Terms or Reference (ToR)
‘Advancing and redefining Forum Syd’s approach and
definition of gender equality and SUNR’
1. SUMMARY & PURPOSE
Forum Syd is in a process of redefining its profile areas which today are Gender
Equality; Democracy and Human Rights and Sustainable Use of Natural Resources;
these are interlinked and governed by the Human Rights Based Approach and
Forum Syds Theory of Change. They are also rooted in Forum Syd´s Policy
Platform 2013-2022. This evaluation is a step in the process of redefining the
areas gender equality and sustainable use of natural resources (SUNR).
Forum Syd seeks to hire a consultant in order to do a comprehensive study in
regards to good practices within Forum Syd, with its civil society partners and the
frame organizations connected to the Sida CivSam Grant by looking at the
perspectives of gender equality and environment.
The main purpose of the consultants work is to give recommendations on good
practices to the redefining process; through mapping and analysis of recent
research and global discussions regarding the implementation and use of gender
equality and SUNR in development work. The expected outcome is to give
recommendations to Forum Syd in how to work and integrate the perspectives of
gender and SUNR.
2. BACKGROUND
2.1.
About Forum Syd
Forum Syd is a Swedish non-governmental membership-based organization
(Sveo) that works together with over 200 local partners and international
networks (Leo) worldwide. Forum Syd was founded in 1995 and is the biggest
platform for civil society in Sweden with more than 150 civil society organization
members.
Forum Syd´s vision is a just and sustainable world where all people have the
power to effect change.
Forum Syd has two purposes: i) Strengthen marginalised people around the world
who organize to claim their rights, ii) Advocate for changes that contributes to a
just and sustainable world
Forum Syd promotes respect, protection and fulfilment of universal human rights,
seen as the most effective tools to reach the vision. Within this framework of civil
society, democracy and human rights, Forum Syd sees gender equality and SUNR
as important perspectives to our vision and to Forum Syd´s mission.
2.2.
Forum Syd’s approach to gender equality and SUNR
Forum Syd has in its definition of profile areas defined gender as a social
construction that reflects the social and cultural interpretations of biological sexes.
In this construction lie norms of how women and men, girls and boys, should be
and behave in a given society. Gender is formed in relations between women and
men and varies through time and place.
In the same area of scope Forum Syd defines SUNR with a rights based approach
which means that all development decisions locally, nationally and globally have
to consider to guarantee human rights to all women and men and at the same time
limit the ecological degradation and climate change to what the planet can tolerate
without great risks (not exceeding ecological footprints of one planet and the
planetary boundaries). The responsibilities for implementing the needed
transformations in systems and structures to achieve this new framework should
be distributed in a fair way between countries and groups in society.
These are both multidimensional long-term perspectives that should be contextbased, results-orientated and specifically adapted to the needs of our partners.
3. STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT
The consultant is expected to involve all relevant stakeholders in this study. This
includes among others; Swedish civil society organisations connected to Forum
Syd, frame organisations, key persons in Forum Syd´s offices in Cambodia, Kenya,
Colombia, Somalia and Belarus. For a differentiated approach to development
perspectives it is recommended to include researchers related to the field of the
scope.
Forum Syd is expected to be able to comment on the draft evaluation report and to
participate in and give feed-back to an evaluation debriefing meeting for the
presentation of the draft evaluation report.
4. METHODOLOGY
This specific consultancy is supposed to apply the following methodological steps
and use a participatory methodology and evaluation approach
 Desk-study
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Gathering of information from key stakeholders
Mapping
In-depth skype interviews with individual staff members from all country
offices and representatives from pre-selected Sveo´s and LEO´s
Analysing relevant research material related to the field of scope
The evaluator is to elaborate the above methodologies and possibly complement
them in his/her inception report, including a plan for stakeholder involvement.
5. SCHEDULE
Deadline for submission of tender is 19th of May, 2017.
Decision will be taken on the 26th of May, and a start-up meeting with chosen
consultant will be held in week 22.
Inception report including a detailed work plan is expected on 30th of June.
Deadline for final report is August 31th 2017.
