Re-Ad: Fco Baseline & Case Study Consultant

     Promoting the Needs of Women in the Middle East and North Africa – Phase I (FCO)   FCO Baseline & Case Study ToR   OPT, Iraq, & Yemen     1.     Context & Introduction As part of Oxfam’s Regional Gender Justice Program (RGJP), and with funding from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), Oxfam is implementing the ‘Promoting the Needs of Women in Conflict in MENA’ project. The project aims to influence decision makers at the national, regional, and international level to become more aware of and more responsive to the practical needs and strategic interests of women and girls in conflict and fragile settings. Specifically, the project aims to increase the capacity of Women’s Rights Organizations (WROs) to advance women’s leadership and participation on issues affecting women and girls in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT), Yemen, and Iraq. It also aims to facilitate the role of WROs in collectively influencing decision makers in the region on the global Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. Oxfam will have completed the first phase of this project by the end of March 2017, with an expected second phase in April 2017. Eight grassroots partners had been selected (four within OPT and four within Iraq) for the first phase of the project. In its second phase, the project will expand to include 9-12 more well-established WROs across OPT, Iraq, and Yemen, while continuing work with the organizations from the first phase of the project. 2.     Purpose of the Consultancy The consultancy will focus producing on two major deliverables for the FCO project: a baseline for the second phase of the project and a case study of one of the grassroots partners from the first phase of the project. As part of the baseline, the consultant will use mixed methods to interview staff from 9-12 WROs to measure their current capacity and perceptions. The baseline will aim create a starting point from which to measure the indicators detailed for the second phase of the project. This data will eventually be used for a comparative analysis when evaluating the project at its end, allowing Oxfam to measure the outcomes of this project. It will also assist in providing perspective to the project team with regard to the current status of WRO partners and women’s participation and engagement in decision making processes in OPT, Iraq, and Yemen. Additionally, the case study is expected to provide in-depth learning regarding a specific partner (single WRO, yet to be chosen) and to illuminate potential best practices regarding implementation of advocacy and influencing on women, peace and security in conflict settings through grassroots organizations. As such, the consultant will work closely with the Oxfam RGJP Lead, Project Coordinator, and PMEAL Manager to produce these deliverables. Details of the project plan can be found in the annex.   3.     Scope of Work        The consultant will be expected to produce two key deliverables: A baseline for the second phase of the project, detailing the current status of 9-12 WRO partners and women’s engagement in decision making on the WPS agenda in OPT, Iraq, and Yemen. A case study of one of Oxfam’s partners in either OPT or Iraq from the first phase of the project. The consultant will be expected to develop the methodologies, sampling strategy, and data collection tools for both the baseline and the case study. This will be done in accordance to the project proposal and objectives and with the agreement of the RGJP Lead and the PMEAL Manager. The consultancy will involve dealing directly with Oxfam country offices and Oxfam partners, while reporting back to the RGJP team (based in Amman and Beirut) on all activities. Because of the sensitivity of Yemen, the consultant will not be expected to travel to the country. Rather, their work can be completed remotely. Additionally, should the consultant be unable to travel to OPT, similar arrangements may be found reasonable. The consultant will, however, be expected to travel to Iraq to conduct the work in person.   4.     Key Tasks The following specific tasks are to be carried out for the baseline: 1.       Contact with Oxfam and partner teams to: Gather expectations for the baseline process Review available resources for carrying out the baseline Ensure common understanding on the ToR   2.       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 (Oxfam power analysis tool, portfolio of evidence) Other relevant project M&E systems including M&E tools and methods used by Oxfam and partners in the previous phase of the project Report from inception workshop 3.       Develop in consultation with Oxfam and partners first draft proposal for baseline implementation (in English) including: Proposed indicators to be measured with operational definitions at the baseline: Review of the logframe indicators and recommendations for additional outputs indicators if relevant For each indicator, suggested data collection methods and tools. It may be critical that some of the means of verification be adapted to different countries’ contexts. Detailed sampling strategy per country and indicators as relevant. Field implementation plan including specificities for each country. Tools and template for data analysis and reporting. Data entry system and analysis plan. 4.       Translate relevant tools to Arabic, pilot tools and methods with relevant stakeholders, and collect feedback from Oxfam, key partner staff, and relevant stakeholders   5.       