1-RFP- GESI-DEI 2026 updated Sept-28.pdf

GESI/DEI Technical Support and Capacity Strengthening for the Ipas Network

Background Ipas works to advance reproductive justice by expanding access to abortion and contraception, using a comprehensive approach that addresses health, legal, and social systems. We believe every person should have the right to bodily autonomy and be able to determine their own future. Across Africa, Asia, and the Americas, we work with partners to ensure that reproductive health services, including abortion and contraception, are available and accessible to all.

Ipas is committed to shifting power through the ways we conduct our work. We’ve evolved our organization to become a decentralized global network, with power and leadership shared across the many countries where we work. We put the people closest to our work at the center, listening to and amplifying local voices, experiences, participation, and leadership. We seek to shift power and share leadership, explicitly applying reproductive justice and human rights frameworks to our work.

After conducting a network-wide Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) audit in 2025, Ipas staff across the network have worked to implement key recommendations through a collective journey to build a stronger, more inclusive, and more equitable organization.

Accordingly, Ipas is seeking an experienced consultant or consulting firm to provide technical support and capacity strengthening as we continue to implement the audit recommendations and the Ipas GESI/DEI framework across the Ipas Network. This work will be grounded in our organizational values and commitment to justice, equity, power-shifting, and shared leadership.

Interested consultants and consulting firms are encouraged to review the detailed RFP enclosed with this publication and submit a proposal if their experience, expertise, and qualifications align with the requirements and objectives of the assignment.

Period of Performance The performance period is expected to run from approximately October 15, 2026, through May 31, 2027. All deliverables and associated work must be completed within this timeframe.

Place of Performance The consultancy will be conducted remotely, i.e., from the consultant’s place of business, and will not require any local or international travel.

Scope of Work The primary objective of this consultancy is to strengthen Ipas staff capacity and provide ongoing technical support to advance the effective implementation of the GESI/DEI Framework and its associated policies and guidelines across the Ipas Network.

The key tasks and activities under this consultancy will include:

• Conduct a comprehensive orientation for the newly established GESI/DEI Steering Committee.

• Provide ongoing advisory and accompaniment support to the GESI/DEI Steering Committee, Human

Resources Community of Practice, and Strategic Plan Working Group to ensure that principles of shared leadership, intersectionality, decoloniality, feminism, and reproductive justice are integrated throughout the process.

• Deliver capacity-building initiatives for key stakeholders and training trainers to support the rollout of the GESI/DEI Framework.

• Facilitate strategic alignment sessions with the Strategic Plan Working Group and provide practical recommendations to strengthen the integration of the GESI/DEI Framework into strategic planning processes.

• Provide individual coaching to three-four senior leaders across the network to strengthen and model feminist leadership competencies.

• Facilitate two sessions for Ipas staff focused on fostering belonging, inclusion, and psychological safety.

• Provide guidance to the Human Resources Community of Practice and other key stakeholders on equitable hiring practices and feminist leadership competencies.

• Collaborate with Network Human Resources Director and other key stakeholders to fully integrate the GESI/DEI Framework throughout the employee lifecycle and into relevant policies, procedures, and manuals.

Technical Requirements The consultant should have:

• Advanced degree in gender studies, human rights, organizational development, or related fields.

• At least 10 years of experience developing organizational GESI/DEI strategies and policies for international NGOs in global contexts.

• Demonstrated expertise in feminist, intersectional, and decolonial approaches.

• Experience designing grievance/feedback systems and equity-focused HR processes

• Experience in supportive coaching and mentorship on GESI/DEI.

• Strong analysis and facilitation skills with multicultural and geographically dispersed teams.

• Excellent communication and report-writing abilities in English (working knowledge of French, Portuguese, and Spanish languages preferred).

Deliverables and reporting The consultants are expected to provide the following deliverables according to the due dates.

DELIVERABLES DUE DATE

Deliverable 1: A detailed report outlining the proposed methodology, workplan, timeline, key milestones, and stakeholder engagement approach for implementation of the consultancy. Steering Committee orientation completed, and orientation materials, tools, and resources developed for the sessions.

30 Nov 2026

Deliverable 2: Detailed training plan, including training materials, facilitation guides, and participant resources, and tailored leadership development plans focused on feminist leadership competencies developed.

15 Dec 2026

Deliverable 3: Capacity-building sessions and training of trainers delivered. A written set of recommendations for integrating GESI/DEI principles and objectives into organizational strategic planning processes.

30 March 2027

Deliverable 4: Report of technical support and capacity strengthening to the Senior Leaders and Human Resource Community of Practice for the integration of the GESI/DEI Framework throughout the employee lifecycle.

1 April 2027

Deliverable 5: Comprehensive final report summarizing activities undertaken, deliverables completed, recommendations, lessons learned, and proposed next steps for sustaining implementation of the GESI/DEI Framework across the Ipas Network.

31 May 2027

How to Submit a Proposal Consultants will be selected through a competitive bidding process.

Ipas invites qualified consultants or consulting firms to submit a brief proposal that includes their approach and methodology, a summary work plan and timeline (including review periods and staff consultations), and a projected budget. Proposals should also highlight relevant experience and expertise, provide a list of the proposed project team and their resumes, and include at least two references from recent clients on similar projects. The fee should be fixed and quoted in US dollars.

Evaluation Criteria

A. Technical Proposal (70 points)

Category Sub-Criteria Description / Indicators

A1. Relevant Experience of the Consultant

• Experience in developing GESI or DEI policies, frameworks, or strategies for NGOs, international development, or donor-funded organizations.

• Demonstrated experience working with multicultural or rights-based organizations.

• At least two similar assignments completed in the last five years

A2. Proposed Approach and Methodology

• Demonstrated understanding of the assignment objectives and context.

• Soundness, clarity, and practicality of the proposed methodology and work plan.

• Inclusion of participatory and consultative methods.

• Feasible implementation timeline aligned with expected deliverables.

A3. Qualifications and Experience of Key Personnel

• Lead Consultant: Minimum 10 years of experience in GESI, DEI, organizational development, coaching and mentorship or related areas.

• Supporting team members: Relevant expertise in gender analysis, inclusion frameworks, facilitation, and communication.

• Demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality analytical and policy outputs.

A4. Understanding of Context and Alignment with Ipas’s Mission

• Clear understanding of gender, equity, and inclusion issues within the global health and reproductive rights context.

• Demonstrated alignment with Ipas’s mission, feminist principles, and rights-based approach.

• Appreciation of cross-cultural dynamics in organizational DEI work.

B. Financial Proposal (30 points)

• Cost reasonableness and value for money.

• The Lowest Evaluated Responsive Bid will receive the maximum score of 30 points.

Submission Deadline

Application with the technical and financial proposals must be submitted through the Ipas Procurement Portal by 5:00 PM EST on Wednesday 30 September 2026.