Organization: SOS Children’s Villages International
Location: Remote | Nairobi
Grade: Consultancy – Consultant – Contractors Agreement
Occupational Groups:
Youth
Women’s Empowerment and Gender Mainstreaming
Children’s rights (health and protection)
Scientist and Researcher
Closing Date:
SOS Children’s Villages, founded in 1949, is the world’s largest non-governmental organization focused on supporting children and young people without parental care, or at risk of losing it.
Child neglect, abuse and abandonment is everywhere. Families are at risk of separation. Locally led, we work in more than 130 countries and territories to strengthen families who are under pressure so they can stay together. When this is not in a child or young person’s best interests, we provide quality care according to their unique needs.
Together with partners, donors, communities, children, young people and families, we enable children to grow up with the bonds they need to develop and become their strongest selves. We speak up for each child’s rights and advocate for change so all children can grow up in a supportive environment.
Research: Gender & Power Dynamics in Child & Youth Care:
Implications for Quality of Care & Safeguarding
Request for Proposals
Background information
1a. About SOS Children’s Villages
SOS Children’s Villages, founded in 1949 by Hermann Gmeiner, is the world’s largest non-governmental organization focused on supporting children and young people without parental care, or at risk of losing it.
Child neglect, abuse and abandonment is everywhere. Families are at risk of separation. Locally led, we work in more than 130 countries and territories to strengthen families who are under pressure so they can stay together. When this is not in a child or young person’s best interests, we provide quality alternative care according to their unique needs.
SOS Children’s Villages provides a range of family strengthening services, such as direct family empowerment, community empowerment for family empowerment. In 2020, the organisation reached just under 350.000 children, young people and their families through 620 family strengthening services worldwide. The organisation also provides a range of alternative care responses, including residential care (Family-Like Care, Small Group Homes, Supervised Independent Living), foster care and kinship care services for children who have been separated from their families of origin for various reasons. The goal is for children to be reintegrated into their families of origin, as per their best interest, or to leave care as self-reliant, independent adults. In 2020, 65.000 children were cared for through alternative care provided by SOS Children’s Villages (SOS Children’s Villages, 2021).
Together with partners, donors, communities, children, young people and families, we enable children to grow up with the bonds they need to develop and become their strongest selves. We speak up for each child’s rights and advocate for change so all children can grow up in a supportive environment.
Our work is guided by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the UN Guidelines for the Alternative Care of Children.
1a. Motivation & Aim of the Research
The aim of this research is to comprehensively examine and understand the impact of organizational culture, gender roles, and power dynamics within SOS Children’s Villages International on the quality of care and safeguarding risks for children and young people in alternative care services. The overarching goal is to derive actionable recommendations that will inform strategic improvements and contribute to the creation of an inclusive and empowering environment.
Uncover Organizational Dynamics:
Conduct a thorough desk review to evaluate existing organizational structures, policies, and practices related to gender, power, and culture within SOS Children’s Villages International.
Analyze the organizational structure’s impact, where positive, negative, intentional, unintentional, on Child and youth care practitioners (CYCP) with a focus on hierarchy, power relations, and decision-making processes.
To Explore Gender and Power Relations:
Investigate how organizational culture and norms, both explicit and implicit, influence the experiences of CYC practitioners in their daily work and life.
Investigate how the lives, rights and needs of CYC practitioners compromised throughout the process.
Identify gender-related norms, attitudes, and practices affecting CYC practitioners and their impact on the quality of care provided, including the transmission of gender roles to children.
Working conditions
Explore the impact of working conditions on CYC practitioners, specifically SOS mothers such as workload, working hours, life and work balance, support systems, and professional development opportunities, written and unwritten restrictions.
Evaluate how working conditions affect the quality of care and safeguarding risks for children and young people.
Assess Policy implications
Investigate the influence of organizational policies on CYC practitioners, examining both positive and negative impacts on their work, life, and the quality of care.
Recommendations for improvement
Synthesize findings into actionable recommendations for organizational improvements, focusing on fostering a more equitable and supportive environment for CYC practitioners.
