DevNetJobsIndia.org

Indian Development Jobs, Careers, Consulting in NGOs, Non-Profits, UN, Aid, Charities, For-Profits, Bilaterals, Multilaterals, Governments, Development Banks, For-Profits, Environmental Agencies www.devnetjobsindia.org

 Subscribe to Indian Job e-Updates



Jobseeker? Post your resume

Jobseeker? Subscribe to international development jobs (Value Membership Service)

Recruiter? Post your jobs via our online form

 

 RFP: Designing and Implementing an Impact Evaluation of the Safe Cities Free of Violence Against Women and Girls Project in India (Phase II)
 UN Women

 Location: New Delhi
 Last Date: February 10, 2011
 

Starting date   :                               17  January 2011

Extended Closing date  :               10 February 2011 

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

PROJECT ON

Designing and Implementing an Impact Evaluation of the Safe Cities Free of Violence Against Women and Girls Project in India (Phase II)

Background 

Violence against women and girls is a global pandemic of alarming proportions: according to available country surveys, 15 to 76 per cent of women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime. Millions of women and girls face sexual harassment and assault in public spaces every day, on city streets, parks, public transportation and their routes to and from work and school. Though a universal phenomenon, especially relevant in a globalized and urbanizing world, sexual violence against women and girls in public spaces is largely unrecognized and ignored by policies, programmes and budgets. The dearth of reliable, specific and comparable data also contributes to this problem and the lack of public and political attention that it requires.   

A cornerstone of UN Women’s efforts to advance gender equality, end violence against women and bring women’s rights to bear on local governance and decision making is its work on the neglected issue of sexual violence[1] and other forms of violence in public spaces. To create a catalyst for policy attention, public awareness and innovative responses, UN Women has launched a new flagship initiative, the Global Programme on Safe Cities Free of Violence against Women and Girls. 

The initiative is inspired in particular by the recent experiences within a Regional programme in Latin America, which was initiated with the initial support from the UN Trust Fund to Eliminate Violence against Women and in general draws on years of accumulated expertise in women’s safety and prevention of pioneering women’s grassroots and networks, UN sister agencies  (such as UN HABITAT and UNICEF), experts in diverse fields (e.g. urban planning, geography, communications, etc) and local authorities.  

The programme aims to develop the first proven model on how to prevent and reduce sexual violence and harassment in public spaces for eventual adaptation by local authorities and other decision-makers worldwide, in partnership with grassroots women’s organizations and community groups.  

This model is intended to be capable of upscaling in many local contexts—furthering women’s empowerment and gender equality, while enhancing the quality of city life for all. Focusing on slum areas, impoverished neighborhoods and excluded groups, these efforts will work to empower women and their communities in diverse settings in five cities: Cairo (Egypt), Kigali (Rwanda), New Delhi (India), Port Moresby (Papua New Guinea) and Quito (Ecuador). 

Reflective of the goal to develop and test a safe city model, the Impact evaluation component is an integral part of the design of the Global Programme.   In each of the participating cities UN Women is seeking a strong partner institution to lead this critically important aspect of the programme. 

In particular, the impact evaluation will determine the extent to which the programme has 1) reduced gender-based violence, 2) increased mobility of women and girls in public spaces, and 3) increase awareness about and enjoyment of women and girl’s rights to access and use public space 

Three main options of impact evaluation design are to be considered:  experimental evaluation, using randomized trials with control and treatment groups; quasi-experimental evaluation, involving cluster trials (to compare the interventions’ effects on beneficiaries with comparable communities in which the intervention was not implemented); and a comprehensive pre- and post-intervention evaluation (without a comparison or treatment/control group). 

The IE  design   will include incorporation of gender equality and human rights approaches, participatory techniques, application of  qualitative and quantitative methodologies, construction of counterfactuals to help to assess impact attribution, and a longitudinal study involving ex-ante (baseline), mid-term, post (end line) and ideally; ex-post assessments (after projects end or the initial implementation phase ends). 

The rigor of the impact evaluation of the Global Safe Cities model will be enhanced by using a variety of innovative and participatory methods and forms of documentation throughout the duration of the programme, including participatory techniques such as “the most significant change”, mapping, establishing of local observatories and use of audiovisuals, videos, and testimonials, which can best support the generation of knowledge, and ultimately dissemination of progress and results. 