Review and finalize proposal for baseline implementation based on feedback collected and field test findings Final agreed indicators to be included in the baseline in English 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 field implementation plan with protocols for the enumerators and supervisors including specificities for each country in English and Arabic Field manual for enumerators (both in English and Arabic) Final tools and template for analysis and reporting (both in English and Arabic) Final data entry and analysis plan English 6.       Implement or, in case of challenges to travel to country, support Oxfam/partners in implementing the baseline including quantitative and qualitative data collection, entry, analysis and quality control. All data must be disaggregated per gender and targeted locations. Descriptive statistics, analysis of significant differences, and statistical correlations must be provided. 7.       Render first draft baseline report (in English) to Oxfam and partners for comments. 8.       Finalize the baseline report within a week of receiving comments.   The following specific tasks are to be carried out for the case study: Contact with Oxfam and partner teams to: Discuss potential topics for case study Review available resources for carrying out the case study Ensure common understanding on the ToR         2. Propose appropriate qualitative methodology and implementation plan.        3. Produce a qualitative tool (interview guide or focus group discussion guide) in agreement with Oxfam RGJP Lead and MEAL Manager.         4. Translate relevant tools in Arabic, pilot tools and methods with relevant stakeholders, and collect feedback from Oxfam, key partner staff, and relevant stakeholders.         5. Implement or, in case of challenges to travel to country, support Oxfam/partners in implementing the qualitative data collection, entry, analysis, and quality control.         6. Render first draft case study report (in English) to Oxfam and partners for comments.         7. Finalize the case study report within a week of receiving comments.  5.     Deliverables The consultant will be expected to produce the following deliverables: Baseline Inception report/ First draft proposal for the implementation of the baseline Final proposal for the implementation of the baseline A draft report of the baseline. Feedback will be provided within two (2) weeks after the submission of the draft report in English. The baseline report will be of maximum 30 pages and be structured according to Oxfam’s template (Details of the report structure will be shared and discussed with the consultant upon contracting). 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. Case Study Proposal for the implementation of the case study A draft of the case study report. Feedback will be provided within two (2) weeks after the submission of the draft report in English. The baseline report will be of maximum 15 pages and be structured according to Oxfam’s template (Details of the report structure will be shared and discussed with the consultant upon contracting). Final case study report (in English). The final report will be produced within 4 days following date of submission of comments. It will include changes/modifications, agreed between Oxfam, partners, and the consultant.  6.      Timeline Oxfam is expecting the completion of the consultancy tasks as described in this ToR over a maximum period of one month period starting as soon as possible ending on March 19th, 2017 at the latest. Applicants are kindly requested to indicate in their offers the actual required number of days versus team size involved and the financial rates and their availability.  7.      Team and 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.  8.     Governance and Management The Consultant will directly report to the RGJP PMEAL Manager. The Consultant will work closely and in consultation with Oxfam and partners project teams in Lebanon, OPT, Yemen, and Iraq.  9.      Consultant Profile The ideal consultant will have at least 7-10 years of relevant experience. The consultant should have the following skills and competencies: • Proven record in the development and implementation of robust baseline for women’s empowerment and governance programmes in the NGO sector. • Good knowledge and extensive practice applying participatory approaches and qualitative methods to monitoring and evaluation. • Good understanding of gender justice work and method for assessing changes related to the active participation and women leadership. • Experience of integrating gender dynamics within participatory data collection. • Experience in assessing capacities in particular related to women participation and leadership. • Relevant geographical experience in the Middle East, ideally including previous work in Iraq, OPT, and Yemen; and familiar with the reality for women in the Middle East. • Ability to communicate fluently in English (written and spoken), and at least one member of the team able to communicate fluently in Arabic  and write reports in English. • Excellent verbal/written communication skills and excellent report writing skills in English. • Ability to work with a diverse team and under pressure to produce agreed deliverables in a timely manner. • The consultant must be collaborative, willing to share thoughts, ideas, and make constructive criticism.   After reviewing applications, Oxfam reserves the right to suggest teaming up of consultants. Oxfam reserves the right to recruit a candidate before the listed end date. Due to the urgency of this post, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.  