Consultancy to Conduct Formative Research at Plan International

Terms of Reference

Consultancy to Conduct Formative Research

Project: She Leads

Location: Jordan Nationwide (North, Center, South)**

Plan International

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organization, working for a just world that advances the rights of children and equality for girls. The strategy of Plan is to work with vulnerable children, and especially girls since they are the most vulnerable in emergency settings. Within our strategy, the aim is to transform the lives of 100 million girls and empower them to learn, lead, decide and thrive. Central for this strategy and the achievements of Plan’s ambitions are the aspects of child sponsorship and the work on a grass community level.

Ultimately, as previously mentioned, Plan strives to create a just world to include girls and women in decisions affecting their own lives, rendering advancements in children’s rights and equality for girls. Therefore, Plan International motivates its people and partners to:

• Empower children, young people, and communities to make vital changes, tackling the root causes of discrimination against girls, exclusion, and vulnerability.

• Drive change in both practice and policy making at local, national, and global levels through Plan’s outreach ability, experience, and knowledge about the realities children are facing every day.

• Work with children and communities to prepare for and respond to crises and overcome adversity.

• Support safe and successful progression of children from birth to adulthood coming from our vision to live in a world, in which all children realize their full potential in societies respecting people’s rights and dignity.

Project Background

The She Leads project is designed to contribute to the institutionalization of meaningful participation with influence of the Global Youth Work Community (GYW) in both formal and informal institutions. With this project, the aim is to realize the development goals and the gender-focused commitments of Jordan, including UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 5: “achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.” Therefore, through the She Leads project, Plan International’s work is focused on inclusive setting offering all people from the GYW to participate in a diverse environment regardless of their (sexual orientation, religion, nationality, ethnicity, color, etc.) During this project, Plan International aims to accomplish three outcomes by 2025. Firstly, the focus is to promote positive social norms in all communities of Jordan to unlock girls’ and young women’s potential. Secondly, Plan International wants to enable the civil society in Jordan to implement gender-sensitive programming and promote meaningful participation of GYW and the ultimate outcome by 2025 is to adopt a gender-sensitive approach by the national legislative Lastly, the ambition is for the national legislative environment to adopt a gender-sensitive approach by 2025.

In Jordan, the She Lead project will principally target the following groups:

· Adolescent girls and boys aged 10 – 17 (including vulnerable Jordanians as well as refugees)

· Young women and men aged 18 – 35 (including vulnerable Jordanians as well as refugees)

· Refugees GYW, in both host communities and refugee camps

· Early married girls and young women

· Girls and young women with disabilities

· Girls going to schools and girls that have dropped out of the school for various reasons

· GYW in universities

All through the She Lead project, Plan International’s efforts are aligned with Jordan’s commitments of reforming the public sector and integrate equal opportunities based on non-discrimination principles. Additionally, efforts will be coordinated along with the existing projects of the Dutch Embassy, specifically those related to gender questions and women’s rights, ensuring the maximum level of connection and synergy. Further collaboration will be attempted together with other consortiums, being funded by the Dutch government The aforementioned collaborations from local, national and regional actors, offer a huge opportunity for learnings and best practices to be exchanged through the project. **

Purpose of the research:

The purpose of conducting this formative research is to understand caregiving practices, gender-related practices, norms, power dynamics and social norm change approaches. The research It will assist program partners in identifying and understanding the characteristics, interests, behaviors, and needs of the targeted populations, whom are being influenced by the decisions and actions taken. Formative research will therefore be used to complement epidemiological and behavioral data to assist in the planning and design of the program.

Objectives of research:

the aim with this research is to create a shared understanding of social and gender norms, and existing practices and power dynamics. it will also allow the program team to identify best approaches to affect social and gender norm change through targeted programming and influencing work. ultimately, the research will influence Plan international’s broader work on gender norms and practices to ensure suitability, relevance, sustainability and applicability within the context of Jordan and the intended target groups.

the specific objectives of this formative research are:

1. To explore existing gender norms and practices based on community practices and the local context surrounding girls, and young women in Jordan
2. To map key stakeholders within these sectors who have an important role in influencing the engagement of GYW in formal and informal institutions.
3. To examine the landscape, challenges, constraints, and processes for GYW active participation in Jordan
4. To analyze the role of community leaders, religious leaders when it comes to matters affecting Girls, young women.
5. To understand caregiving practices towards girls and young women in surrounding circles.
6. To formulate concrete recommendations for She Leads program to improve existing strategies to make them more attuned to the current local situation.
7. To inform program activities with formal and informal structures (religious, Anti Harmful Traditional Practices (Anti-HTP) committees, CBOs, CCC, youth and women’s associations, women’s development groups), promotion of parenting skills and male engagement to improve existing socialization of gender role practices at family level and gender discriminatory norms which will be implemented .

