SOS/NO 7/04/25: Request for Proposal – Consultant to Conduct Gender Equality & Social Inclusion Analysis in Chipulukusu, Mackenzie & Shimibanga Communities.

Closing Date: 15/04/2025

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Introduction:

SOS Children’s Villages in Zambia is an independent non-governmental social development organization that enables children to have a loving home with parents or caregivers. SOS Children’s Villages exists in 135 countries across the globe and the universal objective of SOS is to create a positive framework to maximize the chances for the most vulnerable children to develop, especially those who have lost or are at risk of losing parental care. The aim is to develop support mechanisms in the best interest of the child and, in so doing, to act in the spirit of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the Guidelines for the Alternative Care of Children.

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Performance Period:

• Start Date: 1st May 2025

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All proposals must:

• Describe the qualifications, experience, and capabilities of the firm or consultant in providing the type of services being requested. Resumes or CVs of the consultant or any key personnel of the firm shall be submitted as an attachment.

• Contain a detailed cost breakdown with applicable taxes and other charges clearly identified.

• Provide at least 3 references for similar contracts with a description of the services provided.

• Include a contact name, email address, and telephone number to facilitate communication between SOS CV Zambia and the submitting firm or consultant.

• For proposals from a firm, provide a brief outline of the company and services offered, including:

  • Full legal name, Certificate of incorporation, and valid tax clearance certificate.

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To ensure consideration, all proposals must be submitted in the following language and currency for the financial proposal:

• Language: English

• Currency: ZMW

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Submission Instructions:

All proposals must be emailed to the address below with your proposal attached in one or more files (PDF preferred).

• Email: Angela.Malama@sos-zambia and Patrick.Malekani@sos-zambia.org

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Terms of Reference for GESI Analysis for Kitwe Location Standard Project:

This document outlines the Terms of Reference (TOR) for a Gender, Equity, and Social Inclusion (GESI) analysis to be conducted as part of the Kitwe Location Standard project in vulnerable communities with children at risk of separating from their families. The analysis aims to ensure that the project is designed and implemented in a way that is sensitive to the diverse needs and experiences of all community members, particularly women, girls, boys, people with disabilities, and other marginalized groups.

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1. About SOS Children’s Villages:

SOS Children’s Villages Zambia currently operates in four districts in four provinces. The first village was established in Lusaka in 1999, followed by the village in Kitwe, established in 2004. The Livingstone village was established in 2008, and finally, Chipata village was established in 2012. SOS Children’s Villages firmly believes that the best possible environment for a child to grow is in their family of origin, and the primary focus of the organization’s child development programmes is strengthening different forms of families providing care for children. SOS Children’s Villages works jointly with local families, communities, and the Government in developing various support measures to prevent children from losing the care of their families due to various reasons.

Females and males have different roles and responsibilities based on their gender. They also have different gender needs. An examination of these gender needs should become part of a gender analysis undertaken to inform any development intervention.

SOS Children’s Villages is committed to a policy of gender equality amongst children and adults within our target groups, as well as within the organisation. Our special focus is on issues related to care, such as the protection of children against violence and providing equal access for girls and boys to education and healthcare. In recognition of the disadvantages that females face in many parts of the world, we also believe in the empowerment of girls and women. We believe in the need to engage both males and females in finding solutions to gender inequality. We practice zero tolerance against gender-based discrimination of all children and adults participating in our programmes and all co-workers.

The notion of gender equality reflects a world where females and males enjoy equal opportunities to fulfill their rights and fully participate in all areas of life. Obstacles that both females and males face because of their gender must be identified and removed through careful gender analysis from which appropriate initiatives can be designed.

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2. Background:

• Project Name: Kitwe Location Standard Project [Empowering Communities for Strong Families and Children]

• Project Objective: Children and young people deprived of parental care have equitable opportunities to succeed in life by 2027.

Project Outcomes:

• Families access financial and material resources required to ensure their children’s needs and rights are met.

• Families make use of essential supporting services to meet children’s developmental needs.

• Communities’ structures respond to the situation of children without or at risk of losing parental care and their families.

• Children and young people in AC have safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and are integrated into the community.

Target Beneficiaries:

• 2,500 children and young people without or at risk of losing parental care who are living in vulnerable situations. We work with children, young people, and their caregivers in the following living arrangements:

  • Children and young people living with their biological parents or adoptive parents (= parental care).

  • Children and young people not living with their biological parents but being cared for by their extended family or by close friends of the family (= kinship care).

  • Children and young people living in child- or sibling-headed households.

  • Children and young people, who are in a reintegration process from alternative care into their immediate biological family or extended family.

The factors impacting the child’s care situation and risk of child-family separation include the following contextual and family risk factors:

Contextual Risk Factors:

• Poverty and economic hardships (unemployment, low wages, food insecurity)

• Cultural or social norms violating child rights

• Lack of essential services in a community or limited access to essential services

• Ease of work and quick fix solutions

• Gender inequality

• Natural disasters

Family Risk Factors:

• Unemployment

• Discrimination based on stereotypes (Disabilities, gender, etc.)

