TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR)

Introduction/ Background                                                                                                                                      

Pak Mission Society (PMS) is a national relief and development, non-governmental, and not-for-profit organization established in 2004 and registered on 13th February 2008 under the Societies Registration Act 1860. Since its establishment, PMS has reached and served unreached and underprivileged communities regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, class, religion, and social background. PMS has a triannual Memorandum of Understanding, also referred to as NOC from the Economic Affairs Division (EAD), allowing work status until March 2026. Moreover, PMS has secured three years’ membership with the Pakistan Centre for Philanthropy (PCP) after completing its qualifying partnership rounds. 

Localization refers to the process of shifting the leadership, ownership, and decision-making of humanitarian and development efforts to local actors, including local authorities, organizations, and communities. In Pakistan, localization is crucial for ensuring that interventions are contextually relevant, sustainable, and effectively meet the needs of local populations. While various initiatives have been undertaken to promote localization, significant barriers, and enablers at the district level affect its progress. Understanding both the barriers hindering and the enablers’ facilitating localization is essential for developing strategies that enhance local capacities, foster collaborative partnerships, and improve the overall effectiveness of humanitarian and development actions.

Rajanpur, one of Pakistan’s most disaster-prone districts, frequently experiences floods and experiencing multi-dimensional poverty, highlighting the need for effective and efficient local engagement. Following the 18th Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan, significant powers have been devolved to provincial and local governments, aiming to strengthen localized decision-making, governance, and service delivery. However, despite this devolution, local actors continue to face barriers that limit their full participation and effectiveness. Challenges such as inadequate institutional capacity, weak coordination, and resource constraints hinder their ability to respond effectively to disasters and development needs.

The Pak Mission Society (PMS) requires the services of a qualified individual consultant/ consulting firm to design, and conduct a Research Study on the Barriers and Enablers of Localization in Rajanpur, to explore the barriers and enabling factors for effective localization in Rajanpur, providing evidence-based insights to guide future programming contributing to more effective and sustainable local development practices.

Objectives                                                                                                                                                                     

The primary objective of this consultancy is to:

• Identify the key barriers and enablers affecting localization at the district level in district Rajanpur.
• Analyse how these barriers impede and how enablers promote localization efforts.
• Analyse the factors promoting best practices or hindering mainstreaming the localization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the district.
• Recommend strategies and interventions to overcome barriers and strengthen enablers, enhancing the efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of localization initiatives.

Scope of Work                                                                                                                                                             

The individual consultant/ consulting firm will undertake the following tasks:

3.1. Inception Phase

• Develop an Inception Report detailing the methodology, work plan, and timelines.
• Initial Meetings with key stakeholders to refine the objectives and scope.
• Literature Review of existing studies, reports, policies, and frameworks related to localization in Pakistan and legislative framework of district departments after the 18^th amendment to the constitution.
• Policy Analysis of national and district-level policies that impact localization.
• Selection of Sample: Identify and select a representative sample across different stakeholders for in-depth analysis.
• Data Collection:
  • Quantitative Surveys: Conduct surveys with local organizations, government authorities, and community representatives.
  • Qualitative Methods: Carry out key informant interviews (KIIs), focus group discussions (FGDs), and participatory rural appraisals (PRAs) to gather nuanced insights.
• Engage with Stakeholders:
  • Local NGOs and CBOs.
  • District government officials.
  • Community leaders and beneficiaries.
  • International NGOs and donor agencies operating at the district level.
• Workshop and Dialogues: Organize a participatory workshop to discuss preliminary findings and gather additional input.
• Barriers Analysis: Identify common and unique barriers across districts, categorizing them into systemic, institutional, operational, cultural, and contextual factors.
• Enablers Analysis: Highlight factors that have successfully facilitated localization, including best practices and success stories.
• Funding Analysis: Challenges of funding faced by the local actors and its impact on the service delivery mechanisms, decision-making processes, and sustainability of locally-led initiatives
• Draft Report: Prepare a comprehensive report detailing findings, analysis, and preliminary recommendations.
• Validation Workshop: Present findings to stakeholders for feedback and validation.
• Final Report: Incorporate feedback and submit the final report with clear, actionable recommendations and a roadmap.

3.2. Desk Review

3.3. Field Research

3.4. Stakeholder Consultations

3.5. Data Analysis

3.6. Reporting

Timeframe                                                                                                                                                                    

The duration of the consultancy will be forty-five days, across the timeline of April 01, 2025 -May, 15, 2025

Deliverables                                                                                                                                                                

The consulting firm is expected to deliver the following key outputs:

1. Inception Report / Presentation (Within 1 week of contract signing):

• Detailed methodology.
• Work plan and timelines.
• List of proposed stakeholders for engagement.

1. Desk Review Report:

• Summary of key literature and policy analysis.
• Identification of gaps in existing knowledge.

1. Field Research Findings:

• Data sets from surveys, interviews, and FGDs.
• Summary of findings of the field research.

1. Interim Report / presentation for PMS team:

• Preliminary analysis of barriers and enablers.
• Initial recommendations.

1. Stakeholder Consultation Report:

• Summary of workshop and stakeholder feedback.

