SUPPORT FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT PLAN FOR PANAMA’S INDIGENOUS WOMEN (PEMIP 2025) AND STRENGTHENING OF THE PANAMA INDIGENOUS

REQUEST FOR CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR FIRMS

2.2.2. SUPPORT FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT PLAN FOR PANAMA’S INDIGENOUS WOMEN (PEMIP 2025) AND STRENGTHENING OF THE PANAMA INDIGENOUS WOMEN COMMITTEE (CAMIP)

I. IPARD PROGRAM

1. BACKGROUND

In 2019, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) established the FSC Indigenous Foundation (FSC- IF) as the operational office of the Permanent Indigenous Peoples Committee (PIPC). The FSC-IF is a private interest foundation in accordance with Law No. 25 of June 12, 1995 of the Republic of Panama. The mission of FSC-IF is to enable an enabling environment to guarantee the rights of Indigenous Peoples and promote sustainable forest-based solutions within 300 million hectares of indigenous forests on the planet. The vision is that Indigenous Peoples’ global values, rights, livelihoods, ecosystem services, natural capital and communities are incorporated into forest governance, climate change governance and market systems.

Indigenous Peoples’ Alliance for Rights and Development

The FSC-IF is the implementing partner of the five-year Global Development Alliance (GDA) program funded by USAID and FSC: Indigenous Peoples Alliance for Rights and Development (IPARD). The IPARD Program is guided by three development objectives:

● Objective 1: To organize and convene a capacity building program for Indigenous Peoples’ organizations and stakeholders.

● Objective 2: To foster an enabling environment for the recognition, effective participation and joint decision-making by Indigenous Peoples in matters affecting them; and;

● Objective 3: Promote the sustainable development of Indigenous Peoples based on sustainable economic models.

IPARD uses three interconnected approaches to support Indigenous Peoples in overcoming their development challenges:

A. Multi-Sectoral Approach (MSA): under the strategic guidance of IPARD’s Steering Committee (SC), the Program convenes and leverages the expertise of multi-sectoral partners to ensure that the needs of Indigenous communities are considered across a wide range of sectors.

B. Country-Focused Approach (CFA): IPARD’s programmatic strategy is guided by a country-focused approach, driven by specific national contexts related to Indigenous Peoples. IPARD implements a structured process to identify, evaluate and select countries for its programs. FSC-IF works in conjunction with the IPARD Steering Committee, and according to the guidelines of the multi-sectoral approach, in order to select countries and identify key priorities and strategies.

C. Indigenous Project Management Approach (IPMA): Leveraging FSC-IF’s networks and relationships with Indigenous leaders and organizations around the world, IPARD seeks ongoing dialogue, consultation, and feedback with Indigenous Peoples to inform the Program. IPARD supports a forum through which the FSC-IF Indigenous Foundation serves as a bridge between Indigenous Peoples, technical partners, national governments, and the private sector. IPARD invests in best practice conservation and effective approaches and methodologies to ensure strategic cohesion of partnerships at various levels.

Through these three approaches, IPARD aims to empower Indigenous Peoples’ organizations and catalyze an enabling environment where Indigenous Peoples can pursue their development.

2. CONTEXT

The FSC-IF Indigenous Foundation is a global indigenous-led organization, governed by a Board representing Indigenous Peoples from around the world, which is responsible for providing strategic direction to the Foundation and ensuring that it acts in accordance with its mission, values and principles.

Within the activities carried out in Panama, the FSC Indigenous Foundation, through the IPARD Program, Objective 2: Political Advocacy, Rights and Social Participation, which has among its objectives to foster an enabling environment for the recognition, effective participation and joint decision-making of Indigenous Peoples in matters that affect them, proposes to support the implementation of the Economic Empowerment Plan for Indigenous Women of Panama (PEMIP 2025), as well as the strengthening of the Advisory Committee of Indigenous Women of Panama (CAMIP) in order to advance its leading role in the implementation of the Plan and provide it with instruments to strengthen its advocacy, management and visibility

According to data published in the 2010 Census, the indigenous population in Panama represents 12% of the country’s total population, which in absolute terms translates into a total of 417,559 people, 49% women and 51% men.