10.  Expression of Interest (EOI): Oxfam invites the submission of an EOI from an organisation or individual with the experience and skills described above. The EOI must include:   a) A cover letter of no more than 2 pages introducing the consultant/organisation and how the skills and competencies described above are met, with concrete examples (Organization profile outlining similar experience including type of task, employer, project title, location, achieved outputs). The cover letter should also reflect the number of days to complete the assignment. The cover letter should also indicate consultants’ availability for the proposed period.   b) An outline of no more than 4 pages of the proposed process and key considerations including:                                  i.            Key considerations for the baseline                                ii.            Proposed outline methodology for the baseline                               iii.            Proposed timeframe and team size                              iv.            Team composition, management arrangements, CV and detailed work plan of proposed team members including contactable referees c) Detailed financial proposal / costs with requested terms of payment. It is expected that the financial offer includes a primary budget breakdown of costs (fees, travel to Iraq and OPT, accommodation, taxes...etc). Applications without a financial offer will not be considered   d) One example of a report from previous similar assignment in the MENA region (preferably in   one of the countries of assignment). Period of validity: The Expression of Interest shall be valid for a period of minimum 14 days, starting from the submission date.  11.     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. 2.       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.  3.       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 4.        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.  5.       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. 6.       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.      Annex – Project Plan Based on the information provided in the Summary, use the table below to set out the Purpose, Outputs and Activities to be delivered.  Give the Indicator(s) for the Purpose and each Output, along with the Baseline information, what the target to be reached is, and when it will be delivered by, along with milestones (checkpoints) at which progress will be measured.  This will allow you to monitor and measure progress throughout the Project, and provide clear evidence of the Project’s success Indicator = what will be measured (e.g. the number of people who will be trained; the increase in positive perceptions of an issue) Baseline = the current status (e.g. no training exists; current perceptions are x% positive) Sources = where will the information on the baseline data and targets come from (e.g. data from research carried out by the implementer; open source data) Milestones = the key points at which progress will be tracked (can be specific dates/events or the regular quarterly reports – but provide indicative dates for the latter) Target = what the project will deliver (e.g. 100 people trained;  50% increase in positive perceptions) Date = the date by which it will be delivered Purpose/Objective:  Decision-makers at the national, regional and international levels will be more aware of and responsive to the practical needs and strategic interests of women and girls in conflict and fragile settings in MENA. Indicator(s) Baseline Sources Milestones Target & Date Number of WROs supported to engage with national, regional and global decision-makers. 0 Progress reports Final evaluation 3 WROs by December 2017 6 WROs by 31 March 2018 6 WROs by 31 March 2018   Percentage of supported WROs who report positive experience from engagement with national governments, UN systems and regional bodies Will be measured at baseline[1] Baseline Progress reports Final evaluation 50% increase by 31 March 2018 50% increase by 31 March 2018 Output 1: Women’s rights organisations in MENA will have increased capacity to advance women’s practical needs and strategic interests in conflict and fragile settings. Indicator(s) Baseline Sources Milestones Target & Date Percentage of supported WROs reporting increase in their influencing capacity (Activity 1.3, 1.4) 0 Progress reports: beneficiary self-report, including pre/post-training assessments, assessment of use of acquired skills Final evaluation   50% increase by 31 December 2017 75% increase by 31 March 2018 75% increase by 31 March 2018 Number of grassroots organisations receiving second tranche of funds through WPS fund (Activity 1.5) 0 Phase 1 evaluation report Phase 2 grantee review and selection process document Phase 2 signed funding agreements   Grantee review and selection process by May 2017 Finalised funding agreements by June 2017 Transferring funds to selected grassroots by July 2017 Up to 10 grassroots organisations re-selected by June 2017 Number of documented stories showing positive change in women’s leadership and participation under WPS fund (Activity 1.7) 0 Women’s documented experiences 5 case studies by 31 December 2018 10 case studies by 31 March 2018 10 documented stories by 31 March 2018 Activities linked to Output 1 Capacity Development 1.1 Training on advocacy with the UN system Oxfam will organise training for partner WRO representatives on how to