Propose strategies to address identified challenges and leverage promising practices to enhance the quality of care and mitigate safeguarding risks.
Inform Future Decision-making
Ensure that the research outcomes serve as a foundation for evidence-based decision-making within SOS Children’s Villages International.
Disseminate research findings to relevant stakeholders, fostering a culture of transparency and continuous improvement.
Documenting promising practices and lessons learnt, in case applicable
Terms of Reference (ToR)
2.1 Research questions
– How does the programme’s organizational structure – with a focus on hierarchy and power relations – impact on the work of CYC practitioners, whether in a positive or negative way? How does this impact on their life and work? How does this affect the quality of care provided to children and young people, and the child safeguarding risks that may result? How does this impact on participation in decision-making? How does this impact on the construction of gender roles to children? Do they have thoughts for how this can be improved?
– How do organizational culture and norms impact on the work of CYC practitioners, whether in a positive or negative way? How does this impact on their life and work? How does this affect the quality of care provided to children and young people, and the child safeguarding risks that may result? How does this impact on the construction of gender roles to children? Do they have ideas for how this can be improved?
– What gender-related norms, attitudes and practices have an impact on the work of CYC practitioners, whether an impact for the better or the worse?How does this impact on their life and work?How does this affect the quality of care provided to children and young people, and the child safeguarding risks that may result? How does this impact on the construction of gender roles to children? Do they have ideas for how this can be improved? Are there good examples of gender transformative childcare practices?
– How do working conditions (compensation, benefits, working hours, professional development, career options etc impact the work of CYC practitioners, whether for better or worse? How does this impact on their life and work? How does this affect the quality of care provided to children and young people, their own dependent children, and the child safeguarding risks that may result? How does this impact on the construction of gender roles to children? Do they have ideas for how this can be improved?
– How do the organization’s policies impact on the work of CYC practitioners, whether in a positive or negative way? How does this impact on their life and work? How does this affect the quality of care provided to children and young people, and the child safeguarding risks that may result? How does this impact on the construction of gender roles to children? Do they have ideas for how this can be improved?
– How far are our organizational policies in line with international human rights frameworks, standards and national laws and policies?
2. Methodology and scope
The methodology for this respective research is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the organizational landscape within SOS Children’s Villages International. This methodology is developed collaboratively with the Gender Equality team, in strong cooperation with the Steering Team, including the CYC (Child and Youth Care Practitioner) team and Evidence & Learning Team. The Gender Equality team leads the overall research process with critical engagement of CYCP Practitioners Support team and Care Reform group,
2a. Selection Process for researcher:
A robust screening and selection process will be established to ensure the external lead researcher possesses the necessary expertise in gender studies, organizational dynamics, and child and youth care. This process will involve a careful review of qualifications, experience, and a demonstrated understanding of the specific context of SOS Children’s Villages International.
Following a thorough evaluation of applications, the Gender Equality team, in collaboration with the Steering Team, will select the most qualified researcher. A contract will be established, outlining the terms of engagement, deliverables, and a timeline for completion.
2b. Internal Compilation and Analysis – phase 1
Relevant documents, policies, and organizational materials will be collected by the respective teams steering the research. This process aims to create a comprehensive repository of information for the external lead researcher.
The external lead researcher will undertake a detailed analysis of the compiled materials. This analysis will form the foundation for refining research questions, identifying gaps, and informing the subsequent phases of the research.
2c. Data Collection in 1 or 2 Member Associations (MAs) – phase 2
Data collection will be conducted in selected Member Associations to gather data on organizational culture, gender and power dynamics, and their impact on CYC practitioners. Data collection methods may include interviews, surveys, focus groups, and document analysis.
The findings will then lead into a comprehensive research report. This report will include a detailed analysis, conclusions, and actionable recommendations.
Note: There is a possibility that the research may be extended to include more Member Associations as a third phase. This would potentially include 4-10 additional MAs. This is subject to available funding.
