Page 1 (14) Appendix 1 UM2016/11662/BANG BACKGROUND 1.1 INFORMATION ABOUT SIDA

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1 Page 1 (14) Case No.: Date UM2016/11662/BANG Terms of Reference & Requirements Specification for Framework Agreement on Regional Gender Equality Support to development cooperation partners for the implementation of Sweden s development cooperation in Asia 1 BACKGROUND 1.1 INFORMATION ABOUT SIDA Sida, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, is a government agency working on behalf of the Swedish parliament and government, with the mission to reduce poverty in the world. Through our work and in cooperation with others, Sida contributes to the implementation of policies and frameworks established by the Swedish Government and Parliament. For additional information, please visit Sida s website, EMBASSY OF SWEDEN IN BANGKOK The Development Cooperation Section at the Embassy of Sweden in Bangkok is responsible for implementing Sweden s regional development cooperation in Asia, and manages funds under Sida s appropriation for Asia. The Section assesses, monitors and follows-up financial contributions to projects and programmes implemented by development cooperation partners in the region (referred to in this document as partners ). The Embassy enters agreements for financial supports on behalf of Sida. Development partners are civil society organisations, academic institutions and UN agencies in the Asian region implementing programmes in the areas relevant for the ruling strategy. All interventions supported are of regional relevance and scope; they address regional challenges or aim at strengthened regional collaboration. 1.3 SWEDISH POLICIES The objective for Sweden s international development cooperation is to create opportunities for better living conditions for people living in poverty and oppression. The new global goals and Agenda 2030 constitute a unique framework for global collaboration and Sweden s foreign policies aim to contribute to its implementation and realization.

2 Page 2 (14) Sweden s Policy for Global Development A main guidance for Sweden s development cooperation is the government s Policy for Global Development (PGD) 1 with the overall objective to contribute to the achievement of equal, just and sustainable global development. The Policy is founded on two perspectives which should guide and inform the collective work of the Government: the perspectives of people living in poverty on development and a rights perspective 2. The perspectives of people living in poverty, which is based on the dignity, reality, experiences and priorities of the poor, puts the individual women and men, boys and girls in focus. The rights perspective focuses on the respect and realization of human rights of the individual. The policy for global development gives gender equality and women's rights and roles a central position in Swedish development cooperation and expresses the ambition to promote gender equality and strengthening women s power over their lives to effectively fight poverty, hunger and diseases, and to stimulate a genuine sustainable development Swedish Feminist Foreign Policy Gender quality is a central aim of Swedish foreign policy. Ensuring that women and girls can enjoy their fundamental human rights is both an obligation within the framework of our international commitments, and a prerequisite for reaching Sweden s broader foreign policy goals on peace, security and sustainable development. The Action Plan for the Feminist Foreign Policy sets out six objectives: Full enjoyment of human rights for all women and girls Freedom from physical, psychological and sexual violence Participation in preventing and resolving conflicts, and post-conflict peacebuilding political participation and influence in all areas of society Economic rights Empowerment and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) Policy Framework for Sweden s Development Cooperation The Policy Framework for Sweden s Development Cooperation 4, which is currently under revision, emphasizes the achievement of the goals set in 1 Shared Responsibility: Sweden's Policy for Global Development, 2003: 2 The rights perspective closely resembles the intentional term Human Rights Based Approach (HRBA). Therefore HRBA will be used instead of the rights perspective, in section 3. of this Terms of Reference. 3 Utrikesförvaltningens handlingsplan för feministisk utrikespolitik : (Swedish)