• Lack of awareness of child rights

• Mental or physical health issues of caregivers

• Family violence (Domestic violence, child abuse, and neglect)

• Substance abuse (parental alcohol or drug use)

• Single parenthood (Challenges faced by single mothers or fathers)

• Death of parents, especially mothers

• Large number of dependent children

• Age of caregiver

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Geographical Scope with Targets:

Kitwe location shall conduct the GESI analysis in three catchment areas, namely, Chipulukusu (a sample that is also representing Nkwazi Community) and Mackenzie Communities in Ndola District and Shimibanga Community in Masaiti Community. Family Strengthening Services are being implemented in four catchment areas of Chipulukusu (Mapalo), Nkwazi, Mackenzie, and Shimibanga communities. The programme will target a total of 346 families with 1,700 children and young people, with a breakdown as follows:

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Key Contextual Factors:

• Poverty and Inequality: High levels of poverty, unemployment, and income inequality within the target communities. Limited access to basic services such as healthcare, education, and social support.

• Social Exclusion: Marginalization of specific groups within the community, such as People with Disabilities.

• Cultural Norms: Traditional gender roles and expectations may limit women’s empowerment and contribute to gender-based violence.

• Violence and Crime: High rates of crime, including domestic violence, child abuse, and gang violence, within the target communities.

• Lack of Social Support: Limited access to social services, community support networks, and childcare options.

• Mental Health Stigma: Strong stigma associated with mental health issues, which can prevent individuals from seeking help.

This background information highlights the complex challenges faced by families living in poverty. The Kitwe Standard Project should aim to address these challenges by:

• Empowering parents: Providing parenting skills training, economic empowerment opportunities, and support for mental health and well-being.

• Strengthening family relationships: Promoting positive communication, conflict resolution, and family bonding activities.

• Improving child well-being: Addressing children’s developmental needs, providing access to quality education and healthcare, and protecting children from violence and exploitation.

• Building community support: Fostering community networks and partnerships to provide social support and resources to families.

This information will help guide the GESI analysis by ensuring that the project specifically considers the needs and experiences of women, men, girls, and boys within the target community, while also addressing the unique challenges faced by marginalized groups.

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3. Objectives of the GESI Analysis:

• To identify and analyse the existing gender roles, norms, and power dynamics within the target communities.

• To assess the potential differential impacts of the project on women, men, girls, boys, people with disabilities, and other marginalized groups.

• To identify and analyse any potential risks of discrimination, exclusion, or harm to specific groups due to the project’s design or implementation.

• To provide recommendations for ensuring that the project is gender-responsive, equitable, and inclusive in all aspects of its design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.

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4. Scope of Work:

4.1 Desk Review:

• Review of relevant literature, including academic research, policy documents, and reports on gender, equity, and social inclusion in the target country/region.

• Review of existing project documents, including the project proposal, budget, and implementation plan.

4.2 Data Collection:

• Conduct key informant interviews with:

  • Community leaders (traditional and religious)

  • Local government officials

  • Project staff

  • Representatives of women’s groups, youth groups, and people with disabilities groups

  • Children and young people (with appropriate ethical considerations)

• Conduct focus group discussions with:

  • Women

  • Men

  • Girls

  • Boys

  • People with disabilities

4.3 Data Analysis:

• Analyse qualitative and quantitative data collected during the analysis.

• Identify key GESI issues and challenges related to the project.

• Assess the potential impact of the project on different social groups.

• Develop recommendations for addressing GESI issues and ensuring project inclusiveness.

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5. Deliverables:

• Inception report outlining the methodology and data collection plan.

• Draft GESI analysis report.

• Final GESI analysis report, including:

  • Executive summary

  • Background and context

  • Methodology

  • Key findings and analysis

  • Recommendations for project design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation

• Presentation of key findings and recommendations to the project team and stakeholders.

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6. Timeline:

A tentative timeline for GESI analysis, including key milestones and deadlines is indicated in the table below. It is anticipated that the activity will commence on 1st May 2025.

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7. Reporting Requirements:

The consultant will be responsible for:

• Regular communication with the project team on progress and any challenges encountered.

• Submission of all deliverables within the agreed-upon timeframe.

• Participation in project meetings and workshops as required.

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8. Qualifications of the Consultant:

The consultant should have:

• Proven experience in conducting GESI analyses within the development sector.

• Strong understanding of gender, equity, and social inclusion issues.

• Experience working with vulnerable groups, including women, girls, boys, and people with disabilities.

• Knowledge of the local context in Zambia and the target communities.

• Excellent data analysis, report writing, and presentation skills.

• Fluency in English, with knowledge of local languages an added advantage.

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9. Budget and Payment:

The budget for this consultancy is expected to cover:

• Consultant fees

• Travel and accommodation (if applicable)

• Data collection expenses

• Other related costs

Payment terms will be based on agreed milestones. Payments will be made upon submission of agreed deliverables.