Background
Over the years, Malaysia has consistently shown its commitment to achieving gender equality and promoting women’s rights in the country. Specifically, over the last two decades, several institutional approaches have been taken to ensure that gender is mainstreamed across all national development plans, policies and programmes.
An assessment of women’s empowerment and gender equality in early 2015, however, notes that from an economic perspective in 2013, the female labour force participation rate (LFPR) remains significantly below that for men (52% compared to 81%) and with 48% of women of working age (15-64 years) classified as outside the labour force. This figure includes 40% of women with tertiary education. In terms of average monthly basic wage, on the whole, females tend to obtain wages that are comparable to male counterparts, however when decomposed by occupations, females tend to lag behind their male counter parts in all occupations with the exception of technical and associate professionals.
Women’s lower economic participation and wage disparities, especially within professional occupations; their limited command of economic resources; and under-representation in decision-making bodies in Parliament and state legislative assemblies, as well as low senior management positions in private sector, attributable to the complex inter-play of cultural and socio-economic factors constraining women’s empowerment and exacerbating gender inequalities, remain of concern. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has ranked Malaysia at 91 out of 146 countries on its Gender Development Index, which measures gender inequalities in the areas of health, education and command over economic resources.
As Malaysia enters into the design and implementation stage of the 11th Malaysia Plan: 2016 – 2020 (11MP), there is an urgent need to review the results of strategies aimed at mainstreaming gender over the period of the 10th Malaysia Plan: 2011-2015 (10MP) and ensure issues of gender equality and women’s empowerment continue to be substantively included in national development policymaking and is both implemented and monitored resulting in stronger outcomes across all socio-economic dimensions. To support this agenda, the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (MWFCD) in collaboration with the UNDP has embarked on a project titled Strengthening and Enhancing the Inclusiveness of Women Towards an Equitable Society in the 11th Malaysia Plan (2016 – 2020).
The joint project seeks to review the various initiatives across Ministries and agencies to mainstream gender and based on the lessons drawn from the review, the project will develop a framework that seeks to enhance the implementation of gender mainstreaming in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation during the course of the implementation of the 11MP.
The Objectives:
In line with the outputs outlined in the Strengthening and Enhancing the Inclusiveness of Women Towards an Equitable Society in the 11th Malaysia Plan (2016 – 2020) project, UNDP seeks to appoint a National Consultant to conduct a review on the effectiveness of the implementation of gender mainstreaming over the period of the 10MP and to develop three distinct reports. The review will include literature reviews, technical meetings, policy dialogues, and interviews.
The review will specifically focus on the National Policy on Women and the National Action Plan for the Advancement of Women and other related gender mainstreaming policies, strategies and action plans. In conducting the review, the National Consultant will also be required to identify existing gender-disaggregated data that has been collected at the ministerial/ agency levels and make recommendations for new areas in which gender-disaggregated data can be introduced in the 11th Malaysia Plan.
Outputs:
Based on the above-noted processes, the National Consultant is expected to the following:
- Report 1: Effectiveness of the National Policy on Women and National Action Plan for the Advancement of Women (10th Malaysia Plan: 2011 – 2015)
- Report 2: Recommendations for Gender-Disaggregated Data in the 11th Malaysia Plan.
Based on the results captured in the two reports above, the consultant will be required to coordinate and facilitate several national consultative policy dialogues and based on the feedback received, develop a gender mainstreaming framework and policy recommendations for the 11th MP which will be documented in Report 3: Gender Mainstreaming Framework and Policy Recommendations for the 11th Malaysia Plan.
Duties and Responsibilities
Output 1. Report on the Effectiveness of the National Policy on Women and National Action Plan for the Advancement of Women (10th MP: 2011 – 2015):
- Undertake literature review and analysis of relevant national and sectoral policies, strategies, action plans. The base set of documents for review will be provided by MWFCD and UNDP;
- Document lessons learnt from international good practices on gender mainstreaming in national policies, monitoring mechanisms and budgetary management;
- Develop appropriate tools, approaches and questionnaires to assess the effectiveness of implementation of gender mainstreaming over the period of the 10MP;
- Analyse typology of data currently available on gender mainstreaming initiatives at the ministerial and sectoral levels;
- Facilitate policy dialogues with Ministerial Gender Focal Points, MWFCD and civil society organisations on approaches to strengthen gender mainstreaming and targeting, with emphasis placed on social-economic related sectors;
- Facilitate policy dialogues with Ministerial policy and budget Focal Points, MWFCD and relevant organisations on approaches to strengthen gender-responsive budgeting and internal arrangements and coordination;
- Develop a comprehensive analytical report on the strengths and gaps in the implementation of gender mainstreaming across the public service as well as provide recommendations to address the persistent gaps faced in implementing gender mainstreaming.
