Project Summary

Planned Project/	Strengthening food security and resilience of people with and without disabilities and their communities in Chitral and Shangla districts, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province, Pakistan
Country/Region	Pakistan, KP province, Chitral and Shangla districts
Partner Organisation	NIDA – National Integrated Development Association
Planned Project start date	01/10/2025
Study Purpose	The aim of the requested consultancy is to assess the feasibility of a proposed project of CBM and the local implementing partner NIDA and to systematically check the extent to which the project approach can plausibly achieve the planned changes under the existing framework conditions.  This should be realized by conducting a feasibility study to understand the problem and needs of the target groups, a mapping of local resources and actors to complement the analysis and assess the project according to the DAC criteria (coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, impact and sustainability).
Commissioning organisation/contact person	CBM Christoffel-Blindenmission Christian Blind Mission e.V. /  Sabir-Dad Khan, Programme Officer Pakistan
Study duration	30 days

1. Background of the feasibility study

NIDA – National Integrated Development Association and CBM would like to propose a project to the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), which shall contribute to improved livelihood resilience and food & nutrition security for vulnerable population groups including persons with disabilities and their families in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

The proposing organisations are: 

NIDA was set up in 1998 as a non-religious, non-political, non-profit, voluntary development organization by highly motivated, socially committed and like-minded individuals. Later on NIDA-Pakistan registered under Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860 with the Government of Pakistan in 2008. Learning from the experiences and reflections from the ground over a period of more than one and half decade as well as following the strategic plan 2015-30, NIDA-Pakistan focuses on four programmatic areas 1) Social empowerment at the grass root level for sustainable development, 2) Peace and Security, 3) Rule of Law and Human Rights and 4) Emergency response and humanitarian assistance.

CBM is an international development organisation, committed to improving the quality of life of people with disabilities in the poorest communities of the world irrespective of race, gender or religious belief. CBM’s approach of Disability-inclusive Development is the framework of all its initiatives and the key theme which drives activities and the impact of its work. It believes that this is the most effective way to bring positive change to the lives of people with disabilities living in poverty and their communities. Through our disability-inclusive development approach, we address the barriers that hinder access and participation and actively seek to ensure the full participation of people with disabilities as empowered self-advocates in all development and emergency response processes.

 

2. Description of the project

• The problem the planned project should address 

-      In both target districts Shangla and Chitral, disadvantaged population groups, including persons with disabilities, face economic constraints leading to difficulties in earning their living. Limited job opportunities and low income levels affect their quality of life in general and their ability to afford nutritious food in particular. Also, a great number of persons with disabilities and especially women is lacking access to existing state social security systems.

-      Agricultural production is focussing on only few products which in case of poor harvests has large effects. Furthermore, agricultural techniques are outdated and there is a lack of sustainable water management. As Shangla and Chitral are rural and very remote mountainous areas, persons with disabilities have specific challenges in terms of accessing infrastructure and support services which has an effect to cater for their needs.

-      Cultural attitudes, social stigma, and limited community support pose additional challenges for persons with disabilities due to exclusion and discrimination.

-      Women with disabilities often have less access to general and specialized healthcare services. They face discrimination and lack of awareness among healthcare providers regarding their specific needs. Apart from that, employment opportunities for women with disabilities are extremely limited. They often face discrimination in hiring practices and lack of reasonable accommodations in the workplace. Cultural attitudes contribute to their marginalization. 

-      Due to this situation, disadvantaged population groups are very vulnerable and not resilient in case of other crises that may be happening. 

• Target area

The project districts Chitral & Shangla are a mountainous region in Malakand division of the north-western province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan. The districts have a high prevalence of poverty and a medium to high recurrence of vulnerability to food insecurity. The region is prone to complex emergencies with a ‘high risk of floods, earthquakes & Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF). 

• Target group

Most vulnerable households including people with disabilities in the target area, OPDs and CBOs.

