National Consultant to Conduct Gender-Responsive Local Economic Assessment (LEA) of two (2) Counties (Nimba and Grand Bassa)

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Background

1. Background

The UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls, the empowerment of women, and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action, peace, and security.

UN Women’s goal in Liberia is to promote women’s human rights and gender equality which are key in sustaining and furthering achievements in stability and development. In this regard, UN Women Biennial Workplan 2022-2023 is connected to five corporate priority areas: women’s leadership and political participation; enhancing women’s economic empowerment (WEE); engaging women in all aspects of peace and security processes (WPS); advancing women’s rights to live free from violence (VAW) and Gender-responsive Budgeting and Governance (GRB). UN Women also coordinates and promotes the UN system’s joint work in advancing gender equality.

Governance, especially local governance should be gender neutral. But in reality, much of the procedures, structures and functions of local governance remain skewed in favour of men. This unequal sharing of power leads to an unequal sharing of resources between women and men. The issue of gender inequality in political and public life cannot be considered in isolation, as women aspiring to participate in political and public life continue to face complex barriers related to the attainment of their full range of human rights, such as social, economic, cultural, family, health, and safety rights.

With the signing of the Local Government Law in 2018, the development of the Local Government Gender Policy and the different initiatives that were being implemented by the Liberia Decentralization Support Program (LDSP) efforts were made to address gender inequalities at the local government level through women’s increased representation in inclusive development activities and institutionalization of their engagement in local governance.

In terms of policy frameworks, Liberia’s Revised National Gender Policy calls for specific interventions to address structural inequities and marginalization of women in elective and appointive structures and systems of governance. The Policy also recommends the formulation and implementation of gender capacity building programs for different actors at national and local levels, including women leaders.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has limited information on how many women and men are in local leadership (Superintendent- Town Chief). Since 2014, a study on “From the Sidelines to the Forefront – Ensuring a Gender-Responsive Foundation for Liberia’s Decentralization Process” was conducted and findings published in 2014 by the MGCSP, MIA, GC and UN Women show 6% Women and 94% Men in Local Government Countrywide.

Gender inequality and the marginalization of women in Liberia are perpetuated by socio-cultural norms, values, and perceptions that support male dominance and the subordination of women. Women and men, girls and boys, have been ascribed different roles and position in society, and the latter often limit women’s participation in socio-economic and political spheres.

According to Liberia Country Gender Equality Profile-2021, Liberian women face multiple obstacles accessing justice, such as weak justice system, lack of capacity in human rights institutions, discrimination, and marginalization due to deep-rooted patriarchal attitudes. Liberian women still face violence, including rape, domestic violence, and other forms of sexual and gender-based violence, and harmful practices (HPs) such as female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage. Limited access to finance and market, and low representation of women in leadership and governance remain major obstacles to women economic growth in Liberia. Child marriage, early initiation of sexual activity and teenage pregnancy are common in Liberia.

Context of Nimba County

Nimba County is Located in northeastern Liberia that shares borders with the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire in the East and the Republic of Guinea in the Northwest. Its capital city is Sanniquellie and its most populous city is Ganta. With the county's area measuring 11,551 square kilometres (4,650 sq mi), Nimba is the second largest of Liberia's 15 counties in terms of population. Nimba is also one of the richest counties in Liberia, with the largest deposit of high-grade iron ore. Other natural resources found in Nimba are gold, diamonds, and timber.

Nimba is one of Liberia’s most significant historical regions and is the second most important County in terms of population and politics. The County was deeply negatively affected by the civil war. Its basic infrastructure including roads, schools, and heath, facilities remain in poor condition despite the efforts of local communities, the Government of Liberia, and private investors to revive the economy and restore basic services. Given the popular momentum behind rapid, participatory development in the County, the richness of natural resources, and the zeal of the local workforce, Nimba County is destined to make tremendous progress in the coming years.

