About CPDI:

Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) is an independent, non- partisan and a not-for-profit civil society organization, which is working on the issues of peace and development since 2003. It is registered under Section 42 of the Companies Act, 2017. It was established by a group of concerned citizens who realized that there was a need to approach the issue of peace and development in an integrated manner. CPDI seeks to inform and influence public policies and civil society initiatives through research-based advocacy and capacity building in order to promote citizenship, build peace and achieve inclusive and sustainable development. Areas of special sectoral focus include promotion of peace and tolerance; rule of law; local governance; transparency and access to information; budget watch; media development; electoral reforms; legislative strengthening and democratic development.

 Background:

The assignment is under the Citizens for Good Governance: Strengthening Citizens’ Engagement for Inclusive and Accountable Local Governance project. The aim of the project is to strengthen the ability of civil society organizations, journalists, social media activists and citizens for promoting efficient, transparent, responsive and accountable local governments in Pakistan. It focuses on promoting informed debates and dialogues among key stakeholders and providing technical support to stakeholders on the demand side for their effective engagement with local governments, legislatures and other provincial/ Federal institutions. The project will adopt inclusive and a flexible approach; and will work with a wide range of stakeholders including members and officers of local governments, legislators, officers of relevant institutions in the provincial/ Federal governments, community leaders, out of school youth, university students and faculty members, women leaders and activists from marginalized or socially excluded groups.

Objective:

The key objective of the study is to collect baseline data to assess the situation on ground with regard to understanding on the local governance systems and access to right to information.

Some of the key areas that will be explored are:

• Understanding of the local governance structure, transparency and accountability with regard to public service delivery.
• Capacity development of CSOs on local Governance structure, human rights and gender and social inclusion.
• Awareness raising on Gender and social inclusion, importance of civic engagement,  satisfaction level of people with public services, importance of LG, structure and functions of various tiers of LGs, public participation in budget formulation process and human rights
• Access to right to information.
• RTI requests: procedural awareness, filing patterns, challenges and barriers

Purpose of Baseline Study:

The purpose of the baseline data is to assess the existing situation and stakeholders’ perceptions in the target districts at Sindh and Balochistan with special focus on the objectives of the project. Its findings will be used to track and assess the progress and achievements of the project.

Methodology:

The consultant is expected to conduct the baseline study based on (a) review of available literature including official documents and reports; (b) survey through a questionnaire of around 300 respondents i.e., 150 from each province; (c) at least 10 focus group discussions (FGDs); and (d) at least 20 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) involving politicians, officers, journalists and civil society leaders. The baseline methodology and the plan will be finalized in consultation with the project team. The consultant will also be responsible for translating the questionnaires in the local languages (Urdu), as needed. The consultant should use online application/software for data collection and data processing.

Key Deliverables:

Key deliverables of the consultancy will include the following:

1. Detailed baseline methodology including, but not limited to, survey questionnaire, sampling methodology, questions/ guidance notes for FGDs, and questions/ guidance notes for KIIs;
2. Translation of relevant tools (e.g., survey questionnaire) in Urdu;
3. Detailed work plan;
4. Lists of potential/ actual participants of FGDs, KIIs and survey respondents;
5. Literature review report including relevant references and reference material;
6. Identification of field team and its training in coordination with the project team;
7. Reports of field work including filled in questionnaires, minutes of meetings and weekly updates on progress;
8. Data analysis through appropriate software and submission of all data sheets to CPDI;
9. Draft baseline report;
10. Collection of feedback on the draft baseline report, and its incorporation for revision of the draft; and
11. Submission of the final baseline report.

Timeline:

The activity will commence once the contract has been fully executed by both parties preferably in the second week of November for the baseline study and should be concluded by November 30, 2024.

Key Qualifications:

The consultant is expected to have the following skills and key qualifications:

• Master’s degree in statistics, sociology, economics, rural development or any other relevant university degree related to the study.
• At least 8 years of professional experience in the field of development, human rights, local governance or democracy.
• Significant experience with Appreciative Enquiry Approach and quantitative and qualitative data analysis.
• A comprehensive mix of communication and writing skills in English and other local languages, which will be required for interviews, data analysis, and report writing.
• Able to work in coordination with project teams in Sindh and Balaochistan.