Consultancy For The Implementing Of The Baseline For The Project

1. BACKGROUND: The proposed Phase 1 initiative (two years) is part of a longer term five year initiative aimed at bringing about change in the lives of women across Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon. The phase I of the project is intended to address the focal problem identified: “increasing level of women’s disempowerment and lack of participation in social, economic and political spheres” and in particular the first three identified root causes: 1) Perception of women’s role; 2) Power and control and 3) Governance systems. During phase I, the project will focus on building a base of men and women change-makers, from diverse backgrounds, working in their communities to raise awareness of gender roles and women’s political participation thus driving change one individual at a time; and increase women’s political participation by bringing men and women together and empowering them to advocate for increased women’s political participation. The concept of change makers is centred on recruiting women and men who believe in gender equality and equal power relations. They are provided with educational materials and simple messages and in turn they start to change others and recruit more change makers who would carry on the same mission, multiplying the impact of the project. Oxfam believes a combination of factors coalesce to strengthen women’s position to advocate for their rights and play an active role in the development of their countries. This includes strong, cohesive networks that allow a diversity of women to raise their voices collectively; training and mentoring that enable women to increase their skills and confidence to participate in and influence governance systems and processes; will to transform discriminatory attitudes, values and behaviours that subordinate and marginalise women; accountable states able to ensure gender equality; and inclusive civil society organisations that respond to the needs of grassroots communities, with strong links between local and national CSOs.   Oxfam recognises four broad spheres that influence women’s opportunities to participate in decision making including: The personal (a woman’s personal capacity, confidence and context have a strong influence on her capacity to act and be heard); The political (includes participation in public and traditional decision-making structures and processes and access to leaders who can influence change); The social (includes norms and attitudes as upheld by the media or cultural institutions as well as civil society organisations, particularly women’s organisations, which provide women with a platform or strengthen their capacity to have their voices heard) The economic (gendered norms and responsibilities for housework and care work drastically reduce women’s access to paid work and makes them more dependent on men and reduces their capacity to get organised and participate in decision-making structures and processes).   The project will adopt Asia We Can campaign methodology. This approach is based on two interlinked models of change. The first one pertains to the process of attitude-belief-practice change among individuals and is based on the ‘Stages of Change theory’ developed by psychologists Prochaska and DiClemente in 1982 and refined in 1992. This psychological theory of change has been further adapted by women’s rights interventions in Uganda (Raising Voices) and South Asia (We Can End All Violence against Women campaign).   So, what is different about this approach? A positive approach It is simple and engaging It is a positive driving force The message is ‘Change is possible and desirable’ It reflects ownership It reflects a move from individual to collective action A full circle approach (see figure above) Engages people from all walks of life Engages both women and men Engages policy makers as well as ordinary women and men Intervenes at every stage of personal change Scale and outreach through an Inverse Pyramid The approach is about achieving scale, directly reaching out to a large number of people and triggering change (unless a large number of people are changing, there will not be societal change) e.g. South Asia campaign mobilised 5 million change makers. Those directly engaged by the project then further reach out to a smaller number, thus making the total outreach very large. For e.g. in South Asia campaign each change maker talked to 10 people within their sphere of influence, thus making the total outreach 50 million The outreach needs to be spread across a wide cross section of the society The approach focuses on concrete changes in actions and behaviour rather than just stopping at awareness creation. The approach moves from personal changes to collective actions and to changes in institutions  Space for Individual expression of change The onus of change is on individual Individual has the responsibility and control over the type of change and pace of change As a result, the change is not prescribed by the project There is a wide diversity in the type of changes that individuals make Interactive Communication and Learning Materials The project relies on centrally developed communication material to reach out the messages without any