Local NGO

Deadline: 15 February 2021

Location: Masvingo, Chiredzi and Runde districts, Zimbabwe,

Start date: To be communicated with successful applicant

Introduction

A local NGO working in the area of promoting and advancing women’s rights, including women with disabilities is looking for qualified consultant to conduct a baseline survey on COVID-19 Relief Distribution and Expenditure and develop community monitoring tools for further COVID-19 Relief Tracking. The organisation aims to empower women in their diversities economically, politically and socially through amplifying their voices through all local and national processes, creating platforms for engagement, advocacy and capacity building. The organisation is currently implementing a project aimed at strengthening transparency and accountability by the national government and local government on COVID-19 resources while empowering women and women with disabilities with information to hold the government to account on distribution and utilisation of COVID-19 resources and relief aid whilst influencing the prioritisation and allocation of COVID-19 resources at both local and national levels. This project has been developed after realising increased inequalities and vulnerabilities for women especially women with disability in the COVID-19 response, which has resulted in limited platforms for engagement and resource negotiations by women in hard-to-reach areas. This is also happening in the midst of poor coordination and information sharing within and among service providers (Councillors, Council officials and Civil Protection Unit at lower levels such as province, district, ward and village level) and between service providers and communities especially marginalised women.

The second wave of COVID-19 is hitting hard in the country with a spike in infection and death cases on a daily basis. In that regard, government and local authorities continue to put in place measures to curtail the spread of COVID-19 and to avert the effects of the pandemic on the economy and its citizens. Government and local authorities continue to mobilise resources internally and externally to respond to the devastating socio-economic effects of COVID-19 in the best way possible. There were various budget lines approved in the 2021 national and local authorities’ budgets to cushion the vulnerable groups against socio-economic impacts of COVID-19 pandemic. It is against this background that the organisation wishes to engage a consultant to conduct a baseline survey on COVID-19 Relief Distribution and Expenditure covering Masvingo, Chiredzi and Runde districts as well as developing a community monitoring tool for further COVID-19 Relief Tracking by community monitors.

Consultancy objectives

The objectives of the assignment are: To conduct a baseline survey on COVID-19 Relief Distribution and Expenditure to understand the current status and context on COVID-19 relief aid and resources covering Masvingo, Chiredzi and Runde districts by end of February 2021; To develop a community monitoring tool for further COVID-19 Relief Tracking by community monitors by end of February 2021.

Methodology

This baseline survey must adopt a mixed-method approach that involves the use of both quantitative and qualitative research methods, including the use of secondary research to leverage existing knowledge and analysis, the collection of primary data from targeted informants, focus group discussions with women and women with disabilities and targeted use of participatory research techniques. Although the analysis will draw information from existing frameworks, it should have practical issues from the women and women with disabilities by capturing voices based on lived realities. The consultant is expected to analyse the existing COVID-19 allocation, distribution and expenditure frameworks to determine the transparency, accountability and prioritisation of women and women with disabilities in the COVID-19 response.

Specifically, the consultant is expected to: Conduct desk review of the available COVID-19 distribution, disbursements and expenditure matrix information as well as COVID-19 budgets at national and local authorities levels; Analyse the state of transparency and accountability in the use of COVID-19 resources; Produce a COVID-19 Relief Tracking Report covering the 3 districts; Develop a generic and standard community monitoring tool designed for use by community members.

Timeline

This assignment should be completed in February 2021. Selected consultants are expected to commence data collection from the beginning of February 2021 and submit the final report(s) by end of February 2021.

Expected outcomes

A baseline survey which provides an information base for routine monitoring of the state of transparency and accountability in the distribution and utilisation COVID-19 relief aid and resources; Community monitors being able to use the developed community monitoring tool and gather the required information.

Expected deliverables

The consultant is expected to submit the following documents: First draft - the consultant will submit a draft baseline survey on COVID-19 Relief Distribution and Expenditure focussing on state of transparency and accountability for review within the agreed time frame; The Consultant is required to make an oral presentation of the report and the tools to the organisation’s program team; Final Draft - after review of the first draft and communicated comments to the consultant, the consultant will produce the final document within the agreed time frame; Standard data collection tool to be used by community monitors in Masvingo, Chiredzi and Runde.

Technical requirements for bidders

At least a master’s degree preferably in economics, fiscal studies, development studies, social sciences or any related field; Minimum of 8 years professional experience in working with women, persons with disability; and democracy and governance; In-depth knowledge of fiscal reforms, gender issues and transparency and accountability frameworks especially Social Accountability Monitoring; Proven experience in research and surveys on similar topics; sample work to be provided with the application stating the role that the consultant played in that process; Proven experience in working with rural and vulnerable communities especially women and women with disabilities; Must be committed to respecting deadlines and deliverables; Fluency in English and Shona is a must.

NB: We believe in equal opportunities thus qualified women and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply and will be given preference.

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