Development of the Roadmap for Women s Economic Empowerment (WEE) in the Pacific

Transcription

1 Development of the Roadmap for Women s Economic Empowerment (WEE) in the Pacific Reports to: Location: Team Leader Regional Duration: Up to 70 Days, commencing February / March 2016 ARF Classification: C4 Background Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development (Pacific Women) was announced by the Australian Government at the Pacific Island Leaders Forum meeting in August It commits up to $320 million over 10 years in the 14 Pacific Islands Forum members. Pacific Women aims to improve opportunities for the political, economic and social advancement of Pacific women. Its outcomes include: 1. Women, and women s interests, are increasingly and effectively represented and visible through leadership at all levels of decision-making; 2. Women have expanded economic opportunities to earn an income and accumulate economic assets; 3. Violence against women (VAW) is reduced and survivors of violence have access to support services and to justice; and 4. Women in the Pacific will have a stronger sense of their own agency, supported by a changing legal and social environment and through increased access to the services they need. Pacific Women has prioritised the development of Thematic Roadmaps for three main outcome areas of the program: Women s Economic Empowerment (WEE); Women and Leadership; and Ending Violence against Women (EVAW). The Roadmaps are intended to inform and guide future investments in these areas in line with the Theory of Change (ToC) outlined in the Pacific Women Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework. 1 The Roadmaps will provide Pacific Women with a more strategic, prioritised approach to address these issues and support transparent funding decisions. The Roadmaps will present in-depth analysis on current programs, services and responses in each area, identify gaps in services, support capacity and information sharing and, where relevant, identify new and innovative opportunities for investment. The Roadmaps will be developed through a combination of documentation review, analysis and stakeholder consultations. 1 DFAT, Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development Monitoring and Evaluation Framework, 2015 (pp ) Terms of Reference Women s Economic Empowerment Roadmap 1

2 Given country-specific priorities for Pacific Women support have been identified through the development of country plans, the Roadmaps will primarily focus on regional implementation while serving as a useful evidence-driven guide for informed bilateral decision-making. This Terms of Reference (TOR) will guide the development of the Roadmap for Women s Economic Empowerment (WEE). Purpose The overall purpose is to inform and guide future DFAT investments that address WEE in the Pacific to ensure that they address the priority areas of need. Nations thrive when women can participate in politics, business and society as equals. Women s economic security is important for a country s economic growth as well as family and community change. When women are unable to participate in economic activity, whether it is in the formal or informal sector, their ability to control their own development and that of their family is limited as is their ability to leave abusive or inequitable relationships. While there is strong interest and support for women to access the formal economic system, the reality for most women and men in the Pacific is that they are reliant on the subsistence economy and operate in an unregulated informal sector 2. In the Pacific, cultural attitudes and normative discrimination restricts women s full participation in economic activities. Despite this, women are active in the private sector, both formally and informally. A recent survey found that 27% of export companies in the region were led by women 3 and women hold senior roles in national and regional business representative organisations. There is increasing interest in women s chambers of commerce and in supporting programs that target female entrepreneurs. While some business environment improvements will assist both women and men, in many cases the barriers that women face have different structural causes and may require a different approach to help women participate more equally. The profile of women and men within an economy also tends to be different in terms of the position they occupy, the sectors they work in, and the activities they undertake. The Pacific Women Design consultations suggest that economic security for women needs to be considered within a broad framework that acknowledges the changing patterns of cultural life, such as the breakdown of traditional systems of reciprocity, and the growing inequality across the region. There needs to be attention to some of the fundamental structural issues that limit women s opportunities for economic equality, such as unequal rights for land ownership in some countries. There also needs to be attention to the subsistence economy, which is the reality for many poor women and families in the Pacific. There is often limited opportunity for people living at subsistence level to participate in formal or informal income generation to a degree that is sufficient to provide regular income and protection from economic shocks. The Pacific Women design document highlights the following in relation to WEE: Strong interest by external groups and Pacific organisations in providing access for women to the formal economic system. This includes access to finance and assistance with establishing 2 Pacific Women First Progress Report The Pacific Exporter Survey In comparison, Austrade surveys suggest around 11% of Australian exporting companies are led by women. Terms of Reference Women s Economic Empowerment Roadmap 2