Context of Grand Bassa County

Grand Bassa County, with Buchanan City as its capital, is one of the three original counties that first formed the Republic of Liberia. The two others are Montserrado and Sinoe. The County went through series of political and territorial metamorphoses over the years until, on 18 April 1985, during the administration of Samuel Doe, the part of the County known as Rivercess Territory was upgraded to the status of a county. In October 2003, the County’s previous four districts (Districts #1, #2, #3 and #4) were also increased with Neekreen as a newly added District, making a total of five statutory districts and a commonwealth district that are currently divided into nine administrative districts, eleven townships, three cities (Buchanan, Edina, and St. John River Cities) and forty-three clans. The county is bordered by Margibi County to the northwest, Bong County to the north, Nimba County to the east, and Rivercess County to the south and east. The southeastern part of Grand Bassa borders the Atlantic Ocean. The 2008 National Census Report puts the population of the county to be 251,779. The county is predominately occupied by the Bassa ethnic group with smaller other ethnic groups, such as the Kpelleh, Mano and Kru, occupying smaller areas. There are no major mining activities on-going in the county, except for Arcelor Mittal that is using the port of Buchanan to export ores from the iron ore mine in Nimba County. Notwithstanding, there are also reports of illicit mining activities on-going in most parts of the county

Overall Objective of the Gender- responsive Local Economic Assessments (LEA)

A gender-responsive LEA assesses the extent to which a locality integrates gender issues into activities and institutional systems related to the local economy. It undertakescomprehensive review of existing activities and initiatives, and spotlights socioeconomic factors that promote or inhibit women’s participation, and representation at the local level. Ultimately, the assessment should appraise prevailing (and projected) opportunities for inclusive and gender-informed growth.

Specific Key Objectives

In relation to contents, the gender-responsive LEA should:

• Provide a local economic development strategy with information and data (sex-disaggregated) to examine and forecast key factors that may drive men’s and women’s participation in the local economy in different ways, and identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in a local economy;
• Provide an opportunity to engage women-led and gender-responsive local businesses and community groups in local economic development planning;
• Identify past and forecast future driving forces in the national, regional and local economy, and their potential for and impact on local economic development policy;
• Evaluate external trends and events influencing the realization of equitable economic development and women’s economic empowerment; and
• Monitor changes and progress in the local economy over time.

Specific Questions

A gender-responsive LEA typically engages local governments and local communities in answering the following questions:

1. What are the potentials for local economic development (e.g., based on the characteristics of the local economy, highly productive sectors, concentrations of employment, national gross domestic product [GDP] contribution, etc.)?
2. What are the most pressing barriers that local women (and men) face to participating in income generating activities?
3. What opportunities within the local economy can accelerate gender mainstreaming for local economic development?
4. Which local stakeholders generally define and/ or contribute to women’s engagement in local economic activities?
5. Which local investments (or infrastructures) should be prioritized to accelerate gender-responsive local economic development and enhance access to services?
6. what are opportunities around women’s participation in local government leadership positions?

• Project Deliverables
• Infographic of Women in Local Government (Nimba and Grand Bassa) – The infographic is to map and get a deeper understanding of the gender equality gap when it comes to social inclusion and decision making of women in Local governance across the two counties; and
• County Gender-responsive LEA (Nimba and Grand Bassa) - The Country Gender Equality Profile for Liberia should document the differences in gender roles, activities, needs, and opportunities in Liberia; show gender gaps by using sex-disaggregated data; document existing gender inequalities at micro (grass roots), meso (institutional, sectoral) and macro level (national), taking into consideration the different backgrounds and diversity between women and men (age, ethnicity, religion, income level, etc.) in a manner that is useful for the planning of policies, programs and projects that are gender responsive. The CGEP will be done in close consultation, collaboration and partnership with the Ministry of Gender Children and Social Protection.

1. Methodology

• The methodology for the LEA: an extensive desk review of reports, documents and data from the GoL, civil society, UN Women, County Administration, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Governance Commission (GC) and other international organizations; preparation of a background Issue Paper based on the desk review;undertake interviews, meetings, and focus groups with government officials, civil society and women’s groups, and a consultative workshop for presentation and discussion of preliminary findings; Finalization of the LEA.