According to estimates made by INEC, the average annual growth rate in the period 2010-2020 for the indigenous population has been 2.1% reaching a total population of 537,652 in 2020, which means that the relative weight of the indigenous population will have risen to 12.6% in 2020 (INEC, 2014).

Indigenous women in Panama have the most dramatic poverty indicators in the country. For instance, only 7% of the Indigenous Women are employed, compared to only 21% of indigenous male.

Fifteen-point five percent (15,5%) of the indigenous population over 10 years of age cannot read or write. Of these, 63% are women.

Educational coverage and quality are much lower in the Comarcas and indigenous territories than in the rest of the country. According to the latest PISA report, the difference between students who report speaking an indigenous language at home and others is equivalent to the loss of almost three years (3) of schooling. In the case of indigenous women, they attend school in a lower percentage than men in all the comarcas and outside of them, with the percentage of female school dropouts being 46%, compared to 29% for men. According to the report, 29% of indigenous women have no schooling and 30% have only incomplete primary education.

CAMIP

In this context, the struggle to open a space of visibility and recognized participation for indigenous women has been a constant in the women’s movement, one of whose initial milestones was the creation of the National Coordinating Committee of Indigenous Women of Panama (CONAMUIP) in 1993. This Coordinating Committee was born with the objective of strengthening women’s community organizations in their territories and, through them, to channel and promote women’s contribution to the development of Indigenous Peoples in a joint effort with traditional authorities.

Subsequently, the number of organizations continued to grow, both in the remaining comarcas and territories (examples include the Association of Kuna Indigenous Women, the Association of Emberá-AMARIE Artisan Women, and many others) and at the national level. In the latter case, it is worth highlighting the creation in 2010 of the Organization of Indigenous Women United for Biodiversity (OMIUBP).

The need to constitute a space that would give voice to indigenous women became even more evident with the constitution of the National Roundtable of Indigenous Peoples in 2016, in which there were hardly any women as decision-makers, due to their scarce participation in traditional leadership bodies. Therefore, at that time, a debate began between the indigenous women’s associations and the members of the National Roundtable to analyze how a space for binding participation of women could be articulated in a key advocacy environment in which they were almost not represented.

In 2018 (with only two women members of the Mesa: The Cacica General of the Ngäbe Buglé Comarca, Ms. Silvia Carrera, and the President of the General Congress of Alto Bayano, Ms. Sara Omí), it is again proposed – under the leadership of the latter – the formal creation of this space, which would be renamed Advisory Committee, highlighting its desirable role of strategic advocacy vis-à-vis the authorities. A Committee whose core would be composed of delegates from the territories but which, following a logic of recognition, would also incorporate -with a supporting role- the historical organizations of indigenous women at the national level.

Thus, the Advisory Committee of Indigenous Women of Panama (CAMIP) was constituted after its formal installation at the Meeting of the National Roundtable of Indigenous Peoples held on July 24 and 25, 2018, whose minutes (Article 7) accounted for the approval of its initial installation, as designated by the traditional authorities. The Advisory Committee was formed by delegates representing each territory with political structure, that is, by 12 women, who were accompanied – as observer organizations – by 2 more members, one representing the National Coordinator of Indigenous Women of Panama (CONAMUIP) and another from the Organization of Indigenous Women United for Biodiversity (OMIUBP).

CAMIP opened a recognized space to represent the women of the indigenous territories in the National Roundtable of Indigenous Peoples (CONDIPI in Spanish). The Advisory Committee receives, processes, and transmits information while at the same time being linked to the community structures and governance structures of Indigenous Peoples. It is a platform with immense potential to become a key agent to enable dialogues between grassroots women, indigenous authorities, and public institutions, thus enabling the implementation of relevant actions in favor of those who face the greatest inequalities and situations of vulnerability in Panama; but who are also the main agents of health, development, and welfare of indigenous communities in Panama: their women.

PEMIP 2025

The Economic Empowerment Plan for Indigenous Women of Panama (PEMIP 2025) is a comprehensive and pioneering initiative that seeks the full inclusion and effective exercise of the socioeconomic rights of Panamanian indigenous women, based on their protagonism and self-determination.