engage with the United Nations system to advocate for women’s rights and gender justice in conflict and fragile settings. The training will be organised in collaboration with UN agencies, for example, UN Women, UNDP, UNFPA, Office of the Special Representative for Sexual Violence in Conflict, and relevant INGOs for four days. It is expected that the training will include topics such as preparing and submitting shadow reports for CEDAW, submitting Universal Periodic Review reports, lobbying member states and engaging with UN Security Council on WPS. 1.2 Production of a toolkit on advocacy for women’s rights in conflict and fragile settings Oxfam will develop a toolkit reflecting lessons learnt and best practices from various contexts and providing practical guidance and tools for advocacy at national, regional, and international level on a variety of issues, including those directly and indirectly related to WPS. In doing so, we will draw on existing experiences within the organisation, including our collaboration with the League of Arab States as well as extensive gender and governance programming as well as close coordination with WROs and human rights organisations, and wider FCO partners. The toolkit will then be translated, designed and printed in a total of 500 copies (in two languages) to be shared with organisations from the region; the two versions will also be disseminated online. Women, Peace, and Security Fund 1.3 Provision of small grants to 10 grassroots organisations The Women, Peace and Security Fund small grants mechanism established in phase 1 of the project will continue in phase 2. In phase 1, ten GROs from Iraq and OPT will be selected through an open call for applications and rigorous selection process[2] and provided with £7,000 to implement activities until March 2017. In phase 2, grantees that demonstrate effective and efficient implementation in phase 1 (based on grantee reports, Oxfam assessment, and FCO standards), will receive a second disbursement of £12,950 (total 19,950 GBP). In the instance that a phase 1 grantee is not selected for second phase funding, Oxfam will discuss with the FCO and make a decision as to whether to re-allocate those funds to another existing GRO grantee with capacity to effectively use the funds, or to reallocate to another budget line. Small grassroots organisations represent the needs and interests of local communities, but often lack the reach and capacity to access donor funds. This is particularly true in the MENA region. The WPS Fund addresses this challenge and builds on the learnings from a recent evaluation of Oxfam’s AMAL Project (meaning ‘Hope’ in Arabic), which highlighted the relevance and effectiveness of granting mechanisms that directly cater to the needs of communities. It will allow GROs to implement small-scale interventions supporting women’s rights in conflict and fragile settings which, if successful and impactful, can then be replicated or scaled up. Through its own networks, Oxfam will also seek to link these organisations with established national WROs and women’s rights coalitions in partner countries, providing them with an opportunity to expand their networks and raise the voice of their female constituencies. Topics covered through the WPS Fund may include violence against women and girls (VAWG), attacks against women human rights defenders, tackling extremism, access to services, and women’s participation and leadership in conflict and peace processes. In managing the WPS Fund, Oxfam will apply its Partnership Principles and Program Standards, Common Approach for Monitoring and Accountability Standards (CAMSA). In phase 1, an inception workshop will be conducted with grantees to train them on the FCO’s and Oxfam’s progress reporting, finance management and reporting, and M&E requirements, and to finalise activity plans and budgets. In phase 2, two monitoring visits of each grantee will be conducted to monitor activity implementation and to provide follow-up training and advice on progress reporting, finance management and reporting, and M&E as needed. 1.4 Documentation of WPS fund grantees’ experiences Oxfam’s Gender and Advocacy Manager and PMEAL Manager will support WPS fund grantees in documenting their experiences in ten case studies that will be used to derive lessons learnt or best practices in terms of WPS programming in the region, provide evidence of relevance and impact of addressing gender justice and women’s rights in conflict and fragile settings, and support advocacy efforts. These case studies are also expected to contribute to the body of knowledge disseminated under the proposed intervention, and will be published on Oxfam platforms and social media for greater reach and visibility. Output 2: Women’s rights organisations in MENA play a more effective role in advancing women’s practical needs and strategic interests in conflict and fragile settings. Indicator(s) Baseline Sources Milestones Target & Date Number of advocacy or influencing initiatives implemented by supported WROs related to gender justice in conflict and fragile settings 0 Progress reports Supporting documents review Final evaluation 1 initiative by 31 December 2018 2  initiatives by 31 March 2018   3 initiatives by 31 March 2018 Number of policy asks relating to needs and interests of women in conflict that are articulated by supported WROs 0 Progress reports Final evaluation 1 policy asks by 31 December 2018 2 policy asks by 31 March 2018   3 asks by 31 March 2018 Improved engagement of women in local level