[APPLY NOW] Women Economic Empowerment Grant for Pakistan

Deadline: 21-Aug-2024

UN Women has issued a call for proposals seeking responsible parties to digitalize projects aimed at women’s economic empowerment in Pakistan.

Objectives

To support the implementation of the project targeting young women’s digital empowerment in the provinces of Punjab (Faisalabad, Lahore, Multan) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) (Mardan, Peshawar, Swabi). Preference will be given to a consortium and an organization with a local presence. An orientation session of potential organizations will be organized and to ensure the successful exchange of learning and knowledge between these regions, here’s an approach with a potential to adhere to principle of Leaving No One Behind (LNOB) that can be adopted:
- Outcome 1. Economic engagement of young women and girls (Aged 18-35) through digital enablement and innovation in Pakistan.
- Output 1.1. Young women have increased capacities on technology-related technical skills.
  - Activity 1.1.1. At least 1,500 aspiring women/girls IT graduates (Punjab: 1,000/ KP: 500) in higher educational institutes are enrolled in national mentorship programs and tech village (= training center) programs.
    - Establish and Implement Mentorship Programs
      - Recruitment of Mentors: Engage experienced professionals from relevant industries as mentors. Focus on diversity to include mentors with various specializations and career paths in IT.
      - Program Design: Develop a comprehensive mentorship program that includes one-on-one sessions, group meetings, and remote interactions to accommodate different geographic locations and schedules.
    - Facilitate Mentor-Mentee Interactions
      - Structured Framework: Implement a structured framework for mentor-mentee interactions that includes goal-setting at the outset, regular check-ins, and progress reviews.
      - Support Tools: Provide tools and platforms for continuous communication, such as a dedicated online portal or mobile app that includes scheduling features, resources, and chat functionalities.
    - Organize Mentorship Events, Workshops, and Networking Opportunities
      - Event Planning: Organize regular events such as workshops, seminars, and networking meetups that focus on current IT trends, career advice, and skills development.
      - Industry Participation: Involve industry leaders and companies in these events to provide practical insights and networking opportunities for the mentees.
    - Monitor and Evaluate the Effectiveness of the Mentorship Programs
      - Feedback Mechanisms: Develop mechanisms to collect regular feedback from both mentors and mentees to assess the satisfaction and effectiveness of the program.
      - Adjustments and Improvements: Use the feedback to make necessary adjustments to the program structure, content, and mentor-mentee matching process.
    - Match the Mentorship Program with Qualified Tech Villages in Universities
      - University Partnerships: Responsible parties are encouraged to partner with universities that already have tech villages or are equipped to host such initiatives.
    - Match the Mentorship Program with Tech Villages in Government Stakeholders
      - Government Collaboration: Responsible parties are encouraged to collaborate with government technology boards and innovation centers to enhance the scope and resources available for the mentorship program.
      - These stakeholders can be:
        