3 businesses, alongside mentoring and other programs to assist women working in small and medium businesses; Strong interest to improve some aspects of the informal economy that affect women, in particular to address the issue of produce and craft markets and how these can be developed to increase safety and improve incomes and working conditions for women as well as to increase their role in the governance and management of the markets; While existing programs provide important economic opportunities for women to build their economic security, bringing women into the formal sector and/or improving their participation in the informal sector may not be sufficient to address the needs of poor and vulnerable women in the Pacific. Pacific research suggests that approaches in isolation run some risk of increasing the burden on women as they struggle to provide household care and meet family responsibilities as well as take responsibility for providing cash income for the family; In the Pacific, attention is being given to extending the range of options for economic empowerment of women, with some effective work undertaken at the community level through local savings schemes and access to rural banking systems; Some countries in the Pacific are also experimenting with various forms of social transfers and social insurance; and Recent DFAT research proposes that for highly vulnerable and poor groups in the Pacific - particularly women, elderly people and people with disabilities - social transfer mechanisms may be the only viable mechanism to provide a means out of poverty. The design document suggests that Pacific Women can add value in the area of WEE in various ways, including: Supporting a broad range of economic development strategies for women, such as providing support to programs that increase financial inclusion for women and which address the conditions of women working in the informal economy alongside community-based savings and credit programs; Supporting national governments to focus on economic development and social protection policies which are inclusive of women and informed by gender; and Providing the technical gender expertise to ensure that Australian aid programs in the Governance and Economic sectors promote and improve the economic position of women in the Pacific. The development of the WEE Roadmap will examine these options in more depth in light of current DFAT investments in this area and those of other partners. The Roadmap will be developed in close collaboration with key partners working in this area such as the Asia Development Bank (ADB), the International Financing Cooperation (IFC), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Pacific Islands Private Sector Organisation. It will involve focused consultations with key stakeholders and beneficiaries, such as women s business coalitions, market vendor organisations and commercial and development banks. It will draw on recent and ongoing studies on WEE in the Pacific, such as the Terms of Reference Women s Economic Empowerment Roadmap 3

4 current ADB / PSDI study on Women in Business in the Pacific, while reflecting on recently published international best practice guidelines, including by the United Nations. Objectives and Tasks The objective of this consultancy is to develop a Thematic Roadmap on WEE that will ensure future DFAT-funded activities are prioritised and address the areas of greatest need. It will build on the priorities identified in existing DFAT guiding documents in this area. The Roadmap will primarily support DFAT to make decisions on prioritising resources at the regional level, but will also be used to support decisions in bilateral programs. The following areas will need to be considered: Current gaps in the response to support for WEE and strategies on how best to address these gaps; The need for support and services to be consistent with good practices and lessons learned in WEE; How the activities and programs are reaching the most marginalised and vulnerable groups, including people living with disabilities; How DFAT and Pacific Women can best support implementing partners in responding to WEE; and Whether and how programs and activities can be replicated, leveraged from and scaled up. Scope of Work 1. Develop a consultancy plan with an agreed methodology that aligns with the Concept Note on the process for developing the Thematic Roadmaps 4. The methodology will need to include consultations with and feedback from experts and stakeholders. 2. Undertake a desk-based study of existing evaluations, reviews, research, policy and program documentation that have a primary focus on WEE or contribute to reducing systematic inequalities that impede women s economic participation. The study should identify examples of good practices from other regions. Areas to be covered include: the enabling environment for WEE with emphasis on both formal and informal economic engagement; initiatives to support movement from the informal to the formal sector; regional and national policy emphasis on WEE; women in business; working conditions for women; social protection; access to services such as training, credit, business advice, banking etc.; links with technical and vocational education and training; enhancing women s roles and benefits in areas such as fisheries, agriculture organics, agro-processing, fisheries and cultural industries; work for women with disabilities; and other areas. 3. Review policy and legislative frameworks in place addressing WEE, working with other partners where relevant, e.g. ADB / PSDI Women in Business study. 4 Refer to Annex B for Concept Note on the Process for Developing the Roadmaps. Terms of Reference Women s Economic Empowerment Roadmap 4