3 Page 3 (14) Agenda Sweden s goal is to create opportunities for better living conditions for people living in poverty and oppression. Perspectives that shall permeate Sweden s development cooperation are: human rights, democracy and the rule of law, global gender equality, environmental and climate sustainability in development and sustainable use of resources, peaceful and inclusive societies, inclusive economic development, migration and development, equality in health and, education and research. The Swedish policy prioritizes global gender equality and states it shall be achieved through the achievement of all Sustainable Development Goals. The central points of departure for Sweden s work for global gender equality are: Sweden shall enhance women s and girl s role as actors. Women s and girl s own experiences, needs, priorities and conditions constitute the starting point for changing their living conditions. Strengthen women s and girl s political participation and influence in all areas of society and on all levels; participation in conflict prevention and resolution and in peace-building efforts in postconflict settings; economic rights, empowerment, participation and influence; sexual and reproductive health rights; and psychological, physical and sexual security. Humanitarian aid shall contribute to strengthening women s and girl s rights to protection in humanitarian crisis, conflicts and catastrophes, and strengthen their abilities to play active role in response to humanitarian crisis, conflicts and catastrophes. Sweden shall be a driving force behind the work to lift boy s and men s role and responsibilities for achieving gender equality and respect for women s and girl s enjoyment of human rights. Efforts that counteract all forms of violence towards girls and women shall be given attention in the development cooperation. Gender equality analysis shall be systematically improved and implemented. For a holistic perspective, qualitative information and gender and age disaggregated statistics and other information shall be used. Gender equality analysis should also contain an assessment of other power-relations that exist for different individuals and groups. LGBT persons are an especially vulnerable group and require special attention in such analysis. 1.4 SIDA S WORK ON GENDER EQUALITY An integrated gender equality perspective that includes an analysis of women s and girls, and men s and boys situation is a perspective that should permeate all of Sida s operations, along with integration of an 4 (Available in Swedish only), Policyramverk för det svenska utvecklingssamarbetet :

4 Page 4 (14) environment and climate change perspective, conflict perspective, and the rights based perspective. Gender equality is reached when women and men, girls and boys have equal rights, opportunities and power to shape their lives, contribute to and influence our societies. Women and girls living in poverty are priority target groups in Swedish development cooperation. Sida has adopted a three year plan for strengthening work on gender mainstreaming. Sida has developed a Gender Tool Box 5 that provides knowledge, tools and inspiration on how to operationalize gender equality in Swedish development cooperation, and can be used by partners Focus areas for Sida s work on gender equality Women s economic empowerment The sub-area concerns promotion of women s economic empowerment as the process that enables women to make strategic life choices. Women s economic empowerment can only be achieved through equal access to and control over critical economic resources and opportunities, and elimination of structural gender inequalities in the labour market, including better sharing of paid and unpaid work between men and women, challenging and eliminating the norms and practices that limit both women and men in their daily lives. It includes discrimination and segregated labour market, unpaid care work, employment and decent work, agriculture production and natural resources management, land rights, financial services and trade. Women s political participation and influence This sub-area concerns women s equal participation in political institutions and decision making fora and processes. This entails efforts to ensure that such institutions, fora and processes are structured to facilitate equal participation. It also includes targeted efforts to support women running for office as well as women s right to vote. It includes safety and protection for politically active women and women in leadership, as well as women s and girl s physical mobility and freedom. Women s leadership overall and women s right to meet and organize and form associations and networks is included. The principles of participation as outlined in UNSCR 1325 and following resolutions serve as guidance in contexts of conflict, post- conflict and peace building processes. SRHR and education These sub-areas are primarily covered in the separate framework agreement for health respectively education and vocational training. See Chapter 3 on relation to other framework agreements. 5 Sida s Gender Tool box:

