Research Consultant for an Intersectional Study on Child Marriage in Sindh

Legal Aid Society

1228 views

Posted date	20th March, 2025	Last date to apply	26th March, 2025
Country	Pakistan	Locations	Karachi
Category	Community & Social Services
Type	Consultancy	Position	1

ToRs for Research Consultant for an Intersectional Study on Child Marriage in Sindh

A. Background

The Legal Aid Society (LAS) is a not-for-profit organization working on its mission to connect vulnerable & disempowered end users of justice with effective and expedient services for justice delivery. LAS’s interventions have been aimed at increasing access to justice for poor & marginalized communities, particularly women, across the province of Sindh and at the Federal level.

In line with the mission of expediting justice delivery, LAS is implementing a project to strengthen the State’s response to sexual violence and child marriage as a technical partner, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of Pakistan, under the Awaaz II Program.

LAS initiated the project to provide technical assistance to the Government of Sindh in improving Criminal Justice Actors’ response to sexual violence and child marriage to enhance coordination between stakeholders.

This consultancy aims to conduct an intersectional study on child marriage in Sindh, incorporating perspectives from marginalized communities, including persons with disabilities, ethnic and religious minorities, and urban-rural populations. The research will generate evidence to inform policy and legal reforms, ensuring inclusivity and effectiveness in addressing child marriage.

B. Scope of Consultancy and Expected Outputs

The scope of work and corresponding outputs/deliverables will be as follows:

Phase 1: Literature Review & Research Framework (Month 1)

Conduct an extensive literature review of policies, laws, and existing studies on child marriage in Sindh.
Develop a research methodology incorporating an intersectional lens.
Submit an inception report detailing research questions, sampling framework, and ethical considerations.

Phase 2: Data Collection & Fieldwork (Month 2)

Train field officers to conduct key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) with persons with disabilities, ethnic and religious minorities, urban-rural communities, government representatives, civil society organizations, and legal experts.
Ensure gender-sensitive and ethical data collection practices.
Submit a mid-term progress report summarizing preliminary findings.

Phase 3: Data Analysis & Draft Report (Month 3)

Analyze qualitative data to identify trends, gaps, and intervention opportunities.
Develop a draft report summarizing findings and initial recommendations.

C. Consultancy Deliverables and Timeline

#	Output	Delivery Timelines
1	Inception Report – Conduct a literature review and develop a research methodology with an intersectional lens. Submit a detailed inception report.	Month 1
2	Training & Data Collection – Train and support field officers to conduct KIIs and FGDs with diverse stakeholders.	Month 2
3	Mid-Term Progress Report – Summarize preliminary findings based on initial data collection.	Month 2
4	Data Analysis – Analyze qualitative data to identify trends, gaps, and intervention opportunities.	Month 3
5	Draft Report – Develop a comprehensive draft report summarizing findings and initial recommendations.	Month 3

D. Required Expertise and Qualifications

Advanced degree in social sciences, gender studies, law, public policy, or a related field.
Proven experience in qualitative research, particularly in child rights, gender-based violence (GBV), and legal frameworks.
Strong understanding of intersectionality and experience working with marginalized communities, including persons with disabilities, ethnic and religious minorities, and urban-rural populations.
Ability to engage with government institutions, civil society organizations, and legal experts.
Excellent research, analytical, and report-writing skills.
Prior experience working in Sindh or similar regional contexts is desirable.

EEO Statement:

At LAS, our commitment to diversity and equal opportunity extends to all aspects of our work, including consulting engagements. We ensure that all qualified consultants are given fair consideration regardless of sex, age, race, color, creed, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. LAS is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone is treated equitably, acknowledged for their unique contributions, and encouraged to excel. We value and respect the diverse perspectives and experiences that each individual brings to our projects. Every member of the LAS team, including consultants, shares the responsibility of supporting and advancing a diverse and respectful work environment.

Protection Against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse:

Legal Aid Society (LAS) is committed to the prevention and protection from all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA). LAS explicitly prohibits its
staff, associates, partners, consultants, or any other representatives associated with the delivery of its work from:

Engaging in any form of sexual exploitation or abuse;
Sexual activity with children (persons below the age of (18) irrespective of a mistaken belief of the age of the child which shall not amount to a defense);
Exchange of money, employment, goods or services for sex, including sexual favors or other forms of humiliating, degrading or exploitative behavior, is prohibited. This includes any exchange of assistance that is due to beneficiaries of assistance;
Sexual relationships between LAS staff and beneficiaries of assistance, since they are based on inherently unequal power dynamics,undermine the credibility and integrity of the work of LAS and are strongly discouraged.

Apply By:

Application Process:

Interested candidates are invited to submit the following:

A detailed CV/Profile.
A technical proposal outlining their approach to the Terms of Reference (TORs).
A financial proposal, including consultancy fees and any associated costs (Including Taxes).

Submissions should be sent to [email protected] by 26th March 2025 with the subject line "Proposal against Terms of Reference (TORs) for Consultant: Research Consultant for an Intersectional Study on Child Marriage in Sindh".