Request for Proposal( Consultancy)

Job Description

Plan International Sierra Leone 

TOR for consultancy

Gender Equality and Inclusion Self-Assessment (GEISA)

• Background

Gender inequality and exclusion vary in their expression from place to place but, in all countries where we work, we encounter different forms of gender-based discrimination, gender stereotyping and an unequal distribution of power between women, men, girls and boys, as well as exclusion based on multiple factors. These factors include identities such as race, class, ethnicity, ability, language, sexual orientation, and gender identity, among others. We believe that our work on tackling gender inequality can be strengthened by examining how these identities intersect, and by using this learning to inform programmes and influencing. Gender inequality intensifies the negative effects of all other forms of exclusion and as a result, exclusion is different and often worse for girls and women. Girls often face the most significant barriers to exercising their rights among excluded groups, which is why gender equality and girls’ rights remain a distinct priority for our work.

In line with this, Plan International Sierra Leone has decided to undertake a Gender Equality and Inclusion Self-Assessment (GEISA) as a part of our wider commitment to gender equality and inclusion. The previous assessment was undertaken in 2014 It is therefore imperative that as the country office is planning its next country strategy that GEISA will be available to inform the planning. 

• Purpose of Consultancy

The Consultant is being commissioned to support Plan International Sierra Leone in conducting a GEISA. The purpose of a GEISA is:

• To undertake a learning and review process on gender equality and inclusion across all Plan’s work, both internal and external;

• To identify the strengths and challenges of Plan’s gender and inclusion work in order to determine concrete steps for making improvements.
• To recommend actions and support the Plan office to develop an achievable Gender transformative programming

• Scope of work and methodology

The process of a gender equality and inclusion assessment is highly participatory, working closely with Plan staff. The consultants’ role is to guide the GEISA process as a facilitator rather than an external evaluator to ensure a participatory self-assessment as an effective way to learn about gender equality and inclusion in the organisation. 

The consultant will work closely with Plan International Sierra Leone’s Gender and Inclusion Advisor to undertake the GEISA. This will include the following key steps:

• Clarify understanding of gender equality and inclusion concepts with the GEISA team.
• Conduct the GEISA, together with the GEISA team. Support the GEISA team to analyse the data.
• Write the draft GEISA report and facilitate feedback from the Plan office.
• Present a final, agreed and clear report on the process and findings.
• Identify recommendations and support the Plan office to develop an achievable Gender and inclusion action plan
• Facilitate a final dissemination workshop.
• Maintain on-going communication with Plan International Sierra Leone’s Gender Advisor and GEISA Team throughout the entire process.

• Expected Deliverables

It is expected that the Consultant will produce the following deliverables:

• A work-plan for the GEISA process.
• Baseline findings on gender equality and inclusion across all areas of Plan’s work.
• A draft and final report on the GEISA.
• Presentation materials for dissemination of GEISA report.
• A summary of recommendations and Gender and Inclusion Action Plan.

A set of GEISA Guidelines have been developed to guide this work. It is expected that the Consultant will utilise these guidelines to inform the expected deliverables.

• Time Frame and Budget

The entire GEISA process will be undertaken over a time period from February 2023 – March 2024 (from inception to report delivery). During this time, the Consultant is expected to work up to 30 days (contract level of effort).

• Support to be Provided

• In order to ensure quality support to the external consultant, Plan International Sierra Leone will constitute a GEISA committee led by the People and Culture team and the Gender Advisor to guide the process. The Reference Team will be composed staff from various sectors of Plan International Sierra Leone Office.
• The Gender Equality and Inclusion Advisor will be the main contact person from the Core team during the strategy review process. 
• Plan International Sierra Leone will make available all the necessary and required documents for review; support all the logistical arrangements. 
• The organization will also organize dissemination workshop for the final report with management and staff

• Qualification/Requirements

Plan International Sierra Leone aims to contract a consultant with experience who knows what a 

gender and inclusion assessment is, how to perform one, and has preferably undertaken one in 

Plan International or another NGO. 

The external facilitator should have the following skills:

• Experience in undertaking a Gender audit, gender and inclusion assessment in Plan or another INGO;
• Strong facilitation skills and hands-on experience of working in participatory ways with staff groups, partners and communities;

• Strong gender and inclusion analytical skills and knowledge/experience of different gender and inclusion tools;
• The ability to select the best approach/methodology for different groups and audiences;
• Qualitative data collection skills;
• Proven ability to support and work with an internal staff team and keep staff motivated;
• Openness to listen, learn and accurately record the GEISA findings;
• Good report-writing skills are essential;
• An ability to negotiate challenging findings from the GEISA with staff and senior management team;
• Experience with rights-based programme approaches; and
• An understanding of the linkages between children’s rights, gender equality and inclusion.

All interested applicants should submit a copy of their CV with links to sample of their work, at least 2 referees and a letter of interest, detailing their experience and approach to conducting the gender equality and inclusion self-assessment processes. 

• Plan International Values

In Taking up this consultancy you will need to confirm you are familiar with and committed to the following values of Plan International Sierra Leone:

WE STRIVE FOR LASTING IMPACT – We strive to achieve a significant and lasting impact on the lives of children and young people and to secure equality for girls. We challenge ourselves to be bold, courageous, focused, and innovative.

WE WORK WELL TOGETHER – We succeed by working effectively with others, inside and outside the organization, including our sponsors and donors. We actively support our colleagues, helping them to achieve their goals. We walk together to create and implement solutions in our teams, across Plan International, with children, girls, young people, communities, and our partners.

WE ARE INCLUSIVE AND EMPOWERING – We respect all people, appreciate differences, and challenge inequality in our programs and workplace. We support children, girls, and young people to increase their confidence and change their lives. We empower our staff to give their best and develop their potential.

WE ARE OPEN AND ACCOUNTABLE – We create a climate of trust inside and outside the organization by being open, honest, and transparent. We hold ourselves and others to account for the decisions we make and for our impact on others, while doing what we say we will do.

• Ethics and Child Protection

Plan International Sierra Leone places a high premium on CHILD PROTECTION issues in all its working relationships with its partners and associates and mandates all its working partners and associates to adhere to its CHILD PROTECTION Policy. 

As such, the activity must ensure appropriate, safe, non-discriminatory participation; a process of free and un-coerced consent and withdrawal; confidentiality and anonymity of participants. Consultants are required to provide a statement within their proposal on how they will ensure ethics and child protection in the development process. This must also include consideration of any risks related to the activity and how these will be mitigated.

• Disclosure of Information/Child Protection

It is understood and agreed that the Consultant(s) shall, during and after the effective period of the contract, treat as confidential and not divulge, unless authorized in writing by Plan, any information obtained in the course of the performance of the Contract.  Information will be made available for the consultants on a need to know basis. Any necessary field visits must be budgeted for in your proposal. Plan staff under the coordination of the Gender Specialist will support the consultant in facilitating all necessary engagements required by the Consultant. The selected consultant will commit to respecting Plan’s Child Protection Policy to prevent any harm to participating children and youth.