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STATEMENT OF WORK

Gender and Social Inclusion in Tunisia and other countries

A. Introduction

The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) is a U.S. Government corporation whose mission is to provide assistance that will support economic growth and poverty reduction in carefully selected countries that demonstrate a commitment to just and democratic governance, economic freedom, and investments in their citizenry. For more information on the MCC, please visit www.mcc.gov.

MCC recognizes that gender inequality can be a significant constraint to economic growth and poverty reduction. MCC’s gender policy and operational guidance ensure that gender will be considered in the selection of eligible countries and integrated into the development and design of Compact programs, the assessment and implementation of projects funded by the Millennium Challenge Account, the monitoring of program results, and the evaluation of program impacts. (http://www.mcc.gov/documents/guidance/14‐genderpolicy.pdf). MCC’s Gender Milestones and Operational Procedures strengthen the requirements of the Gender Policy and contribute to the MCC’s and the Country Core Team’s ability to ensure social and gender integration in projects.

Tunisia was selected as eligible by the MCC board to develop a compact with MCC in December 2016. To inform the programming of MCC funds, each selected country begins with a thorough analysis of their economy aimed at identifying the most serious impediments to growth and poverty reduction, called the Constraints Analysis. The report considers additional information that reflects specific concerns about: (i) social and gender inequalities that may characterize the economy or shape policies and institutions, and (ii) business issues that may influence contributions to private business activity and economic growth. Including these perspectives helps ensure that any conclusions about binding constraints are based on a complete understanding of the country’s economy, its growth, and how the benefits of that growth are shared.

MCC is currently developing or implementing compacts in other countries where social and gender inequalities are significant, and particular attention in program design will be needed to ensure that project benefits reach women, the poor, and socially disadvantaged populations.

B. Country

Tunisia and other MCC eligible countries

C. Scope

MCC seeks to contract a short‐term consultant to support MCC’s Social and Gender Inclusion staff with research, analysis, reviews and advice in support of ensuring the appropriate integration of social and gender perspectives and data into compact development and implementation for Tunisia and other countries, upon request.

This consultant will support the completion of this analysis. They will also support subsequent work on ensuring that gender and social inclusion issues are well incorporated into the Tunisia compact, including sectoral gender and social assessments and other due diligence, as requested, and further described below.

D. Tasks and Deliverables

Tasks

The consultant’s assignments may include the following:

· Support the preliminary analysis phase of compact development for Tunisia through the Constraints Analysis by focusing on key poverty, social and gender inequalities, and ensuring their integration into the overall CA report. This work with require close collaboration with the economists in data identification, analysis and integration, and with members of MCC’s Finance, Investment and Trade (FIT) group.

· Following the completion of the CA, carry out a deep dive assessment of the key social and gender inequalities and opportunities for project development in the sectors associated with the binding constraints for Tunisia. This report should include recommendations for social and gender integration in the sectors of focus to ensure inclusive, pro-poor benefits.

· Support MCC staff in providing technical inputs into consultative processes, terms of reference, gender assessments, feasibility studies, and project performance reports.

· Plan and carry out stakeholder interviews and consultations with a range of stakeholders, including NGOs, women’s associations, government entities, private sector stakeholders, beneficiaries and others.

· Support the development of Social and Gender Integration Plans, and help monitor compliance.

· Assessments, advice and input into activity design to ensure social and gender integration into water and sanitation projects.

· Assessments, advice and input into activity design to ensure social and gender integration into other sectors, including but not limited to energy, rule of law, health, education, etc.

· Advice on monitoring and evaluation approaches, inputs into survey design, monitoring and evaluation plans and indicators.

· Recommendations on designing activities to ensure that both women and men, and members of socially disadvantaged and minority groups benefit equitably from MCC investments.

· Technical input to project-specific terms of reference for environmental and social impact assessments, environmental and social management plans, resettlement action plans, HIV/AIDS risk management plans, human trafficking risk management plans, health and safety plans, engineering studies, etc. as these arise in Compact-related activities.

Deliverables

· Social and gender analysis to help inform the Constraints Analysis, delivered as both a separate paper and written input/contributions to the overall Constraints Analysis document.

· Social and gender sectoral assessment, focused on sectors chosen as binding constraints through the Constraints Analysis process.

· Work plans for each mission and trip reports.

· Reports, assessments, and evaluations as agreed.

· Reviews of relevant request for proposals, terms of reference, and other deliverables.

· Other advisory support and outputs, as requested and mutually agreed upon.

E. Period and Place of Performance

The period of performance of this contract is a base period of two years with approximately 2-3 two-week in country missions planned each year.

The estimated level of effort is approximately 1,590 hours per year (805 in Tunisia and 785 in other countries). MCC anticipates this level of effort but does not guarantee this level of effort as it may increase or decrease.

The consultant will work from its home office and/or MCC headquarters or any MCC eligible country.

The consultant will be expected to work closely with MCC and to also liaise with government counterparts in Tunisia and other countries, in particular the country’s social and gender specialists.

F. Subcontracting

Consultants are authorized to subcontract data collection, data preparation, economic analysis, and related services as needed. The overall costs for subcontracting shall not exceed 25% of the consultant’s total negotiated unloaded direct labor cost.

G. Contracting Officer Representative/Project Monitor

The COR/PM shall have technical responsibility over the Consultant. Any change in the terms of the Call Order must be made in writing and approved by the Contracting Officer. No representation of the COR/PM shall serve as a basis for an alteration in the general scope of this Contract or of the terms and conditions of the Contract unless confirmed in writing by the Contracting Officer. The Consultant must communicate with the Contracting Officer on all matters that pertain to the Contract terms. Proceeding with work without proper contractual coverage could result in nonpayment for that work.

H. Evaluation Criteria

· A minimum of 10 years of experience in social and gender analysis and research, with a solid track record of preparing and producing analytical work on social and gender inequalities to inform policy and project planning.

· Prior experience in Tunisia working on social and gender inclusion, and existing networks and relationships with key international and local organizations in the country.

· Demonstrate excellence in writing reports, including social and gender assessments.

· Excellent French and English speaking skills.

· Experience in planning and conducting public consultations with a wide range of stakeholders in government and civil society and analyzing and communicating results.

· An advanced postgraduate degree (accredited Masters or Ph.D.) in sociology, anthropology, or a related discipline (gender studies, development studies).

· Possess experience providing guidance and undertaking technical analysis on social and gender issues in project design, assessments, management plans, and in procurement and contract documents.

· Prior experience working with MCC is desirable.

· Exhibit responsible and flexible attitude and capable of managing a variety of tasks with minimal supervision.

I. Other requirements

The Consultant may be requested to mobilize on a short notice for in-country travel and will be expected to deliver high quality finished products in a timely manner.

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