Terms of Reference (ToR) for a Market and Feasibility Assessment for Sexual and Gender based Violence (SGBV) survivors and at-risk groups
1. Project Description or Background of the Project
The Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) & Livelihoods project is a bilateral 30-month initiative by Philippine Red Cross (PRC) with the Canadian Red Cross support entitled Sexual and Gender-based violence (SGBV) & Livelihoods, with the overall goal to improve access to multi-sectoral services for SGBV survivors in Legazpi city, Albay.
In Albay province, the situation regarding gender equality and violence against women (VAW) and children (VAC) is a complex one. Legazpi and Daraga were identified as having the most cases of VAW and VAC in 2022-2023, with the majority of incidents being domestic violence and r*pe, particularly against children. Services for survivors, such as psychosocial support, are inadequate due to a shortage of trained personnel and financial resources. PNP officers are often the first responders but lack proper training for providing mental health support. Social stigma and privacy violations further complicate the situation for survivors.
The project will focus on Legazpi LGU due to the short project duration, limited budget, and the relatively stronger infrastructure compared to Daraga. Recommendations from previous projects, such as focusing on smaller geographic areas for stronger results, suggest that a community-based project should last at least three years for sustainability, though this one is limited to two years.
Survivors face challenges in accessing multi-sectoral services, particularly in rural areas where there is a low ratio of social workers to survivors and limited financial support. FGDs and key informant interviews reveal the need for improved support for both VAW and VAC survivors, particularly through increasing the capacity of VAW desk officers and addressing community stigmas.
In terms of Livelihoods, the project will provide funding to either kickstart, expand, or diversify income-generation activities for SGBV survivors and/or vulnerable community members, supporting either existing or new Income Generation groups in agricultural and non-agricultural goods. In addition, this project will also set up Community Savings Groups (CSGs), for the targeted groups and increase their saving capacity through constant support and monitoring.
2. Objective of the Study
The primary objective of this consultancy is to conduct a comprehensive livelihood and market assessment, focusing on:
- Analyzing the social and economic impacts of SGBV on survivors, families, and communities.
- Identifying market opportunities and barriers for survivors of SGBV to engage in sustainable livelihoods.
- Providing actionable recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of livelihood programs targeting SGBV-affected individuals.
3. Scope of Work
The consultant will undertake a structured assessment to identify viable livelihood opportunities for SGBV survivors and vulnerable community members in Legazpi City, Albay. The assessment will focus on market dynamics, feasibility, and institutional linkages to ensure sustainable income-generation initiatives.
The study will be conducted in the following phases:
3.1. Desk Review: The consultant will conduct an in-depth review of existing literature, policies, and programs to establish a foundational understanding of the local market conditions, challenges, and opportunities for SGBV survivors. This phase will include:
- Reviewing national and regional programs on SGBV and Livelihoods, identifying key approaches and gaps.
- Conducting a secondary data review to extract relevant economic, social, and demographic insights.
- Mapping existing cooperatives, social enterprises, community-based organizations (CBOs), and income-generation groups active in the targeted barangays.
- Identify existing legal frameworks and policies affecting income-generation groups and cooperatives.
3.2 Fieldwork: The field study will be conducted in selected communities within Albay Province to gather primary data on market opportunities and the specific needs of SGBV survivors. This phase will include:
- Conducting qualitative and quantitative data collection through:
- Surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions (FGDs) with SGBV survivors, women entrepreneurs, and local stakeholders.
- Random visits and short individual interviews with businesses involved in key value chains.
- Engaging barangay authorities through courtesy calls/meetings facilitated by PRC.
- Conducting transect walks and market observations to assess local economic activities and potential employment pathways.
- Conducting key informant interviews (KII) with representatives of cooperatives, CBOs, and other economic entities involved in income-generation initiatives.
3.3 Market Assessment: Based on the desk review and fieldwork, the consultant will analyze the economic landscape and provide recommendations on the most viable income-generation opportunities. The assessment will include:
- Identifying key products and services with strong market potential.
- Assessing competition, market saturation, and revenue streams of the key products and services
- Performing cost-benefit analyses and break-even calculations for selected business models based on the key products and services
- Developing financial projections, including expected income, expenses, and profit margins
- Analyze pricing strategies
3.4 Feasibility Study: The consultant will conduct an in-depth feasibility study of the identified opportunities including:
- Identifying barriers preventing SGBV survivors and vulnerable groups (especially women) from accessing markets and employment, including the mapping of key market actors (consumers, sellers, traders, middlemen, employers) involved in each key product/service
- Recommend capacity-building initiatives and business models tailored to SGBV survivors and other at-risk groups
4. Expected Deliverables
- Inception report, including a detailed work plan and methodology.
