Terms of Reference for the Feasibility Study “Promotion of sexual and reproductive health and rights in Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon”

Terms of Reference for the Feasibility Study “Promotion of sexual and reproductive health and rights in Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon”

 

Tender No. 23-2021 CO

 

Commissioned by: Plan International Egypt

 

  1. Introduction of Plan International

 

Founded 80 years ago, Plan International is one of the oldest and largest children's centered development and humanitarian organizations in the world. We work in 50 developing countries across Africa, Asia and the Americas to promote child rights and lift millions of children out of poverty particularly those who are excluded or marginalized with high quality programs that deliver long lasting benefits by increasing its income, working in partnership with others and operating effectively. Plan is independent, with no religious, political or governmental affiliations and is an equal opportunity employer. 

 

We engage people and partners to:

•           Empower children, young people and communities to make vital changes that tackle the root causes of discrimination against girls, exclusion and vulnerability.

•           Drive change in practice and policy at local, national and global levels through our reach, experience and knowledge of the realities children face.

•           Work with children and communities to prepare for and respond to crises and to overcome adversity.

•           Support the safe and successful progression of children from birth to adulthood.

 

Plan International core values are:

•           We strive for lasting impact

•           We are open and accountable

•           We work well together

•           We are inclusive and empowering

 

  1.  Background of the planned project

 

Plan believes that education on sexual reproductive health and rights can help adolescents and young people develop the capacity for healthy and respectful relationships. PIan’s aim under the SRHR strategy is that girls and young women, supported by boys and men, will be empowered to take informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health and live free from gender-based violence.

 

The project addresses the problem of the unmet need for family planning as well as the lack of access to reproductive health services and information, particularly for unmarried women and girls. For both host communities and Syrians, family planning clinics are entirely off-limits to unmarried individuals meaning there are few places for adolescents and young people to get advice apart from family members. High socio-economic vulnerabilities among Syrian refugees, lack of awareness about available services and discrimination by service providers pose a significant barrier to Syrian refugees. Parents either do not talk to their children about puberty and conception or offer insufficient or late information.

 

The overall aim of the project is to enable vulnerable adolescent girls and young women in Jordan, Lebanon and Egypt, with the support of adolescent boys and young men, to make informed decisions about their bodies and lives free from discrimination, coercion, violence or harmful practices. The project aim is supported by three strategic objectives:

 

Strategic Objective 1: Adolescents and youth have enhanced knowledge and skills and adopt healthy practices regarding their Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).

 

Strategic Objective 2: Adolescents and youth benefit from an enabling environment including parents, caregivers, community members and service providers that promote their SRHR with a special focus on male involvement.

 

Strategic Objective 3: Civil Society is strengthened to advocate for SRHR on local, national and regional levels.

 

  1. Objectives and tasks

 

    1. Objective of the feasibility study

 

The objective of the feasibility study is to provide Plan International in Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon with sufficient information to justify acceptance, modification or rejection of the anticipated project.

Furthermore, the study will provide Plan with a well-founded basis for the further development of the project concept, in which the prerequisites, opportunities and risks have all been clarified. By going through this process, the effectiveness of the project will be increased, and the most desirable investments will be identified at an early stage.

 

 

    1. Tasks of the consultant

 

The consultant will be responsible for planning and implementing the feasibility study, including forming and leading of the feasibility study team. Close consultation with Plan at every step is required. The consultant will receive a draft log-frame and project design at the beginning of the assignment.

 

In detail, the consultant will be responsible for:

 

  1. Developing detailed study design, which covers multiple levels from community, national to regional levels. The design should include a time line covering phases and processes of implementation, research techniques and methods used in each phase. The research design needs to be approved by Plan.