2d. Budget & Timeline
The budget available and approved for this research by SOS Children’s Villages is EUR 15.000,00. The research will be developed in two phases, the first phase will focus on the compilation of appropriate documents and their refinement – to be completed by Quarter 3 of 2024. Then, the second phase would focus on collecting data and analysing the findings – to be completed by Q4 of 2024.
Maximum end date for the second phase research: November 30, 2024.
2e. Qualifications of the research team
Multidisciplinary, comprising experts in legal law/human rights/sociology/gender studies, human resources
Proven competency (record of previous experiences) in related research projects.
Good understanding of child and youth care, particularly issues related to CYC practitioners and the care reform discourse
Good understanding of child rights and human rights, including sensitivity to different socio-cultural contexts.
Sound understanding and experience on gender and development and feminist research methodologies
Good facilitation, organizational and interpersonal skills
Proven experience in peer research, including participatory processes and data collection.
Strong skills in coordinating teamwork
Strong analytical and conceptual skills
Excellent written communication skills
Ability to transfer complex concepts and ideas into practical and simple language.
3. Instruction to bidders
3a. General
The bidders are welcome to compete for the given research project.
This bid is open to all national and international suppliers (independent researchers, universities or research companies) who are legally constituted and can provide the requested services. The bidder shall bear all costs of the bid; costs of a proposal cannot be included as a direct cost of the assignment.
3b. Language of the bid
The proposal and all supplementary documents must be submitted in English.
3c. Bid currency
The financial bid needs to be stated in Euros.
3d. Proposals
Proposals should be sent to:
To facilitate the submission of proposals, the submission duly stamped and signed can be done electronically in PDF format and sent to Sara Tabit (sara.tabit@sos-kd.org) with Laura Seidl in CC (laura.seidl@sos-kd.org)
The titles of submitted documents should clearly state, “Technical proposal for research regarding Gender & Power Dynamics in Child & Youth Care: Implications for Quality of Care & Safeguarding
and “Financial Proposal for research Gender & Power Dynamics in Child & Youth Care: Implications for Quality of Care & Safeguarding/consultant title”. Please make sure that the technical and financial proposals are handed in separately (financial proposal to be in a separate PDF file in case of electronic submission. During the process of evaluation, technical bids would be opened and evaluated first. The financial part of those proposals, which are shortlisted after evaluation of the technical proposal, will then be opened in a second step.
Documents to submit
Bid submission / identification form
Previous experience format
Price schedule form (to be sealed in a closed envelope or a separate PDF file)
Technical proposal
CVs of the research team member(s) including current geographical location(s)
1-3 references
An example of a recent/relevant evaluation report (if available for public use)
Deadline for submission
The proposal must be received by latest on 20 June 2024 by the close of business CET. Proposals received after the deadline will not be considered.
Modification and withdrawal of bids
Proposals may be withdrawn on written request prior to the closing date of this invitation. Any corrections or changes must be received prior to the closing date. Changes must be clearly stated in comparison with the original proposal. Failure to do so will be at the bidder’s own risk and disadvantage.
Signing of the contract
SOS Children’s Villages International will inform the success
Rights of SOS Children’s Villages:
contact any or all references supplied by the bidder(s);
request additional supporting or supplementary data (from the bidder(s))
arrange interviews with the bidder(s);
reject any or all proposals submitted;
accept any proposals in whole or in part; full bidder electronically and will send the contract form within 3 weeks after closure of the bid submission deadline. The successful bidder shall sign and date the contract and return it to SOS Children’s Villages within seven calendar days of receipt of the contract. After the contract is signed by the two parties, the successful bidder shall deliver the services in accordance with the delivery schedule outlined in the bid.
negotiate with the service provider(s) who has/have attained the best rating/ranking, i.e. the one(s) providing the overall best value proposal(s);
contract any number of candidates as required to achieve the overall research objectives
3e. Evaluation of proposals
After the opening, each proposal will be assessed first on its technical quality and compliance and subsequently on its price. The proposal with the best overall value, composed of technical merit and price, will be considered for approval.