5 4. Conduct a gap analysis of services available in relation to need / demand and minimum services required. 5. Provide recommendations for ongoing organisational strengthening and capacity building of a range of stakeholders. Recommendations should include how the activities and approaches can be replicated, leveraged and /or scaled up. 6. Provide guidance for countries and partners on minimum practice standards for use in the Pacific, with reference to globally-recognised guidelines of good practice for supporting WEE. 7. Recommend strategies and approaches that will enable Pacific Women to respond strategically to advancing WEE, ensuring that approaches are rights-based, comply with gender equality frameworks and are driven / supported by Pacific stakeholders. 8. Develop guidance for DFAT on how to prioritise expenditure on WEE at the regional or multicountry level. Outputs and Timeframes A maximum of 70 days will be commissioned by DFAT for this assignment. This will include: Develop a consultancy plan; Undertake desk-based study, including a literature review; Consult with experts and stakeholders to gather information and conduct interviews; Preparation of Synthesis Report; Draft Thematic Roadmap for review; and Finalise Roadmap for approval by DFAT. Step 1 Output 1.1 Output Consultancy Plan with an agreed methodology for the desk-based study and the consultations. Output 1.2: Draft Synthesis Report that includes findings of the deskbased study, background documentation, including identification of good practice standards, gaps and key learnings. Inputs (Days) Description / Means of Verification Up to 5 Submission of a consultancy plan which outlines the methodology and approach to be adopted for conducting the desk-based study and a consultation plan for engaging key stakeholders and partners. Up to 10 Draft Synthesis Report, with annexes to include bibliography and compilation of all reports and documents in an electronic format. Due Date* End February 2016* End March 2016* Terms of Reference Women s Economic Empowerment Roadmap 5

6 Output Inputs (Days) Description / Means of Verification Due Date* Step 2 Output 2.1 Consultation Reports from country visits including forums with key stakeholders and partners which further identified priorities and gaps, as well as reports from any research commissioned. Up to 15 Consultation Reports reports on all consultations undertaken towards the development of the Roadmap, including country visits, regional forums / meetings and any research commissioned. To be submitted in a format proposed and agreed to with the Support Unit, in consultation with DFAT. April - May 2016* Output 2.2: Final Synthesis Report. Up to 5 Synthesis Report finalised, based on consultations and shared with the Reference Group. End May 2016* Step 3 Output 3.1 Draft WEE Roadmap. Up to 20 Submission of draft Roadmap (refer to Annex A for guidance on content and format). End May 2016* Output 3.2 Presentation of key findings and recommendations from the draft Roadmap. Up to 10 Presentation of draft Roadmap to key stakeholders, partners and reference group for their input and refinement. End May 2016* Output 3.3 Finalised Roadmap in agreed format for publication. Up to 5 Submission of final Roadmap. End June 2016* *all dates are indicative and will be negotiated upon contract signing. However, work to commence as soon as possible. Duration and Timing The consultant(s) will be engaged for up to a total of 70 days. There may be up to two or three country visits as part of the assignment with the tentative date of travel dependent on timing and the research methodology agreed upon. Work will commence as soon as possible and the Roadmap is expected to be completed by the end of June List of intended users of the work The Roadmap will have several audiences, including: DFAT staff; Stakeholders and development partners implementing WEE initiatives in the region; The Pacific Women program; and Pacific governments implementing WEE policies and programs. Terms of Reference Women s Economic Empowerment Roadmap 6