Duties and Responsibilities

Duties and Responsibilities:

The National Consultant should combine desk review and secondary analysis of qualitative and statistical data in a manner that is useful for the planning of policies, programs and projects that are gender responsive. Under the overall guidance of the Deputy Country Representative, in close consultation, collaboration and partnership with the Gender and Social Inclusion Unit at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and direct supervision from the Gender-Responsive Budgeting (GRB) Programme Specialist the National Consultant will accomplish the following tasks:

Task 1. Develop a Consultancy Workplan

• Conduct a desk review of relevant documents such as the Country Gender Equality Profile, Country Common Assessment.
• Conduct preliminary consultations with other UN agencies, senior management and technicians at the MIA, GC MGCSP, CSOs reference group, and the private sector to facilitate development of a consultancy plan.

Task 2. Conduct Data Collection

• Gather, examine, and analyze existing disaggregated data related to gender equality in Liberia
• Collaborate with national and international development partners and the Liberian government (LISGIS, MFDP, MGCSP,GC and MIA) in gathering and analyzing relevant statistics
• Conduct consultations (meetings/interviews/focus groups discussion) with relevant stakeholders

Task 3. Perform Institutional and situation capacity assessment

• Examine the socio-cultural, economic, and environmental factors that hinder the efforts of gender equality in Liberia, as well as effects of COVID-19. Assess the institutional capacity of county administration and other stakeholders to promote gender equality and the empowerment of women in Liberia.
• Evaluate national policies, legal frameworks, including human rights frameworks, and strategies from a gender perspective and identify good practices and shortcomings. Asses the status of ratification of international treaties related to gender equality and their incorporation to the domestic law and to what extent gender has been mainstreamed in national policies and plans.

Task 4. Draft the LEA

• In consultation with MIA, MGCSP, GC LISGIS, MFDP, CSOs reference group and the private sector, identify major needs and concerns regarding gender equality in Liberia, and provide recommendations with entry points for engagement for GoL, donors and other development partners;
• Make recommendations to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment in economic, social and decision-making processes; and
• Propose a number of clear tangible suggestions for the integration of gender in areas of intervention (e.g., sectors of concentration, thematic area), including from a programmatic perspective.

Task 5. Validate the draft LEA

• Organize and facilitate events to validate and endorse the draft LEA

  Task 6. Incorporate inputs and comments from stakeholders into the Final version of the report.

Task 7. Organize and launch the LEA in respective counties

The Gender-responsive LEA report should be structured as follows:

• EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

• INTRODUCTION AND METHODS

  • Background
  • Rationale for undertaking the gender-responsive LEA in the locality, goal and objectives
  • Purpose of gender-responsive report, intended audience
  • Methods: brief description of the four stages, data collection methods and sources, and gender assessment process
  • Structure and content of the report

• CONTEXT: SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC, DEMOGRAPHIC, ECONOMIC INDICATORS FOR THE COUNTY

• THE LOCAL ECONOMY

• GENDER-responsive LEA

• GENDER-RESPONSIVE INTERVENTIONS

• CONCLUSION AND KEY RECOMMENDATIONS
• REFERENCES
• ANNEXES

1. Expected Deliverables

The National consultant will produce the following deliverables:

Output/Deliverable

Activity

Date

Consultancy Workplan submitted to:

• Project Steering Committee
• UL/Gender research and social work

Finalized methodology framework submitted to:

• Project Steering Committee
• UL/Gender research and social work

Preliminary findings drafted and submitted to:

• Project Steering Committee
• UL/Gender research and social work

Outline of CGEP which should be submitted to:

• Project Steering Committee UL/Gender research and social work

First draft of CGEP for review by:

• Project Steering Committee
• UL/Gender research and social work

Revised final CGEP

Final Report of the consultancy submitted to the Steering Committee

All the deliverables, including annexes, notes and reports should be submitted in English. Upon receipt of the deliverables and prior to the payment of the first installment, the deliverables and related reports and documents will be reviewed and approved by UN Women. The period of review is one week after receipt.