 

  1. Elaboration of a detailed sector analysis, including but not limited to:
    1. Current situation in the sector, including gaps and needs identification and analysis ,of protection ( GBV and SRHR) interventions considering the current COVID-19 situation and its impact on the implementation of the project
    2. Activities of other donors/implementing organizations, including the type of interventions and the level they being implemented at (national/regional), along with the gaps and capacities of those implementing organizations and  possible synergies.
    3. National priorities for the sector, including strategies and plans for the three countries as well as areas that warrant regional collaboration.
    4. Rationale of the necessity of the project in the light of the analysis
 

 

  1. Elaboration of a detailed socio-economic target group analysis, including but not limited to:
    1. Number of beneficiaries
    2. Types of beneficiaries (nationality, refugee status, occupation, sex, age, education, social and economic rank, etc.). Analysis should determine the most vulnerable target group and link their needs to the intervention.
    3. Interrelations between the stakeholders

 

  1. Elaboration of a detailed institutional analysis, including but not limited to:
    1. Stakeholder Map
    2. SWOT for each stakeholder
    3. Recommendations for the institutional set-up

 

  1. Elaboration of a detailed risk analysis, including political, socio-economic, logistical and environmental risks as well as mitigating actions that lie within the scope of the project.

 

  1. Review of the Logframe, including indicators for project overall objective (impact), project objective (outcome) and specific objectives (output) as well as assumptions.

 

  1. Collection of baseline data and assessing baseline situation

Guiding questions:

• What is the (baseline) situation in the region, the country? What is the socio-economic, political and cultural context? How has this context changed amidst the COVID-19 situation and what is the current situation like?

• What problems have been identified? What are the causes for these and what impact are they having on the living circumstances of the population and on which sections of the population in particular?

• What need has been derived from the analysis of problems? How has this been/is this being determined?

• What is the background and the previous history of the planned development measure and the rationale for the desired impact? Whose idea was the project?

• Are there any alternatives to the planned project or to component parts of it?

 

  1. Review of staffing concept, including:
    1. Number and profile of experts and support staff
    2. Number of days/months needed for each staff
    3. Recommendations for capacity building measures necessary for Plan staff and local implementing partners

 

  1. Review of project budget based on the work plan and staffing concept.

 

  1. Verification of the feasibility of the planned project according to OECD/DAC and BMZ criteria and their respective guiding questions:

Criterion

Guiding questions, including but not limited to:

Relevance

  • To what extent are the objectives and anticipated outcomes of the project valid in the light of national development priorities and Plan Egypt, Jordon and Lebanon priorities?
  • To what extent does the proposed project intervention meet the demands of the target population and other concerned stakeholders?
  • To what extend is government support for the project likely and / or necessary? Putting into consideration the set National strategies and the updates that have taken place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Effectiveness

  • To what extent are the objectives likely to be achieved given the existing framework conditions (legal framework, policy papers, and National strategies?
  • What are the major factors influencing the achievement or non-achievement of the objectives?

Efficiency

  • Can the project goals be achieved with the available resources?
  • Are the investments justified compared to the targeted effects?
  • Which possible alternative ways are there for implementing the project?
  • Are the project’s outputs likely to be used by the target group?

Impact

  • How many people are likely to be directly and indirectly affected?
  • Which are the potential personal and / or institutional impacts resulting from the capacity development measures?
  • Which are likely positive and negative, intended or unintended, political, socio-economic and environmental effects?
  • What change in behaviours or attitudes can be expected? 
  • What is likely to happen as a result of the project higher (political) level? (Overall goal, impact and vision)?
  • To what extend is a scaling-up of the project as a whole or of certain project components likely?

Sustainability

  • To what extend can technical, financial, social and ecological sustainability be assured after the funding period?
    • Linked to technical sustainability: Will the target group be able to continuously capitalize the project? Can the activities be integrated into an existing system?
    • Linked to financial sustainability: Is the project likely to attract further funding? Is the project likely to be economically self-sustaining?
    • Linked to social sustainability: Which possible social changes can positively or negatively influence the project’s sustainability?
    • Linked to ecological sustainability: Which possible ecological changes can positively or negatively influence the project’s sustainability?
  • What are the major factors influencing the achievement or non-achievement of sustainability of the project?

Coherence & coordination

  • To which extend is the project complementary to similar projects in the area?
  • To what extend can the interventions be coordinated with other donor/funding sources?