- Comprehensive feasibility and market assessment report including each item listed in the Market Assessment and Feasibility Assessment
- Stakeholder presentation materials and workshop facilitation.
- Mid-term Report including initial market assessment findings
- Market assessment, feasibility study and final report including summarized findings and recommendations
- Risk and Ethical Considerations
Given the sensitive nature of SGBV-related research, the consultant will:
- Ensure confidentiality and data protection when engaging survivors.
- Implement trauma-informed and survivor-centered research methodologies.
- Address potential social stigma and community resistance when conducting interviews and FGDs.
5. Duration
The consultancy is expected to last for a maximum of 40 days commencing from the month of April 2025 and concluding by May 2025.
6. Qualifications
The consultant(s) should possess the following qualifications:
6.1 Educational and Technical Expertise
- Advanced degree in Social Sciences, Economics, Gender Studies, or related fields.
- Expertise in SGBV issues and gender-sensitive research methodologies.
- Proven experience in conducting livelihood and market assessments.
- Proven experience in planning, implementing, and monitoring livelihoods programs (and managing multiple projects).
- Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in livelihoods for vulnerable groups, including baseline assessments, monitoring and evaluation, impact evaluation, data collection, and analysis.
6.2 Experience and Contextual Knowledge
- Experience in working with international and national NGOs and with government authorities at the national level.
- Knowledge of the local context and language.
- Work experience in Bicol and/or Albay is highly valued.
6.3 Analytical, Communication, and Technical Skills
- Strong analytical, report-writing, and communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive, with the ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels.
- Familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development.
- Excellent analytical and writing skills, and results-oriented.
- Competence in basic IT packages, particularly MS Word and MS Excel.
7. Budget and Payment Terms
The total budget for this consultancy is 480,000.00 Pesos, inclusive of professional fees, travel, and other expenses. Payment will be made in tranches upon submission and approval of deliverables:
- 20% upon signing the contract and submission of the inception report.
- 30% upon submission of the mid-term progress report.
- 50% upon submission and approval of the final report and presentation.
8. Application Process
Interested applicants should submit a full offer to hrd.recruitment@redcross.org.ph and 3 printed copies in a sealed envelope delivered by a courier by May 20 , 2025:
Attention:
Dr. Gwendolyn T. Pang
Secretary General
Philippine Red Cross National Headquarters
37 EDSA corner Boni Avenue, Barangka-Ilaya, Mandaluyong City 1550,
The offer should include the following:
8.1 Technical offer
8.1.1 Methodology
Description of how the consultant will conduct the desk review, fieldwork, and market/feasibility assessment in line with this TOR. This should include an analytical framework for evaluating livelihood opportunities and include an overview of the data sources used for the secondary data gathering (e.g. Government sources, Academia, NGOs/UN).
Description of the primary data collection tools (e.g., surveys, FGDs, KIIs, market mapping) and the type of actors interviewed.
Description of the ethical considerations, especially in dealing with SGBV survivors (confidentiality, trauma-informed approach).
8.1.2 Work Plan and timeline
A clear work schedule outlining key activities (desk research, field visits, stakeholder consultations, reporting).
8.1.3 Team Composition and Roles
Description of the assessment team (e.g., lead researcher, field coordinator, data analyst) with the CVs of key team members attached.
8.2 Financial Proposal: This section details the cost of conducting the consultancy and should include:
- Professional Fees (daily rate per consultant and estimated number of days).
- Travel Costs (transportation, per diems, lodging if applicable).
- Materials and equipment expenses (survey tools, data collection platforms, transcription services).
- Overhead Costs such as administrative support, if any.
- Total Budget & Payment Terms (align with the ToR’s payment schedule.
9. Evaluation Criteria: Applications will be evaluated based on:
● Relevant experience and expertise (40%).
● Methodological approach (30%).
● Financial proposal (20%) which will capped at 480,000.00 PHP
10. Reporting and Coordination
The consultant will report to the Program Committee and will work closely with relevant stakeholders throughout the project. Regular updates will be required to ensure alignment with project objectives.
Job Type: Fixed term
Benefits:
- Flextime
Work Location: On the road