Context in India 

Women living in New Delhi experience high levels of insecurity and harassment in

buses, on streets and in other public spaces, and ‘eve teasing’ of women and girls is all too

common. (See: http://jagori.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/report-on-baseline-survey.pdf and

http://www.unifem.org.in/violenceagainstwomen.html) With an emphasis on creating an overarching strategy to create safer cities for women and girls, the project will focus on some of the following - needed policy and legislative reforms; urban planning and design of public spaces; civic awareness; improvements in public transport and policing; provision and maintenance of public infrastructure and services; and expanding access by survivors to legal assistance, justice and other supports.  

The Department for Women and Child Development, Government of Delhi, JAGORI, UN Women are the main partners. Inspired by Jagori’s recent campaign, which includes TV spots such as Staring Hurts, the project will develop a multimedia prevention and educational drive for community mobilization. A larger number of stakeholders have already been consulted and more are to be engaged in its development, including the Departments of Education and Transport of the Government of Delhi, the Delhi Police, women’s rights groups and United Nations agencies (UNICEF, UN Habitat UNDP, UNESCO and UNFPA). 

Key activities

UNIFEM is requesting for proposals from qualified organizations to undertake the following tasks within Phase II of the Safe City New Delhi project:

v  In consultation with UN Women impact evaluation experts, develop a methodology (that is gender, age and culturally appropriate) for a scoping study to gain a deeper understanding of the nature of sexual violence (SV) and harassment in selected two areas to help refine the project design ( including specific interventions) and the IE strategy.  Inter alia, it will need to ensure that adolescent girls’ experiences of SV and harassment in public spaces are included as a distinct focus.

v  Provide support the main project partners  - The Department for Women and Child Development, Government of Delhi and JAGORI to develop a robust project design {based on results of the initial base-line research undertaken by JAGORI and New Concept Information Systems between January and March 2010 that covered all 9 districts of Delhi and strategic framework developed in response to it) refine the theory of change and intervention logic model following consultations with stakeholders in a targeted workshop

v  Undertake analysis of existing base-line research and determine if supplementary surveys are needed to ensure comprehensive coverage of the refined (as a result of the stakeholders workshop)  theory of change

v  Provide support the main project partners (The Department for Women and Child Development, Government of Delhi and JAGORI) to develop a participatory monitoring system, which could include safety observatory that provides a more stable system to collect and analyse data from a wide gamut of sources on sexual violence and other forms of violence (health, police, schools, etc), or “a real life feedback mechanism”  -  to track change over the course of the “Safe Delhi” project  

v  In consultation with Global Impact Evaluation partner, develop a specific Impact Evaluation (IE) strategy, including the initial document and advanced version, upon validation by key stakeholders.

v  Undertake a mid-term evaluation in 2013 

Project Sites

The project will be implemented in two locations in two districts of Delhi state. The decision on the selection of the intervention sites will be made by a Steering Committee chaired by the Minister  Prof. Kiran Walia. 

The selection of the intervention sites will be based on the following considerations:

v  The level of SV and harassment (areas with high rates being prioritized)

v  Socio-economic indicators – areas with characteristics of inequality and exclusion

v  Availability of and actual or potential engagement with women’s grassroots groups, including those working with adolescent girls.

v  Existence of or the potential for effective, efficient, available and accessible referral services in the area.

v  Local authority support for project implementation in the areas.

v  No or limited direct exposure to other Safe City activities in New Delhi 

Project Phases: 

v  PHASE I (2009-2010) - development of initial project profile, building of key partnerships and conducting of the initial base-line study.

v  PHASE II (covered by current TOR) 2011-2013:  development of Impact Evaluation Strategy, supplementary baseline if required, advanced project design (scoping study, baseline for interventions), building key stakeholders partnerships at the sites of interventions, establishing of monitoring system, beginning of project interventions, mid-term evaluation;

v  PHASE III: 2013-2015 Fine-tuning of the project on the basis of mid-term assessment, continuation of interventions and on-going monitoring of project activities and results. 

v  PHASE IV:  End-line assessment (The end-line will begin after completion of the directed by the programme interventions - ex-post).    

Time Frame of this TOR:

Phase II  March 2011 –  February 2013 (2 years)

Guidelines for the Submission of Proposals

What is the format for the proposal?

