Call for Consultancy Service to Conduct Explanatory Research (Re-advert) – Christian Aid, Ethiopia-

Background

Christian Aid exists to create a world where everyone can live a full life, free from poverty. We are a global movement of people, churches and local organisations who passionately champion dignity, equality and justice worldwide. We are the changemakers, the peacemakers, the mighty of heart.

Christian Aid in Ethiopia strategic priority areas include climate justice, Economic justice, humanitarian/resilience and addressing Gender and social inclusion as a cross cutting priority.

Cognizant of low level of participation of women and girls in decision making process, low access to legal and medical services, and inadequate protection and rehabilitation service to survivors of abuse in two woredas of South Omo, a three year project entitled ‘Empowering Women and Girls for Gender Equality and Advancement in South Omo, Ethiopia’ is designed. This European Union Civil Society Fund III (EU CSF III) project is implemented by Christian Aid as a co applicant in partnership with Women Empowerment – Action in South Omo Zone, particularly in Benatsemay and South Ari Woredas in Southern Nations, Nationalities and People’s (SNNP) region. Thus, as part of an effort of effective project implementation, conducting explanatory research on gender social norms in the aforementioned two project impact Woredas is deemed imperative.

In account of this Christian Aid is seeking the service of a qualified consulting firm who can conduct explanatory research on gender social norms as per the specified standards indicated in the terms of reference.

General Objective of the Assignment

The overarching objective of the mandate is to conduct explanatory research on gender social norms in South Ari and Bentsemay Woredas to contribute to the project’s outcome of empowering women and girls with increased participation in decision-making by utilizing their potentials as a result of creating a space for women collective voices and establishing women local advocacy groups. 

Specific objectives of the study are to:

• Assess discriminating social norms that perpetuate gender inequality in the project Woredas
• Identify reference groups that are influential for the norm, and who is critical in shaping and enforcing gender social norms
• Explore how social gender norms disproportionally affect women, men, girls and boys
• Find out men’s attitudes and their view towards harmful gender social norms?
• Discover positive social norms within the study areas and provide corresponding evidence-based recommendation to maintain those norms over time
• Provide context-based policy recommendation as per the research finding

Competencies Required

• Christian Aid expects track record and demonstrated experience regarding both qualitative and quantitative research and recommendation letters from organizations who commissioned such activities. Furthermore, the contractor should have the following minimum qualifications and experience:
• Demonstrated experience in designing and conducting desk reviews, research studies, involving qualitative and quantitative components or similar research.
• Extensive knowledge on violence against women and girls and issues related to socio-cultural norms and values.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting similar explanatory research on gender social norm.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and excellent skills in data analysis.
• Previous similar work experience in the Southern Region is highly preferred.
• Experience in analytic report writing.
• Ability to write high quality, clear, concise reports in English