decision-making Will be measured in phase 1 baseline Baseline survey Focus group discussions Progress report Final evaluation 10% increase by 31 December 2017 30% increase by 31 March 2018 30% increase by 31 March 2018 Activities linked to Output 1   Influencing work on gender justice and women’s rights at national level 2.1 Dissemination of policy and position papers Oxfam will be support WROs in the three target countries to disseminate policy and positions papers on issues related to women’s rights and gender justice in fragile and conflict settings. This may include protection against gender-based violence, participation in peace negotiations, etc. These papers will be context-specific, each with a specific ask, and will entirely be led on by WROs themselves. The dissemination will be done through publication of materials, organising lobby meetings and workshops with key national stakeholders. It is expected that this effective dissemination of policy and position papers with key recommendations will inform relevant national decision-making processes as well as rallying public support. Iraq 2.2 Build and maintain informal coalitions for advocacy amongst small WROs In phase 2, Oxfam will continue to support the Al Amal organisation to provide regular coaching and mentoring of WROs in five different governorates in Iraq. Individualised and direct capacity development on leadership, persuasive and strategic advocacy approaches, to both local partners and female provincial council members will draw on Iraq’s 1325 National Action Plan (NAP) and contribute to national-level campaigning on the issues where appropriate. In addition, Al Amal will organise two workshops aiming at further raising awareness and building capacities of relevant stakeholders around the 1325 NAP as well as identifying implementation gaps at local level for further action. 2.3 Advocacy for implementation of 1325 NAP at provincial level Al Amal and Oxfam will support WROs and CBOs to organise local actions calling for the inclusion of women in the decision-making processes regarding the humanitarian response and stabilisation efforts. These actions are expected to provide an opportunity for organisations to facilitate small-scale policy and behaviour change within their own communities. A short film will also be produced to compile the experiences and will be shared online and offline. 2.4 Convening Iraqi grassroots activists and women’s rights leaders at national level Oxfam and Al Amal will organise one large national conference to draw on the experiences implemented under the project, discuss alternatives for the women’s right movement in Iraq to strengthen its campaigning to address the protracted crisis, review and refine power analysis, create new alliances and relationships and endorse joint messages which will be identified and adopted by all participating parties. Senior government and parliament representatives will be invited to lobby and influence. The conference will build on the first year to create space for WROs to renew commitment to localising Iraq’s NAP in the evolving context of their governorates and simultaneously strengthen the evidence base of the national movement. Influencing Work on Gender Justice and Women’s Rights at Regional Level 2.5 Strategic engagement with the League of Arab States to support the elaboration and implementation of regional gender-responsive policies   Using its collaboration with the LAS and CSOs from the MENA region and in partnership with Open Society Foundation, Oxfam will select two priority WROs from project countries to engage in two meetings with the LAS (e.g. departments of Human Rights, Women, Family, and Childhood, Civil Society, and Humanitarian Affairs) to establish consultation mechanisms for addressing gender justice and women’s rights in conflict and fragile settings. The expected focus will be on the implementation gap of the LAS regional strategy “Protection of Arab Women, Peace and Security” in the selected country. As part of its influencing work, Oxfam’s Regional Gender Justice Programme will also be conducting a stakeholder mapping in 2016 to indentify key actors and assess their level of support to and influence on gender justice issues in the region. The results of this mapping are expected to inform engagement with bodies at regional level. 2.6 Regional exchange on good practices on gender-responsive legislations In partnership with Equality Now, Oxfam will organise one regional exchange with partner WROs to discuss good practices and lessons learned on gender-responsive legislative reforms, including for violence against women legislations, lifting of CEDAW reservations, and constitution drafting. It is expected that this exchange will allow WROs to apply acquired knowledge in their own efforts for advancement of gender justice and women’s rights. Influencing work on gender justice and women’s rights at the global level 2.7  Engagement with global networks and decision-making processes on gender justice, especially on Women, Peace and Security Oxfam will engage its partner WROs in the development of the MENA component of its global Women, Peace, and Security Rights in Crisis Campaign[3], amplifying the voices of Arab women in global influencing campaigns. This will include supporting WRO representatives to participate in relevant global consultation forums, dialogues and events such as the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security, the Commission of the Status of Women (CSW), and UNGA in October, UNSC annual meeting on WPS.