Customizing and piloting a diagnostic tool on detecting stigma and discrimination against women with disability

Consultant

Contract

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Background

With an in-country presence before, during and after a conflict, UNDP is increasingly expected to assume a substantive role in providing rule of law, justice, security and human rights assistance to countries threatened or affected by crisis and fragility. In order to meet these demands, UNDP’s Crisis Bureau has bolstered its capacity to provide support to the field and articulated a Global Programme for Strengthening the Rule of Law and Human Rights for Sustaining Peace and Fostering Development. The RoL SHR programme and team directly provide support to over 40 countries and leads and supports policy development and guidance in rule of law, security and human rights related areas, including in the context of the SDG and Sustaining Peace agendas.

Persons with disabilities (PWDs) experience stigma and discrimination universally, driven by multiple attitudinal barriers, prejudice and stereotypes, which limit both the full exercise of rights of PWDs and sustainable development. Women and girls with disabilities are particularly impacted from intersectional stigma and discrimination based on gender and disability. COVID-19 has further exacerbated stigma and discrimination and their impacts.

Tackling stigma was one of four pillars of the Global Disability Summit of 2018, co-hosted by the Governments of the United Kingdom and Kenya and the International Disability Alliance, which resulted in 170 commitments across the globe to take action on stigma and discrimination against persons with disabilities. In addition, the Summit highlighted the importance of tackling stigma and discrimination alongside measures to increase political will to develop Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) compliant policies, legislation, and administrative practices; collect disaggregated data and evidence to drive scaled up action; and ensure that persons with disabilities fully and effectively participate as equal members of society to lead, shape, and influence decisions that affect them.

Tools to identify and quantify stigma and discrimination, its causes, manifestations and impacts, are critical to ensure targeted and evidence-based approaches to addressing stigma and discrimination. Such tools have been well developed and standardized by the UN in other sectors such as HIV/AIDS. In relation to persons with disabilities, some initiatives have been undertaken at country level but there is scope for consolidating the lessons learned from these and for developing global tools which can be used by Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and others to advocate for more effective policies and interventions to address stigma and discrimination.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with UN Women is launching a global initiative to respond to the growing intersectional inequalities faced by women and girls with disabilities. Taking a whole-of-society approach, engaging OPDs and other civil society actors, relevant government institutions, national human rights institutions and women influencers, the initiative aims to address key concerns of employment, economic empowerment, social protection and protection from SGBV. The project will be implemented in the following pilot countries: Palestine, Moldova, Pakistan and Samoa. The project will also include the design and piloting of behavioural insights-informed interventions aimed at changing mindsets and behaviour rooted in stigma and discrimination against women and girls with disabilities.

CONTEXT IN PALESTINE

In the State of Palestine, key drivers of stigma and discrimination against persons with disabilities (PWD) include environmental and attitudinal barriers[1]. Stigma and discriminatory practices have a substantial impact on the lives of PWD – whose number has tended to increase overtime[2], as they are faced with important difficulties in accessing services – including education – and employment. This is only compounded by environment obstacles brought about by the protracted humanitarian and occupation context[3], which tend to disproportionately affect women[4].

A survey was conducted by two civil society organizations (CSOs) in the State of Palestine[5] in April 2020 to measure the impact of COVID-19 on some 200 women with disabilities. It highlights that 39%[6] of them have had to contend with increased financial and physical constraints as a result of the state of emergency. Moreover, 29%[7] reported increased difficulties in accessing health care supplies and services, with 11%[8] directly referring to their need for psychosocial support in light of the distress induced by the COVID-19 crisis. The survey also identifies the risk of greater exposure to family violence for women with disabilities, particularly as the vast majority of them reported the absence of governmental outreach under the state of emergency[9].

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with UN Women are leading a Global programme entitled Addressing stigma and discrimination for empowering women and girls with disabilities and protecting them from violence in four countries, including Palestine.

Timeframe: Jan 2021- Dec 2022

The project’s main outcome:

National stakeholders (governmental and non-governmental) are capable to address stigma and discrimination against women and girls with disabilities.

Output: Knowledge on stigmatization of women and girls with disabilities at the policy level is strengthened, by:

• Development and implementation of a pilot tool to detect, identify, and assess stigma and discrimination against women and girls with disabilities.
• Awareness and sensitization campaign on the rights of women and girls with disabilities to live a life free of stigma.

The project will be based on a victim-centered and evidence-based approach, that fully takes into account the voices and experiences of women and girls with disabilities victims and survivors of stigma, violence and discrimination. The project’s strategy will ensure a participatory approach, by effectively engaging stakeholders in the planning, designing, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the project. A critical component in the programme is developing tools to detect and assess stigma and discrimination against women with disabilities. To that end, an international consultant has been recruited by the Global programme to support Country Offices in customizing the developed tools and framework of interventions.

At the Country level in Palestine, The Joint Sawasya Programme will lead this international initiative closely with the Ministry of Social Development (MoSD) and CSOs invested on this front, such as the Stars of Hope and others.

UNDP Sawasya programme is planning to recruit a national consultant, to support the customization and piloting phase of the developed tool.

