ToR Qualitative Study on gender roles, behaviour and child marriage in Sindh and Punjab

The Terms of Reference for the implementation of a

qualitative study on gender roles, behaviour and child

marriage as part of the More Than Brides Alliance

programme in Pakistan.

Oxfam Study on Qualitative Study on gender roles, behaviour and child marriage

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Table of Contents

1 Project Background 3

1.1 Background and rationale 3

2 Project Definition 4

2.1 Objective and scope 4

2.2 Deliverables 5

2.3 Preliminary Planning 7

3 Purchase procedure 8

3.1 Procedure 8

3.2 Administrative criteria 8

3.2.1 Deadlines 8

3.2.2 Contents of quotation 9

3.3 Award criteria 9

3.3.1 Assessment of the approach paper and CVs 9

3.3.2 Assessment of the CV’s 10

3.3.3 Assessment of the Prices 11

3.4 Selection and assessment 11

4 Disclaimers 12

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1 Project Background

1.1 Background and rationale

The direct motive for this procurement is to implement a qualitative study around gender roles

and child marriage in the Sindh province (Shikarpur and Larkana) and Punjab province

(Muzaffargarh and Lodhran) as part of the More Than Brides Alliance (MTBA) programme in

Pakistan during November 2019 and January 2020. For the exact timeline, see chapter 2.3.

Oxfam is asking interested teams to submit their quotations. A team should consist of one

(1) experienced senior coordinator and four (4) experienced qualitative interviewers.

The qualitative interviewers will implement forty-eight (48) in-depth interviews in the MTBA

districts, entailing twelve (12) interviews per district. Each interviewer will be responsible for

implementing twelve (12) interviews. A mixture of male and female interviewers is preferred,

as we aim for same-gender interviews (men interviewing men, women interviewing women).

Oxfam, and it’s partners are implementing the MTBA programme (2016-2020) in Pakistan. The

programme aims to combat the practice of child marriage and supports respect for young people’s

right to health. Supporting the development of an enabling environment for girls and their families to

engage in alternative pathways is a key strategy in the programme, aiming to realize a shift that

supports social action against child marriage and in favour of the empowerment of young women

and men.

The MTBA programme in Pakistan has invested in developing our understanding of the influence of

gender roles on marriage decision-making processes and the age of marriage. We aim to assess

the existence of gender roles and behaviours.

An evaluation during year 2 (2017) highlighted distinct roles and behaviours surrounding marriage

practices in the MTBA programme communities. The monitoring and evaluation of interventions

confirmed further the influence of the identified behaviours.

Gender roles and behaviours are not static and can change over time. As a next step, we aim to

assess further the flexibility of identified roles and behaviours and the entry-points to challenge

them and pursue alternative pathways. To this end, the MTBA programme in Pakistan aims to

conduct a study with the following aim:

This study aims to sharpen the understanding of the current flexibility and opportunities for

young women and their families to pursue alternative pathways.

The study will engage with and seek to learn from positive deviance cases in the MTBA programme

communities of Muzaffargarh and Lodhran (Punjab) and Shikarpur and Larkana (Sindh), in which

parents and daughters jointly decided for marriage at a later age.

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2 Project Definition

2.1 Objective and scope

The objective of the assignment is the quality implementation of 48 in-depth interviews with

MTBA programme beneficiaries and other actors. In each of the four MTBA districts, 12 in-depth

interviews will be implemented.

A Study Design Workshop will be organized by Oxfam mid-October to finalize the study design,

including the study tool and sampling strategy detailing the exact sites and beneficiaries / actors to

be targeted.

The selected villages in a district aim for a representative sample, including geographical spread

and village size.

The assignment results in information of high quality to Oxfam for analysis and uptake. This

includes obtaining the full consent of participants and consent of participants for the recording of

the interview.

The coordinator will support to the finalization of the study set-up and interview guides during the

study design workshop mid-November 2019. Participation in the workshop aims at the same time to

ensure correct understanding by the coordinator, aim and methodology during field implementation.

The design workshop will be followed by a training workshop to prepare the interviewers for field

implementation. It is expected for the coordinator to participate in the training workshop to guide the

interviewers during the field work in correct implementation. It is expected of the interviewers to

participate in the workshop to train for the field implementation.