7 Selection Criteria The consultant(s) should have the following skills and experience: relevant post-graduate tertiary qualifications (particularly in women / gender-related fields, international development, and program design and evaluation); a strong background and understanding of gender issues in the Pacific, especially in the area of addressing WEE; experience and skills in undertaking evaluations and reviews, including participatory evaluation approaches; experience undertaking evaluations and reviews, including participatory evaluation, previous experience and skills in conducting reviews, and demonstrated ability to draw on international best practice; experience working in the Pacific is highly desirable; excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to adapt communication to different audiences; strong written and analytical skills; and a track record of successful consultancies. The consultant s fees will be determined in accordance with the Australian Government s Aid Adviser Remuneration Framework (ARF), Discipline Group C, Level 4, and commensurate with level of experience: Submission Requirements The consultant(s) shall prepare a written proposal of up to five (5) pages (maximum) plus CV(s) using specific examples to illustrate their statements. Submissions will be assessed against the following: A. Strategic understanding of the task [40%] 1. Demonstrate an understanding of the purpose and objectives of this TOR and the key principles, methodology and inclusive stakeholder relationships required to achieve success; 2. Produce an outline of the methodology that meets the requirements of the TOR, including suggestions of any innovative or additional data collection methods that could augment those outlined in this TOR; and 3. Identify any foreseen challenges or barriers in implementing the suggested methodology, with suggestions as to how these challenges would be addressed. B. Approach taken to addressing the Terms of Reference [40%] 1. The consultant(s) has/have appropriate experience and qualifications and, if relevant, the team is well-balanced and covers the skills required; Terms of Reference Women s Economic Empowerment Roadmap 7

8 2. The consultant(s) utilise approaches that are consistent with gender equality and human rights frameworks; and 3. Approaches utilised are participatory, inclusive and respectful of Pacific experience and expertise. C. Demonstrated experience in the Pacific [20%] Consultant(s) must demonstrate that they: 1. Have relevant experience undertaking similar work and/or social research in the Pacific; and 2. Can collect, synthesise and analyse data and produce high quality, interesting and easilyunderstood reports, which can be used to inform program design, implementation and learning. Submissions should also include: If a team: Roles and responsibilities of individual team members, including for in-country fieldwork; Individual Curriculum Vitae for each proposed team member; Any areas of conflict of interest in conducting the evaluation and how these areas of conflict of interest, if identified, would be addressed and managed; Statement as to the availability of individual / team members for this assignment and any conflicting commitments that may affect availability; Statement about compliance with research practice and ethical standards; and Contact details for two referees who can attest to the skills and experience of individual / team members. Timelines and Budget Proposed detailed time line for the conduct of the review; and Proposed detailed budget for the conduct of the review. References These documents listed below, and other papers that are subsequently identified and/or requested, will be provided by DFAT as context for the development of the Roadmap: Pacific Women Design Document and Monitoring and Evaluation Framework; Pacific Women Country Plans; DFAT Gender Equality Policy; Concept Note on the Process for developing the Thematic Roadmaps; and DFAT Women s Economic Guidance Note. Terms of Reference Women s Economic Empowerment Roadmap 8

9 Annex A: Suggested format for the Roadmap The final Roadmap document should be no longer than ten pages plus annexes and include the following: A brief analysis of the issue in the context of the Australian Development Policy and Performance Framework; Strategic advice on key areas / issues to focus on for the next five years based on global best practice in advancing gender equality in the thematic area and the findings in the Synthesis Report; Types and scope of implementing partners to engage with; and Recommendations with key guiding questions to assist with decision-making on potential areas for investment and the rationale for those investments by Pacific Women. Roadmap document is not limited to but should include the following components: Executive Summary- ½ to 1 page Introduction and Background ½ page Methodology ½ page Findings 5 pages Lessons Learned 1 page Recommendations 1 to 2 pages All documents, inclusive of reports and publications reviewed must be provided to Pacific Women in electronic format. Terms of Reference Women s Economic Empowerment Roadmap 9