5 Page 5 (14) Women s security including gender based violence & trafficking in human beings This sub-area concerns the security of women and men during peace time as well as in conflict and post-conflict situations. The principles of UNSCR 1325 and following resolutions on women, peace and security will serve as guidance. The sub-area also concerns contributing to a reduction in gender based violence in all contexts (in peace, in conflict, post-conflict and humanitarian situations). Specific expressions of gender-based violence to be addressed include violence in intimate relationships, harmful traditional practices such as female circumcision and violence in the name of honour, trafficking in human beings and, as well as promoting rights and economic and political influence for those who are exposed to violence. Focus is on prevention of violence, but protection of victims is also addressed. Men and boys Sweden has a longstanding experience of supporting work addressing the role and responsibility of men and boys in gender equality work. It is not a sub-area in its own right but cuts across all sub-areas within the gender equality area. 1.5 SWEDISH STRATEGIES FOR DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION IN ASIA Swedish development cooperation is guided by global, regional or country specific strategies decided by the Swedish Government Strategy for regional development cooperation with Asia A new Strategy for the Swedish regional development cooperation with Asia is currently under development and will be effective from mid (available on the Embassy website when decision has been taken). The Strategy will guide the work of the Development Cooperation Section at the Embassy in Bangkok, which is responsible for support to regional development partners. The current Swedish Strategy for the development cooperation with Asia focusing on Southeast Asia (extended until 2016) focuses on environment and climate; increased focus on environmental aspects in local, national and regional decision-making processes, and democracy and human rights; strengthened regional actors and systems for greater respect for and 6 Strategy for regional development cooperation with Asia focusing on Southeast Asia September 2010 June 2015 :

6 Page 6 (14) compliance with human rights. The strategy states that the promotion of gender equality and the role of women in development shall be safeguarded. Sweden shall ensure that gender equality aspects pervade projects and programmes within each cooperation area respectively via dialogue, integration and monitoring. The new strategy which is soon to be decided by the Swedish Government, will have similar focus on strengthening democracy and gender equality, and greater respect for human rights. It will likely have an extended geographical scope including Asia Pacific, South- and Southeast Asia and aims at strengthening the capacity of regional civil society networks and other agents of change to work with environment, climate, democracy, human rights and gender equality. In addition, the Development Cooperation Section will continue to support regional research cooperation within the thematic areas of the regional strategy Bilateral Strategies in Asia Sweden has bilateral development cooperation with Bangladesh, Cambodia and Myanmar that are managed out of Sweden s embassies/ section office in these countries. The strategy for Bangladesh 7 focuses on strengthened democracy, gender equality and human rights, creating better opportunities for people living in poverty, better environmental and climate resilience and improved basic health, focusing on women and children and SRHR. The strategy for Cambodia 8 focuses on strengthened democracy, gender equality and human rights, better opportunities for people living in poverty focusing on education and employment issues, and a better environment, limited climate impact and greater resilience to environmental impact, climate change and natural disasters. The strategy for Myanmar 9 aims at: increased respect for human rights, freedom of expression and accountability, broad popular participation in peace processes and improved health for women and children, focusing particularly on sexual and reproductive health and rights. 7 Results strategy for Sweden s international development cooperation in Bangladesh : 8 Results strategy for Sweden s international aid in Cambodia : 9 Results strategy for Sweden s international development cooperation in Myanmar :