The coordinator will oversee the implementation of 48 in-depth interviews and the transcribing of

data by four qualitative interviewers. The coordinator will provide continuous and proactive remote

support during field implementation to guide the interviewers in their implementation by analysing

recordings and interview transcriptions – ensuring quality implementation and transcription.

The interviewers will implement 48 in-depth interviews and the transcribing of data, entailing 12

interviews per interviewer.

The assignment will not include the selection or reach-out to programme beneficiaries and other

actors, which will be facilitated by Oxfam and partners. In each district, a staff member of partners

will support the field implementation. The staff member will support in liaising with identified

community members and setting up the interview in a location that mitigates any potential risks in

for their participation and seeking a private setting. Each exact location will be determined on an

individual basis.

The study assignment will not support the design phase of the study methodology, beyond active

participation of the coordinator in the planned Study Design Workshop as stated above.

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The assignment will not cover the analysis of the information collected nor the processing into a

report or other products. This will be done by Oxfam in Pakistan

2.2 Deliverables

The team will prepare for the field implementation by joining Oxfam in a preparation workshop held

in Islamabad:

1. The coordinator to support the finalization of the study set-up and interview guides through

participation in a study design workshop. It is expected for the coordinator to take part in

the workshop, to become familiar with the study design and support finalization.

2. The full team to participate in a two-day training workshop facilitated by Oxfam for the

coordinator and interviewers to prepare jointly for information collection, including but not

limited to:

a. Discussing the concept of gender roles and behaviour

b. Basic training in ethics around VAWG study

c. Basic training in interview techniques

d. In case the selected beneficiaries included in the interviews constitute of

individuals under the age of 18: training in child protection and safeguarding and

Oxfam’s related policies

e. Reviewing and practicing with the interview guide

f. Discussing target group and sampling methodology, resulting from the study

design workshop

g. Discussing expected ways of working, e.g. confidentiality, saving the data,

transcribing the interviews, feedback mechanisms and support

The interviewers will conduct 48 in-depth interviews in Urdu using a pre-design interview tool –

12 interviews per interviewer. Each interview will take around one (1) hour. Each interview has to

be audio-recorded. Consent for the interview itself and the recording need to be obtained.

The interviewers will record and transcribe verbatim each conducted interview in English, using

notes made during the interview and the audio-recording. All audio-recordings and transcriptions

will be saved anonymously. The transcription of each interview is estimated to take around 6 hours

per interview. The transcription should take place directly after the interview. The interviewer needs

to provide a short reflection on the setting of the interview and possible interruptions / challenges.

The written transcription plus the audio-recording should be shared immediately with the

coordinator for review.

Throughout the implementation of assignment, the coordinator will provide continuous and

proactive remote support by setting up a feedback loop with interviewers to guide and motivate

them to reflect on quality and adjust where necessary. This includes guidance to ensure

interviewers engage in correct ways of working, including confidentiality and study ethics.

After each interviewer has conducted the first two interviews, the coordinator will facilitate an online

session with all interviewers to reflect jointly upon correct implementation of the interview guide and

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correct transcribing of data and providing other notes. The coordinator will join throughout the

implementation each interviewer in at least two interviews to reflect with each interviewer on correct

implementation, preferably during the start-up phase before the mentioned joint reflection session

and/or right after the reflection session.

After the first eight (8) interviews, Oxfam will review four (4) transcriptions for quality control and to

provide feedback and steer. The feedback is aimed to be included in the earlier mentioned online

session facilitated by the coordinator.

The coordinator will conduct a quality check on all delivered interview transcriptions, ensuring the

transcriptions are of quality, correctly reflect recordings and he/she will link up with interviewers for

sharpening or additions when necessary.

The interviewers will actively engage with the overall coordinator to reflect upon quality

implementation of interviews and the quality and completeness of information.

The coordinator will be available by email and phone to interviewers to answer any questions or

support requests during field implementation.

It is expected throughout for all team members to adhere to Oxfam’s Child Protection Policy, and

Oxfam’s Responsible Program Data Policy.

It is expected for the team to adhere to and sign Oxfam’s Data Processing and Security Agreement

to ensure complying to the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

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2.3 Preliminary Planning

# Objective Deliverables Time

period

[% payment]

1 Setting up the field

plan.