10 Annex B: Roadmap Process Concept Note Concept Note on process for developing the Thematic Roadmaps Background At the Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development (Pacific Women) Commencement meeting held in May 2015 with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Management team and the Pacific Women Support Unit, the need to produce Thematic Roadmaps ( Roadmaps ) for the Pacific Women outcome areas was identified as a priority. These three outcome areas include: Women s Economic Empowerment (WEE); Women and Leadership; and Ending Violence against Women (EVAW). The Roadmaps are intended to inform and guide future investments in these three critical areas of support for gender equality and the empowerment of women in the Pacific, in line with the Theory of Change (ToC) outlined in the Pacific Women design. 5 The Support Unit will lead the development of the Roadmaps beginning with this concept note on the process for their development, in consultation with DFAT. The process will be guided by the principles that underpin Pacific Women implementation and build on existing knowledge and capacity by: Drawing on current practice and experience, learning from research, monitoring and evaluation (M&E) at national and regional level, and informed by international good practice and lessons learned; Sharing information and facilitating discussion and feedback sessions on issues, lessons learned and ways forward across a wide group of stakeholders; Using existing mechanisms to introduce, consult and test the Roadmaps for further development and enhancement; and Ensuring leadership and ownership of the Roadmaps by Pacific Island men and women. The Roadmaps will be informed by analysis of current approaches and programs and include identification of structural and cultural barriers to women s empowerment in order to identify the gaps, opportunities, and priorities for Pacific Women support. This will be guided by lessons learned regionally and internationally, but most importantly will reflect the collective view of Pacific Island stakeholders. 5 DFAT, Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development Design Document, 2014 (pg.37) Terms of Reference Women s Economic Empowerment Roadmap 10

11 Purpose While the overall purpose of the Roadmaps is to guide current and future DFAT investments in supporting increased women s leadership and decision-making at all levels, expanded economic opportunities for women and the elimination of violence against women, the Roadmaps are intended to ensure transparency in decisions on funding and enable a more strategic and prioritised approach to this support. They will primarily focus on regional implementation but can also serve as a useful, evidence-driven guide for bilateral decision-making 6. Reference Groups Reference Groups will be established for each Thematic Roadmap to provide leadership, strategic guidance and direction in the process of developing each one. They will: ensure that the Roadmaps reflect the breadth of experience, knowledge and understanding of these critical areas of gender equality and women s empowerment in the Pacific; guide the process through each of the steps leading to the development of the Roadmaps; and promote ownership and support for the Roadmaps with stakeholder groups across the region by participating in their development and in related communications and advocacy activities. The composition of the Reference Groups should reflect a range of stakeholders, recognising that while pathways to addressing issues and finding solutions to problems are partly in the literature and the research, they are also held by experienced leaders and practitioners who have grounded knowledge and experience of the issues in the region. Therefore, the Reference Groups will consist of Pacific persons who are respected and considered experts in the thematic area identified. Their selection will be based on their personal expertise and they will not necessarily act as representatives of organisations or governments. Members of the Pacific Women Advisory Board and technical specialists from within DFAT will also be considered for inclusion in the Reference Groups. Stakeholders would include governments; civil society; faith-based organisations (FBOs); academia; development partners including international agencies, regional organisations and financing institutions; the private sector, professional associations; and individuals such as Members of Parliament (MPs) or leading experts in the field. Reference Group members would be expected to agree to make themselves available to participate in meetings, respond to requests in a timely manner, take ownership of their relevant Roadmap by participating in activities related to the process for developing them, as outlined below and where appropriate, and be involved in communication and advocacy initiatives. Specific tasks will include: Potential involvement in selection of consultants; Review and provide feedback on each step in the process, including documentation, such as methodology, reports, recommended options and the draft Roadmaps; and 6 Note: Priorities for bilateral Pacific Women support are identified through country planning processes Terms of Reference Women s Economic Empowerment Roadmap 11