 

    1. Methodology

 

The design of the feasibility study will be proposed by the consultant and must include a combination of different and appropriate methods.

 

The choice of method must take into account the needs and capacities of the different target groups and stakeholders (children, mothers, pregnant and lactating women, women at reproductive ages, ethnic minorities, refugee and host communities, staff of Plan International and local partners, local and district government representatives, etc.).

 

The planning of the implementation and proposed methods need to take into account the Covid-1,9 situation in the countries and respect in-country regulations.

 

  1. Intended users of the feasibility study

 

The feasibility study will be used by Plan Germany, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and other relevant Plan International staff as well as designated implementing partners, but also similar future projects.

 

  1. Geographical scope

 

The feasibility study is to be undertaken for a program that is implemented at the community, national, and regional level. The countries participating are Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon while the regional work is coordinated by Plan International office in Egypt.

 

In Egypt, the project is implemented in locations where there are high concentrations of Syrian refugees namely, 6 October (Giza), Faisal/ Haram (Giza). In Jordan, the project will be implemented in Jarash, Zarqa and Karak. In Lebanon, the project will be implemented in Beirut Mount Lebanon.

 

.

 

  1. Deliverables
  • Detailed study design including proposed methodology, work plan and table of contents for the feasibility study, to be shared with Plan before the kick-off workshop
  • Draft report (max. 25 pages), based on tasks 2-10 as mentioned above, to be submitted to Plan before the workshop discussing the draft
  • Final report in English(max. 25 pages), excluding annexes, based on tasks 2-10 as mentioned above, no later than one week after reception of comments on the draft report.

The report should consist of:

·        Cover page, Plan will provide sample cover sheet for reference

·        Table of contents, list of acronyms, abbreviations and list of tables and charts.

·        Executive summary of key findings and recommendations – 3-4 pages.

·        Background information and context analysis presented per key criteria with a brief description

·       Methodology with clear explanation of limitations, participants’ selection and data analysis approach.

·        Research findings and analysis.

·        Conclusion and Recommendations.

·        The recommendations should be framed according to each section of project.

 

  1. Timeline

 

Context specific, though generally:

 

The consultancy mission is 28 working days over the period January10th 2021 to February 7th starting from the agreement contract sign-off date and ending when the final feasibility study report has been formally approved by Plan International Germany, Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon.

 

Activity

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Week 5

Workshop: kick off with Plan International

X

 

 

 

 

Developing data collection tools

     X

 

 

 

 

Review and Testing

 

X

 

 

 

Submission of a detailed study design

 

X

 

 

 

Field work of the consultant

 

 

X

 

 

Data analysis

 

 

 

X

 

Drafting of report

 

 

 

       X

 

Submission of first draft to Plan International

 

 

 

 

X

Workshop: discussion of first draft with Plan International

 

 

 

 

X

Submission of final report after incorporation of observations

 

 

 

 

         X

 

  1. Qualification and experience required

 

Context specific, though generally:

 

  • Demonstrable expertise (at least 10 years) in social development, especially in areas of SRHR, GBV and gender equality
  • Demonstrable experience (at least 5 years) in research/evaluation of complex programs related to the sectors.
  • Demonstrable experience in project management in a development cooperation context in Middle East and North Africa, especially in Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon.
  • Ability to conduct high quality research, meet deadlines and respond to requests and feedback provided timely and appropriately
  • Excellent track record in designing and conducting quantitative and qualitative research, analysis and evaluation
  • Experience in undertaking research with remote and marginalized communities
  • Knowledge of the country’s governance and cultural context;
  • Fluent written and spoken Arabic and English language is a must.
  • Knowledge of women’s and children’s rights: previous experience conducting research with children, women and vulnerable groups will be considered an asset
  • Excellent and demonstrated understanding of child protection, gender and cultural diversity issues in research and project design.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication and reporting skills in English
  • The ability to utilize virtual/online platforms for data collection and analysis.