Given the above details, the proposal (7-10 pages) should contain, at minimum, the following:

  1. A brief technical proposal which includes:

l  Institutional profile: brief description of relevant experience as a primary implementing agency on social research and evaluations. Specific experience in designing and implementing impact evaluation research (both quantitative and qualitative) on gender, gender based violence using participatory methods should be clearly stated. Details of past research projects and achievements as a result of work  undertaken must be spelled out in the application

l  Names and short bio notes of the research team that will undertake the work (even though CVs in Appendix), indicating which, if any are sub-contractors. Details of how much time will be given by each individual member in the team, especially by senior staff must be clearly stated.

l  Key components of the impact evaluation strategy  to be employed

l  Detailing the design and methodology for the base line data collection, including quantitative and qualitative components, mid term review, end line assessment and ongoing monitoring processes and systems to be put in place. Views on the initial baseline conducted by JAGORI and New Concept Information Systems in 2010 available on http://jagori.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/report-on-baseline-survey.pdf and how this may be supplemented may be spelled out

l  Logframe (articulating key Outputs, SMART indicators and means of verification  (see template below)

l  The proposed two year work plan based on the general timeframe given above (see work plan template below) 

2.       A budget proposal (in Excel with detailed footnotes or with a separate line-by-line budget narrative). Programmatic costs must comprise at least 70% of the total budget.  

The Breakdown of financial costs could include: Personnel; Training of researchers and community observers, Data collection, Data entry, Data analysis and presentation; Equipment (specify); Contractual services (specify); Monitoring (including travel, other); Dissemination, Organizational support (communications, materials – this should not exceed 7% of the total budget); Audit. The budget for 2011 and 2012 should be presented in separate excel sheets. 

Applicants should include Annexes (supporting documents) such as detailed CVs of lead technical staff proposed for work on this project, managerial and communications staff, organization brochure, and examples of previous work and projects relevant to the assignment. 

What criteria will be used for the selection of the organization /consultant team?

Organizations/Consultant Teams will be selected on the basis of technical (70%) and financial (30%) assessments. First a technical assessment will be undertaken. The technical and financial proposals should be submitted separately. 

The assessment will review the following[2];

  1. Track record of undertaking social research, including research in the area of violence against women/gender based violence
  2. Technical expertise and demonstrated capacity to design and implement evaluation of development projects, including impact evaluations involving use of qualitative and quantitative methods, including large scale randomized surveys;
  3. Level of relevant expertise of staff committed to this project
  4. Soundness of the methodology proposed
  5. Realism of work plan to complete the  assignment
  6. Financial management capacity and competence, including appropriate arrangements for budgeting, expenditure control and accounting
  7. Familiarity with United Nations Evaluation Group  and UN WOMEN norms,  standards and ethical code of conduct (http://www.uneval.org/normsandstandards/index.jsp?doc_cat_source_id=4 )

 

When is the proposal due?

The deadline for submission of proposals is 31 January 2011. Proposals received after the deadline will not be considered.  

To whom should the proposal be sent? 

Submissions should be sent  in hard copy with a signed cover letter  mentioning  “Proposal to design  and implement an Impact Evaluation of the Safe Cities Free of Violence Against Women and Girls Project in India” in the subject line. 

The submissions should be sent to: 

Ms. Shahnaaz Basha

C/O Registry

UN Women South Asia Regional Office

19 A Rajdoot Marg New Delhi – 110021

Fax: 91-11-26119130 

Electronic submissions may be sent to registry.india@unwomen.org 

 UNIFEM will not consider applications:

·         Submitted by individuals without any organizational affiliation;

·         Submitted by organizations that do not have a legal status in the country of operation;

·         Submissions that have incomplete documentation, including blank or missing annexes. 

In cases where two or more organisations submit a joint proposal, the name of the organization that is taking the overall responsibility for satisfactory completion of the work, financial administration and reporting and overall accountability to UN Women must be clearly stated. A copy of the MoU between the two organizations must be attached. Relevant details related to the collaborating organization with clear roles and responsibilities in design, implementation and monitoring of the proposed project should also be mentioned 

Ideal Profile for IMPACT EVALUATION (IE) IMPLEMENTING PARTNER (IP) 

It is envisaged that the partner is likely to be an academic or non-profit research organization, but other possibilities will be considered. Organisations that are not able to meet all the above requirements ‘in house’ may establish appropriate collaborative links with individuals or other organisations to strengthen their credentials. The proposal should demonstrate a written agreement between the organization-applicant and the potential collaborator regarding specific scope and terms of existing or proposed collaboration.  