7 Page 7 (14) 1.6 THE DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION SECTIONS S CONTRIBUTION PORTFOLIO AND GENDER EQUALITY WORK The current portfolio of financial contributions to development cooperation partners in Asia, includes programmes where gender equality either is a main objective or is pursued as a mainstreaming theme. One contribution directly targets women s empowerment from a feminist perspective, whereas the other contributions should incorporate gender equality as a perspective of central importance External review of the gender equality integration An external study on gender equality in the development cooperation portfolio conducted in 2015 concluded that the work on gender mainstreaming lacks adequate gender equality analysis and strategies 10. Overall, there is awareness among Sweden s partners that gender equality should be mentioned in project designs. However, the review also showed that gender equality is continuously a challenging area for most of our partners. A pure mention of the importance of gender as a cross-cutting issue is of little practical value unless there are constructive measures to clarify the intended approach to be taken in order to ensure gender mainstreaming during implementation. To be credible, general statements that gender is to be integrated in implementation would as a minimum then need to be taken forward in operational measures. Gender equality analysis has not been a key perspective influencing the design of contribution proposals, with one exception. While there is awareness that gender equality should be mentioned in project proposals, gender equality analysis have, however, not been influencing the design of proposals, except in one case. 19 of the 26 contributions lack gender analysis altogether. While six contributions work with gender as a cross-cutting issue they lack a clear gender analysis. Only one contribution had a proper gender analysis. The same goes for so called operational measures. Overall few projects proposals clarify when and through which mechanisms gender equality and gender mainstreaming implementation are to be ensured. While activities on gender equality are held, they do not constitute an integrated gender mainstreaming that can be followed up. 22 contributions have either a complete lack of operationalization of gender equality or at best very weak signs of such measures. Few (four out of 26) incorporate gender equality in their operations. The results monitoring frameworks are generally weak on gender equality. This is not unexpected considering the overall weaknesses in analytical and strategic approaches to gender equality in most project proposals Just(e) Analysis AB, Henny Andersen, Gender Analysis and Review as Basis for the Regional Strategy of Asia, , 2015: p. 7

8 Page 8 (14) contributions have either none or weak results monitoring frameworks. Only three have indicators for gender in their results monitoring frameworks Recommendations from the external gender equality review A main recommendation from the study was to assign external support for gender integration into the portfolio. To enhance the gender equality perspective beyond what has been done so far, the Embassy s partners need hands-on support in developing appropriate strategies. This recommendation led to the decision to establish a framework agreement for regional gender equality support. 1.7 OBJECTIVE AND EXPECTED RESULTS The overall objective with this assignment is to improve the integration of gender equality in the development cooperation financed under Sweden s Strategy for Regional Development Cooperation with Asia, in all sectors and areas under the strategy. The purpose with the Regional Gender Equality Support Function ( the Gender Support Function ) through a framework agreement is to make it possible for the Development Cooperation Section at the Embassy of Sweden in Bangkok, to offer qualitative expertise and hands on practical support on gender equality to its partners. Sweden s Embassies in Phnom Penh, Dhaka and the Section office in Yangon will also be entitled to use the framework agreement. The regional Gender Equality Support Function shall build partners capacity to conduct in-depth gender analysis and develop stronger gender strategies that permeate partners programmes and add value to partners operations. It is expected to lead to stronger development cooperation results and gender equality impact from the Swedish regional development cooperation. The following main results are expected to be achieved: Improved institutional and organisational capacity among partners to integrate gender equality in their work Stronger integration of gender equality in partners programme implementation Strengthened cross-sector learning and knowledge sharing among partners on how to contribute to improved gender equality Evaluations are excluded from the assignments described in this ToR since Sida has a separate framework agreement for evaluations. 2 SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY THE REGIONAL GENDER SUPPORT FUNCTION The Swedish Embassy in Bangkok, Swedish Embassies in Phnom Penh and Dhaka and the Section office in Yangon, will be able to place orders (Call-offs)

9 Page 9 (14) to the assigned the Gender Support Function under a framework agreement for Regional Gender Equality Support to partners to the Swedish development cooperation in Asia. The call-off orders can only be made for support to partner organisations that are implementing programmes and projects funded by the Swedish Government through Sida. The Gender Support Function will work directly with the organisations on assignments of various scopes defined by the embassy in dialogue with the partners and the Gender Support Function. The support function will provide assistance to ensure that gender equality is being satisfactorily analysed and adequately taken into account in the preparation and implementation of contributions of Sweden s regional development cooperation. The support function should work from a sustainability approach where the partner organisation gains ownership over work processes and where their capacity and knowledge on gender equality is strengthened. This includes, but is not limited to, the assignments listed below. Thus, the consultant is expected to: 2.1 Support development cooperation partners to improve their institutional capacity to integrate gender equality in their work Review and assess the gender equality capacity of partner organisations, identify institutional and operational gaps and define areas in need for support together with the partner organisation Provide tailor made trainings for partner organisations based on identified needs. The trainings/ seminars/ workshops interventions shall be adapted to the needs of the specific function in the organisation (senior management, programme staff, monitoring and evaluation staff or field workers). It is foreseen that the partners have needs in the following areas, but not limited to: - gender equality basics including knowledge about international frameworks and practices for gender equality - gender equality analysis - how to develop gender equality strategies and integrate them into the organisation overarching strategies - gender equality in monitoring, evaluation and reporting framework Support partners in organising courses, seminars and trainings, including the development of training material. Identify needs for, and provide expertise on perspectives and thematic areas related to gender equality defined in the Swedish frameworks and policies described in sections For example gender equality and climate change, men and boys in gender equality, women s leadership,