 

  1. Budget

 

The expenses incurred by the recruited consultants for the conduct of the feasibility study will be covered by Plan International/BMZ.

 

Payments will be made through the following schedule:

  • The first instalment is 25% upon signing of contract.
  • The second instalment is 75% upon the submission of final report.

 

  1. Permissions

 

The consultant is responsible for obtaining the necessary permissions to implement the data collection at the respective level. This includes but is not limited to consent. The respective consent form can be provided by Plan upon request

 

  1. Ethics and Safeguarding

 

The consultant is obliged to respect the following ethical and child safeguarding requirements:

 

  • Fair and inclusive: The consultant should seek the views of various stakeholders: Children with and without disabilities, street children, youth, their families, CSOs, community, partners and government actors and be able to identify and address potential conflict of interest and unequal power relationships. Special efforts should be made to make the research process child-centred and sensitive to gender and inclusion. 

 

  • Conflict of interest: The consultant must demonstrate the necessary independence and declare any conflict of interest and potential biases, including bias towards any of the stakeholders, target groups, types of research methodologies or approach, social, political or religious prejudice.

 

  • Based on rights and ethics:

Plan International is fully committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all children and young people. We take very seriously our responsibility to promote child and youth safe practices, protecting them from harm and abuse, in any form. We are committed to ‘doing no harm’ and understand that we have particular responsibilities to the children with whom we come into contact. Everybody working for, or, with Plan International has a responsibility to support the care and protection of children and young people and ensure that no child or young person comes to harm as a result of their association or engagement with us and those who represent us. The consultant must respect the rights and dignity of participants as well as comply with relevant ethical standards and Plan’s Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy and Code of Conduct.

 

The research must ensure: appropriate, safe, non-discriminatory participation; a process of free and un-coerced consent and withdrawal and confidentiality and anonymity of participants. The informed consent of each person (including children) participating in data collection should be documented.

 

The consultant will be expected to sign Plan International’s Policy on Safeguarding Children and Young People, the overriding framework to protect children and young people who come into contact with Plan International’s employees, volunteers, partner organizations and individuals, including consultants, who are working on behalf of Plan. 

 

A statement in the proposal should be included on how they will ensure ethics and child protection in during the commencement of the assignment and during the fieldwork. Consultant/s should also specify other ethical protocols to be followed during the due course of the assignment.

 

 

  1. Submission of proposals and criteria for evaluation

 

The interested consultant / consultancy firm is invited to submit the following application documents:

 

  • Proposal, not exceeding 6 pages, outlining how the consultant(s) meet the selection criteria and how they intend to implement the tasks 1-10 mentioned above
  • A proposed workplan with time frame
  • Financial proposal detailing consultant(s) itemized fees, data collection and administrative costs
  • Sample work
  • CVs of the consultant(s) who will undertake the study
  • 3 references need to be provided
  • Financial Proposal (one envelope):

All fees or expenses in a table following the below format:

#

Activity - examples

Unit description

Number of units

(A)

Unit Costs

(B)

Total

(A)*(B)

1

Lead Consultant fees per day considering the level of effort needed and the time needed for completing the assignment on time and within the timeframe clarified in the TOR.

Workdays

30

 

 

2

Linguistic review

 

 

 

 

3

Transportation fees (if any)

 

 

 

 

4

Consultant’s assistants’ fees (if any)

 

 

 

 

5

Taxes applied either 5 %, 10% or 20%

 

 

 

 

6

………………………………..

 

 

 

 

Total

xxxxx

 

 

 

 

Criteria for the evaluation of the proposal:

 

Criteria

Percentage

Experience in similar studies

10%

Quality of the technical proposal including workplan

30%

Qualification of the proposed experts

30%

Financial offer

30%

Total

100%

 

Technical proposals must achieve at least 49% in order for the respective financial proposals to be opened.  

 

Evaluation of the financial proposal: Every financial proposal receives a number of points (F) over 100. The maximum, 100 points, will be attributed to the lowest financial offer. For the remaining financial offers, the calculation will be as follows:

 

F = 100*Pmin/P

P: financial offer in question

Pmin: lowest financial offer

 

Establishment of the overall rank: N = 0,7*T + 0,3*F

 

The contract will be awarded to the consultant / consultancy firm scoring the highest N.

