Request for Express of Interest (EoI)

Terms of Reference (ToR) for Consultant to support to the development of localization plans for HelpAge International Country Program in Bangladesh

Background and Introduction:

HelpAge International is a global network of organizations working towards a fairer world for older people so they can live safe, healthy and dignified lives. In addition to working with more than 150 network members in 56 countries, HelpAge operates country program offices in 13 countries across Asia, Africa, Middle East and Eastern Europe. In line with our organizational commitment to the Charter for Change , a key element of the HelpAge International Global Strategy 2030 is to transition our country programs to be locally led and managed by 2024.

Country Program: HelpAge has been operating in Bangladesh since 2009 through its country office in Dhaka. Before starting operation through country office, HelpAge International used to implement project through one of its network members.  The initial focus was to support vulnerable older people in the communities both through development project and humanitarian response.

Since 2017, it has been working with the Rohingya and adjacent host community under humanitarian response targeting age inclusive interventions – Health, Nutrition, Protection, WASH, and Livelihood.  Currently HelpAge Bangladesh doesn’t have any development projects other than humanitarian response in Rohingya camp and adjacent host community. This project implements through two local partners who are affiliated member of HelpAge as well. HelpAge has total 5 Network members. 

Over the last 12 years, HelpAge International Bangladesh office has played an overall technical support in programmatic, financial management and oversight including: setting-up of advocacy framework and coordinating higher level policy dialogues;  strengthening the capacity of age inclusive organizations and older people groups to own and demonstrate  actions focusing on ageing  in various discourse and forums; and supporting consultative process between Older People Associations and CSO partners on a list of priority issues and agendas, facilitating them to  take  lead on the day-to-day implementation of  project activities at  local, district and regional levels.

HelpAge International Bangladesh country program has had an active role in formulating the National Policy for Older People, and it is a member of the National Platform for Older People and Federation of Rights of Older People in Bangladesh. The Office also plays a key role in promoting Age inclusive humanitarian response through advocacy and technical support to humanitarian actors of Rohingya response. HelpAge is a core member of the Age and Disability Working Group (ADWG).

Consultancy Purpose:
The purpose of the consultancy is to work with the Bangladesh country team in preparation of a localization plan which provides a detailed assessment of the local context, comparative advantage of Network members, environment, stakeholder views and capacities, legal and institutional frameworks, opportunities and constraints, which will provide rigorous evidence to guide decision making on the direction for localization in the country and the plans in place to transition to locally-led development in the country.

The Scope of the consultancy:

  • The consultation will engage partners, network members, government agencies, donors and local civil society.
  • The consultant will clarify the legal frameworks and timelines for the different localisation models and the implications of status change on institutional arrangements and human resources.
  • The consultant will support the team to identify/ validate and analyse the external and internal risks of localisation in the context of Bangladesh.
  • The consultant will facilitate a country level stakeholders’ workshop to identify the circumstances, pathways and possible localization options that are anchored in and aligned with the Bangladesh context and in-country Theory of Change.

Our Values

Inclusive We respect people, value diversity and are committed to equality.
Impact We value and recognize the contribution of our staff and network members, as we put older people at the center of everything we do.
Partners We work alongside network members and others to increase reach, influence and impact. We are committed to a culture of collaboration and building positive relationships.
Learning We are passionate about learning, accountable and work together to find creative solutions.

Safeguarding: Everyone has a role in creating and sustaining a safe and respectful working environment, where no one comes to any harm or is maltreated. At HelpAge we take our responsibilities very seriously and will take action against wrongdoing. We will do everything we can to ensure that we do not engage people that pose a safeguarding risk and will undertake criminal record checks as required.

Equal Opportunities: HelpAge International is committed to creating an inclusive working environment, promoting and providing equal opportunities and respecting diversity in employment. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of their age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

The details specific task, Methodology & process, Deliverables, Workout deadlines and others requirement will be found in ToR.

How to apply

All interested individuals are requested to express interest by email to: hr.bangladesh@helpagesa.org by the end of 27th January’2022.

EOIs received by any other means will not be taken into consideration and any form of canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification. Selection of the consultant will be undertaken by a panel and based on the experience of the consultant, the quality and relevance of the Technical and Financial proposal (i.e. value for money, within resources available) and on satisfactory references. Only shortlisted consultants will be contacted.