Remote Danish Refugee Council Consultancy Uses Earth Observation to Improve Displacement Forecasting|Deadline 02 Sept 2026
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is inviting proposals for an innovative remote consultancy focused on using earth observation data to improve displacement forecasting and humanitarian decision-making.
The consultancy, titled “Earth Observation for Displacement Forecasting,” is aimed at organisations with expertise in earth observation, data engineering, databases and humanitarian data. It offers an opportunity to contribute to the development of tools that could help humanitarian organisations anticipate displacement and take action before crises worsen.
The application deadline is 2 September 2026.
About the Danish Refugee Council
Founded in 1956, the Danish Refugee Council is an international NGO specialising in forced displacement. DRC operates in approximately 40 countries, providing protection, humanitarian assistance and support to refugees, displaced people and communities affected by displacement.
Its work covers different stages of displacement, from acute emergencies and displacement to integration, settlement and return.
The organisation’s Innovation, Data and Analysis Unit is now exploring how satellite and other earth observation information can strengthen its displacement forecasting capabilities.
What Is the Consultancy About?
Since 2021, DRC has been developing models designed to forecast displacement over a short-term period of approximately three months at sub-national level.
These forecasts are incorporated into anticipatory action mechanisms. When forecasts reach predefined thresholds, humanitarian actors can potentially take preventive measures to reduce displacement or minimise its consequences.
However, forecasting models depend heavily on the quality, availability and timeliness of data.
In many countries, displacement data and information about the factors driving displacement may be incomplete, delayed or unavailable at the local level.
This is where earth observation could make a significant difference.
Objectives of the Assignment
The selected organisation will investigate how earth observation data can be used to improve DRC’s displacement forecasting models.
The consultancy has three main objectives.
First, the organisation will explore whether earth observation data can help fill spatial and temporal gaps in sub-national displacement information and provide more timely estimates between official reporting cycles.
Second, it will investigate whether earth observation information can improve forecasting accuracy by providing additional indicators relating to the drivers of displacement.
Third, the consultant will develop a practical method, tool or guidance framework that DRC’s data scientists can use to incorporate earth observation data into future displacement forecasting models.
Key Areas of Work
The selected consultant will begin by reviewing DRC’s existing forecasting approach, relevant documentation and current data gaps.
The work will then involve mapping existing applications of earth observation and identifying areas where this technology could provide the greatest value to displacement forecasting.
The consultant will generate relevant earth observation datasets and work alongside DRC data scientists to test whether these datasets improve the accuracy of forecasting models.
Another important responsibility will be developing guidance that enables DRC’s data scientists to independently extract, analyse and store earth observation data in the future.
The assignment will conclude with a final report presenting the methodology, findings and recommendations for further development.
Three Phases of the Consultancy
The project will be delivered in three main phases.
Phase 1 – Review
The first phase will involve:
- A kick-off workshop
- Reviewing DRC’s displacement forecasting approach
- Reviewing existing data and data gaps
- Mapping relevant earth observation applications
This phase has a maximum timeframe of five working days.
Phase 2 – Testing
The second phase will focus on practical testing.
Activities will include generating earth observation data, holding technical discussions and working with DRC data scientists to assess the value of the information for forecasting.
This phase has a maximum timeframe of 20 working days.
Phase 3 – Finalisation
The final phase will involve producing:
- A draft guidance note
- Code samples
- A final guidance note
- A concise final report
- Recommendations for future development
This phase has a maximum timeframe of 15 working days.
Overall, the assignment is expected to require no more than 40 working days.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is primarily aimed at an organisation rather than an individual freelancer, as the eligibility requirements specify that the organisation must be a registered legal entity in its country of incorporation.
The organisation should have at least three years of proven experience delivering services related to earth observation data.
Essential experience includes:
- Processing earth observation data
- Analysing earth observation information
- Generating insights from earth observation data
- Data engineering
- Database management
- Producing reproducible technical outputs
- Developing guidance and tools for clients
- Delivering similar projects for other organisations
Experience in humanitarian data, displacement, fragile contexts and forecasting models would be an advantage.
The consultant or organisation should also be comfortable working collaboratively with clients and have strong communication and project-management skills.
Language Requirement
Fluency in written and spoken English is required.
Applicants should therefore be able to communicate technical findings clearly and produce high-quality documentation and guidance in English.
Remote Opportunity With No Travel
The consultancy is fully remote, making it potentially accessible to organisations working from different countries.
No travel is expected.
The selected consultant will be responsible for providing their own computer and mobile telephone.
Technical supervision will be provided by DRC’s Senior Analyst and Data Science Lead.
Timeline
The total assignment should not exceed 40 working days and must be completed by 31 December 2026.
The application deadline is:
2 September 2026
Because this is a consultancy procurement opportunity, interested organisations should carefully review the Request for Proposal before submitting their bid.
How to Apply
Detailed instructions are available in DRC’s Request for Proposal.
View the official DRC Request for Proposal
Final Thoughts
This consultancy presents an interesting opportunity at the intersection of technology, humanitarian action, data science and climate or disaster-related analysis.
By combining satellite-derived information with displacement data and forecasting models, DRC aims to improve its ability to identify emerging displacement trends and support earlier humanitarian action.
For organisations with proven experience in earth observation, data engineering and humanitarian applications, this could be an opportunity to contribute to a highly practical project with potential applications across multiple humanitarian contexts.
Organisation: Danish Refugee Council (DRC)
Consultancy: Earth Observation for Displacement Forecasting
Work arrangement: Remote
Travel: None expected
Maximum duration: 40 working days
Completion deadline: 31 December 2026
Minimum organisational experience: 3 years in earth observation services
Language: English
Application deadline: 2 September 2026
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