The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) seeking qualified organisations to conduct a consultancy on earth observation for displacement nowcasting and forecasting. The assignment is being managed by the DRC Innovation, Data and Analysis Unit and aims to strengthen the organisation’s ability to use earth observation data to improve displacement analysis and forecasting.
The consultancy provides an opportunity for experienced research, data science, geospatial, humanitarian technology, and earth observation organisations to contribute to the development of innovative approaches for understanding and predicting population displacement.
Consultancy Overview
The consultancy focuses on assessing how earth observation data can complement existing displacement information and improve the timeliness and accuracy of displacement estimates.
DRC is particularly interested in understanding how satellite-derived and other earth observation information can help address spatial and temporal gaps in sub-national displacement data. The successful service provider will also explore how these datasets can provide additional indicators of the drivers and conditions associated with displacement.
The assignment is intended not only to assess the potential value of earth observation but also to provide DRC with practical tools, methodologies, and guidance that will enable the organisation to build internal capacity for processing and applying earth observation data.
Key Objectives of the Assignment
The selected consultancy provider will be expected to examine the utility of earth observation for displacement analysis and forecasting.
Key objectives include:
- Assessing the potential of earth observation data for displacement nowcasting and forecasting.
- Identifying ways to address gaps in sub-national displacement information.
- Exploring methods for generating more timely displacement estimates between official reporting cycles.
- Assessing whether earth observation data can improve the accuracy of existing forecasting models.
- Identifying additional indicators and data inputs that can help explain or predict displacement drivers.
- Developing appropriate tools, methodologies, and guidance for DRC.
- Supporting the organisation in strengthening its internal capacity to process and use earth observation data.
The assignment therefore combines technical assessment, methodological development, and organisational capacity building.
Who Can Apply?
The tender is open to eligible and qualified consultancy service providers and organisations with relevant technical expertise.
Potential providers are expected to demonstrate appropriate experience in areas such as:
- Earth observation and satellite data
- Geospatial analysis
- Remote sensing
- Data science and predictive modelling
- Humanitarian information management
- Displacement analysis
- Forecasting and nowcasting methodologies
- Capacity development and technical training
Organisations with experience applying advanced data and geospatial technologies to humanitarian or development challenges may be particularly well positioned to respond to the opportunity.
Expected Consultancy Contribution
The successful provider will play an important role in helping DRC understand how emerging earth observation technologies can be integrated into displacement monitoring systems.
A strong technical approach should consider the practical challenges associated with collecting, processing, validating, and interpreting earth observation data. It should also demonstrate how such data can be integrated with existing displacement datasets and forecasting models.
The assignment is expected to generate practical recommendations rather than focusing solely on theoretical research. DRC is seeking approaches that can ultimately strengthen internal analytical capacity and support more timely decision-making in displacement contexts.
Tender Details
The consultancy is being procured through a Request for Proposal (RFP) issued by the DRC Innovation, Data and Analysis Unit.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Danish Refugee Council (DRC) |
| Assignment | Earth Observation for Displacement Forecasting Consultancy |
| Reference | INET_RFP_PR_00405919 |
| Tender type | Request for Proposal (RFP) |
| Contract type | One-time purchase |
| Category | Services |
| Tender location | DRC Headquarters, Copenhagen |
| Publication date | 14 August 2026 |
| Deadline | 2 September 2026 at 16:00 UTC |
| Handling office | DRC HQ Supply Chain Department |
Application and Tender Documents
Interested organisations should carefully review the tender dossier, which contains the detailed specifications, requirements, submission instructions, and other conditions applicable to the procurement process.
The DRC has provided tender documentation for prospective service providers to review before preparing their proposals. Organisations should ensure that their submissions fully address the technical and administrative requirements specified in the dossier.
Why This Consultancy Matters
Displacement crises can evolve rapidly, while official displacement reporting may not always provide sufficiently frequent or geographically detailed information for operational decision-making. Earth observation offers an opportunity to supplement traditional data sources with timely spatial information that can help identify environmental and contextual factors associated with population movement.
By exploring these capabilities, DRC aims to strengthen its analytical systems and improve the ability of humanitarian actors to anticipate displacement patterns. The consultancy could therefore contribute to more evidence-based preparedness, planning, and humanitarian response.
Deadline and Contact
Qualified organisations interested in the consultancy should submit their proposals in accordance with the requirements outlined in the DRC tender dossier.
The submission deadline is 2 September 2026 at 16:00 UTC.
For procurement-related enquiries, prospective bidders can contact the DRC HQ Supply Chain Department at procurement.hq@drc.ngo
Organisations should review all tender requirements carefully and allow sufficient time to prepare a complete and technically robust proposal before the deadline.