Output 2. Recommendations for Gender-Disaggregated Data for the 11th Malaysia Plan Report:
- Undertake literature review and analysis of relevant national and sectoral gender-disaggregated data. The base set of documents for review will be provided by MWFCD and UNDP.
- Identification, sourcing, codification and consolidation of gender-disaggregated data and related data across Ministries and relevant agencies;
- Document lessons learnt from international good practices on development and management of gender disaggregated data;
- Develop appropriate tools, approaches and questionnaires to assess the effectiveness of implementation of gender disaggregated data across Ministries and agencies;
- Facilitate policy dialogues with Ministerial Gender Focal Points, MWFCD, Department of Statistics and civil society organisations on approaches to strengthen development, collection and analysis of gender disaggregated data;
- Develop a comprehensive analytical report on the availability and quality of gender disaggregated data currently available across Ministries and relevant agencies and based on the proposed Sustainable Development Goals provide an analysis of data preparedness of the Malaysian statistical systems to the related gender indicators.
Output 3: Gender Mainstreaming Framework and Policy Recommendations for the 11th Malaysia Plan:
- Facilitate policy dialogues with Ministerial Gender Focal Points, MWFCD, and civil society organisations to develop a report titled Gender Mainstreaming Framework and Policy Recommendations for the 11th Malaysia Plan;
- Building upon the 2 Reports developed above; the Gender Mainstreaming Framework and Policy Recommendations for the 11th Malaysia Plan should encompass improvements on the approach towards gender responsive budgeting; implementation approaches and refinement on the roles, reporting structures and key performance indicators of the Gender Focal Points; and anticipated gender disaggregated data during the 11MP period in line with the Sustainable Development Goals’ indicators; and approaches to collaborate with non-state development actors (civil society organisations, academia, think-tanks and the private sector) to strengthen and accelerate the gender development attainments in Malaysia.
Deliverables:
- Develop and submit an Inception Report encompassing: (Within 15 days of the contractual appointment)
- The proposed work plan and methodology for the consultancy, including resources and necessary tools to elicit required data from all relevant stakeholders;
- A proposed outline and structure of:
- Report 1;
- Report 2;
- Gender Mainstreaming Framework and Policy Recommendations for the 11th Malaysia Plan.
- Develop and submit the Interim Findings and Analysis of Report 1 (Within 20 days of completing the Stakeholder Dialogues);
- Present and discuss the key findings to the Technical Working Committee (TWC) through a detailed power point presentation to obtain feedback (Within 20 days of submitting the Interim Findings and Analysis);
- Conduct Stakeholder Dialogue with DOS and other identified relevant stakeholders for Report 2 (July 2017);
- (i) Develop and submit for feedback the Final Draft of Report 1 (within 30 days of receiving feedback from TWC _Report 1) and (ii) Develop and submit for feedback the first draft of the Final Report for Report 2 (Stakeholder Dialogue_Report 2);
- (i) Incorporate feedback and submit the Final Draft of Report 1 and (ii) Incorporate feedback and prepare Final Draft of Report 2 (Within 15 days of receiving feedback from the TWC);
- Conduct Stakeholder Dialogue with Ministries and Agencies on Gender Mainstreaming Framework and Policy Recommendations for the 11th Malaysia Plan. (Within 30 days of acceptance of Report 1 and 2);
- Present and discuss the key findings and proposed Framework and policy recommendations to the Technical Working Committee (TWC) in the form of a first draft through a detailed power point presentation to obtain feedback.(Within 20 days after stakeholder consultation dialogues);
- Incorporate feedback and submit Final Draft of Report 3. (Within 15 days after receiving feedback from the TWC).
* The Consultant may propose alternative dates and final timelines will be discussed and finalised with MWFCD and UNDP during the Inception Report stage.
Management Arrangements:
Management and Oversight:
- During the period of consultancy, the appointed consultants will be working closely and under the oversight of the UNDP Programme Manager: Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment and in close collaboration with the relevant officials from the MWFCD.
- No administrative support of physical space will be provided. Official meetings will be coordinated and held at the premises of the MWFCD.
- Scheduling of meetings (frequency and duration) will be arranged and fixed based on discussion(s) between the consultant, MWFCD and UNDP.
Consultant Briefing:
- Upon appointment, the consultant will receive a detailed briefing on the scope of work and deliverables.
- Advice will be available to the consultants during the preparatory period, research development and submission.
Duration:
The consultant is expected to conduct the literature review and data collection in May 2017. The consultancy work will be completed over a period of seven (7) months from May – November 2017.