• Overall and project objective, results and possibly key activities

Overall Objective (Impact)	Improved livelihood resilience and food & nutrition security for vulnerable population groups including persons with disabilities and their families in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP)
Project Objective (Outcome)	The livelihood and food & nutrition security of persons with and without disabilities as well as their social/ economic participation in the target communities of Chitral and Shangla district, KP has sustainably improved.
Result 1:	Persons with disabilities are better trained and prepared to sustain their livelihoods through TVET, self-employment, and access to social protection schemes.
Result 2:	Rural communities have acquired improved modern and sustainable practices to increase productivity in different agricultural fields and efficient water management.
Result 3:	The awareness, capacity and commitment of civil society organisations, OPDs and government agencies to create inclusive and accessible services and systems in the communities is strengthened.

3. Purpose of the feasibility study

The project is currently in its development phase and CBM is seeking to recruit a consultant(s) to conduct a feasibility study to assess the feasibility of the proposed project and systematically check the extent to which the project approach can plausibly achieve the planned changes under the existing framework conditions.

It should provide CBM and its partner NIDA with sufficient information on the project opportunities and risks as well as concrete recommendations for improving the project concept. The study will be submitted to BMZ together with the project proposal.  

As a first step, the study should provide an assessment on the following:

• Situation and problem analysis at macro, meso and micro level, considering the specific situation of the female population and persons with disabilities in the target area
• Brief assessment of the local partner organization NIDA
• Analysis of target groups and other actors at macro, meso and micro level

All three of the above listed components include a systematic gender analysis through specific questions and request for the collection of gender disaggregated data which is a vital part of the feasibility study.

It is important to note that the study should be complementary to any assessments/field research/information already available to CBM and its partner.

Based on this, the study should assess a second step:

• The feasibility of the project concept against the OECD/DAC criteria of relevance, coherence, efficiency, effectiveness, potential impact and sustainability.

• the inclusiveness of the project, i.e. the active participation of person with disabilities and other disadvantaged groups such as women, girls, indigenous population, and their representative organisations in all aspects of the project.

This assessment will be based on a first draft of the impact matrix and indicators, description of activities and a draft budget to be made available by CBM and the partner organization NIDA. 

4. Guiding questions of the feasibility study 

4.1 Initial situation and problem analysis (at macro, meso, micro level)

• In the thematic sector the project aims to address, does the design take into consideration the relevant problems and situation of the target group

• Can the planned project be realistically implemented in the two target district as they are very remote and difficult to access, also for project staff (risk analysis)? How is the security situation? Are the districts safe enough to implement the proposed project? Are there any specific differences to consider between the two target districts?

• Which governmental and cultural/ normative frameworks (legislation, safeguarding mechanisms, etc.) pertaining to gender equality and inclusion need to be taken into consideration?

• Which local existing structures (institutions, networks, umbrella organisations, etc.) and social mechanisms can be built upon? Which gaps have been identified in the system?

• Kindly provide a detailed stakeholder analysis. How can doubling of services be avoided? Are there approaches or results from previous or ongoing development projects from other INGOs, local market actors or key stakeholders in the target districts of KP the project can build on upon? How could synergies be created? 

• Are there any other frameworks or conditions e.g conflict dynamics that need to be considered in the context of the planned project?

• Does the project description provide a differentiated analysis of the specific situations of people of different gender and ages, with and without disabilities in the target area (e.g. local gender roles, access to resources and services in different sectors, participation in decision-making bodies, skills, capacities, needs and interests)? If not, kindly add such information.

4.2 Local project implementing partner organization in the partner country  

• What is the special expertise that justifies the selection of the partner NIDA to implement the proposed project? 

• Is there a need to strengthen the ownership of the local implementing partner?

• Are there any relevant technical or methodological competences/ capacities that the partner should develop to better implement the planned project? 

• Will capacity-building measures be necessary to strengthen the capacities of the local partner organisation in relation to gender equality and inclusion approaches in accordance with the project objectives (e.g., training in human rights and women’s rights and in participation of people with disabilities)?