12 Participate (in person or via electronic or web-based media) in consultations such as issues sessions, stakeholder dialogues, conferences, workshops or meetings at different stages of the process. Consideration needs to be given to compensating Reference Group members - in the form of an honorarium - for time taken to undertake the tasks outlined above. It is recommended that they are compensated on the basis of the estimated number of days required to complete a task and that this is discussed and agreed on as part of a signed partnership agreement with each Reference Group member. The partnership agreement should outline roles and responsibilities, tasks, a maximum number of days (up to 10 days) to be compensated, and the rate of the honorarium, e.g. AUD 250 per day. 7 Reference Groups should be established at the beginning of the Roadmap process and stay operational from Step One: Synthesising existing knowledge through to Step Three: Drafting the Thematic Roadmap. A consultant will be contracted to develop each of the three Roadmaps. The Support Unit will work closely with the consultants throughout the process and be responsible for coordination and management of the Roadmap development process. Steps to developing the Thematic Roadmaps The following provides a brief description of three generic steps being suggested to develop the Roadmaps. This is based on the understanding that these steps could be different in approach and detail for each of the thematic areas. Consultation processes are built into all three steps. Development of each of the Roadmaps will be led by short-term technical specialists who will be guided and managed by the Support Unit, in consultation with DFAT. Step One: Synthesising existing knowledge This will involve a desk-based study of all activities being undertaken in the thematic area including those implemented by other partners (e.g. UNDP s Pacific Financial Inclusion program) and, where relevant, in other sectors e.g. in Health and Education Sector programs. It will include and draw on key evaluations, reviews, research and grey literature that capture learnings and reflections of programs and activities being implemented in the thematic area. It will also take into account analysis and learnings from the Pacific Women design phase and other reviews and assessments conducted by DFAT and other stakeholders. The desk-based study will inform further primary research with key targeted programs and individuals in the region. It will also include a gap analysis that is informed by international best practice and lessons learned in the thematic areas. This step should identify standards of good practice and be able to highlight successful programs from other regions. This will assist in establishing a comprehensive knowledge- and evidence-base to inform the development of the Roadmap. 7 Amount based on similar honorary payments paid by the SPC and other regional agencies; not tagged to any specific remuneration framework; offered as a nominal or token gesture for time taken to undertake Reference Group responsibilities. Terms of Reference Women s Economic Empowerment Roadmap 12

13 The desk-based study will be presented in the form of a draft Synthesis Report that identifies and analyses: key structural barriers; what has been done and by whom; what has been learnt in the process; and what has changed (or not changed) and why. The report will be organised to present different focus areas within the broad thematic area and identify areas for further analysis and consultation to be undertaken in Step Two, including field or country visits. This step will identify strategic opportunities to both gather information and share the draft Synthesis Report in order to test the findings in a consultation plan. If required, focus group discussions, in addition to the Reference Group, may be convened to examine specific issues in more depth and to share lessons and contribute knowledge and understanding of the area. At the end of this step, the draft Synthesis Report, consultation plan and next steps will be shared with the Reference Group for review and confirmation. Step Two: Consultations - Identifying priority areas This step will involve sharing the draft Synthesis Report with key stakeholder groups, with a focus on identifying and prioritising options to address gaps in support through either field or country visits and/or consultations through relevant forums. The purpose of these consultations is to: Validate findings; Discuss international best practice and standards as they relate to the Pacific; Review the gaps that need to be addressed; Recommend options to address these gaps; and Prioritise options. Step Two may involve several phases depending on the complexity of the issue or topic and may be carried out in a number of ways, including through workshops, focus group meetings or discussions using various modalities (phone, etc.). Step Two may also require field or country visits. Other ways to obtain views on the gaps and priorities for action could include inviting submissions from groups and individuals, conducting surveys with key stakeholder groups and through regional and sub-regional meetings and forums. One way of defraying costs will be to coincide these activities with events, meetings and workshops already planned. For Step Two, the Support Unit will organise consultation events to review the findings, as set out above. Step Two may confirm the need for further research and analysis on an issue, topic or an identified gap. This would take place by organising discussion forums or developing and testing an idea in consultation with partners. This additional work will be focused primarily on gaining a better understanding of how change is being achieved or can be progressed at individual, family, community and national levels across both formal and informal systems, in support of Pacific Women objectives in the interim and long term. At the end of Step Two there should be clear direction and guidance from the Reference Group on options to address the identified gaps and priority areas, informed by stakeholder feedback. This will be presented in the form of a final Synthesis Report that outlines the process, identified gaps and priority areas, and suggested options for addressing them. The scope of these options can include Terms of Reference Women s Economic Empowerment Roadmap 13

