Terms of Reference (ToR)
For
Selection of Consultant for Mapping Private Sectors in Bangladesh to Collaborate with the CSO Alliance Hub
“SUSHIL: Supporting the Unity and Sustainability of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to uphold Human rights, national Integrity and rule of Law in Bangladesh” project.
ActionAid Bangladesh (AAB), an affiliate member of ActionAid Federation, has been working in Bangladesh for last 40 years in development work to improve the conditions of life for and with people living in poverty. Our global movement for the people working together to further human rights for all and defeat poverty. AAB believes everyone has the power within them to create change for themselves, their families, and communities. AAB’s aims at facilitating people challenging poverty and exclusion through human, practical, politically intelligent, and open strategy underpinned by its Human Rights Based Approach (HRBA). AAB believes in a theory of change that requires purposeful individual and collective action, led by the people living in poverty and supported by solidarity, credible rights-based alternatives and campaigns that address the structural causes and consequences of poverty. AAB mobilizes and empowers the people living in poverty and exclusion to enable their collective analysis, identity, movements, and actions. In solidarity with citizens, partners and supporters, AAB fosters partnerships and networks for strengthening support, voice and actions to campaign and advocate with the state and non-state actors and institutions for influencing their policies and practices that safeguard the rights of the poor and excluded people.
“SUSHIL: Supporting the Unity and Sustainability of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to uphold Human rights, national Integrity and rule of Law in Bangladesh” (SUSHIL) project by AAB spans four years (2023-2026) and focuses on empowering Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Bangladesh. Aligned with AAB's core priorities, the project aims to enhance the operating environment for CSOs by promoting transparency, accountability, and a conducive civic space for policy dialogue. With a targeted approach, the project plans to support 123 grassroots CSOs in nine districts including Dhaka, Satkhira, Kurigram, Gaibandha, Bagerhat, Chattogram, Bandarban, Naogaon and Kushtia through activities like legal counseling, media engagement, and tailored capacity building. Stakeholders include grassroots CSOs, networks, alliances, local government authorities, and relevant ministries. By strengthening the organizational and technical capacities of CSOs, the project aims to fortify their resilience in promoting democracy and human rights. Additionally, the project seeks to foster multi-actor alliances, encouraging collaboration and coordination within civil society. Ultimately, the goal is to elevate the visibility of CSOs in dialogues with various sectors, contributing to a more democratic, accountable, and inclusive society in alignment with Sustainable Development Goals.
Background of the Project:
In Bangladesh civil society organizations play crucial role in promoting fundamental rights and contribute to promoting democracy and good governance. It acts a buffer between the state and the market where the voices of the individuals can be upheld and addressed in form of debate and discussion. Civil society, pivotal in championing societal development, human rights, good governance, and democratic values, encounters numerous challenges. Limited resources pose obstacles for many organizations, hindering their effectiveness. To comprehensively realize the global development agenda and ensure good governance, it is essential for the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to collaborate with the private sector with same interest and make them familiarize with the activities and challenges. A comprehensive mapping initiative will be initiated to identify potential collaborators from the private sector, including banks, conglomerates, trusts, and foundations. This mapping exercise aims to pinpoint entities with a shared interest in collaboration for the successful implementation of the 8th Five-Year Plan (5YP). ActionAid Bangladesh is looking for a consultant/consultant firm to conduct a private sector mapping initiative to identify major private sector entities active in nine districts. The consultant aims to create a comprehensive understanding of the local business landscape and facilitate potential collaborations and engagements with CSOs.
Objectives:
-
The objective of this Terms of Reference (ToR) is to define the scope of work and responsibilities of consultant for ActionAid Bangladesh (AAB). Therefore, the specific objectives are:
-
Identify and categorize local and major private sector entities operating in nine districts and national level.
-
Gather information on the nature of businesses, industries, and sectors (such as banks, conglomerates and trusts and foundations) represented in the local private sector.
-
Create a detailed database to serve as a resource for future collaborations and partnerships.
Scope and deliverables:
-
Two mapping (one in local level (9 districts) and one in national level) will be conducted, and the consultant is expected to deliver the following as per planned activity of the project:
-
Defining the geographic boundaries of the nine districts to be included in the mapping exercise.
-
Categorizing private sector entities based on industries, sectors, and areas of operation.
-
Collecting relevant information, including contact details and key personnel, for each identified entity.
-
Developing a comprehensive database to document the findings.
-
Detailed mapping reports for each identified district, including a list of major private sector entities.
-
Categorized database of private sector entities with relevant details.
-
Coordinating meeting, presentation of the report key findings with AAB and a printed publication.
Timeline: 1 July to 30 September 2024
Budget: 1,200,000+ BDT.
Qualifications:
-
A proven track record of at least 8-10 years in conducting mapping exercises, particularly in the context of civil society and private sector collaboration.
-
Demonstrated experience in engaging with diverse stakeholders, including private sector entities, NGOs, and government bodies.
-
Previous involvement in projects related to societal development, human rights, good governance, or similar areas.
-
Thorough understanding of the context in Bangladesh with a specific focus on local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), advocacy, alliances, networks, governance and accountability and institutionalization.
-
Familiarity with the principles of the 8th Five Year Plan and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
-
Knowledge of the challenges and opportunities associated with public-private partnerships in the context of civil society initiatives.
-
Proven ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including private sector representatives, government officials, and civil society organizations.
-
Strong networking skills to identify and connect with potential private sector collaborators in the selected districts.
-
A relevant Master’s degree in business, social sciences, development studies, or a related field.
-
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Bengali.
Management and Reporting:
The consultant will be reporting to Project Manager of SUSHIL project of ActionAid Bangladesh and is expected to coordinate and stay in close communication with AAB project staff during the assignment. Project Manager of AAB will be responsible for providing the consultant with the necessary information, continuous feedback and contacts necessary to perform the mentioned task.
Submission of the Proposal
Interested Consultant(S)/Consultancy Agencies are requested to submit their Technical and Financial Proposals through e-mail. aab.jobs@actionaid.org
- Interested Consultant(S)/Consultancy Agencies should include the name and detail contact address of the consultant/team. Detailed CVs of the team members should be included in the annexure of the technical proposal.
The deadline for submission of the Proposal is Saturday, 22 June 2024
Disclaimer: ActionAid Bangladesh reserves the right to accept or reject any or all applications without assigning any reason thereof. |