4.3 Target groups and other actors (at micro, meso and macro level)

• What is the composition of the target group (gender, age, ethnicity, language, capacities)?
• Has the target group been actively involved in the project planning (needs analysis, selection of activities, etc.)?
• Are key stakeholders (governmental/ OPDs/ women’s organization on district/ regional level) in the two target districts adequately involved in the project? Are there convergences or conflicts of interest between them?
• Does the project build the capacity of key stakeholders and target groups on disability and gender inclusion?
• Is it ensured that people of different gender and ages, with and without disabilities, will receive the same benefit from the planned project, i.e. are all able to participate in activities or are complementary activities needed to ensure this (e.g. the creation of protected spaces or other provisions only for women/girls)?
• What is the estimated percentage of men and women with disabilities and women without disabilities who possess a CNIC? What is the percentage of them who are actually enrolled in Govt protections schemes?
• What are the needs of persons with disabilities and their families in disaster situations? 

4.4 Assessment according to DAC Criteria

Relevance - To what extent is the planned project doing the right thing?

• To what extent do the project objectives and design adequately consider the specific needs of the target groups and structural obstacles in the project region, partner/institution, policy programmes? 
• Is the project designed in a conflict-sensitive and gender-sensitive way (Do-No-Harm principle)?

Coherence - How well does the intervention fit?

• How coherent are the planned activities with human rights principles (inclusion, participation), conventions and relevant standards/guidelines? 
• To what extent are there synergies and linkages between the planned project and other interventions by the same actor (organisation) and other actors? To what extent does the project add value and avoids duplication?  

Effectiveness - Which project approach can best achieve the objectives?

• Is the chosen methodological approach appropriate to the context and sufficient to achieve the project objective? Are alternatives necessary?
• At which level (multi-level approach) are additional measures to increase effectiveness to be envisaged?
• How are the changes measured? Which indicators are more suitable for this? 

Efficiency - Does the use of funds planned by the project appear economical in terms of achieving the objectives?

• To what extent can the planned measures be implemented with the budgeted funds and personnel in the planned duration?

Impact - To what extent has the planned project the potential to contribute to the achievement of overarching developmental impacts?

• To what extent has the planned project the potential for systematic change of norms and/or structures (also considering gender perspective)?

Sustainability - To what extent will the positive effects (without further external funding) continue after the end of the project? 

• How can the sustainability of the results and impacts be ensured and strengthened? (structural, economic, social, ecological)?
• What long-term capacities are built up in the target group to be able to continue the implemented measures on their own?
• Which personal risks for the implementers, institutional and contextual risks influence sustainability and how can they be minimised? 

Safeguarding

• Has the project design included safeguarding as cross-cutting issue? Are safeguarding practices strengthened? 

4.5 Recommendations 

Based on the main findings and the assessment according to the DAC criteria, the consultant should provide concrete recommendations for the project concept and in addition to the already available concept. These recommendations should be within the thematic and financial scope of what the project aims to achieve. They should be practical and implementable. 

In particular, the following should be addressed:

• Recommendations on any components, measures, approaches that might be missing or not fittingin the project concept.
• Recommendations regarding any components or measures where potential negative effects have been identified.
• Recommendations on the impact matrix of the project: 

-       Anything that can strengthen the consistency/ impact of the project.

-       Any recommendations on indicators demonstrating progress. 

5. Scope of the feasibility study 

5.1 Stakeholders 

The consultant will work closely with all stakeholders, including CBM, NIDA and (relevant local government/non-government agencies). He/She will report to the CBM team defined (CO Pakistan and DID Germany). The consultant will execute his/her mission in complete independence and will receive only general instructions by CBM, justified by the necessities of the independent collaboration between the parties and the orderly execution of the confined tasks. He/ she will receive local support by the implementing partner NIDA. 

5.2 Geographical Scope

The project is located in Chitral and Shangla district, KP province, Pakistan. Thus, the study shall analyse the situation in the communities of Butyal and Kormang/ Tehsil Besham in District Shangla and Ayun, Tehsil Chitral and Drosh 1, Tehsil Drosh in District Chitral Lower.

5.3 Documents to be reviewed

• CBM documents (Project-Programmatic Approval/ draft concept note/ Impact Matrix/ County Development Plan)
• Documents and data related to previous project implemented by NIDA Pakistan Country Strategies. 
• CBM Community Based Inclusive Development Initiative Plan

5.4 Methodology

Independent of the methods to be used, there are mandatory mechanisms that must be adhered to during the entire process: 

• Participatory and inclusive - ideally teams need to be made up inclusive of men and women and persons with a disability.
• Safeguarding of children and adults at risk must be guaranteed.
• Data Disaggregation (gender/age/disability) to be provided.
• Data Security and privacy (informed consent) must be guaranteed.

