PATHFINDER INTERNATIONAL -   Request for Proposal (RFP)

Issued on:                                       14^th of March 2025

Solicitation Number:                    RFP 46087

For:                                                       Individual Consultant for “Development of PDMA Gender Cell Strategic Plan and PC-1 Document”

Quotes Deadline:                         20 March 2025

Pathfinder Background

Pathfinder is driven by the conviction that all people, regardless of where they live, have the right to decide whether and when to have children, to exist free from fear and stigma, and to lead the lives they choose.

Since 1957, we have partnered with local governments, communities, and health systems to remove barriers to critical sexual and reproductive health services. Together, we expand access to contraception, promote healthy pregnancies, save women’s lives, and stop the spread of new HIV infections, wherever the need is most urgent.Our work ensures millions of women, men, and young people can choose their paths forward.

Scope of Work

Pathfinder Overview

Pathfinder International is a global leader in sexual and reproductive health. We place reproductive health care at the center of all that we do—believing that it is not only a fundamental human right, but is critical for expanding life opportunities for women, families, communities, and nations, and paving the way for transformations in environmental stewardship, decreases in population pressures, and innovations in poverty reduction. Pathfinder provides women, men, and adolescents with a range of quality health services— from contraception and maternal care to HIV prevention and AIDS care and treatment. Pathfinder strives to strengthen access to family planning, advocate for sound reproductive health policies, and, through all of our work, improve the rights and lives of the people we serve.

Consultancy Overview

Sindh Province, Pakistan, is highly prone to natural disasters due to its geographical and climatic conditions. Frequent floods, prolonged droughts, and intense monsoon seasons exacerbate vulnerabilities, particularly for women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. In 2022, devastating floods affected approximately 33 million people nationwide, with Sindh being the hardest hit. Over 14.5 million individuals in Sindh faced displacement, loss of livelihoods, and critical health challenges. These recurring calamities have highlighted significant gaps in disaster preparedness and response, particularly regarding the integration of gender-sensitive approaches.

Women and girls are disproportionately affected during and after disasters, facing heightened risks of gender-based violence (GBV), limited access to reproductive health services, and restricted mobility. Adolescents, the transgender community, and other marginalized groups also face unique challenges, often excluded from disaster response planning. Recognizing these gaps, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Sindh notified the establishment of a Gender and Child Cell (GCC) in 2012. However, the GCC was not operationalized due to a lack of funding and technical support.

In line with its mandate to promote inclusive disaster risk reduction (DRR) and humanitarian response, PDMA Sindh, with support from UNFPA, aims to establish a fully functional Gender Cell. This Gender Cell will prioritize the integration of gender, and vulnerabilities of marginalized groups into all phases of disaster management. The Gender Cell will provide strategic guidance, coordinate multi-sectoral efforts, and ensure the delivery of gender- sensitive humanitarian services.

The operationalization of the Gender Cell is essential to addressing systemic inequities, improving disaster response efficiency, and building resilience for vulnerable populations. To this end, a consultant will be hired through a Pathfinder work plan with technical support of UNFPA to develop the PDMA Strategic Plan, structure, organogram, and PC-1 document for resource allocation and sustainability of the Gender Cell.

Core Responsibilities of the Gender Cell

1. Provide policy guidance on integrating gender, GBV, c, and vulnerable group concerns into disaster management and DRR plans.
2. Strengthen institutional mechanisms for multi-sectoral coordination and response to vulnerable groups' needs.
3. Facilitate stakeholder engagement to include marginalized voices in decision-making.
4. Institutionalize Sex and Age Disaggregated Data (SADD) for planning, advocacy, and monitoring.
5. Conduct capacity-building initiatives for government counterparts, CSOs, and local stakeholders.
6. Promote community awareness and engagement in gender-sensitive disaster response.
7. Develop and integrate GBV SOPs, protocols, and frameworks.
8. Establish GBV referral pathways and partnerships to improve access to quality, safe, and timely multi-sectoral GBV services for GBV at risk and survivors.

Objectives of the Activity

The consultant will:

1. Develop a comprehensive Strategic Plan for the PDMA Gender Cell, including its roles, responsibilities, and deliverables.
2. Design the structure and organogram of the Gender Cell, ensuring alignment with PDMA's operational framework and connectivity with District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs).
3. Draft a concept note and strategic framework for the Gender Cell.
4. Formulate Terms of Reference (ToRs) for Gender Cell staff and outline a recruitment process.
5. Provide technical recommendations for integrating gender and protection concerns into PDMA’s DRR and contingency plans.
6. Develop a detailed PC-1 document for resource allocation, sustainability, and operationalization of the Gender Cell.

Deliverables:

1. Strategic Plan for the PDMA Gender Cell.
2. Finalized structure and organogram of the Gender Cell.
3. Concept note and strategic framework for the Gender Cell.
4. ToRs for Gender Cell staff and a staff recruitment plan.
5. Recommendations / key findings for integrating gender-sensitive approaches into PDMA’s operational plans.
6. Conduct brief consultations at three of the most vulnerable DDMA offices to incorporate inputs on the Gender Cell structure and coordination mechanisms to incorporate in the PC-1 document.
7. Conduct two consultative workshops/meetings at the PDMA Sindh office with key stakeholders to review and collect input on the development of the Gender Cell strategic framework, structure, and PC-1 document.
8. Conduct a consultative workshop/meeting with key stakeholders at the PDMA Sindh office to finalize the Gender cell strategic framework, structure, and PC1 document.
9. Comprehensive costed framework and PC-1 document for resource allocation and sustainability.

Remuneration and Payment Terms

Payments will be made on a fixed, deliverable-based basis, following the percentages outlined in the deliverables table. The agreed amount includes mandatory taxes but excludes consultant travel expenses incurred during the consultancy.

Payments will be processed upon:

• Submission of finalized task order deliverables as per the agreed timelines.
• Submission of a valid consultant invoice.

Budget:

Qualification and Experiences:

The ideal candidate should meet the following criteria:

• Education: Advanced degree in Social Sciences, Gender Studies, Finance, Public Administration, Disaster Management, or a related field.
• Experience: At least 8 years of professional experience in gender, protection, or disaster management.
• Proven experience in developing strategic plans, frameworks, and resource allocation documents (e.g., PC-1).
• Experience working with government institutions, UN agencies, or international organizations.
• Familiarity with national and international frameworks on gender, GBV, and DRR.

Skills:

• Strong analytical and policy development skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; knowledge of Sindhi or Urdu is an asset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management tools.

Documents Required to Apply:

• CV/ resume along with cover letter 
• Any certification or sample of work relevant to the opportunity that may help in the candidate's assessment