Coordinator:

Participation in the finalization of

the design, ensuring a detailed

understanding of the aim and

methodologies

Full team:

Participation in a developed

interviewer training module by

Oxfam

04 – 15

November

2019

15%

2 Implementation of

field – start-up

phase

Coordinator:

Setting up a feedback loop

ensuring ongoing monitoring

and coaching of the field

implementation by interviewers

Joining each interviewer in two

interview sessions and reflect on

quality implementation (this can

be done either during or after

the start-up phase – see also

the next objective).

Hosting a(n) (online) reflection

session with all interviewers

after the first two conducted

interviews by each interviewer

Checking and ensuring the

quality of interview transcripts

Interviewers:

The facilitation of 8 in-depth

interviews – 2 interviews per

interviewer.

Obtaining the informed consent

of participants for the interview

and consent for the recording.

The recording of conducted

interviews

15 – 30

November

2019

15%

Implementation of

field plan

Coordinator:

Implementing a feedback loop

ensuring ongoing monitoring

1 – 31

December

2019

70%

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and coaching of the field

implementation by interviewers

Checking and ensuring the

quality of all interview transcripts

Joining each interviewer in two

interview sessions and reflect on

quality implementation (this can

also be part of the start-up

phase – see also objective 2).

Interviewers:

The facilitation of 40 in-depth

interviews using vignette

methodology – 10 interviews per

interviewer.

Obtaining the informed consent

of participants for the interview

and consent for the recording.

Remuneration is based on submission of deliverables as mentioned in the preliminary planning.

Remuneration payment will take place in three (3) instalments as indicated in the preliminary

planning.

3 Purchase procedure

3.1 Procedure

This procurement procedure is organised to contract a field team. Potential suppliers are asked to

make a quotation based in the administrative criteria, selection criteria and the award criteria

mentioned below. These quotations are assessed on their compliance, quality and price. The

contract will in principle be awarded to the organisation with the economically most advantageous

quotation. This means that not only the price, but all award criteria will be taken into consideration.

Oxfam withholds the right to conduct interviews with one or more potential suppliers before an

award decision is made. Purpose of the interview is to seek further clarification on the submitted

quotations and learn more about the background and previous experiences of the potential

suppliers and their teams.

3.2 Administrative criteria

3.2.1 Deadlines

The opening of the request for proposals is 16/10/2019.

Any questions, remarks or requests for clarification can be send to wdurani@oxfam.org.uk,

before 25/10/2019, 23:59 GMT+5.

The (anonymised) questions will be answered to all applicants no later than 28/10/2019, 23:59

GMT+5.

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Quotations should reach Oxfam no later than 30/10/2019, 23:59 GMT+5.

3.2.2 Contents of quotation

The following should be included in applications:

At least two relevant reference assignment previously performed by the supplier that are

comparable in content, time and money.

National Sales Tax / GST number of the supplier (if applicable)

Copy of the registration as institution or firm with the relevant authorities in Pakistan (if

applicable).

A brief approach paper, detailing an envisioned research design, including implementation and

analysis strategies.

CV(’s) of the proposed consultant(s), proving relevant experience. See also chapter 3.3, award

criteria.

Total price. Accompanied with a cost break down in days or hours spend and the related fee.

To be valid, the quote submitted must include the following administrative elements:

The words ‘Quotation’/’Quote’ or ‘Pro-Forma’ mentioned somewhere on the document

Name and contact details of the supplier

Unit price of each item, total price and all applicable taxes and levies

Currency

Date of quote

Quotations should be submitted by e-mail with the subject line “ToR Qualitative Study on gender

roles, behaviour and child marriage” to: oxfampak@oxfam.org.uk

3.3 Award criteria

The evaluation of the quotations will be based on the best value for money criterion covering technical

quality (the understanding and approach to the research coordination and implementation) and the

CV of the consultant and price of the quotation.

3.3.1 Assessment of the approach paper and CVs

The assessment of the approach paper will be based on the criteria as below. The best fitting

approach paper for the assignment will be given the most points.

The assessment of the CV’s will be based on appropriateness of the proposed consultants based on

the following criteria. The best fitting CV for the assignment will be given the most points.