The evaluator is expected to use a variety of methods to collect and analyse data. Participatory methods should be used to collect qualitative and quantitative data. The consultant shall indicate the methodology he/she intends to use in his/her offer.

5.5 Limitations

Limitations for data availability and collection in terms of timing and weather conditions (Monsoon), and related movement restrictions, safety and security restrictions and timely availability of relevant authorities might occur. 

As District Shangla is culturally sensitive, a designated female team familiar with the local context and language will accompany the consultant. 

6. Deliverables and schedule 

6.1 Deliverables

• Inception report including proposed data collection tools and feasibility study question matrix (matching feasibility study questions with data collection tools);
• Final report (max. 30 pages without annexes) according to CBM’s report template and in accessible format;
• Any data sets collected/analysed and other documents related to the feasibility study;
• A summary Power Point Presentation highlighting main findings and recommendations;
• Presentation of findings and recommendations in a validation workshop.

6.2 Time Frame and schedule

The study is expected to start 12 August 2024, taking 30 days, and final report submitted latest 30^thSeptember 2024. An itemised action plan should be submitted with the expression of interest.

Availability of the consultant for the proposed timeframe is crucial. 

Activity Description	Duration/ days	Stakeholders involved	Location
Briefing of consultant	1	CO, partner, DID	Online meeting
Review of relevant documents	2	consultant
Tools development	3	consultant
Inception Report (to be presented in meeting)	1	CO, partner, DID, initiative	Online meeting
Data collection	14	Consultant and team	In Shangla/ Chitral
Data analysis and preparation of draft report	5	consultant
Validation meeting (incl. ppt presentation)	1	CO, partner, DID, initiative	Online or during workshop
Finalisation of feasibility study and submitting final report	4	consultant
TOTAL	30

7. Application and selection procedure

7.1 Skills and Experience of Study Team

The consultant and his team should have the following attributes among others;

• Academic Degree and extensive expertise/ experience in the fields of livelihood, agriculture/ food security/ nutrition and/or disability inclusion, social/political science or any other related discipline relevant for the project;
• Proven record of carrying out similar studies in Pakistan including KP province;
• Track record in designing and conducting quantitative and qualitative studies;
• Experience in undertaking research with remote and marginalized communities;
• Knowledge of international instruments and national statutes for persons with disabilities;
• Work in a team to be made up inclusive of men and women and persons with a disability
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including ability to facilitate and work in a multidisciplinary team;
• Strong analytical skills and ability to clearly synthesise and present findings;
• Ability to draw practical conclusions and to prepare well‐written reports in a timely manner and availability during the proposed period;
• Proficiency in English / Ability to speak local languages used in the districts of Chitral and Shangla including Khowar is an advantage.

Safeguarding Policy: As a condition of entering into a consultancy agreement the evaluators must sign the CBM’s or the partner organisation’s Safeguarding Policy and abide by the terms and conditions thereof.

7.2 Expression of Interest

The consultant is expected to submit a technical and financial proposal including 

-      a description of the consultancy firm, 

-      CV of suggested team lead and members, 

-      an outline of the understanding of these ToRs and suggested methodology, and a detailed work plan for the entire assignment. 

-      A detailed budget for the expected assignment shall include all costs expected to conduct a disability inclusive and participatory study, and taxes according to the rules and regulations of the consultants’ local tax authorities. 

CBM reserves the right to terminate the contract in case the agreed consultant/s are unavailable at the start or during the assignment.

All expressions of interest should be submitted by email to:  [email protected] by 31/07/2024.

7.3 Selection Criteria

Only complete Expressions of Interest will be considered for selection. The assessment is broken down as follows:

Criteria	Score
Budget	20%
Technical proposal:	80%
Experience in the related task	30%
Qualifications of team	25%
Technical proposal and methodology	25%
Total	100%