dilution or misinterpretation in handing it down through stakeholders The communication materials are not prescriptive The material is designed to trigger analysis of the situation and a need to change among individuals, leaving them to arrive at a decision to change and the type of change that they would like to make Material is based on everyday lived experiences of women and men  and unpacks complex concepts like justice, violence, equality, control and discrimination through these lived realities Diverse alliance, flexible alliance structure The alliance comprises a large number of organisations and institutions with an outreach amongst a wide cross section of the society. The alliance includes traditional development actors like NGOs as well as non-traditional actors like schools, corporations, syndicates, unions, clubs and other groups 2. PROJECT OUTLINES: Overall Goal (5 years approach): Women and men reject all forms of discrimination that give rise to gender inequality, contributing to a more equal, violence-free and democratic society in the MENA region es Specific Objective (2 years project): Women in targeted communities of Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq enjoy increased participation and decision making within the private and public sphere Result 1: Women and men in targeted communities are mobilized and have improved perceptions of gender equality and women’s political participation Result 2: Change makers and their allies are actively engaged in joint advocacy for increased women’s political participation Result 3: Improved cooperation and capacity of project partners and key stakeholders through joint learning and actions   (Please refer to detailed logframe in annex 1)   Project implementing partners The project will be implemented with 3 partners, one in each country: Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development-Legal Aid  (Jordan) Women Empowerment Organization (Northern Iraq in Kurdish Territory) ABAAD – Resource Centre for Gender Equality (Lebanon)   Detailed location Iraq: Northern Iraq in Kurdish Territory Jordan: Zarqa governorate Lebanon: All six governorates i.e. North (Tripoli), South (Sidon), Bekaa (Zahleh), Beirut (Beirut), Mount Lebanon (Baabda) and Nabatiye (Natabiye)   Targeted Beneficiaries and targeted groups Direct and indirect beneficiaries: Location Direct tier 1 (men and women): Change Makers   Direct tier 2 (men and women): Change Makers Indirect: Men and Women from the communities   Year 1 Year 2 Year 1 Year 2 Year 1 Year 2 Iraq 120 220 240 390 2,480 4,880 Jordan 120 220 240 390 2,480 4,880 Lebanon 120 220 240 390 2,480 4,880 Total per year 360 660 720 1,170 7,440 14,640 Grand total (2 years) 1,020 1,890 22,080 It is expected that most of or all changes makers for Direct tier 1 change makers for year 1 (total of 360) will be identified by the start of the baseline data collection. Other change makers will be identified at later stage.   Target groups Target groups will also include sub-national and national authorities, including bar associations, private sector that will be targeted by change makers to influence gender equality on issues of importance for women. Women’s organizations at national level will be targeted to join leading community change makers in collations to build alliances to target policy makers on issues related to enforcing mechanisms to implement endorsed laws and to promote actual implementation of full citizenship. Political parties and youth will be targeted to influence their agenda pertaining women’s rights and full citizenship that are currently influenced by political identities based on tribal, sectarian and confessional interests.   3. PUROSE OF CONSULTANCY:   The consultancy aims at implementing the baseline for the project. This baseline aims to provide pre intervention information that will help Oxfam and stakeholders undertake informed decisions on the project direction. The specific objectives are: Verify and document pre intervention levels of the project indicators as defined in the logframe through leading and facilitating the participatory project baseline involving key stakeholders Document pre intervention levels of the project assumption and risks as identified in the logframe Identify (through stakeholders and power mapping) possible project allies and key influential institutions (champions, floaters, blockers) that have influence and power in sharing agenda pertaining to women’s rights in target countries Provide initial partners’ capacity assessment Provide tested tool for change makers capacity assessment and potentially provide initial capacity assessment of change makers (if all 360 tiers one change makers are identified by data collection time) Based on the findings of the baseline and highly considering the project context,       Briefly assess/verify the project relevance and outline the project M&E steer.       