Antecedentes

The Agro-Economic Development Project (ADP) is being implemented by UNDP, over a duration of three years, from 2015 – 2017. It is funded by the Government of Canada. The Project is implemented as a contribution to the proposed Governance for Local Economic Development Programme (GLED) under the Governance for Empowerment and Social Inclusion (GESI) cluster of UNDP. GLED is proposed as UNDP Sri Lanka’s new flagship programme for strengthening local governance capacities and improving socio-economic opportunities in vulnerable regions in the country. It is intended to build on and integrate the programmatic thrusts, approaches, results, networks and best practices of two of UNDP’s ongoing programmes, namely the Local Governance Programme (LoGoPro) and Transition Recovery Programme (TRP) under UNDP’s new Country Programme Action Plan (CPAP) 2013-2017, which is approved by the Department of External Resources and National Planning Department.

The main objective of the project is to improve livelihood opportunities for target communities, with a focus on ensuring greater role and engagement of women as beneficiaries, suppliers, members within producer groups and decision-makers. 

The project supports agricultural producer groups with the necessary infrastructure facilities. Based on the identified producer groups of the locality, infrastructure needs are identified in consultation with the producer groups, parent CBOs, government departments, regional chambers of commerce, and private sector where appropriate. Given the critical need, the Project addresses traditional and non-traditional agricultural infrastructure where needed, but puts weight on its focus in restoring or constructing livelihood infrastructure units that will benefit the producer groups to increase production, add value and access markets. With this orientation in mind, infrastructure units such as farm and fisheries access roads, post-harvest storage and processing facilities, auction centers and markets, are expected to be identified. The strategy of the proposed project is to promote Local Economic Development (LED) in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka, by increasing the opportunities and capacities of communities to engage in sustainable Agro- economic development in the North.

Expected outcomes of the project are as follows;

Outcome 1

Target communities have increased capacities and access to production, processing, value-addition and markets and services.

Outcome 2

Target communities, especially women and youth, have increased skills for employability and entrepreneurship.

Outcome 3

Exposure to and promotion of new models or approaches to local economic decision-making, business operations and access to services.

CONTEXT

Since the end of the conflict in May 2009, the Northern Districts of Jaffna, Kilinochchi, and Mullaithive have made significant progress towards post-conflict recovery. The majority of the almost 300,000 displaced at the end of the conflict had returned to their places of origin, and a majority of them have been recipients of relief aid and some form of initial livelihood assistance.

Women represent a high number among those displaced, and inter alia, among those retuned. It is estimated that there are approximately 59,000 war widows in the country’s formerly conflict-affected Northern and Eastern districts, though the number of women-headed households(WHHSs) would be far higher, including women who are estranged form their husbands, women whose husbands’ whereabouts are unknown. As in many other post-war contexts, women bear the brunt of post-war recovery challenges, women returnees in the formerly conflict-affected areas are traditionally more disadvantaged in recovering their socio-economic capacities, given pre-existing vulnerability and new human security challenges in transition periods, disproportionally higher burdens of unpaid household work, relatively weaker access to finance, micro-credit facilities, new inputs and training for alternative livelihoods and relatively weaker representation in decision-making on such issues at the local level. 

Women live in insecure environments in the aftermath of the war. The sexual exploitation and discrimination of women in conflict-affected communities further perpetuates gender inequality by devaluing women’s potential and rights at family, societal and enterprise levels.  This further limits their physical mobility, skills acquisition, and decision-making ability, access to information and resources and ownership of resources. The market analysis that was undertaken as part of the CIDA-funded Rebuilding Agricultural Livelihood Project (RALP) which was implemented by UNDP revealed that women in the targeted areas in the North were concentrated into lower paid, labour intensive work with little recognition and value in lower value parts of the agricultural value chains. The assessment also revealed that there is no or little opportunity for women to link their livelihoods for economic advantage due to lack of participation and representation of their interests and perspectives in agriculture-based producer organizations and related industry bodies. Additionally, the perceived gender roles based on discrimination and prejudice have social and economic implications, thus segregating women further into types of work with significantly lower value, status and power. As it stands, agriculture production in the North of Sri Lanka faces significant challenges to future viability which require strategic interventions sooner rather than later.  On closer analysis it is shown that, with change, particularly at the key points of value-addition and marketing, opportunities can be activated for the benefit of women, youth and socially excluded groups at both the supply and demand ends of the agricultural value chains.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The purpose of the study is to assess the extent of mainstreaming gender in the design and implementation stages of the ADP project.  The study will also assess the extent to which recommendations from the gender analysis conducted at the inception of the project have been incorporated into the project design. This study will provide an opportunity to learn about challenges and good practices in mainstreaming gender into market oriented, skills development livelihood projects and will provide a platform for UNDP and its implementing partners to improve gender mainstreaming in the design and implementation of future projects.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