[1] Particularly for Palestinians with intellectual and mental impairments. See World Bank, “West Bank and Gaza, Disability in the Palestinian Territories, Assessing Situation and Services for People with Disabilities”, April 2016.

[2] See Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, relevant data (2017) available here.

[3] See World Bank, “West Bank and Gaza, Disability in the Palestinian Territories, Assessing Situation and Services for People with Disabilities”, April 2016.

[4] Only 4% of women with disabilities participate in the workforce, compared to 24% for men with disabilities. See, Stars of Hope Society for the Empowerment of Women with Disabilities & the Social and Economic Policies Monitor-Al Marsad, “Position Paper: The situation of women and girls with disabilities worsened under the emergency state”, April 2020.

[5] 200 women with disabilities responded to the survey. Stars of Hope Society for the Empowerment of Women with Disabilities & the Social and Economic Policies Monitor-Al Marsad, “Position Paper: The situation of women and girls with disabilities worsened under the emergency state”, April 2020.

[6] Id.

[7] Id.

[8] Id.

[9] Id.

Duties and Responsibilities

In this first phase of the project, the consultant will in close collaboration with the international consultant, and the MoSD, and under the overall supervision of UNDP and UN Women within Sawasya-Rule of Law Programme, focus on:

• Desk review of existing diagnostic tools at the country level addressing stigma and discrimination (particularly – but not limited to – disability-related stigma/discrimination and/or in the context of SGBV) to be shared with the international consultant through Sawasya programme.
• Coordinate with the international consultant and provide data as per requested.
• Lead the customization process of the tool through full coordination with Sawasya programme and the MoSD, and design workplan for the piloting phase.
• Develop a training material and train stakeholders Lead and support the initial testing and roll-out of the diagnostic tool in at least three governorates.5
• Participate in virtual webinars to share experiences on the initial pilots of the diagnostic tool.
• Producing a report with main findings and recommendations with the aim to inform strategic engagement and policy-making as well as the development of the global tool.
• End of mission report summarizing consolidated and finalized knowledge, including a revised tool and intervention.

FUNCTIONS/KEY RESULTS EXPECTED

• Draft ddiagnostic tool addressing stigma and discrimination customized (particularly – but not limited to – disability-related stigma/discrimination and/or in the context of SGBV), based on globally developed diagnostic tool.
• Training material developed and training delivered
• Pilot diagnostic tool in consultation with international consultant, key and other relevant stakeholders in-country, UNDP and UN Women.
• Based on findings a final report including recommendations

DELIVERABLES

The Consultant’s expected outputs and deliverables will be as follows:

S/N

Deliverables (see details above)

Estimated Duration to Complete

Tentative Due Date

% Of Payment

1

Customize draft diagnostic tool addressing stigma and discrimination (particularly – but not limited to – disability-related stigma/discrimination and/or in the context of SGBV), based on globally developed diagnostic tool.

15 days

May

30%

Develop the training material and deliver the training

10 days

June

-

2

Pilot diagnostic draft tool in consultation with international consultant, key and other relevant stakeholders in-country, UNDP and UN Women.

30 days

July

-

3

Collect data and produce a report based on the findings and recommendations of the pilot of the tool.

10 days

July/August

70%

Total

65 days

15 August

100%

PAYMENT TERMS

To be made upon validation of deliverables as per ToR.

Competencies

COMPETENCIES

Functional

• Excellent writing and editing skills;

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;

• Excellent analytical skills;

• Ability to work under minimum supervision and tight deadlines.

Professional Skills:

• Demonstrates strong ability to manage, facilitate, and engage in discussions with multiple stakeholders in a formal setting, seeking to encourage participation in an open and collegial environment;
• Proactive in problem-solving and recommendation for conflict prevention and resolution;
• Strong ability in managing confidential and politically sensitive issues, in a responsible way, and in accordance with protocols.
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively in a team structure in a multicultural environment
• Demonstrated ability to deliver results in high-pressure environment.

Interpersonal and communication skills:

• Strong communication skills and proven ability to collaborate between different actors and high level of internal and external relationship management;
• Uses tact and sensitivity when delivering sensitive information or resolving delicate issues;
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
• Remains calm, in control and good humoured even under pressure.

Corporate

• Demonstrates integrity and fairness by modeling the UN / UNDP's values and ethical standards;
• Promotes the vision, mission and strategic goals of the UN / UNDP; and
• Displays sensitivity and adaptability when working with a diverse array of cultures, genders, religions, races, nationalities and ages.

Required Skills and Experience

?EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

The firm should allocate any needed resources required to perform the above mentioned tasks and deliverables with following experience:

Academic qualifications

• A minimum of Master’s degree in psychology, behavioural science, or related social sciences field is required. A doctorate/PhD and/or post-doctoral research relevant to stigma and discrimination will be an asset.

Experience

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in conducting research and/or implementing development interventions addressing stigma and discrimination, preferably in the fields of disability and/or gender equality**, is required.**
• Proven professional experience in the field of VAW/GBV is required.
• Demonstrated experience of developing, field-testing and evaluating diagnostic tools related to stigma and discrimination and assessing results to inform programming, preferably in the fields of disability and/or gender equality is required.
• Previous experience working on projects aimed at empowering persons with disabilities (PwDs) and/or on gender equality, particularly in the field of prevention of/ response to SGBV in Palestine is highly desirable and an asset.
• UN experience with sound understanding of the UN systems and of UNDP mandates is an asset.