10 Page 10 (14) women s economic empowerment, human rights based approach, Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda Provide support and advice to partners on how to integrate gender equality in programme implementation: Gender equality analysis: Provide advice and practical tools on how to conduct gender analysis in programme development and project design. Gender strategy development: Support in formulation and integration of gender strategies into programme design. Monitoring, evaluation & results frameworks: Support in developing monitoring frameworks for gender equality results at impact, outcome and output levels. Integration of indicators for gender equality into partners planned or existing results frameworks. Advocacy and dialogue support: Support, advice to and coaching of partners in regional and country level advocacy, dialogue and negotiations efforts. Reviews and support documents: Carry out reviews, desk studies, and develop method support documents. Written input and advice: Provide support such as comments and recommendations on partners policy documents, results frameworks and other programme documents. 2.3 Cross-sector learning and knowledge sharing among partners on how to contribute to improved gender equality Knowledge sharing and lessons learned: Support partners in sharing experiences and collaborate on gender equality. Joint seminars, trainings and workshops: organise events where several partners participate. Larger events and workshops: Organise regional capacity building events for partners. Studies and analytical reports: Produce thematic background documents, discussion papers, academic studies and overviews.

11 Page 11 (14) Knowledge sharing platform: Develop and provide opportunities for partners to share good practices, including e.g. user-friendly online communication. 2.4 THEMATIC SCOPE The thematic scope of the assignments is gender equality in relation to areas and dimensions set out and defined in the Swedish frameworks and policies generally in sections and particularly in section 1.5. Gender equality in the context of environment, climate change, and natural resources, will be important thematic focus since many of the partners to Swedish regional development cooperation work in these areas. 2.5 SERVICE CONDITIONS The exact content and length of each assignment will be defined and agreed between the partner organisation, the Embassy and the Gender Support Function. The prerequisite for each assignment under this Framework Agreement is that there are recognized identified gaps, needs and a willingness to address the deficiencies in the gender equality work of the specific partner. The assignments above will vary in length and scope depending on each specific case. It is foreseen that a combination of different support approaches will be required; workshops and trainings, dialogue series with partners and written input. Close collaboration with partners is foreseen, and some assignments may require support on a reoccurring basis over a longer time period. The tasks will be carried out as field assignments and desk studies Short and Long-Term Assignments The assignments can either be long or short-term: Short-term assignments from one (1) day to three (3) days. Long-term assignments of four (4) days and up to the end-date of the framework agreement. The Support Function shall also provide quick-inputs and less complicated advice by telephone or within two working days. The Gender Support Function will be awarded the assignment(s) provided there is no conflict of interest.