It covers both women who live in their original comarcas and territories and those who live in urban areas. It has 10 thematic axes:

1) Coverage of basic needs

2) Education and training

3) Labor insertion

4) Self-employment and entrepreneurship

5) Financial inclusion

6) Digital inclusion

7) Care

8) Knowledge and recognition

9) Leadership

10) Governance

3. OBJECTIVES OF THE CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR THE IPARD’S OBJECTIVE 2.

● General objective

To support the implementation of the Indigenous Women Economic Empowerment Plan (PEMIP 2025) through strengthening the Indigenous Women Advisory Committee of Panama (CAMIP), specifically measures 8, 9, and 10 of PEMIP 2025.

Specific Objectives:

1. Design, create, update and disseminate a mapping and/or directory of indigenous women’s organizations and structures, as well as other dialogue spaces for women’s participation, at the national and territorial levels. A directory will be created, with a database that can be disseminated and updated, and a Guide (see below) will be provided so that it can be updated after completion of the work included in the contract.

2. Elaborate a Guide with a methodology to document the values and cultural riches of indigenous women as part of their collective human rights. Analyze and select a territory to pilot the methodology in the Guide; to implement the methodology which may include the rescue of stories, songs, tales, life stories, identity building, rights, and in general, the main characteristics, stories and customs to be rescued and passed onto future generations, as well as to serve to generate economic opportunities through the enhancement of their cultural heritage. This pilot will serve to validate the methodology and help in its replication in other territories.

3. Elaborate and support the implementation of the Indigenous Women Economic Empowerment Plan to strengthen the Indigenous Women Advisory Committee of Panama (CAMIP) to become the main mechanism and governance to implement this Plan. Among the works to be carried out during the period of execution of the consultancy are the following:

a) Support the design and elaboration of the road map to implement the PEMIP in order to strengthen CAMIP members and other Indigenous women organizations as observers.

b) Provide administrative support in convening dialogues on PEMIP implementation, during the consultancy period.

c) Develop CAMIP´s by-laws, following a participatory and co-creation process that ensures that all delegates and observer organizations integrated in the CAMIP endorse the by-laws to the Indigenous Traditional Authorities that make up the CONDIPI.

d) Prepare a strategy to guide CAMIP’s participation in public advocacy, with the objective of being able to channel its perspective and contributions in the elaboration and/or implementation of key policies for the economic empowerment of indigenous women (PDIPIP – Plan de Desarrollo Integral de los Pueblos Indígenas de Panamá, Plan Colmena, Public Employability Policy, National Strategy for Women’s Entrepreneurship, Roadmap for the implementation of the National Care Strategy, National Strategy for Girls and Young Women in STEM, Public Youth Policy, rural electrification, energy, water and sanitation programs), etc.

Deliverables:

Product No. 1: Prepare a consultancy work plan for the execution of the consultancy and signing of the contract.

Product No. 2: Create, update and disseminate directory of indigenous women’s organizations and structures.

Product No. 3: Methodology to document the values and cultural richness to support the defense of the collective rights of indigenous women.

Product No. 4: To carry out a pilot with the methodology of product No. 3.

Product No. 5: Elaboration of CAMIP´s by-laws.

Product No. 6: Elaboration of a strategy and Road Map to promote spaces for participatory dialogues in the design/agreement and implementation of public policies in favor of indigenous women in Panama through CAMIP/CONDIPI.

Product No. 7: Final report, with brief executive summary and Powerpoint Presentation.

Firm Profile:

● The selected consulting firm should dedicate to this consultancy a team of at least two professionals in the areas of social sciences, economics, business administration, public administration, law, political science, psychology, anthropology, sociology, public policy, or related careers, and experience in research and/or project formulation and implementation.

● Extensive knowledge and working experience in diversity issues, indigenous people and communities, intercultural, women’s indigenous leadership is required.

● Working experience in gender, labor participation, women leadership and participation in managerial positions, diversity in the work environment is required.