Recommend improvement of project logframe and MEAL system       Recommend on possible strategies / actions for greater impact   4. INDICATIVE APPROACH: The baseline will be designed based on the logframe, indicators and some pre-identified data collection methods and tools that will be adapted for the purpose of the baseline of this programme. Oxfam is highly expecting the consultant to engage during preparation, planning, implementation and analysis of the baseline with Oxfam staff, partners, allies, change makers identified and women and men beneficiaries proportionately as appropriate. In delivering this, Oxfam would like the baseline to include but not limited to the following:  Targeted beneficiaries (women and men); Partners and stakeholders involved in the project at different levels: Implementing partners (ARDD-Legal Aid in Jordan, ABAAD in Lebanon and WEO in Northern Iraq in Kurdish Territory) Identified allies comprised of civil society organisation, private and public sector organisations. Most of the allies will be identified by the time of the implementation of the assignment Change makers: It is expected that at least half of the change makers will be identified by the start of the assignment. It is possible (to be confirmed) that all change makers are identify by the start of the data collection Civil society organisations, community-based organizations/groups and community leaders, local regional and national policy and decision makers, relevant private sector actors, etc. Oxfam staff involved in and contributing to the project’s implementation e.g. Country and Field teams.   The baseline methods are expecting to include a mix of quantitative and qualitative data collection methods.   5. KEY TASKS:   The assignment, as mentioned earlier, involves the participatory preparation and implementation of the project baseline. For the assignment, it is expected that the consultant will consider the need for participation and downward and upward accountability at different levels including communities, partners, Oxfam, donors and other relevant stakeholders. The following specific tasks are to be carried out: Contact with Oxfam and partners’ teams to ensure: Gathering expectations for the baseline process Reviewing available resources for carrying out the baseline Common understanding on the ToR Desk review of the project’s key documents including but not limited to: Project proposal and logframe Pre identified data collection tools to be adapted (as used in similar projects such as AMEL, “We Can” campaign, “Raising your Voice” campaign, Oxfam power analysis tools or developed by other organisations....) Other relevant project M&E systems Report from inception workshop Documents relevant to the approach Desk research of key stakeholders and power analysis including document review, internet research and eventually remote key informant interview Review the logframe and when relevant suggest recommendations for improvement and output indicators for key project activities In consultation with Oxfam, partners and allies, develop 1st draft data collection methodology and tools and stakeholders’ data base including review and adaptation of pre-identified means of verification and data base models. It is critical that some of the MoV are adapted to each country context Develop in consultation with Oxfam and partners first draft proposal for baseline implementation (in English) including: 5.1. Proposed indicators to be measured at the baseline: Review of the logframe indicators and recommendations for additional outputs indicators if relevant 5.2. For each indicator, suggested data collection methods, tool and sampling strategy 5.3. For stakeholders and power analysis, suggested method, tools and sample including suggested data base and list of stakeholders identified during desk review 5.4. Suggested capacity assessment tool and method for partners and change makers 5.5. Field implementation plan including specificities for each country 5.6. Tools and template for analysis and reporting 5.7. Data entry and analysis plan Translate relevant tools in Arabic, (Kurdish translation will be done by WEO colleagues) implement field test of tools and methods suggested and collect feedback from Oxfam, key partners’ staff, allies and when possible change makers Review and finalise proposal for baseline implementation based on feedback collected and field test findings 7.1. Final agreed indicators to be included in the baseline English 7.2. For each indicator, agreed data collection methods and tool, sampling strategy and guidance notes. Tools and guidance notes should be provided in both English and Arabic. 7.3. Final method, tools, data base and sample for stakeholders and power analysis. English 7.4. Final capacity assessment tools and methods for partners and change makers both in English and Arabic 7.5. Final field implementation plan with protocols for the enumerators and supervisors including specificities for each country English 7.6. Field manual for enumerators. (both in English and Arabic) 7.7. Tools and template for analysis and reporting (both in English and Arabic) 7.8. Data entry and analysis plan English Recruit and train the enumerators Implement the baseline including quantitative and qualitative data collection, entry, analysis and quality control. All data must be disaggregated per gender and targeted locations and descriptive analysis statistic and analysis of significant differences and correlation must be provided. Render first draft baseline report to Oxfam and partners for comments: Finalize the baseline report within a week of receiving comments.   