3.f Technical Evaluation
The technical proposal is evaluated based on its responsiveness to the Terms of Reference (ToR) as per the evaluation criteria below. The obtainable number of points specified for each evaluation criterion indicates the relative significance or weight of the item in the overall evaluation process.
Bidders may additionally be requested to provide additional information (virtual presentation or phone interview) to SOS Children’s Villages International on the proposed services.
1
Quality and Relevance of Technical Proposal
Maximum obtainable points
1.1
Overall quality and relevance of proposal to ToR including robust methodology, data collection, analysis tools in accordance with the ToR
20
1.2
Existence of effective and realistic work plan in accordance with ToR
13
1.3
Detailed quality assurance process for all deliverables (e.g. ethical standards when conducting research with children)
7
TOTAL
40
2
Qualification and expertise of organisation/team of consultants/consultant submitting proposal
Maximum obtainable points
2.1
Overall capacity of university/organisation and staff and individual researcher& (competence and reliability) and proven expertise in carrying out such type of research in carrying out such types of research
15
2.2
Team leader
10
Qualifications
Relevant professional experience as required by the ToR and the requirements in chapter (3.3.2)
2.3
Team members
5
Qualifications
Relevant professional experience as required by the ToR and the requirements in chapter (3.3.2)
TOTAL
30
3g. Financial Proposal Evaluation
Only once the bidders (have attained a score of at least 70 on the Technical proposal in accordance with the requirements in the Terms of Reference, will their financial proposals be evaluated. The final evaluation process is based on a 70:30 weighting, with 30 points being allocated to the financial component. The total number of points allocated for the price component is [30]. The maximum points will be assigned to the lowest-priced proposal that is opened and compared among those invited universities/consultants that obtain the threshold of points in the evaluation of the technical proposal. All other price proposals will receive points in inverse proportion to the lowest price.
4.Notice of delay
Shall the successful bidder encounter delay in the performance of the contract which may be excusable under unavoidable circumstances; the contractor shall notify SOS Children’s Villages in writing about the causes of any such delays within one (1) week from the beginning of the delay.
After receipt of the Contractor’s notice of delay, SOS Children’s Villages shall analyse the facts and extent of delay and extend time for performance when in its judgment the facts justify such an extension.
5.Copyright and other proprietary rights
SOS Children’s Villages shall be entitled to all intellectual property and other proprietary rights including, but not limited to, copyrights, and trademarks, with regard to products, processes, inventions, ideas, know-how, or documents and other materials which the Contractor has developed for SOS Children’s Villages under the Contract and which bear a direct relation to or are produced or prepared or collected in consequence of, or during the course of, the performance of the Contract. The Contractor acknowledges and agrees that such products, documents and other materials constitute works made for hire for SOS Children’s Villages.
All materials: plans, reports, estimates, recommendations, documents, and all other data compiled by or received by the Contractor under the Contract shall be the property of SOS Children’s Villages and shall be treated as confidential and shall be delivered only to SOS Children’s Villages authorized officials on completion of work under the Contract. The external consultant is obliged to hand over all raw data collected during the assessment to SOS Children’s Villages.
6.Termination
SOS Children’s Villages reserves the right to terminate without cause this Contract at any time upon forty-five (45) days prior written notice to the Contractor, in which case SOS Children’s Villages shall reimburse the Contractor for all reasonable costs incurred by the Contractor prior to receipt of the notice of termination.
SOS Children’s Villages reserves the right to terminate the contract without any financial obligations in case if the contractor is not meeting its obligations without any prior notice:
agreed time schedule
withdrawal or replacement of key personnel without obtaining written consent from SOS Children’s Villages
the deliverables do not comply with requirements of ToR.