• To assess the extent of gender mainstreaming into the project design and implementation;
• To assess the extent to which gender recommendations identified at the inception, have been incorporated into the project design and implementation;
• To assess the gender perspective in terms of relevance and effectiveness of the project interventions and project design in achieving the expected outcomes, especially for women and girl beneficiaries of the project in the agriculture and livelihood sector, while also assessing the sustainability of any results achieved;
• To assess how gender sensitive approaches have been incorporated by partners implementing various aspects of the project;
• To identify good practices, lessons learnt and recommendations with respect to mainstreaming gender into this project.

SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The gender study will cover the mainstreaming of gender in ADP Projects in Jaffna, Mullaithivu and Kilinochchi for the period between 2013 and the time of commencement of the study.

METHODOLOGY

An appropriate mix of qualitative and quantitative methods will be used to gather and analyse data/information, in order to offer diverse perspectives to the study, and to promote participation of different groups of stakeholders.

The final decision about the specific design and method for the study should emerge from the consultant taking into account the view of UNDP programme staff about what is appropriate and feasible to meet the study purpose, and objectives. 

The gender study will use available data/information to the greatest extent possible. This will encompass administrative data as well as various studies and surveys, including those conducted by the UNDP. This approach will help address the possible shortage of data and reveal gaps that should be corrected as the result of the study.

The gender study will be carried out through an active and wide participation of all relevant stakeholders including the primary stakeholders, CSOs, government institutions, private sector and UNDP representatives.

Deberes y responsabilidades

Expected deliverables from the consultant are :

Inception report: The consultant shall submit an electronic copy of the draft inception report to the commissioning manager as stated in the agreement. Before preparing the inception report, the consultant should consult with relevant UNDP staff to come to a consensus on the study methodology, field visit plans, sampling and so on. The inception report should include a detailed study methodology and framework along with the tools to be used to gather data, sampling approaches and key milestones. The inception report needs to be approved by UNDP before starting the data collection. The consultant may be asked to make an oral presentation of the inception report.

The inception report should include, inter alia:

• Study purpose and scope—A clear statement of the objectives of the study and the main aspects or elements of the initiative to be examined;
• Study criteria and questions—The criteria and questions that the study will use to assess performance and rationale;
• Study methodology—A description of data collection methods and data sources to be employed, including the rationale for their selection (how they will inform the study) and their limitations; data collection tools, instruments and protocols and discussion of reliability and validity for the study; and the sampling plan;
• A revised schedule of key milestones, deliverables and responsibilities;
• Detailed resource requirements tied to activities and deliverables detailed in the work plan.

Presentation 1: the preliminary study findings to be shared for validation with the study management team just after completion of data analysis.

Draft Study Report: The report’s findings and results should follow logically from the analysis, be credible and clearly presented together with analyses of achievements and deficiencies. All recommendations should (a) be supported by data analyses (evidence), findings and conclusions, (b) be clearly stated, and (c) specify who is recommended to do what by when.  The draft study report should be submitted on the date agreed in the inception report. Feedback for the report will be provided by the study management team.

Final Study Report: The final report may be prepared after a few iterations of the report if the quality standards are not met within the first round. The review and revision process from the draft report stage to the final report should not exceed 6 weeks.

Final Presentation: This would include findings of the study to be shared amongst a wider stakeholder group within four weeks of submitting the final report.