Language

• Fluency in written and spoken Arabic is required; and
• Fluency in written and spoken English is required;

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

The application package containing the following:

• A personal statement with a brief description of availability and why the Offeror considers her/himself the most suitable for the assignment.
• Personal CV, indicating all past experience from similar projects and specifying the relevant assignment period (from/to), as well as the email and telephone contacts of at least three (3) professional references.
• A brief statement of proposed methodology and approach to the assignment.
• Financial proposal

The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount, and payment terms around the specific and measurable deliverables of the TOR. Payments are based upon output, i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR, and deliverables accepted and certified by the technical manager.

The full proposal, containing of four elements as described above is to be emailed as per the instruction.

Evaluation process

Applicants are reviewed based on Required Skills and Experience stated above and based on the technical evaluation criteria outlined below. Applicants will be evaluated based on cumulative scoring. When using this weighted scoring method, the award of the contract will be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

• Being responsive/compliant/acceptable; and
• Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation where technical criteria weighs 70% and Financial criteria/ Proposal weighs 30%.

Technical evaluation - Total 70% (70 points):

• Criteria 1. At least 5 years of relevant experience in conducting research and/or implementing development interventions addressing stigma and discrimination, preferably in the fields of disability and/or gender equality Weight = 30 %; Maximum Points: 30;
• Criteria 2: Demonstrated experience of developing, field-testing and evaluating diagnostic tools related to stigma and discrimination and assessing results to inform programming, preferably in the fields of disability and/or gender equality. Weight = 30%; Maximum Points: 30;
• Criteria 3: Previous experience working on projects aimed at empowering persons with disabilities (PwDs) and/or on gender equality, particularly in the field of prevention of/ response to SGBV is highly desirable. Weight = 20%; Maximum Points: 20;
• Criteria 4: Quality of brief statement of proposed methodology and approach to the assignment. Weight = 20%; Maximum Points: 20.

Contract Award

Candidate obtaining the highest combined scores in the combined score of Technical and Financial evaluation will be considered technically qualified and will be offered to enter into contract with UNDP.

Institutional arrangement

The consultant will work under the guidance and direct supervision of UNDP and UN-Women -Sawasya Rule of Law Programme and will be responsible for the fulfilment of the deliverables as specified above.

The Consultant will be given access to relevant information necessary for execution of the tasks under this assignment.

Contract duration:

The period of the assignment will cover maximum 65 working days between 15 March – 15 August 2022.

Payment modality

• Payments are based upon output, i.e., upon delivery of the services specified above and deliverables accepted and upon certification of satisfactory completion by the manager.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.

UNDP/PAPP seeks technical proposals from qualified individual consultants to customize and pilot a diagnostic tool on detecting stigma and discrimination against women with disability as outlined under the Terms of Reference.

Documents comprising the Technical and Financial Proposals

Interested individual consultant must submit the following documents/information, which comprises the Technical& Financial Proposals:

1. Provide Curriculum vitae form including past experience in similar projects and contact details of referees;
2. Completed financial proposal form, found under Annex III: the financial proposal is all-inclusive and shall take into account various expenses incurred by the consultant while fulfilling its mission (e.g., transportation cost…).

Evaluation

Preliminary examination

UNDP/PAPP will examine the Proposals to determine whether they are complete, and whether they are substantially responsive to the qualification and experience minimum requirements. A Proposal determined as not substantially responsive will be rejected by UNDP/PAPP and may not subsequently be made responsive by the Applicant by correction of the non-conformity.

Detailed examination

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on a cumulative analysis taking into consideration the combination of the applicants’ qualifications and financial proposal.

Only those candidates who will obtain min. 49 points for the technical evaluation will be assessed for the financial proposal evaluation.

Individual Contractor (IC) will be evaluated based on Cumulative Analysis. The respective weight of the proposals are:

• Technical Criteria weight; [70%]
• Financial Criteria weight; [30%]

Criteria

Weight

Allocated Points

Technical competence

70%

Level of Expertise:

• Criteria 1: At least 5 years of relevant experience in conducting research and/or implementing development interventions addressing stigma and discrimination, preferably in the fields of disability and/or gender equality

• Criteria 2: Demonstrated experience of developing, field-testing and evaluating diagnostic tools related to stigma and discrimination and assessing results to inform programming, preferably in the fields of disability and/or gender equality.

• Criteria 3: Previous experience working on projects aimed at empowering persons with disabilities (PwDs) and/or on gender equality, particularly in the field of prevention of/ response to SGBV is highly desirable.

• Criteria 4: Quality of brief statement of proposed methodology and approach to the assignment

30

30

20

20

Financial

30%

TOTAL SCORE Technical Score * 70% + Financial Score * 30%

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 70 points would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

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Added 2 years ago - Updated 2 years ago - Source: jobs.undp.org