Consultancy for Water Inequality and Unpaid Care Work: The Impact on Women in Jordan At Oxfam

Terms of Reference For External Consultancy

Case Study and Documentary:

“Water Inequality and Unpaid Care Work: The Impact on Women in Jordan”

RFQ-JOAMM-24-0154

Justification

Water scarcity and inequality in Jordan remain critical issues, with significant gender-specific consequences. Women, primarily responsible for managing household water resources, face increased unpaid care work, especially in areas where water is scarce. This burden affects their health, well-being, economic opportunities, and social standing.

This consultancy will produce a briefing paper that explores how water inequality affects women’s unpaid care work and their roles in household water resource management. The study will also produce a documentary to visually depict the challenges faced by women and elevate their voices in the conversation around water inequality. This initiative complements the ongoing Water Inequality Report led by OIJ by providing gender-specific insights.

The research and documentary aim to inform policy development that addresses gender inequality in water access and management, highlighting the need for gender-responsive water policies.

Objectives

• Uncover the relationship between water inequality and unpaid care work, focusing on women’s roles in managing household water resources.
• Analyze coping mechanisms adopted by women and households in response to water scarcity, especially among refugee communities and marginalized groups.
• Produce a documentary that amplifies the voices of women affected by water inequality, bringing their daily struggles to a wider audience.
• Provide policy recommendations that advocate for gender-sensitive water management policies and infrastructure reforms to alleviate the burden on women.

Contextual Background and Draft Content

Jordan is one of the most water-scarce countries globally, and the ongoing climate crisis, population growth, and refugee influx have exacerbated the issue. Women, especially in lower-income and refugee households, bear a disproportionate burden in managing limited water resources.

The existing Water Inequality Report by OIJ has already explored how water scarcity affects Jordan’s population at large. This consultancy will focus on how water inequality specifically impacts women’s unpaid care work, with a particular emphasis on refugee communities and households from various socio-economic backgrounds.

The documentary will further engage stakeholders by showcasing real-life experiences of women struggling with water inequality. Together, the briefing paper and documentary will advocate for policies that better address gendered water inequalities in Jordan.

Suggested Content (based on the signed-off ToR for this research):

1. Executive Summary
2. Introduction
   • Overview of water inequality in Jordan.
   • The disproportionate impact of water inequality on women, particularly in managing household resources and performing unpaid care work.
3. Impact of Water Inequality on Unpaid Care Work:
   • Detailed analysis of how water scarcity increases unpaid labor for women, limiting their opportunities for economic and social participation.
   • Specific focus on the experiences of refugee women and those from low-income households.
4. Coping Mechanisms:
   • Examination of the strategies women use to cope with water scarcity in Jordan.
   • Comparison of experiences across urban, peri-urban, and rural communities, with insights into different socio-economic realities.
5. Documentary Film:
   • Highlight the personal stories of women managing household water resources in water-scarce regions.
   • Showcase the gendered impact of water scarcity and unpaid care work.
6. Policy Recommendations:
   • Gender-responsive policy suggestions aimed at reducingthe impact of water inequality on women.
   • Recommendations for national and international cooperation in addressing Jordan’s water crisis with a focus on gender equity.

Deliverables

• Briefing Paper (approx. 10,000 words):
  • Comprehensive report on the impact of water inequality on women’s unpaid care work.
  • Includes policy recommendations based on research findings.
• Data Set:
  • Data collected from interviews, focus group discussions, and case studies, supporting the findings in the briefing paper.
• Documentary Film (20-30 minutes):
  • A professionally produced film capturing the experiences of women affected by water inequality.
  • The film will serve as an advocacy tool to raise awareness and engage stakeholders in policy discussions.
• Executive Summary and Media-friendly Report:
  • Short, accessible summaries of the research findings for use in media campaigns and stakeholder engagement.

Time Frame

This consultancy commencement and end dates are:

Upon contract signature January, 1st to March 15th 2025

Suggested Methodology

1. Case Study Selection:
   • Geographical Diversity: Case studies will be selected from urban, peri-urban, and rural areas to capture a broad spectrum of experiences, with special attention to refugee households.
   • Socio-economic Diversity: Participants will include women from different socio-economic backgrounds to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced.
2. Data Collection and Analysis:
   • Interviews: In-depth interviews with women responsible for managing household water resources.
   • Focus Group Discussions: Group discussions with community members to understand shared experiences and collective coping strategies.
   • Thematic Analysis: Analysis of recurring themes in the interviews and discussions to identify the impact of water inequality on unpaid care work.
   • Documentary Filming: Visual documentation of women’s daily struggles and coping mechanisms in managing water resources.
3. Policy Analysis:
   • Review of legal and policy frameworks related to water management in Jordan.
   • Development of gender-responsive policy recommendations based on findings.
   • The consultant(s) should propose a more detailed methodology.

The consultant(s) are advised to familiarize themselves with Oxfam’s methodology note for our global report on climate equality.

Required Profile

• A Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Water Management, Gender Studies, or a related field.
• Proven experience conducting research on gender, water management, and unpaid care work. Experience in documentary production is preferred.
• Strong analytical skills, excellent report-writing abilities, and experience working with diverse communities in Jordan or the broader MENA region.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate gender and social analysis into research.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.

Call for Proposals

Interested candidates / organizations should submit:

• Technical proposal that includes, background, focus of countries to be targeted, proposed methodology and time frame for submission.
• Proposed budget (broken down by days, not exceeding 30 days of consultancy work)
• CV and Cover letter summary showcasing relevant previous experience and explaining why you would be granted this consultancy.

Applicants should submit technical and financial proposals as separate documents to Jordan_Procurement@oxfam.org.uk with the subject line: [INSERT TITLE] and RFQ Number [RFQ-JOAMM-24-0154]. no later than the 10th December 2024.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be assessed according to the following criteria:

• Financial proposal 20%: reasonable budget for the proposed goals and activities and proper budget breakdown.
• Qualifications and competencies 30%: relevant experience of the consultant who will be conducting the assignment in Jordan
• Technical proposal 50%: Completeness of the proposal including: the approach, the methodology, Timeline, expected output(s).