Policy and Code of Conduct of SOS Children’s Villages International for the Protection of Children
SOS Children’s Villages International has a Child Protection Policy and Code of Conduct which all consultants are expected to abide by and sign a statement of commitment to the policy and Code of Conduct. The Child Protection Policy is binding on all member associations as well as the General Secretariat (GSC). The Policy applies throughout the organisation at all levels and in all types of programmes. All SOS Children’s Villages employees and associates, including consultants, are required to report any concerns, suspicions or reports of child abuse on child protection. The types of child abuse are outlined in the SOS Children’s Villages Child Protection Policy, together with the mandatory reporting steps the consultant must take if abuse is suspected. Concerns about child protection should be reported here. The successful bidder must act in accordance with SOS Children’s Villages policies and guidelines.
Other ethical considerations
In addition to the aforementioned Child Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct, the following key areas should be noted for ethical consideration: http://childethics.com/ethical%20guidance/ Graham, A., Powell, M. , Taylor , N., Anderson, D. & Fitzgerald, R. (2013). Ethical research involving children. Florence: UNICEF Office of Research – Innocenti. The awardee is required to obtain the consent of all evaluation participants and/or their guardians/official representatives (where applicable), and to adhere to ethical standards related to anonymity, data protection, and confidentiality. Consultants are also responsible for obtaining the required ethical approval through their academic institutions and/or national ethics boards.
8. Submission of Offer / Identification Form
This offer form must be completed, signed and returned to SOS Children’s Villages. Bids must reflect the instructions outlined in the Request for Proposals. Any request for information regarding this Request for Proposals should be sent to Sara Tabit, Global Gender Advisor at Sara.Tabit@sos-kd.org with a copy to Laura Seidl, Global Gender Programme Assistant at Laura.Seidl@sos-kd.org.
The Bidder, having read the complete Request for Proposals, including all annexes, offers to provide the services specified in the request at the price indicated in the Price List Form, in accordance with the Terms of Reference included in this document.
Offering service for:
SOS Children’s Villages International
Name of the company/institution/name of the person: ___________________________________________
Address, City, Country: ________________________________________________________________
Phone: __________________ Fax: _________________ Website:_______________________
Date of incorporation (for companies): _________________________________
Name of Legal Representative (if applicable): ____________________________________
Contact person: _____________________________________ Email: ______________________
Type of Company: Ltd. Other _________________________
Number of employees: __________________________________________
Subsidiaries in the region (if applicable): Indicate the name of the subsidiaries and the address a)_______________________________________________________________
b)________________________________________________________________
Commercial representative in the country (only for international companies)
Name:________________________________________________________
Address:________________________ Phone:____________________ email: ______________________ Offer Validity: valid until: ___________________________________
Date: __________________________________
Signature: ____________________________________________________________________
9. Previous experience form
Ser No.
Description
(Services and products provided to customers relevant to the current RFP)
Customer
Contact person/ telephone, email address
Date of assignment
(from/to)
10. Technical Proposal Guide
Name of organisation/ university/company/independent consultant
Name of the contact person for this proposal (for the organization/company)
Address:
Telephone:
Email:
The technical offer must be presented in a concise manner and structured in the following order to include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following information listed below:
Quality and Relevance of the Technical Proposal
Describe all actions related to the steps required in coducting the research.
Realistic work plan with timelines in accordance with ToR requirements.
Explain your suggested use of local researchers (if you intend to use)
Detailed quality assurance process for all deliverables.
Qualification and experience of the organisation/research team/consultant submitting the proposal
Reputation of the company/organisation and individual staff and consultant(s) (competence and reliability) in conducting participatory action research and feminist research methodologies
Relevance of:
– Specialised knowledge
– Proven experience in conducting related research focusing on gender, power dynamics and childcare.
Proposed team structure: the composition of the team you would propose
CV for key personnel
11. Budget Proposal form
The financial proposal must clearly state all applicable taxes. Please note the cost ground transportation and accommodation (full board food and bed) of travel to Dakar, will be covered by SOS CV and shouldn’t be included in the budget proposal. Please make sure you submit the budget proposal in XL format.
Activity
Personnel involved (indicate profile)
No. of people
No. of days
Daily rate
Price (all included)
Percentage of total price
TO
B.
C.
D= AxBxC
E=D/F
Applicable Tax
Total Price (F)
100%