 

 

Please submit all above documents via email to: [email protected]

 

 

The deadline for proposal submission is  10 January 2021 before 4:00 PM

 

 

Annexes

  • Project concept note
  • Logframe
  • Plan’s Child and Youth Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct

 

  1. - General conditions: (the following conditions must be respected otherwise your quotations will not be evaluated)
  • financial and technical offers (all pages) Must be signed / Stamped.  
  • Submit photocopy from valid commercial register, tax register and VAT certificate, Copy of ID for commissioner to sign the contract (in case of company)
  • Submit photocopy from valid tax register for individuals (in case it’s the consultant obtain tax card)
  • The prices must be written in numbers and letters and both must be similar
  • The financial offer must include (VAT, social insurance if it’s applied and any other taxes)
  • Plan International Egypt have the right to accept, reject or split the offer without giving a justification to the bidders and the bidders don’t have the right to ask for a justification or a clarification for the committee selection.
  • The submission of the technical and financial offer from the bidders means that the bidders are accepted those conditions
  • In case the bidders have any conditions, they must write it clear on a separate papers signed and stamped (only the company letterhead in case of companies)
  • The bidders must submit only one technical and financial offers for each tender and in case they submit more than one offer all of his\her offers will be excluded from the tender
  • The bidders must submit a photocopy from his previous working experience especially the similar works and the works that have been done with Plan international Egypt
  • We accept sharing offers Via Email: [email protected]. using Link by attachment or (PDF) at Email, please write Tender No# 23-2021 CO.
  • The bidders are responsible on all kind of taxes with no responsibility on Plan International Egypt
  • Taxes stated by law will be deducted before paying to the service provider.
  • For inquiries feel free to contact: [email protected]

How to apply

Please submit all above documents via email to: [email protected]

 

 

The deadline for proposal submission is  10 January 2021 before 4:00 PM

- General conditions: (the following conditions must be respected otherwise your quotations will not be evaluated)

  • financial and technical offers (all pages) Must be signed / Stamped.  
  • Submit photocopy from valid commercial register, tax register and VAT certificate, Copy of ID for commissioner to sign the contract (in case of company)
  • Submit photocopy from valid tax register for individuals (in case it’s the consultant obtain tax card)
  • The prices must be written in numbers and letters and both must be similar
  • The financial offer must include (VAT, social insurance if it’s applied and any other taxes)
  • Plan International Egypt have the right to accept, reject or split the offer without giving a justification to the bidders and the bidders don’t have the right to ask for a justification or a clarification for the committee selection.
  • The submission of the technical and financial offer from the bidders means that the bidders are accepted those conditions
  • In case the bidders have any conditions, they must write it clear on a separate papers signed and stamped (only the company letterhead in case of companies)
  • The bidders must submit only one technical and financial offers for each tender and in case they submit more than one offer all of his\her offers will be excluded from the tender
  • The bidders must submit a photocopy from his previous working experience especially the similar works and the works that have been done with Plan international Egypt
  • We accept sharing offers Via Email: [email protected]. using Link by attachment or (PDF) at Email, please write Tender No# 23-2021 CO.
  • The bidders are responsible on all kind of taxes with no responsibility on Plan International Egypt
  • Taxes stated by law will be deducted before paying to the service provider.
  • For inquiries feel free to contact: [email protected]
منتهية الصلاحية
آخر مدة للتقديم
الأحد, 10. يناير 2021
نوع الدعوة
دعوة لتقديم الاستشارات
قطاع(ات) التدخل:
الأطفال والشباب, حقوق الإنسان والحماية
Remuneration range:
> 6000 (USD)
Duration of Contract:
28 working days over the period January10th 2021 to February 7th starting from the agreement contract sign-off date and ending when the final feasibility study report has been formally approved by Plan International Germany, Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon.
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