Scope of Work

This research will be conducted to inform the project activities and implementation in Jordan including the most remote areas. Also, with refugees in camps and in host communities.

Research Methodology

The consultant is expected to use a mix -method approach (quantitative and qualitative). Further details on tools are enlisted below:

Desk review:

the consultant will be responsible to review government policies, laws, and regulations, and similar research relevant for the context of Jordan (local, national, and regional). This includes relevant reports and studies produced by Plan International Federation and the Plan Jordan office. Also, this desk review research shall include identification of targeted stakeholders and beneficiaries, together with discussions regarding the proposed geographical areas of intervention.

Quantitative research:

Online and/or offline Survey-based data to be collect from youth individuals, including women, refugees, youth organizations, students, and targeted families in the selected areas to identify gaps , challenges and opportunities regarding gender-related practices, norms, power dynamics and social norm change approaches.

Focus group discussions (FGD)

focus group discussions with girls and young women (GYW) and youth-led groups from various governorates in Jordan will be arranged, ensuring the diversity of participants. Also, organizations specialized in women’s rights, gender issues, boys and men, teachers, students, community leaders, and targeted families in the project areas will be invited to those FGDs. In addition, participants in these FGD will be in-depth interviewed, both boys and girls to understand how gender norms and practices affect the youth on a personal level (as needed). Representative sample size of each stratum of children should be calculated based on a proven method.

Key informant interviews (KII)

the consultant will responsible to conduct KII with officials from relevant governmental agencies, including the ministry of social development, ministry of education, ministry of labor and ministry of youth and ministry of Awqaf considered to be relevant. Additional key informants include different relevant authorities and service providers across the governorates of Jordan, together with identified civil society organizations and other INGO/NGOs, religious and community leaders, and other groups that are deemed relevant by the consultant.

Expected Deliverables

1. Inception Report: Within ten days from signing the contract, which clearly defines the research methodology, such as clear outlines for the focus group discussions, KII questions, survey questionnaires and research timeline with specific deadlines for each deliverable. The inception report should also clearly explain the sampling methodology and sample size for the quantitative survey and a clear and logical number for the FGDs and KIIs.
2. A draft research report to be submitted within 14 days of the completion of the data collection phase for review and comments from Plan International. The review and feedback of the report could be more than one round depending on the quality of the report and the extent to which the comments and suggestions from first round have been incorporated.
3. A final research report to be submitted after incorporating the comments of Plan International. The report should be written in English, excluding annexes, consisting of:

· Cover page, Plan will provide sample cover sheet for reference

· Table of contents, list of acronyms, abbreviations and list of tables and charts.

· Executive summary of key findings and recommendations.

· Background information and context analysis presented per key criteria with a brief description.

· Research methodology with clear explanation of sampling and limitations, KIIs, participants’ selection and data analysis approach.

· Research findings, analysis, with associated data presented, where appropriate in clear graphs or charts. The findings can include subsections for each research criteria.

· Conclusion and Recommendations.

1. Develop operationalized plan for the approaches and recommendations in which capacity building plan of formal and informal structures (religious, Anti-HTP committees, CBOs, CCC, youth and women’s associations, women’s development groups), where She Leads can promote positive parenting skills and male engagement improve existing socialization of gender role practices at family level and gender discriminatory norms will be implemented
2. Appendices should include raw and clean collected data, detailed description of the methodology with research instruments, list of interviewees and consent forms, tools, list of key documents.

Costs/Terms of payment

The total costs for this study will be based on the TOR and scope of work. The proposed budget should include all eligible costs, including VAT, required to undertake the assignment with the following schedule of payments.

· 25% upon contract signing

· 25% upon submitting the draft report

· 50% upon review and approval of the final report to be submitted in narrative form both in hard and soft copy

Duration and Timeline

The work should commence immediately after the consultant signed contractual agreement with Plan International Jordan. The consultant is expected to deliver the assignment within 50 -calendar days.