● The firm must also have excellent analytical, research, oral and written communication skills. The firm must demonstrate knowledge and positioning on the topic of indigenous women’s participation and empowerment, and specifically: Research experience in the area of gender and labor participation and economic empowerment in Panama through publications: studies and reports; Experience in the design and implementation of projects in the area of gender and indigenous economic empowerment in Panama with actors from government, civil society, academia, the private sector or international cooperation agencies; Other experiences such as having designed and delivered training courses, facilitated workshops and participated in high-level events.

● Good analytical skills, with experience in producing country or sector specific analytical work on gender equality and women’s empowerment and diversity (preferably in Latin America and the Caribbean).

● Good operational skills, with experience working on the design of projects that support women’s economic empowerment.

● Facility with performing detail-oriented tasks and demonstrated ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

● Proven ability to work effectively in complex, multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams, superior interpersonal skills, client orientation, diplomatic skills and mature judgment, as well as sensitivity to social and cultural issues.

● Spanish is required, and English is recommended.

Coordination

The consulting firm will coordinate the planned work with the IPARD Program Objective 2 Leader: Policy Advocacy, Rights and Social Participation, who will liaise with the FSC-IF Managing Director and the IPARD Program Director and all other parties involved in this consultancy.

Conditions for payment of deliverables:

Deliverables must be authorized by the FSC-IF Program Manager to proceed to payment. All deliverables must be delivered in digital format.

Total payment Payment for products as follows:

Products

Weeks

Porcentage

Product No. 1: Work plan for the execution of the consultancy and signing of the contract.

Week 1

15%

Product No. 2: Creation, updating and dissemination of a directory of indigenous women’s organizations and structures.

Week 4

30%

Product No. 3: Methodology to systematize the values and cultural wealth to support the defense of the collective rights of indigenous women.

Week 6

Product No. 4: Conduct a pilot with the methodology of product No. 3.

Week 10

40%

Product No. 5: Elaboration of CAMIP-s by-laws.

Week 14

Product No. 6: Elaboration of a public advocacy strategy and roadmap for the strengthening of the Advisory Committee of Indigenous Women of Panama (CAMIP).

Week 18

Product No. 7: Final report, with brief executive summary and PP Presentation.

Week 20

15%

Duration of the assignment

The consultancy will be developed within the framework of the working conditions and restrictions established in the COVID19 Pandemic.

The expected term for the execution of the consultancy is 4 months from the start of the consultancy.

II. INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

a) Proposal Submission Deadline

● Deadline for submission is on March 20, 2022 (5:00 p.m. Panama Time)

● Please see Annex 1 for Format of both Technical Proposal and Cost Proposal

b) Submission Address

Both the Technical Proposal and Cost Proposal must be submitted via e-mail to: [email protected] with the subject line – “SUPPORT FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT PLAN FOR PANAMA’S INDIGENOUS WOMEN (PEMIP 2025) AND STRENGTHENING OF THE PANAMA INDIGENOUS WOMEN COMMITTEE (CAMIP) or CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR THE IPARD’S OBJECTIVE 2” **

c) Proposal Requirements

All proposal submissions must adhere to the requirements stated in Annex 1 – FORMAT FOR PRESENTATION OF TECHNICAL AND COST PROPOSAL.

d) Offer Validity

Offers must be valid for up to three months after date of submission.

e) Evaluation and Selection Criteria

Please note the Evaluation Criteria for this solicitation:

Criteria Weight

1. Total Cost 40%

2. Technical Approach 30%

3. Past Performance 30%

● Annex 1

● FORMAT FOR PRESENTATION OF TECHNICAL AND COST PROPOSAL

● TECHNICAL PROPOSAL

Interested consultants should provide the proposal in English including below information and not exceeding 25 pages. The technical proposal format should consist of the following sections:

a) EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

b) BACKGROUND OF OFFEROR

c) OBJECTIVES

d) PROPOSED METHODOLOGY

e) WORK PLAN – ACTIVITIES/TASKS

f) PROGRAM SCHEDULE

● Please insert Gantt Chart with activities/tasks

● Please insert the Deliverables Timeline

g) PAST PERFORMANCE

● Please include a list of executed assignments similar to this consultant activity and references of clients served.

● COST PROPOSAL

• The cost proposal format should consist of the following sections:

a) Cost Breakdown

● Please provide a detailed breakdown and explanation of all charges to execute the activity.