A consultant for a Gender, Equity, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) assessment of IP2 Partners and its communities.
Terms of Reference
Position Title:  A consultant for a Gender, Equity, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) assessment of IP2 Partners and its communities.

Place of Assignment:  Vientiane capital with online meetings.

Reporting to: Director of Gender Development Association

Duration:  May-June 2024 (15 days)

Organization

Gender Development Association (GDA), is a leading Gender Rights Non-Profit Association, working throughout Lao PDR since 1991. GDA works to empower women and men to achieve gender equity through joint action, knowledge sharing and ending gender-based violence and discrimination.

About the Project:

GDA conducted the Gender Impact Assessment training for IP2 partners in 2022-2023 and conducted the community consultations. a GEDSI review for IP2 partners and communities and working on diverse capacity building with different levels (community, academic, national) related to livelihood, water governance and climate/renewable energy. The review aims to assess the organization’s practices, policies, and programs against GEDSI principles and identify areas for improvement.

Purpose:

In consultation with GDA team, the Consultant will assess the organization’s practices, policies, and programs against GEDSI principles and identify areas for improvement.

Integrating GEDSI principles into organizational operation and project implementation is crucial for ensuring equitable and sustainable outcomes. Thus, conducting a GEDSI review will provide valuable insights into IP2 partners’ strengths and weaknesses in this regard, and enabling them to:

• Strengthen accountability: Demonstrate their commitment to GEDSI principles and responsible programming.
  Improve program effectiveness: Identify and address potential gaps in their approach to ensure inclusivity and reach marginalized populations.
• Enhance reputation: Showcase their dedication to social responsibility and ethical practices.

The Scope of Work:

The primary of GEDSI review is to:

• Assess IP2 partners’ adherence to GEDSI principles in their policies, procedures, and project implementation.
• Identify areas where the organization can strengthen its integration of GEDSI considerations.
• Develop specific recommendations for improvement, including capacity building needs and potential adjustments to program design and implementation strategies.

Initial research questions to include:

• What is the current understanding of the partner organization as a whole and its staff, related stakeholders the organizations work with, and community on feminist leadership and/or GEDSI?
• What are the current practices of feminist leadership (on all four areas – which they call four Ps: Power, Principles/Values, Practices, Purpose/Politics) at both organization and community level?
• What are the gaps/areas for improvements? How to improve/recommendations?

The review will employ a participatory and comprehensive approach, incorporating the following methods:

• Desk review: With the technical support from Oxfam Mekong team and GDA to have the GEDSI tools, a consultant to facilitate the outline of key questions and documents to review such as organizational policies, project proposals, monitoring reports, and communication materials.
• Stakeholder consultations: In collaboration with GDA, a consultant will support the project team to prepare interviews and focus group discussions with staff, beneficiaries, community members, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Data analysis: The consultant will support in analyzing qualitative and quantitative data to identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement and writing the report.

Deliverables:

1. Desk review report on organizational policies, project proposals, monitoring reports, and communication materials, including outline of key questions.
2. GEDSI assessment report will culminate in a comprehensive report that includes:
   • An overview of the methodology employed.
   • A detailed assessment of IP2 partners’ GEDSI strengths and weaknesses.
   • Specific and actionable recommendations for improvement, along with a timeline for implementation.

For the dissemination purpose of the report, shall include both papers:

• An executive summary report.
• A two page infographics report.

Timeline

The proposed timeline for the review is April to June 2024, with the following key milestones:

• April 2024: Desk review. (4 days)
• May: Data analysis and stakeholder consultations. (4 days)
• June: Drafting and finalizing the review report. (7 days)

Skills and Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 Years of Progressive Experience in GEDSI research and community development.
• Experience with reporting to INGOs and UN Agencies considered an asset.
• Understanding of International treaties and laws.
• Advanced computer competency.
• Fluent in Lao and English, written and oral – Required.

 Application Submission:

We invite interested and qualified consultants to apply. Applicants should submit technical and financial proposals that fully describe: How you will achieve the Terms of Reference (TORs), The methodologies and approaches you will use. Please also attach the following in PDF format: Your CVs with proof of experience with relevant references for similar assignments (if any). All documents must be submitted by April 30, 2024 to: Email: info@gdalaos.org Cc: vanhvisa.vst@gmail.com

Please include “Application – IP2 GEDSI Consultant” in the title of your email.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

For any questions regarding this advertisement, please contact:

Vanhvisa VONGSOUTHI , Program Coordinator

Email: vanhvisa.vst@gmail.com

Tel: +856 20 5454 1234