Application

Interested consultants should submit their technical and a financial proposal to the contacts mentioned below before , 22^nd of December 2021. that include the following

1. Technical:

a) Demonstration of the consultants’ understanding of the terms of reference. This will be included as an interpretation of the consultants understanding of the requirements of this assignment rather than a summary or re-statement of the Terms of Reference;

b) A detailed methodology on how the research will be conducted, including a valid sampling method(s) for data collection, possible respondents and linking these with the tools to be administered to each respondent or category of respondents;

c) Include and elaborate on the tools to be used. Clearly show which respondents or category of respondents will be interviewed and/or which information will be collected using the tool;

d) A clear and detailed work plan (Gantt chart and/or other relevant illustration) with dates and geographical areas specified.

2. Financial:

a) An itemized and detailed budget, indicating the unit costs for consultancy fees as well as, separately, administrative and support costs. Please note that Plan will not provide transport, meals and accommodation to the consultant or research assistants during the study. These costs will be met on the overall cost and the consultant is expected to indicate the associated costs in the financial proposal.

Submission of proposals and criteria for evaluation

The interested consultant/ consultancy firm is invited to submit the following application documents:

1. Proposal, outlining how the consultant(s) meet the required qualifications and how they intend to carry out the abovementioned tasks.
2. A proposed workplan with time frame.
3. Financial proposal, the suggested sum is liable to income tax deduction as per the Jordanian tax law.
4. CVs of the consultant(s) who will undertake the work.
5. 3 references need to be provided.

Criteria for the evaluation of the full proposal:

A point scoring out of 100 points, shall be applied based on the following percentage for the two major components (technical and financial).

Technical Proposal Financial Proposal

[60] points [40] points

Evaluation of Technical Proposal Criteria Score (points)

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Quality of the technical proposal including workplan 20

At least 2 similar projects including detailed project summaries for each 15

Proposed working methodology 15

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CV(s) of key staff 10

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Total (Technical Proposal) 60

Minimum Score for Technical Compliance 45

Evaluation of Financial Proposal

1. Evaluation of financial Proposals shall be done only for those individuals/companies meeting minimum score for technical proposal.
2. Thirty (30) points shall be the maximum total score given to the financial component (price).
3. The bidder should provide a clear price breakdown.
4. Upon opening all the Financial proposals, the maximum score is given to the lowest price proposal. All other price proposals from interested consultants shall be allocated scores in inverse proportion to the lowest price.

Consultant Required Skills and Experience:

1. MA degree and above in Social Sciences, gender studies, human right, development or any relevant field.
2. Excellent communication and writing skills in both English and Arabic;
3. adequate exposure and experience to similar areas and child rights programming.
4. Has carried out at least two similar consultancy contracts around the same core subject areas.
5. Over 8 years of professional experience including policy analysis and research in similar context.
6. Possess strong qualitative research skills with excellent writing abilities.

Specific conditions:

1. Accommodation and transportation for the Consultant will not be provided by Plan International , and should be included in the Consultant budget
2. Plan International Safety and security guidelines should be strictly followed throughout the activity;

Ownership

Ethical and child protection considerations

The assignment will require the consultant to interact with children and therefore the consultant is required to provide a statement on the respect and protection of child rights, human rights, and dignity of participants compliant with Plan’s Child Protection Policy.

The consultant shall read and sign Plan’s child protection policy (CPP) as fully understood and in agreement to in all respects and shall follow this in all and every respect during the term of the consultancy.

The consultant must follow Ethical Principles in research and obtain written/verbal consent from the subjects. Permission from elders should be sought if the children under 18 years are involved as subjects. Signed informed consent of each child and his/her parents need to be taken after explaining the purpose of the study. All applicants should submit their ethical and protection considerations and policies. The consultant shall explain how appropriate, safe, non-discriminatory participation of all stakeholders will be ensured and how special attention will be paid to the needs of children and other groups.

COVID-19 Measures:

1. The consultant agrees to follow the national Sectors Reopening Plan and all government regulations in respect to the outbreak of COVID-19 in Jordan
2. As part of his/her application, the consultant should set out a plan on how to conduct the activities / achieve the outcomes in the event that government restrictions become more severe, due to a rise in confirmed cases in Jordan.

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