1. Meeting required specifications

a. Understanding of the assignment (approach paper)

b. CVs - skills (including link to and validity of 2 references shared) and command of

relevant languages

2. Reliability of deliverables

a. Approach towards coaching, mentoring and joint reflection

b. Approach on dealing with the gender dimension during study implementation

3. Availability and delivery

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a. Realistic time planning, given the assignment (approach paper)

b. Capacity and capability of the consultant to perform the work within the timeframe

4. Consultant performance

a. Approach towards ensuring data quality (approach paper)

b. CVs - experience (including link to and validity of 2 references shared)

3.3.2 Assessment of the CV’s

The assessment of the CV’s will be based on appropriateness of the proposed consultants based on

the following criteria. The best fitting CV for the assignment will be given the most points. The

following competencies should be made clear in the CV’s provided:

Coordinator

Required

a) Academic master’s degree or higher in the field of social sciences or a related field

b) Excellent coordination and motivation skills

c) Excellent coaching and mentoring skills

d) Highly experienced in conducting qualitative in-depth interview techniques with different types

of respondents (among others adolescents and illiterate people)

e) Highly experienced in transcription of interviews

f) Highly experienced in quality control of generated data

g) Excellent command of Urdu

h) Excellent command of English

Preferred

i) Good command of Saraiki and/or Sindhi

j) Experience in research related to gender roles and behaviour

k) Experience in research related to reproductive health and rights and/or early marriage

Qualitative Interviewers

Required

a) Academic bachelor’s degree or higher in the field of social sciences or a related field

b) Highly experienced in qualitative in-depth interview techniques

c) Highly experienced in transcription of interviews

d) Excellent command of Urdu

e) Command of English

Preferred

f) Experience with field research involving the engagement of a variety of respondents (including

but not limited to: adolescents and people without education).

g) Good command of Saraiki and/or Sindhi

h) A gender balanced team of 4 interviewers to realize same-gender interviews

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3.3.3 Assessment of the Prices

A total of 60 contract days are available for the full assignment.

The contractor will have to make provisions for covering all costs associated with the assignment.

This includes, but is not limited to, logistical arrangements, including travel and accommodation costs.

The assessment of the budget proposal will be based on the following criteria:

5. Value for money

a. Price proposal (Best value for Money)

b. Realistic budget planning, given the assignment (budget estimation and allocation),

including clarity of the cost breakdown

Remuneration is based on submission of final deliverables as mentioned in chapter 2.3.

3.4 Selection and assessment

The assessment of the quotations will start with an assessment of the administrative criteria,

mentioned in chapter 3.2. These criteria are all Knock-out criteria. That means that if these criteria

aren’t met in your quotation, this quotation will be put aside and the award criteria of this quotation

will not be assessed.

The quotations that meet the administrative criteria will be assessed against the award criteria. The

award criteria are assessed according to the following distribution of points.

Criteria Knock out (KO) /

Max. Point

Administrative criteria

Quotation received within deadline KO

At least two relevant reference assignments previously performed by the

supplier that are comparable in content, time and money.

KO

A brief approach paper, including a detailed time planning based on this

ToR

KO

CV(’s) of the proposed consultant(s), proving relevant experience and/or

diplomas

KO

A detailed price proposal KO

Award criteria

Meeting required specifications 20 out of 100

Consultant performance 20 out of 100

Reliability of deliverables 20 out of 100

Availability and delivery 20 out of 100

Value for money 20 out of 100

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4 Disclaimers

Oxfam may require the supplier to clarify its quotation and/or provide supporting documentation.

However the supplier may not modify its quotation after the deadline for submission of quotations

mentioned in chapter 3.2.1, fourth bullet.

Oxfam reserves the right to stop the purchase procedure completely or partly, temporarily or

permanently until the moment of contract signing. In these situations suppliers are not entitled to

reimbursement of any costs or damages incurred in connection with this purchase procedure.

Quotations should be valid for at least three months after the deadline for handing in quotations

mentioned in chapter 3.2.1, fourth bullet.

Oxfam cannot be charged in any way for costs related to preparation and submission of a

quotation. This can also include interviews and/or providing further information about the quotation.

The risk of any costs and/or damages which may arise by not awarding this contract to a supplier

lay solely with the supplier. Oxfam can not be held responsible for any such costs or damages.

By submitting a quotation the Supplier agrees all the terms and conditions specified in this

procedure and the provisions of the contract template. The quotation will not contain any

reservation(s) to these terms and conditions. A quotation with one or more reservations can be

excluded from the procedure.