1. Draft Final Report:

• Comprehensive analysis.
• Detailed recommendations and proposed strategies.

1. Validation Workshop Presentation:

• Visual presentation of key findings and recommendations with relevant stakeholder.

1. Final Report (Within 1 week after the validation workshop):

• Incorporating all feedback from validation workshop.
• Final report dissemination

Selection Criteria                                                                                                                                                        

The selection of the consultant will be based on the following criteria:

10 to 12 years Expertise in Localization and Resilience

Proven experience in localization and resilience-building initiatives, particularly in disaster-prone and marginalized regions with demonstrated ability to assess and strengthen local actors’ capacities in governance, humanitarian response, and sustainable development.

In-depth Knowledge of Localization within the Framework of the 18th Amendment

Excellent understanding of the constitutional, legal, and policy frameworks governing localization in Pakistan, particularly post-18th Amendment. Familiarity with the roles and responsibilities of provincial and local governments in disaster management, governance, and service delivery mechanisms. Completed similar 2- 3 assignment in the past experience.

Technical Expertise in Governance, DRR, and Humanitarian Coordination

Experience of localization principles, disaster risk reduction (DRR), governance structures, and humanitarian coordination mechanisms in Pakistan. Experience in evaluating institutional capacities, inter-agency coordination, and multi-stakeholder engagement in local governance and emergency response.

Experience in Developing Implementation Roadmaps and Strategic Frameworks

Prior experience and have completed 2 – 3 assignments in designing and implementing roadmaps, models, and frameworks for localization, resilience, and disaster management with Proven ability to translate research findings into actionable strategies road maps, and policy recommendations for sustainable locally led development.

Research and Analytical Skills

Strong research background in qualitative and quantitative methodologies, including data collection, analysis, and reporting. Experience in conducting policy analysis, impact assessments, and stakeholder consultations.

Regional and Contextual Understanding

In-depth knowledge of Rajanpur’s socio-economic, governance, and disaster risk landscape with experience working with local government bodies, civil society organizations, and humanitarian agencies in Pakistan.

 Evaluation Criteria                                                                                                                                                    Following are the evaluation criteria for the individual consultant/ consulting firm:

Note: The applicant must adhere to ethical research standards, ensuring:

• Informed Consent: Participants are fully informed about the purpose of the research and consent to participate.
• Confidentiality: Personal information of participants is protected.
• Do No Harm: The research study does not adversely affected participants or communities.

Desired Competencies, Technical Background, and Experience                                                                       

The individual consultant/ consulting firm should demonstrate expertise in the following areas:

• Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing localization strategies, with a focus on strengthening local governance, institutional capacities, and community resilience.
• Proven ability to assess and enhance the role of local actors in humanitarian response, disaster risk reduction (DRR), and development programming.
• Strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities in localization, particularly in disaster-prone and underdeveloped regions.

• Prior experience in designing roadmaps, models, and strategic frameworks for localization, resilience, and governance.
• Ability to translate research findings into practical implementation strategies that align with national and international best practices.
• Experience in working with multi-stakeholder platforms, ensuring effective coordination among government agencies, civil society organizations, and development partners.

• Strong grasp of the legal, policy, and institutional landscape of localization in Pakistan, particularly in the context of the 18th Amendment.
• Understanding of the roles and responsibilities of provincial and local governments in governance, disaster management, and service delivery.
• Ability to analyze policy gaps, institutional bottlenecks, and capacity-building needs within the devolved governance framework.

• Comprehensive knowledge of Rajanpur’s socio-economic conditions, governance structure, and disaster risk profile.
• Experience in working with local governments, community-based organizations, and humanitarian agencies operating in Rajanpur or similar disaster-prone regions.
• Sensitivity to cultural, social, and economic dynamics that influence localization and resilience-building efforts in the region.

• Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear, concise, and actionable reports.
• Proficiency in writing high-quality research reports, policy briefs, and recommendations tailored for policymakers, donors, and implementing agencies.
• Excellent verbal communication skills in English and Urdu (proficiency in local languages is an advantage), with the ability to facilitate discussions, stakeholder consultations, and presentations effectively.

Technical Proposal                                                                                                                                                     

The applicant must submit the following document with the technical proposal.

• Company profile – including the proof of relevant experiences
• CV of proposed staff – who will lead the assignment and involved in assignment.
• Plan of action for the proposed assignment
• Work plan for the proposed assignment.
• Sample road map of previously completed similar assignments.

Financial Proposal                                                                                                                                                      

• Proposed financial offer with a complete breakdown of activities.
• The financial proposal must be submitted in PKR inclusive of all applicable taxes.

 How to Apply                                                                                                                                                            

Interested individual consultants/ consulting firms are invited to submit their technical and financial proposals in sealed envelopes, clearly marked “Research Study on the Barriers and Enablers of Localization in Rajanpur – Procurement Committee”, via courier service or by hand to House No. 333, Street 29, Sector G14/4, Islamabad, Pakistan on or before March 25, 2025 before the close of business (COB).

Submissions through email and late submissions will not be entertained. For inquiries, please contact the Procurement Committee through email at [email protected] or by phone at +92-51-8446166.