Competencies
Corporate Competencies:
- Promotes the vision, mission and strategic goals of UNDP;
- Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity adaptability;
- Treats all people fairly without favouritism;
- Fulfils all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.
Functional Competencies:
- Strong knowledge in protection of civilians, gender and its applicability to UN peacekeeping operations;
- Ability to write technically and understand the needs of the target audience;
- Demonstrates strong oral and written communication and analytical skills;
- Ability to deliver presentations/lectures clearly;
- Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural skills and ability to convey messages clearly, succinctly and accurately;
- Knowledge and practical experience with UNDP and/or other international organizations is an asset.
Management and Leadership:
- Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
- Supports teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills;
- Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
- Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors; focuses on impact and results for the client and responds positively to feedback;
- Ability to work in an organized and timely manner;
- Remains calm, in control and good humoured even under pressure; and
- Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.
Required Skills and Experience
- A Master’s degree in economics, gender, development studies or any other relevant subject.
Experience:
- Have similar projects experience;
- Experience in designing and delivering trainings;
Language:
- Excellent communications skills in English and Bahasa Malaysia are required;
How to Apply:
- Kindly download the Letter of Confirmation of interest and availability, Financial Proposal Template, P11 form and General Terms & Conditions mentioned below;
- Completed Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability;
- Personal CV or a P11 Personal History Form, indicating all past experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate and at least three (3) professional references;
- Read and agree to the General Terms & Conditions;
- Click the ‘apply’icon and complete what is required;
- Brief description of approach to work/technical proposal of why the individual considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment, and a proposed methodology on how they will approach and complete the assignment; (max 1 page);
- Financial Proposal (Annex II) that indicates the all-inclusive fixed total contract price, supported by a breakdown of costs, as per template provided. The term "all inclusive" implies all cost (professional fees, international travel costs, living allowances etc).
- If an applicant is employed by an organization/company/institution, and he/she expects his/her employer to charge a management fee in the process of releasing him/her to UNDP under Reimbursable Loan Agreement (RLA), the applicant must indicate at this point, and ensure that all such costs are duly incorporated in the financial proposal submitted to UNDP.
- For duty travels, the UN’s Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) rates should provide?indication?of the cost of living in a duty station/destination.
- Scan or compile all documents into 1 pdf folder and then upload;
- For clarification question, please email to procurement.my@undp.org. The clarification question deadline is three (3) days before the closing. When emailing for clarification questions, please put "MyIC/2017/008" as the subject matter.
- Incomplete applications will be excluded from further consideration.
Forms and General terms & conditions to be downloaded:
- The UN Personal History Form (P11) is available at:http://www.my.undp.org/content/dam/malaysia/docs/Procurement/P11%20for%20SC%20&%20IC.doc?download
- Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability at: http://www.my.undp.org/content/dam/malaysia/docs/Procurement/Letter%20of%20Interest%20_Annex%201.docx?download
- The Financial Proposal Template at: http://www.my.undp.org/content/dam/malaysia/docs/Procurement/MyIC_2017_008%20Financial%20Proposal%20Template.docx?download
- The General Terms & Conditions for Individual contract is available at:http://www.my.undp.org/content/dam/malaysia/docs/Procurement/General%20Conditions%20of%20Contract%20for%20IC.pdf?download
- The General Terms & Conditions for Reimbursement Loan Agreement is available at:http://www.my.undp.org/content/dam/malaysia/docs/Procurement/Reimbursable%20Loan%20Agreement%20_%20Terms%20&%20Conditions.pdf?download
Important Note:
- This Consultancy position is only accepted online. Email submission is not valid;
- Applicant must READ and ACCEPT the General Terms and Conditions;
- The system DOES NOT accept multiple document upload. Please scan all the documents and save into one (1) PDF file and upload.
Criteria for Selection of the Best Offer:
The consultant(s) will be evaluated based on the methodology of Cumulative Analysis.
The award of the contract will be made by UNDP to the consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as responsive, compliant and acceptable, and having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation:
- Technical criteria weight (70%)
- Technical knowledge on the project;
- Experience in social sciences research;
- Familiarity with the scope of research;
- Financial criteria weight (30%)
Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 50 points will be considered for the Financial Evaluation.
Confidentiality and Intellectual Property:
- The consultant(s) will treat all materials provided, analysis and discussion(s) made during and concerning the project as confidential and are restricted from sharing any related information with any individual or external organisation(s) to the project without the explicit permission of the MWFCD, EPU and UNDP Malaysia, even after the consultancy is duly completed.
- All data provided in the project will be used only for the purpose of the research. The expert shall not use any data provided for purposes other than the identified scope of work above.
- Any publications arising from the work undertaken above will require written consent of MWFCD, EPU and UNDP Malaysia.