6. EXPECTED OUTCOME AND OUTPUTS
Outcome 1: Mapping of Sveo’s, LEO´s and Forum Syd´s methods of working and
mainstreaming gender and SUNR
Output 1: Map if and how pre-selected Sveo´s and pre-selected LEO´s work
with gender and SUNR within the organisation and how this is mainstreamed in
project and programs and how these relate to each other.
Output 2: Map how pre-selected Sveo´s experience and how they relate to
Forum Syd´s support in gender and SUNR.
Output 3: A needs-assessment of what kind of support Sveo´s want from Forum
Syd.
Output 4: Map how and with what method material Forum Syd is working with
today in regards to gender and SUNR.
Output 5: Present a mapping within the field of gender and SUNR by benchmarking how other frame organisations, international development
organisations are working.
Outcome 2: Analysis and mapping of relevant recent research within in the field
of gender and SUNR
Output 6: Present a desk-study on how the academia is working with gender
equality and SUNR and the latest findings within this field.
Outcome 3: Recommendations and way forward for Forum Syd´s work with
gender and SUNR based on results from outcome 1 and 2.
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Output 7 Give recommendations on which role Forum Syd can take in
supporting Sveo´s and LEO´s within the field of gender and SUNR and on which
level this should be on.
Output 8: Give recommendations of the way forward for Forum Syd in how to
work with gender and SUNR, and recommendations on what method material is
needed in order to do so. This includes what vocabulary to use.
7. CONSULTANT’S QUALIFICATIONS
An advanced university degree in a relevant field. Comprehensive knowledge
within the fields of intersectional gender equality approach and sustainable use of
natural resources. Knowledge of civil society in Sweden and globally is an asset.
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Minimum 5 years demonstrated experience in gender and sustainable
resource management and of CSOs in similar geographical and thematic
contexts
Profound knowledge in the field of method development with a focus on
gender equality and sustainable resource management
Proven excellent evaluation methodology skills, particularly in designing
capacity building processes including eLearning
Sector knowledge
Expertise on human rights and the human rights based approach
Socio-cultural expertise
Language skills
A gender equality balanced and culturally diverse team
8. BUDGET AND PAYMENT
The payment of the fee will be made after the final evaluation report has been
approved by Forum Syd.
The overall budget for this assignment is between 250 000 – 300 000 SEK.
9. PROCUREMENT PROCEDURE
The assignment is subject to a ‘price and quality comparison’, i.e. a small formal
procurement that does not have to be open. Written price tenders will be
requested from at least three suppliers. Please send your tender to the below
indicated mail address no later than May 19th, 2017.
Forum Syd Reserves the right not to accept any of the tenders submitted. In
addition, Forum Syd reserves the right to take references on the proposed
candidate.
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10. PROCUREMENT TECHNICALITIES
10.1. Tender Procedure
The tenders will be assessed considering the following aspects;
 The contents of the tender (that all the required information is enclosed)
 The qualifications and experience of the tenderer
 The methodology and approach proposed
 The cost for the tender
Questions concerning the tender can be posed to the contact persons indicated
below until 19th of May. Forum Syd reserves the right not to accept any of the
tenders submitted. In addition Forum Syd reserves the right to take references on
the proposed candidate.
10.2. Documentation and information required
Tenders shall:
 State the methods they intend to use to implement the assignment and to
guarantee the quality of their work.
 State the qualifications of each of the persons/sub-consultants they make
available for the assignment and attach a CV for each of them.
 Confirm that they will be able to meet all expectations in §7.
 State the total cost of the assignment, specified in the form of the daily fee
for each personnel category, reimbursable costs, and any other costs and
possible discounts. All costs shall be given in Swedish kronor, excluding
VAT.
 Propose a time schedule for the assignment.
7.3. Final date of Submission
The tender, including all required information is to be submitted to Forum Syd by
e-mail on 19th of May, 2017. The tender is to be sent to
[email protected]
7.4. Validity of the Tender
Tenders shall remain valid for a period of 60 days.
11. CONTACT INFORMATION
For further information, kindly contact;
Jenny Sonesson, [email protected]
+46 (0)8 506 37 089
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