Consultant - Gender and Project end Evaluation Study

The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), is a private, non-denominational, international development agency established in 1967. It seeks sustainable solutions to long-term problems of poverty, hunger, illiteracy, and ill-health with special emphasis on the needs of rural communities in mountainous and other resource poor regions, primarily in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Its main areas of focus are education, health, rural development, environment and strengthening civil society.

The Aga Khan Foundation (Pakistan) [AKF (P)] is seeking a high caliber professional consultant Short-term consultancy on Gender-Responsive Climate Resilience Comprehensive Study and Recommendations for Gender-Responsive Climate Adaptation in IRCCCE Project Areas (Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral). The beginning date will be mutually agreed upon between the consultant and AKF (P).

Objective

The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) in Pakistan is deeply committed to enhancing the quality of life, fostering pluralism, and strengthening civil society through the values of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). In line with this mission, AKF Pakistan (AKFP) adopts a community-first approach, working closely with communities to develop context-specific, sustainable, and inclusive development initiatives. These initiatives empower communities, including children, youth, and women leaders, to actively participate in planning and implementing multi-sectoral development projects.

Climate resilience is one of AKF's core areas and is addressed in collaboration with AKDN agencies and external partners. Gender considerations are integrated across all thematic areas, with a strong emphasis on implementing gender-responsive strategies to improve the lives of vulnerable women, girls, and persons with disabilities (PwDs).

The "Improved Resilience to Climate Change of Communities and Ecosystems in Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral" (IRCCCE) project, funded by UBS Optimus Foundation, is one such initiative aimed at protecting communities at risk, reducing pressure on natural resources, and promoting nature-based, adaptive agricultural practices for economic recovery. Recognizing that women and girls are particularly vulnerable to climate-induced disasters, AKF acknowledges the need for a thorough study to identify gaps in current gender integration efforts within its climate resilience programs. This study will offer recommendations along with an action plan for more effective, inclusive, and gender-responsive climate adaptation strategies.

Findings from this study will be shared in a workshop involving relevant AKDN agencies and civil society organizations to encourage knowledge sharing and collaboration. Following the workshop, the consultant will work with the gender team and the IRCCCE Project Manager to conduct a 2–3-day capacity-building training for AKF/AKDN staff and project beneficiaries, focusing on the recommended gender-responsive climate adaptation actions.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

PHASE I

Stage 1: Initial Discussions, Workplan Development and Desk Review

• Conduct a desk review of AKF's key documents, policies, and guidelines to understand the integration of gender considerations into climate resilience
• Conduct initial discussions to define the scope and methodology for the consultancy.
• Develop and finalize a work plan, detailing timelines, key staff involved, and community groups for interviews.
• Prepare and submit a detailed inception report, including a work plan, after the initial discussions and reviews.

PHASE II

Stage 2: Tool Testing and Development of Report on Gender-Differentiated Climate Risks and Strategies

Design and finalize tools and methodology for Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) after discussions with key staff, focusing on improving women’s meaningful participation in climate resilience efforts, gender transformative approaches in climate adaptation, and gender responsive monitoring and evaluation indicators.

• Upon completing consultations, use the gathered information to develop gender differentiated climate risks and strategies.
• Compile a consolidated report of gaps, findings, and recommendations and action plan with support from AKF’s gender, program, and communication teams.
• Debrief AKF staff and present report.

PHASE III

Stage 3: Capacity-Building Training Sessions

1. Based on the study's findings, organize 2 days of training for AKF staff and project beneficiaries.
2. Focus the training on enhancing skills and knowledge related to gender-responsive climate adaptation and resilience.

Duration & Implementation Arrangements

• The consultancy will span 15 working days.
• Travel arrangements will be made by AKF.
• The schedule for deliverables will be finalized upon signing the contract between the consultant and AKF Pakistan (AKFP).

Deliverables

The table below outlines the key deliverables, timeframes, and days allocated for each phase of the initiative:

Key Activities

Days Allocated

PHASE I

Stage 1: Initial Discussions, Workplan Development, and Desk Review

- Inception meeting

- Submission and approval of inception report and work plan

- Desk review of current approaches

Total for Phase I

30%

PHASE II

Stage 2: Tool Testing and Development of Report on Gender-Differentiated Climate Risks and Strategies

•  Design and finalize tools for KIIs, FGDs and implement them in the field
•  Develop gender differentiated risks, strategies and action plan
•  Debriefing AKF staff on key findings & Submission of final report and presentation

Total for Phase II

30 %

PHASE III

Stage 3: Capacity-Building Trainings

- 2-day training sessions for staff and beneficiaries

Total for Phase III

40 %

Overall Total

The consultant(s) will be expected to deliver:

1. Inception Report: A report outlining the field plan, methodology, and work schedule, to be submitted within the first two weeks.
2. Draft Need Assessment Report: Based on the review of data and field visits, meeting with the community, a detailed report covering key findings, conclusions, and preliminary recommendations.
3. Validation Workshop/capacity building of the staff, and project beneficiaries: A workshop with stakeholders to present findings, obtain feedback, and validate recommendations. 2-3 days of training based on the identified gaps for staff and project beneficiaries.
4. Final Report: A comprehensive report, incorporating feedback from the validation workshop, capacity-building event, and panel discussion including an executive summary, methodology, findings, conclusions, recommendations, and relevant annexes.

5. Reporting Line

The consultants will work closely with the Project Manager of IRCCCE (UBS-OF) and the Gender team.

6. Terms of Payment

Payment will be made in three installments as follows:

• 1st installment: 30% of the total budget upon completion of Phase I.
• 2nd installment: 30% of the total budget upon completion of Phase II.
• 3rd installment: 40% of the total budget after incorporating feedback from the Phase III workshop and final training sessions.

7. Qualifications Required

• A university degree in a relevant field (e.g., international development, gender studies, public policy, social work, climate change, natural resource management, etc.).
• At least five years of relevant experience in gender, climate change, disaster-risk reduction, or related fields, preferably in developing countries.
• Expertise in formulating gender policies and strategies.
• Experience in developing gender-inclusive training manuals, especially in the context of climate change.
• Experience working with multilateral, bilateral, or non-governmental development organizations is a plus.
• Strong understanding of gender equality, social inclusion, and social dynamics in complex environments and community organizations.
• Familiarity with the cultural and social context of Pakistan.
• Written and verbal fluency in Urdu and English.

Safeguarding

AKF is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. AKF expects all staff, volunteers, and consultants to adhere to a zero-tolerance policy for sexual abuse, exploitation, harassment (SEAH), and other misconduct. Compliance with the code of conduct, including SEAH principles, is mandatory. Violations may result in disciplinary actions, including termination and exclusion from AKDN activities.

Eligibility

The consultant must not be listed on any sanction list of international development organizations, such as the UN sanctions list.

AKF(P) recruitment and selection policy and procedures reflect our commitment to equal opportunity and the safeguarding of children, beneficiaries, partners, community members and employees in accordance with AKF(P)’s Safeguarding policy.

The deadline for the submission of application is Wednesday, October 02, 2024. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.