The selected partner will: 

I. Have a strong track record in:

-social research, including large scale and substantive studies of sensitive issues in developing countries, such as  research of sexual violence

-evaluation of development projects, including impact evaluations involving use of qualitative and quantitative methods

- work on programmes involving  complex institutional environments such as, for example, UN agencies, governments, other national and international institutions, and civil society

-writing reports and publications  which have made a significant contribution to legislation, public policy, programmes or learning in the field of development practice and studies

-delivering reports and publications on a tight schedule and in coordination with and input from multiple partners, stakeholders and collaborators

-promoting use and dissemination evaluation findings

II. Commit to this assignment staff with expertise in:

-quantitative and qualitative research in gender equality, women’s empowerment and/or gender-based violence/violence against women

-design of experimental, quasi-experimental and rigorous ex-ante and ex-post evaluation strategies

-design of population surveys, including delivery methods, sampling processes, sample size, power calculations, survey instruments and non response  and response validation issues

-survey management, including implementation planning, workforce training and management, quality control and data processing

-advanced data analysis, including selection and use of appropriate parametric and non-parametric inferential techniques, content analysis (for qualitative data)

-qualitative research methods including, for example, document reviews, in-depth interviews, focus groups, direct and/or participatory observation

-experience with participative evaluation techniques, such as  ‘the most significant change’ evaluation approach, “making the case” and other

-managing the ethical issues that arise with research into sensitive gender-related topics and the use of experimental/quasi experimental research designs

III.     Be able to demonstrate capacity for or competence in ensuring:

-policies and procedures covering, for example, research codes of conduct, staff safety and data protection

-financial management, including appropriate arrangements for budgeting, expenditure control and accounting

-language, including ability to communicate well in English (orally and in writing); knowledge of other UN language is an asset

-workforce management, including ability to mobilize and manage survey teams with capability to carry out data coding and data entry

-technology, including information technology for data handling, data analysis and disaster recovery

-adequate workspace, including appropriate premises and office support services

IV.    Have the following additional attributes:

-political independence, reputational credibility and a commitment to gender equality

-resilience, including ability to withstand staff turnover and other unforeseen developments

-willingness to work within the UN Evaluation Group’s Norms and Standards.

LOGICAL FRAMEWORK FORMAT 

Results

Indicators

Means of Verification/Sources of Information

Assumptions/Risks

Goal –

 

 

 

Outcome 1 –The project is expected to contribute towards the achievement of this result, collectively with other development partners.

Link to relevant indicators.

 

 

Output 1.1 – The project will be directly held accountable for this result.

 

 

X – not needed

Activity 1.1.1

X – Not needed

 

X

Activity 1.1.2

X

 

X

Activity 1.1.3

X

 

X

Output 1.2 - The project will be directly held accountable for this result.

 

 

X – Not needed

Activity 1.2.1

 

X – Not needed

 

X

Activity 1.2.2

X

 

X

Activity 1.2.3

X

 

X

Outcome 2   The project is expected to contribute towards the achievement of this result, collectively with other development partners.

Link to relevant indicators.

 

 

Repeat as in above

 

 

 

 IMPLEMENTATION WORK PLAN FORMAT 

Outcome

 

Output

 

Output Indicator

Key

Activity

Implementing Partner(s)

Timeframe

(6 monthly units)

Budget Amount

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

[1] Sexual violence is defined as: “any sexual act, attempt to obtain a sexual act, unwanted sexual comments or advances, or acts to traffic, or otherwise directed, against a person’s sexuality using coercion, by any person regardless of their relationship to the victim, in any setting, including but not limited to home and work” (Jewkes, et al., 2003

[2] Please see below an Ideal Profile for Impact Evaluation Implementing Partner which provides a detailed list of characteristics essential for successful implementation of this project


 

Looking for International Development Jobs (rather than Indian jobs)? Receive 20-25 jobs & consultancies each day via 3 Months DevNetJobs Value Membership. Only USD 44 for 3 months. Click here to proceed

www.devnetjobsindia.org

Top of Page