12 Page 12 (14) The Support Function should inform the Embassy could there be a possible conflict of interest with other assignments. 11 The Embassy will send a Terms of Reference to the Support Function under the framework agreement, stating background of the assignment, its objective, content, qualifications sought, time-table, form of reporting etc. The Support Function undertakes to answer the request within the time limits specified in the frame-work agreement Call-off procedure a) The embassy will provide the Support Function with a formal request by for each assignment specifying the ToR of the task as well as the number of hours/days required and the final date for delivery. The Support Function shall reply to the request promptly and at the latest within two working days. The reply shall contain either a confirmation of the assignment and the specified deadline or further questions regarding the content and the timing of the support. All assignments shall be requested and accepted in writing. The ToR and budgets must be approved by the Embassy. b) For each assignment, the Support Function has to assign one or more persons, who are qualified for the specific task and can start working within five (5) days for short term assignments, and 14 days for long term assignments. If a very specific competence or an unusual level of competence is requested, the deadline for starting the assignment may be extended to three weeks. Any travel has to be booked according to Sida's Standard Conditions. 2.6 SCOPE OF ASSIGNMENT The tasks in the assignments are expected to be carried out between signing of contract and a 24 months period, with a possibility to extend the contract twice with 12 months for each extension, in total up to 48 months. As tasks will mainly be requested on a needs basis the estimated time allocation for each task is only indicative. The Consultant is not entitled to any compensation, should an extension not be agreed. The Consultant shall base the call-off responses on the number of days specified in the ToR for each assignment. Since tasks will be requested on a needs basis, the Embassy does not guarantee the use of all days agreed. 11 Consultants shall provide professional, objective and impartial advice and at all times hold the Client s interests paramount, without any consideration for future works, and strictly avoid conflicts with other assignments or their own corporate interests. Consultants or any of their affiliates shall not be engaged for any assignment which, by its nature, may be in conflict with another assignment of the consultant.

13 Page 13 (14) Number, type and size of assignments to be undertaken It is difficult to estimate the total number of assignments to be undertaken annually under this Framework Agreement. The numbers provided here are preliminary estimates. It is tentatively expected that it will be around 40 assignments during the 24 month period, each consisting of on between 5-10 working days. The total amount of assignment days is tentatively estimated to 220 days (40 weeks) during the 24 month agreement period (Figure 1). Due to the novelty of the Gender Support Function, the amount of assignments during the first year is expected to be fewer than the second year. Assignments will vary in length and complexity, and involve travel in Asia. Based on a tentative plan, the division of assignments will be approximately as follows: the Regional Asia portfolio will need support for 20 assignments corresponding to 120 days (24 weeks). In addition it is expected that the Section Office in Yangon and the Embassies of Sweden in Dhaka and Phnom Penh will make call-offs for assignments supporting the respective bilateral portfolios, amounting to 20 assignments corresponding to 100 days (20 weeks) in total. Type of assignments Support partners to improve their institutional capacity to integrate gender equality Support and advice to partners to integrate gender equality in programme implementation Cross-sector learning and knowledge sharing among partners on how to contribute to improved gender equality Approximate total number of assignments and days of work 15 assignments 75 days 15 assignments 75 days 10 assignments 80 days Total assignments: 40 Total days: 220 (44 weeks) Figure 1: Approximate estimation of needs and amount of work to be expected by the Gender Support Function during the agreement period of 24 months. Includes assignments for the regional development cooperation, as well as the bilateral development cooperation in Myanmar, Bangladesh and Cambodia. 2.7 REPORTING AND DOCUMENTATION For each individual assignment, a draft report and a final version of a report of each concluded assignment shall be submitted to the Embassy of Sweden in Bangkok and the development partner within a time frame specified in the separate call-off order. The framework holder shall have internal quality

14 Page 14 (14) assurance systems to assure that report delivered to the Embassy follows the Terms of Reference agreed upon for the assignment. If agreed, the organization shall present the major conclusions of the report in a meeting with the Embassy, and, if so agreed, with the concerned organisation. The framework holder shall submit an annual report with summary and conclusions from all assignments performed during each year. A soft copy of the draft report shall be submitted to the Embassy, which the Embassy will provide feedback on in two weeks time. The final version of the annual report shall be submitted in two copies and one soft copy to the Embassy. Reporting language is English. If requested by the Embassy, there should also be a yearly meeting between the Embassy and the organization holding the framework agreement.