14 DFAT s existing and potential investments under Pacific Women. The final Synthesis Report will also bring together findings from additional research and consultations. Step Three: Drafting the Roadmaps Step Three involves drafting of the Roadmaps. Each Roadmap will set out the key findings from Steps One and Two and offer analysis and advice on potential areas for investment in line with international best practice in the relevant thematic areas. The roadmaps will be no longer than ten (10) pages and include the following: A brief analysis of the issue in the context of the Australian Development Policy and Performance Framework; Strategic advice on key areas / issues to focus on for the next five (5) years, based on progressive findings; Types and scope of implementing partners to engage with; and Recommendations with key guiding questions to assist with decision-making on potential areas for investment and the rationale for those investments by Pacific Women. The Support Unit and the consultant will identify opportunities to consult on and finalise the Roadmaps with the Reference Group and selected stakeholders. DFAT will provide final approval of all three Roadmaps. Steps One to Three to develop a Thematic Roadmap (generic) Table 1 outlines the process for developing the Roadmaps, which will be tailored to each thematic area. Step One: Synthesizing existing knowledge Activity Who Output When* Finalise Reference Group (RG) for each Roadmap. RG established February 2016* Advertise for Roadmap consultants. Convene RG orientation session to confirm RG role and review TOR for the Roadmap consultancies. Select Roadmap consultant(s). Support Unit (SU), in consultation with RG & DFAT RG role endorsed Roadmap consultant(s) selected February 2016* February 2016* Finalise consultancy plan for undertaking the Thematic Roadmaps Consultant & SU, with RG & DFAT review Consultancy Plan approved February-March 2016* Terms of Reference Women s Economic Empowerment Roadmap 14

15 Desk-based study to identify and review all relevant literature (key evaluations, reviews, research and grey literature) that captures learnings and reflections of programs and activities being implemented in the thematic area, with a focus on standards of good practice and gaps in the thematic area Consultant Desk-based study presented in the form of a draft Synthesis Report. Annexes to include bibliography. March 2016* Draft Synthesis Report. Develop consultation plan. Distribute draft Synthesis Report to RG and obtain feedback; evaluate and confirm next steps. Consultant & SU, with RG & DFAT review. Draft Synthesis Report and Consultation Plan March 2016* Step Two: Consultations - Identifying priority areas Activity Who Outputs When* Convene consultations with nominated key stakeholders as per consultation plan. Undertake field and country visits as planned. Identify gaps and need for further research. Conduct / commission additional research as needed. Identify key priority areas of focus. Consultant, SU with RG Consultant with SU, RG, DFAT and partners Consultation Reports (as part of evidence for Roadmap. Could be included as annexes to Synthesis Report and/or Roadmap.) March-April 2016* Finalise Synthesis Report taking into account consultations and additional research. Present final Synthesis Report to RG. Consultant Final Synthesis Report Step Three: Drafting the Roadmaps Activity Who Output When* Bring conceptual and consultation phase together in a draft Roadmap. Consultant Draft Roadmap April-May 2016* Convene consultation on Roadmap with stakeholders identified in the consultation plan and RG. SU & Consultant in collaboration with RG & key stakeholders April- May 2016* Finalise Thematic Roadmap. Consultant Final Thematic Roadmap June 2016* *all dates are indicative and will be negotiated upon contract signing. However, work to commence as soon as possible. Timeline In line with the Pacific Women Support Unit s 2016 Annual Plan, all three Roadmaps will have been developed and submitted to DFAT for approval by end of June Terms of Reference Women s Economic Empowerment Roadmap 15

16 Communications The Support Unit, assisted by the Reference Groups, will inform stakeholders and partners about the Roadmaps through information and updates published on the Pacific Women website, alerts, media briefs and announcements on PacWIN and other on-line forums, as well as through the quarterly Pacific Women newsletter. The Roadmap exercise will inform further development of thematic briefs. Budget AUD 457,000 has been allocated to the development of all three Roadmaps in This is for technical assistance (consultants for each of the Roadmaps), in-country visits (up to two per consultancy), consultation costs, communications costs, honorarium payments for Reference Group members, and a small allocation for contingency costs. Terms of Reference Women s Economic Empowerment Roadmap 16