Communication materials to disseminate study findings: The consultant is required to come up with communication mechanisms to communicate the study findings, lessons learnt and best practices through appropriate knowledge sharing materials focusing on targeted audiences including UNDP staff, government stakeholders, implementing partners, beneficiaries, and other organizations who are working in similar types of projects and programmes.

DESCRIPTION OF TASKS

• Conduct the entire study process, including communicating all required information with the Project management unit;
• Finalize the research design and questions based on the feedback and complete inception report;
• Conduct the coordination and data gathering activities: desk review, focus group discussions;
• Data analysis, final report consolidation and submission;
• Deliver and Present the draft final report to the UNDP and relevant stakeholders;
• Develop communication materials to disseminate study finding among targeted audiences. 

Competencias

• Knowledge on UNDP programming principles and procedures; the UN evaluation framework, norms and standards; human rights based approach (HRBA);
• Demonstrate integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
• Promote the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
• Display cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Fulfill all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

Habilidades y experiencia requeridas

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field;
• A post-graduate degree in the related field will be added advantage.

Experience:

• Should have minimum 10 years of experiences in designing, implementation and evaluation of gender mainstreaming into development projects;
• Experience of working in, or assessing Gender Equality, Women’s Empowerment interventions, Women’s economic leadership and Women’s economic participation, Gender based violence is required;
• Comprehensive knowledge on Agriculture based entrepreneur development will be an added advantage;
• Extensive experiences in applying both quantitative, qualitative data collections tools, analyzing data/information;  
• Experience in using results-based management principles, theory of change/logical framework analysis for programming.

Language:

• Proven ability to write concise, readable and analytical reports and high quality academic publications in English;
• Ability to work in   local language will be an added advantage (Tamil);
• Be flexible and responsive to changes and demands;
• Be client oriented and open to feedback.

Requirement for additional expertise:

UNDP has no objection If the consultant acquires further assistance in specialized areas such as translations/interpretation, statistical data analysis, producing required communication material etc. provided that such costs are planned and included in the all-inclusive financial proposal submitted to UNDP at the onset.     

Financial Proposal

All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee: LKR  or

All Inclusive Daily Fee : LKR

Amount in words

Note: Payments will be based on invoices on achievement of agreed milestones i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR and certification of acceptance by the UNDP. The applicant must factor in all possible costs in his/her “All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee/Daily Fee” financial proposal including his/her consultancy and professional fee, honorarium, communication cost such as telephone/internet usage, printing cost, return travel from home to office, ad-hoc costs, stationery costs, and any other foreseeable costs in this exercise. No costs other than what has been indicated in the financial proposal will be paid or reimbursed to the consultant. The UNDP will only pay for any unplanned travel outside of this TOR and Duty Station on actual basis and on submission of original bills/invoices and on prior agreement with UNDP officials. Daily per-diems and costs for accommodation/meals/incidental expenses for such travel shall not exceed established local UNDP DSA rates.

For an Individual Contractor who is of 62 years of age or older, and on an assignment requiring travel, be it for the purpose of arriving at the duty station or as an integral duty required under the TOR, a full medical examination and statement of fitness to work must be provided.  Such medical examination costs must be factored in to the financial proposal above. Medical examination is not a requirement for individuals on RLA contracts.

Payment Services

How to Apply

• Cover letter explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised position;
• Updated CV to include qualifications/competencies and relevant past experience and contact details of 2 professional referees who can certify your competencies, professionalism, quality of writing, presentation skills and overall suitability for this TOR;
• Following documents must be submitted by the Interested applicants with the capacity to execute the scope of work described in the ToR above;

A detailed and realistic proposal including methodology and work plan along with rationale as to why it would be the best way to carry out the scope of work.

At least one samples of similar types of evaluation/study reports of your previous work

• Individual applicant will be evaluated based on a combination of factors including proposal, sample materials, cover letter, CV, and the financial offer which gives the best value for money for the UNDP;

Please duly fill the financial proposal and attach to the last page of the CV along with all other required documentation above

Note :

Please group all your documents into one (1) single PDF document as the system only allows uploading maximum one document.

Qualified women and members of minorities are encouraged to apply.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please make sure you have provided all requested materials.

Opened for Sri Lankan Nationals Only