assessments that comply with the vulnerability assessment framework (VAF). Referrals from the Working Groups or the Ministry of Social Development can be included if they fit the proposed action’s criteria. A gender-balanced team of 1 caseworker and 1 field monitor per centre/governorate will conduct home visits to confirm eligibility and shelter upgrade needs. Technical staff confirm the selection and the works to be carried out.

Once the beneficiaries are identified, caseworkers and legal advisor will hold awareness raising sessions on rights and obligations as tenants, the services beneficiaries can expect to receive, Caritas’ and contracted parties’ appropriate conduct, and feedback mechanisms. 

Caritas will conduct one bidding processes per governorate to identify one suitable contractor per governorate. Contractors will be invited to submit offers based on tender documents and generic bills of quantities (BoQ) and will be selected based on a minimum of 3 offers. For each shelter, technical staff agrees in writing with tenants, owners and contractors on the prospective works. A legal advisor will support negotiations with property owners to secure tenure for all shelters for at least 1 year and reducing the monthly rent by 10% in line with the shelter sector guidelines, if applicable. During and after the upgrades, caseworkers and monitors will conduct spot checks and avail themselves for questions, complaints and other feedback. Technical staff will conduct technical acceptance checks in the presence of all stakeholders, following to which invoices can be submitted by the contractor. Lastly, a survey to understand satisfaction rates, protection concerns, and unintended negative effects will be conducted, disaggregated by age, gender and diversity factors (nationality, disability, gender of head of household). 

Identified HH with additional specific needs that fall outside the scope of the proposed action will benefit from internal and external referrals to appropriate services.