Submission of package

1. Cover letter;
2. CV, including contact information for 3 references;

3.Financial proposal. The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount per each deliverable, including any travel, per diem and administrative fees, based on the template in Annex 1. The lump sum costs must be accompanied by a detailed breakdown of costs calculation.

All applications must include (as an attachment) the CV and the financial proposal. Applications without financial proposal will be treated as incomplete and will not be considered for further processing.

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be invited to the interview.

Selected candidates will need to submit prior to commencement of work:

1. A copy of the latest academic certificate
2. UN Women P-11 form, available via http://www.unwomen.org/en/about-us/employment
3. A statement from a medical doctor of ‘good health and fit for travel’

4. Before any travel outside of Monrovia, the consultant will need to provide proof (certificate) of “Basic and Advanced Security in the Field” (which can be accessed here: undss.trip.org)

5. Evaluation

Applications will be evaluated based on the Cumulative analysis.

• Technical Qualification (100 points) weight; [70%]
• Financial Proposal (100 points) weight; [30%]

A two-stage procedure is utilised in evaluating the proposals, with evaluation of the technical proposal being completed prior to any price proposal being compared. Only the price proposal of the candidates who passed the minimum technical score of 70% of the obtainable score of 100 points in the technical evaluation will be further evaluated.

Technical qualification evaluation criteria:

The total number of points allotted for the technical qualification component is 100. The technical qualification of the individual is evaluated based on following technical qualification evaluation criteria:

Technical Evaluation Criteria

Obtainable Score

Experience and skills

90 %

Language and other skills

10 %

Total Obtainable Score

100 %

Financial/Price Proposal evaluation****:

• Only the financial proposal of candidates who have attained a minimum of 70% score in the technical evaluation will be considered and evaluated.
• The total number of points allotted for the price component is 100.
• The maximum number of points will be allotted to the lowest price proposal that is opened/ evaluated and compared among those technical qualified candidates who have attained a minimum of 70% score in the technical evaluation. All other price proposals will receive points in inverse proportion to the lowest price.

Annex I: Financial Proposal

BREAKDOWN OF COSTS SUPPORTING THE ALL-INCLUSIVE FINANCIAL PROPOSAL

Breakdown of Cost by Components:

Deliverab;ePercentage of Total Price (Weigh) for payment)Fixed PriceDue Date The lump sum costs should include all administration costs, per diem and expenses related to the consultancy. All prices/rates quoted must be exclusive of all taxes. The lump sum costs must be accompanied by a detailed breakdown of costs calculation.

Competencies

1. Experience:

• At least 5 years of experience in gender mainstreaming, conducting gender analysis, gender and Human rights assessments, and planning
• Proven experience facilitating high level consultative workshops for government institutions and CSOs and local community members;
• Previous experience working in Nimba and Bong County would be an asset.
• Proven experience in conducting research in gender equality and women empowerment.

Inputs

• UN Women, AFDB, EU, Sweden, LISGIS, MGCSP, GC, UL/Gender Research/social work and MFDP will provide the National consultant with background materials relevant to the assignment.
• The National consultant is expected to work using her/his own computer.
• While on mission, the National consultant will be based at UN Women Liberia Country Office and will regularly visit to selected ministries, agencies and commissions, and in-country consultations
• UN Women shall facilitate consultations/meetings between the National consultant and other UN agencies, while MGCSP, LISGIS and MFDP shall facilitate consultations/meetings with national public and private stakeholders.

Only the candidates who fit the minimum requirements will be longlisted, and additional documentation may be requested. Candidates with a minimum of 70% of total points will be considered as technically qualified candidates and will be shortlisted for potential interview.

Required Skills and Experience

Required experience and qualifications

The IC should fulfill the following requirements:

1. Education

Master’s degree in Gender Studies, Statistics, Economics, Law, Public Administration, or other related fields

Language and other skills:

• Proficiency in oral and written English
• Computer literacy and ability to effectively use office technology equipment, Internet and email. Excellent facilitation and training skills.

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