OXFAM
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR PROMOTING THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN AND IMPROVING GENDER EQUALITY THROUGH CONFLICT-SENSITIVE APPROACHES IN 16 WARDS OF MICHIKA AND 8 WARDS OF GUYUK LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS, ADAMAWA STATE.
CONSULTANCY TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR BASELINE ASSESSMENT
PREFACE
Nigeria is a patriarchal society where women and girls are being subjugated; a multi-ethnic nation with diverse socio- cultural beliefs and practices that perpetuate unequal gender relations. However, these practices have continued to widen the unequal access and control of resources and opportunities, exclusion from leadership roles, increased Incidence of Gender-Based Violence, and limited access to sexual and reproductive health rights.
Adamawa state is the third epicentre of the humanitarian crises, with women and girls disproportionately affected by sexual and gender-based violence and trafficking, and social ostracization, and many remain socio-economically vulnerable to these abuses. Women take on non-traditional roles, including the broadening of their economic activities as Female Heads of Households (FHH) and new roles within the care activities of the household and community structures. About 63% of vulnerable households across communities worst hit by conflict are female-headed, which has also heightened their overall vulnerability with state and community systems and social support networks weakened thereby creating heightened vulnerability for the affected population, particularly women and girls. The crisis has deepened further harmful traditional practices (HTPs) of early childhood marriage to preserve the family honour of girls prevent out-of-wedlock pregnancy and reduce the economic burden of the household
Given these challenges, Oxfam, CEPAD, CRUDAN and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH with funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is implementing an eighteen (18) month project. The project aims to “advance women’s rights and enhance gender equality through conflict-sensitive approaches in Michika and Guyuk Local Government of Adamawa state”.
The project’s specific objectives are to:
i. improve participation of women and socially excluded groups in social, political, and economic activities and ii. decision-making processes.
ii. strengthen systems and capacities of government and local institutions towards promoting gender equality and social inclusion.
Objective of the Baseline Assessment
The main objective of the baseline assessment is to provide a foundational step by providing the necessary information for targeted and effective interventions to promote women’s rights and gender equality through conflict-sensitive approaches.
The Specific Objectives are:
i. assess the status of women’s rights in Michika and Guyuk LGAS,
ii. evaluate the participation of women and socially excluded groups in social, political, and economic activities and decision-making processes at different levels using a socioecological model, on gender dynamics,
iii. examine the impact of conflict iv. examine women’s access and control of socioeconomic services and the impact on the quality of life of women and girls,
v. assess community perceptions and attitudes to gender equality, in the selected LGAS,
vi. identify existing support systems and structures
vii. access the security and safety of women in conflict-affected areas.
Scope of Work
The baseline assessment will cover the following aspects
a. Stakeholder mapping and stakeholder analysis
b. Data Collection
- Review of existing data, policies, and documents related to the project in Michika and Guyuk LGAS.
- Surveys, interviews, in-depth interviews, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions with local stakeholders, including community members, government officials, and relevant NGOs.
c. Data Analysis
Data analysis and interpretation to provide answers to the objectives and baseline data for the project indicators.
Identification of trends, challenges, and opportunities.
d. Recommendations
- Developing specific, actionable recommendations for each sector based on the analysis.
- Prioritizing recommendations for immediate and long-term interventions.
e. Reporting
- Preparation of a comprehensive report presenting the findings, analysis, and recommendations.
DELIVERABLES
The firm is expected to deploy relevant social scientific research approaches in conducting the assessment within 20 days. Deliverables from this exercise will include and are not limited to:
a) a detailed non-ambiguous inception report capturing methods, approaches, and assessment tools to be used for the assessment.
b) a detailed non-ambiguous comprehensive report detailing the findings at the end of the assessment, which should include: Quantitative and qualitative baseline data as captured on the project log frame; intersectional gender analysis; disability assessment; social exclusion analysis; vulnerability assessment; Power and stakeholders’ analysis; Risk and mitigation strategies associated with the project implementation; identify risk and mitigation strategies associated with the project intervention in advancing women’s rights and; identify and highlight the socio-political factors that could hinder the effective implementation of the project; a detailed risk and stakeholders’ analysis for the project; a detailed list of stakeholders to be engaged by the project to ensure the successful delivery of project outcomes; pictures of field activities; tables, graphs etc. where necessary; phone contacts where relevant and necessary.
c) a brief PowerPoint presentation summarizing the findings of the assessment to be presented to a team from Oxfam, partners, and other stakeholders.
QUALIFICATIONS
Interested firms should have the following qualifications, functional skills, and competencies:
i. PhD with a minimum of 3 years of experience/MSc degree with a minimum of 7 years of experience in Social Science, Gender and Development Studies, Women Studies, Sociology, Demography and Social Statistics, Economics, Political Science, International Development/International Relations, and other related fields.
ii. Previous proven experience in conducting intersectional gender analysis and feminist research is of high importance.
iii. Ability to communicate feedback in an easy-to-read and understand narrative format.
iv. Sound understanding of the gender dynamics of the Northeastern region that includes knowledge of local context; and gender-sensitive community engagement processes.
v. Technical knowledge of gender research and feminist methodologies.
vi. Extensive experience in community development, social cohesion, and participatory planning processes.
vii. Strong knowledge of the local context and cultural dynamics in Adamawa State, particularly in Michika LGA.
viii. Expertise and experience in conducting gender research at the national and sub-national level in Nigeria.
ix. Good understanding of the socio-economic and socio-political context in Adamawa State, Nigeria.
Application
Interested and qualified firms are expected to submit the following
i. a cover letter or expression of interest highlighting relevant experience and skills to the specific baseline, a brief profile of the team and their roles, and the reasons for interest in the work.
ii. the CV(s) of all the team members to be involved.
iii. technical proposal with detailed methodology, approaches and timeline (this is of high importance).
iv. a financial proposal that offers good value for money and maximizes potential efficiencies to deliver the outputs within budget is expected.
v. attach samples of similar research (at least 2) conducted.
vi. the names and contacts of previous client(s) to be contacted for references.
vii. Filled Request for quotation form with proper withholding tax deduction.
All applications should be submitted to nga.bid@oxfam.org in one PDF document, applicants could use https://combinepdf.com/if Acrobat Adobe PDF is not available.
Please note that OXFAM will deduct and remit to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) a 5% withholding Tax for freelancers or 10% for firms from the total consultancy fees under the Nigerian Tax Law.
Equal Opportunity
“OXFAM is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, colour, religion, gender, disability, etc. Qualified women and PWDs are strongly encouraged to apply”.