6. EXPECTED OUTPUTS: Inception report/ First draft proposal for the implementation of baseline as described in task 5 Final proposal for the implementation of baseline as described in task 7 (please refer to detailed plan for language specificities) A draft report of the baseline. The feedback will be provided within one (1) week after the submission of the draft report in English. The  report will be of maximum 50 pages and be structured as follow (Details of the report outlines will be shared and discussed with the consultant upon contracting) Title Contents List of acronyms Executive summary Introduction and background/Context Objectives key tasks of assignments Assignment performance and key outputs       Project description and baseline indicators,       Baseline methodology, including sampling strategy (specifics on the design, methodology, and sample size calculations)       Limitations of the study       Baseline findings against the baseline indicators, risks and assumption and capacity assessment. Presentation of the findings should include narrative and tables, using descriptive and statistics as well as analysis of the results       Stakeholders and power mapping Indicator Tracking Table Recommendations on the indicators, MEAL strategy and programme intervention;  Appendix includes at least:        For each indicator, agreed data collection methods and tool, sampling strategy and guidance notes. Tools and guidance notes should be provided in both English and Arabic.       Final method, tools, data base and sample for stakeholders and power analysis. English       Final capacity assessment tools and methods for partners and change makers both in English and Arabic       Final field implementation plan with protocols for the enumerators and supervisors including specificities for each country English       Field manual for enumerators (both in English and Arabic)       Tools and template for analysis and reporting (both in English and Arabic)       Data entry and analysis plan English       List of documents consulted       Lists of Oxfam team and stakeholders’ representatives discussed/consulted throughout the assignment Final Project Baseline Report (in English). The final report will be produced in one week (7 days) following date of submission of comments. It will include changes/modifications, agreed between Oxfam, partners and the consultant.   7. TIMELINE: Oxfam is expecting the completion of the consultancy tasks as described in this ToR over a maximum period of 2 months starting early April and ending end of May 2014 latest. Applicants are kindly requested to indicate in their offers the actual required number of days versus team size involved and the financial rates. 8. TEAM COMPOSITION: Upon the conclusion of an open and competitive bidding process, Oxfam will select and commission a technically qualified independent Consultant/Consultancy Firm with an efficient and effective team composition taking into consideration the social, cultural, environmental and political/security issues.   9. GOVERNANCE & MANGAGEMENT OF THE BASELINE SURVEY: The Consultant will directly report to the Lana programme manager The Consultant will work closely and in consultation with Oxfam and partners project teams in Lebanon, Jordan and Northern Iraq in Kurdish Territory.   10. OTHER TERMS: 1.       Notice of Non-Binding Solicitation. Oxfam reserves the right to reject any and all bids received in response to this solicitation, and is in no way bound to accept any proposal. We additionally reserve the right to negotiate the substance of the finalists’ proposals, as well as the option of accepting partial components of a proposal if appropriate. Quantities are estimates only at this time and will be subject to change. Confidentiality  All information provided as part of this solicitation is considered confidential. In the event that any information is inappropriately released, Oxfam will seek appropriate remedies as allowed. Proposals, discussions, and all information received in response to this solicitation will be held as strictly confidential, except as otherwise noted.  Notification Prior to the expiration of the validity of the proposal, Oxfam shall notify the successful company that submitted the highest scoring proposal in writing and will invite for contract negotiations. Oxfam reserves the right to invite the second ranking company for parallel negotiations  Right to Final Negotiations Oxfam reserves the option to negotiate on the final costs, and final scope of work, and also reserves the option to limit or include third parties at Oxfam’s sole and full discretion in such negotiations.  Upon failure to reach agreement on the contents of the contract as stipulated in this document, Oxfam has the right to terminate the negotiations and invite the next-best rated company for negotiations.  Communication All communication regarding this solicitation shall be directed to appropriate parties at Oxfam. Contacting third parties involved in the project, the review panel, or any other party may be considered a conflict of interest, and could result in disqualification of the proposal. Acceptance Award of a proposal does not imply acceptance of its terms and conditions. Oxfam reserves the option to negotiate on the final terms and conditions.