PROJECT CONTEXT AND SCOPE
Across Cameroon, the reintegration experience of returnees is increasingly affected byย addiction-related vulnerabilities. Evidence gathered in Yaoundรฉ, Douala and Buea shows thatย psychoactive substance use is widespread among young returnees, often linked to:
Stress and trauma from their migration journey, Pre-existing vulnerabilities in communities of origin, Lack of psychosocial stability upon return, Unemployment, violence exposure, and weak support networks.ยDuring previous exploratory work, migrants reported that addictionโwhether pre-existing, acquired during the journey, or aggravated by psychosocial stressorsโimpairs their ability to follow reintegration pathways, maintain motivation, manage funds, or sustain livelihoods. Key informants, including psychologists, health personnel and government actors, also emphasized structural gaps in early detection, referral, counselling, and treatment.ย
At the same time, Cameroon is facingย broader addiction challenges. National data shows high prevalence of substance use among youth, with health services under increased pressure to manage demand for psychosocial support, mental health counselling, and substance use interventions.ย
In humanitarian settingsโparticularly in areas hosting IDPs and ex-associates of non-state armed groupsโsubstance use is also reported as aย coping mechanismย against trauma, uncertainty and economic hardship. While this ToR remainsย focused on returnees under RRR, understanding the broader context enriches the development of guidance, tools and models that do not contradict MHPSS and protection interventions in these areas.
In this light, the EU-funded RRR project has identified the necessity toย finalize and consolidate the work already initiated on addictions and reintegrationย and toย produce actionable, context-appropriate toolsย for use across reintegration centres and national partners. The objective is to designย practical, implementable protocolsย enabling staff to identify, manage, and refer addiction-related issues, while ensuring centres remain safe, drug-free, and supportive environments.
This consultancy therefore aims toย bridge the evidence collected so far, develop new actionable frameworks, andย root the RRR reintegration model in strong MHPSS and addiction-sensitive practices, while preparing the ground for future dedicated programming.
PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT
The incumbent willย assess the influence of addictions on reintegration outcomesย for AVRR returnees (primary focus), while also capturing light insights relevant for IDPs and ex-associates (secondary, non-central). The goal is to develop:
Addiction-sensitive reintegration protocols, Screening and referral tools, A practical model for addiction risk mitigation in reintegration centres, Evidence-based recommendations integrated into RRRโs psychosocial and psychiatric care components, Awareness materials and training for staff and partners, An applied research report consolidating findings, and Recommendations for future programming and partnerships.A. Consolidation of Evidence & Applied Analysis
B. Development of Reintegration Protocols & Operational Tools
Addiction-Sensitive Reintegration Protocol (ASRP)ย including: intake screening questions (light, practical), indicators for referral to MHPSS or medical services, tailored accompaniment pathways, case management adaptations for addiction-affected returnees. Addiction Screening Toolย for reintegration staff (appropriate for non-clinical use). Risk Assessment Frameworkย to identify relapse risk, self-harm risk, and risk to others. Confidentiality and ethical guidelinesย aligned with IOMโs MHPSS Framework. Adaptations to reintegration questionnairesย to better capture addiction-related variables (in line with existing Kobo tools). Guidelines for drug-free and safe reintegration centres: Prevention measures, Visitor and access control, Behavioural protocols, Escalation and referral procedures.C. Awareness, Training and Capacity Development
Design aย training curriculumย for centre staff on: Understanding addiction mechanisms, Managing returnees with substance use vulnerabilities, Basic counselling skills, Crisis management, Safe referral pathways. Conduct at leastย 2 training workshopsย in Yaoundรฉ (staff from all centres). Prepareย awareness-raising materialsย for partners and communities on addiction as a reintegration barrier.D. Partnership Mapping and Future Programming
Identify national partners capable of providing: detoxification, psychiatric care, psychosocial counselling, community support for addiction recovery. Map donors, civil society actors, NGOs, and treatment facilities. Provide recommendations for aย future dedicated addiction & reintegration project, including: Intervention model, Target population, Budget ideas, Possible international donors.E. Reporting
Inception Reportย (within 2 weeks). Addiction & Reintegration Analytical Reportย (consolidated evidence). Operational Protocol Packageย (all tools and guidelines). Training materials and session reports. Final Reportย summarizing achievements, recommendations, and future steps.Performance indicators for the evaluation of results
OutputsMonth 1
Inception Report Consolidated Analysis of Evidence Draft Addiction-Sensitive Reintegration Protocol Draft Screening Tool First draft of centre safety & prevention guidelinesMonth 2
Final versions of: Reintegration Protocol Screening Tool Referral Pathways Centre Safety Guidelines Draft training curriculum Draft questionnaire adaptation recommendationsMonth 3
Training delivered Awareness materials produced Partner mapping delivered Final Report (including future programming roadmap)2. KPITarget Reintegration Protocol produced 100% Screening Tool & referral pathways finalized 100% Centre safety guidelines validated 100% Training curriculum + delivery โฅ 2 sessions Awareness materials delivered 100% Final Research Report delivered 100% Partner mapping delivered 100% Timely reporting 100%
Education, Experience and/or skills required
Advanced degree inย Clinical Psychology, Psychiatry, Public Health, MHPSS, Addiction Studies, or related fields. Minimumย 7 years of experienceย in mental health, addiction management, or psychosocial programming. Experience withย migration, reintegration, or humanitarian settingsย required. Strong knowledge ofย substance use disorders in African contexts; Cameroon experience is an asset. Proven ability to translate research into operational tools. Experience training multidisciplinary teams. Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills.