Gender and Market Assessment (Consultant)

Notice for Consultants to lead a Gender and Market Assessment in Makira; World Vision Solomon Islands

Conduct a gender-sensitive and inclusive product and market assessment of alternate and/or sustainable livelihood opportunities which mitigate existing threats to biodiversity for 1 community in Makira. Assessments must consider critical opportunities, barriers, and viable options for women, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups to ensure suggested livelihoods are accessible to all. Findings from the assessment will be presented to the community to identify viable products and markets they would like to pursue. The objectives of the assessment include:

• Analyze the local market in terms of supply and demand of significant livelihoods goods and produce in the target areas
• Identify the livelihood opportunities in the market for men, women, and other vulnerable groups (marginalized groups, differently-abled, etc.)
• Identify the constraints men and women face in accessing the market and in engaging in sustainable livelihood activities.
• Examine the gender differentials regarding the horizontal and vertical roles, responsibilities, and relationships of women and men in value and supply chains.
• In consultation with community members, identify alternate and/or sustainable livelihood opportunities they wish to pursue.
• Assess and list the technical skill gaps, training, and additional materials required to strengthen and/or pursue alternate and/or sustainable livelihood opportunities.

1. Methodology

Data Collection

Secondary Data Collection

Desk review and conversations with local stakeholders to collect information on macro-level data on the economy of the country, major industries and sectors, and existing assessments. Stakeholders to include local key informants, local government personnel, and staff working in the communities.

Primary Data Collection

Qualitative and Quantitative methods will be used to collect data, including Focus Group Discussions, Key Informant Interviews, and the application of specially designed tools will be applied to stakeholders and community members, including selected vulnerable groups (women, and other marginalized groups). The consultants may propose and use any other tools after approval by World Vision to achieve the results, which includes;

• A systematic review of biodiversity goods and services in the target Community;
• Inventory of goods and services for potential commercialization;
• Evaluation of potential opportunities against enterprise objectives;
• Investigation of existing market dynamics, product characteristics, and access;
• Identification of fundamental gaps and constraints to development;
• Definition and application of selection criteria to eliminate non-viable options

Sampling method

The sampling method preferred will be Purposive Sampling.

Guiding Research Questions

1. Are there appropriate agribusiness opportunities for communities to pursue, that link and address the community’s conservation and market-related interests?
2. Does the project address barriers that may be faced by women, youth, and other vulnerable groups in pursuing these opportunities?
3. Are there available sustainable livelihood opportunities to engage in
4. Do these opportunities contribute to the conservation of the Protected Area and mitigate threats to biodiversity, including logging?

2. Ethics:

World Vision’s primary responsibility is to ensure the safety and best interest of girls, boys, and communities, including vulnerable women and men. For this assessment, special safeguards will be in place due to the sensitive nature of the topics addressed in survey questionnaires and focus group discussions, as well as the inclusion of youth under the age of 18 in the survey. The following protocols are in place:

1. A safe guarding tool will be provided to all assessment team members to adhere to before carrying out the assigned activity/ies.
2. Only data about programming will be collected and only in communities where programming is planned and where relevant data is not present in secondary sources;
3. Response and referral mechanisms for potential survivors will be identified upon entry into the community (including community and church leaders, closest law enforcement and health services);
4. A risk assessment will be conducted before data collection, and data collection will not proceed if the risk is deemed too high in certain communities

3. Deliverables and Milestones

Consultant (Contractor) to implement the activity specifically mentioned here below. WV aims to have all deliverables completed be completed by 15 December. WV will engage the consultant for 17-20 days to complete the following:

1. Prepare an inception report and data collection tools outlining how the assignment will be conducted. Share tools with World Vision for input and/or approval
2. Train and support the data collection team
3. Compile and conduct data analysis. Present findings and draft report to WV Staff and Project Team, including recommendations for the future. Finalize WVSI feedback into a final assessment report and submit it to WVSI and TCCDA.
4. Provide feedback and support consultations with the community on assessment findings

Only those with immediate availability should apply!

Eligibility Requirements

• Advanced University degree (Master Level minimum) in Development Studies, Development economics, Socio-economic studies, or another related field. Additional areas of experience could include Gender and poverty reduction; economics, business administration, or management;
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant practical field experience within one or more of the following areas: Socio-economic and/or household economy assessments; risks and vulnerability assessments, Market assessments, and Gender analysis;
• Experience and knowledge in gender-focused livelihood programming in terms of Value chain analysis, entrepreneurship building, private sector development, urban and rural small business development; Income Generating Activities
• Those who combine the above-described skills with Gender and Gender Analysis will have an added advantage;
• Demonstrated experience in conducting assessments for planning and/or evaluation purposes.;
• Familiarity with established assessment and analytical tools is desirable (e.g. Household economy approach; Sustainable livelihoods framework; Market analysis; Minimum economic and recovery standards, etc.);
• Experience in conducting in-depth market surveys and livelihood assessments with a gender lens;
• Demonstrated excellent analytical, writing, and reporting skills;
• Familiarity with biodiversity in remote geographical areas covered by the project/ understanding of issues related to communities in the Solomon Islands (Makira Province preferred);
• Fluency in written and spoken English;