        Khyber Pakhtunkhwa IT Board
        
        NIC Peshawar
        
        Punjab IT Board
        
        NIC Lahore and Faisalabad
    - Submit Monthly and Quarterly Reports
      - Reporting Structure: Establish a detailed reporting structure to capture metrics such as participant numbers, progress on goals, feedback from participants, challenges encountered, and corrective actions taken.
      - Analysis and Sharing: Analyze the data to gauge the impact of the mentorship program and share insights with stakeholders to ensure transparency and continuous improvement.
- Activity 1.1.2. Training programs on digital skills including basic ICT literacy, ITeS, software development and data analytics are made available for and accessible by at least 15,000 young women (Punjab: 10,000/ KP: 5,000)
  - Develop and Deliver Comprehensive Digital Skills Training Programs
    - Curriculum Design: Create a diverse curriculum that encompasses basic ICT literacy, Information Technology enabled Services (ITeS), software development, and data analytics. Ensure the curriculum is scalable and can be updated as technology evolves.
    - Expert Involvement: Collaborate with industry experts and educational institutions to ensure the training is relevant and of high quality. This could include guest lectures, workshops, and real-world case studies.
    - Training Delivery: Utilize a mix of online and in-person training modules to maximize reach and accommodate various learning preferences. Consider using local languages and culturally relevant examples to enhance understanding.
  - Design and Provide Tailored Training Materials
    - Material Accessibility: Ensure all training materials are accessible, including to those with disabilities. This could involve providing resources in multiple formats such as text, video, and audio.
    - Local Relevance: Tailor materials to reflect the specific needs and contexts of the participants in Punjab and KP. Include local case studies and examples to make the learning more relatable.
    - Continuous Update: Regularly update training materials to reflect the latest trends and technologies in the digital world.
  - Conduct Regular Assessments and Evaluations
    - Assessment Framework: Develop a robust assessment framework that measures both the acquisition of skills and their practical application. This could include quizzes, project-based assessments, and peer reviews.
    - Feedback Mechanism: Implement a continuous feedback mechanism to gather insights from participants regarding the training’s effectiveness and areas for improvement.
    - Adaptive Learning: Use assessment results to adjust training methods and materials in real-time, ensuring that learning outcomes are being met effectively.
  - Submit Detailed Reports
    - Regular Reporting: Establish a system for monthly and quarterly reporting. These reports should detail the number of participants, progress in skill acquisition, participant engagement levels, and any challenges encountered.
    - Data-Driven Insights: Use data collected from assessments and feedback to provide insights into the efficacy of the training program. Highlight success stories and case studies of particularly successful participants or modules.
    - Corrective Actions: Document any challenges faced during the training process and the actions taken to address them. This should include adjustments in training methodology, materials, or participant engagement strategies.
  - Foster an Environment of Continuous Improvement
    - Stakeholder Engagement: Regularly engage with stakeholders, including local governments, private sector partners, and community leaders, to ensure the training remains aligned with market needs and employment opportunities.
    - Scalability and Sustainability: Consider the scalability of the training program for future expansions and the sustainability of skills in the rapidly evolving tech sector.
    - Community Building: Encourage the formation of networks and support systems among participants to foster a community of practice that extends beyond the duration of the training program.
- Output 1.2.1. A conducive environment has been created for young women to enter the technology sector
  - Activity 1.2.1. 30 multi-purpose centers/coordination platforms (Punjab: 20/ KP: 10) are supported through computers and IT related equipment to promote digital inclusion of young women
    - Tech Hub Initiatives Development:
      - Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for each tech hub, outlining daily operations, stakeholder roles, and administrative processes to ensure smooth functioning.
      - Create a detailed Managing Plan that includes strategies for engagement, sustainability, and growth of the tech hubs.
      - Compile a comprehensive Equipment List needed for each center, ensuring it aligns with both current and anticipated future technological requirements.
    - Integration into Local Tech Ecosystems:
      - Design programs that facilitate the integration of training participants into local tech ecosystems, which may include workshops, mentorship programs, and networking events with local tech entrepreneurs and innovators.
      - Establish partnerships with local universities, tech incubators, and innovation hubs to provide participants with additional learning opportunities and resources.
    - Local Business and Industry Coordination:
      - Work closely with local businesses and industries to identify and create internship and employment opportunities tailored to the skills of the participants.
      - Organize job fairs and networking events that bring together participants and potential employers, enhancing job placement opportunities.
    - Ongoing Support and Resources:
      - Provide continuous support to the tech hubs, including technical assistance, advanced training for staff, and updates to IT equipment as needed.
      - Develop a sustainability model that includes potential revenue-generating activities, partnerships with local businesses, and ongoing funding strategies.
    - Monitoring and Reporting:
      - Implement a robust monitoring system to track the progress of participants, the usage of resources, and the impact of the tech hubs on the community.
      - Produce detailed monthly and quarterly reports that outline participant numbers, progress made, challenges encountered, and actions taken to address these challenges. This documentation will be crucial for adjusting strategies and securing continued support from stakeholders.
    - Stakeholder Engagement and Feedback:
      - Regularly engage with all stakeholders, including participants, local businesses, and funders, to gather feedback and adjust the program as necessary.
      - Use stakeholder feedback to refine tech hub operations and ensure that the initiatives remain aligned with community needs and technological advancements.
  - Activity 1.2.2. At least 15 private sector companies (Punjab: 10/ KP: 5) in the technology and communications sectors and 10 MSMEs (Punjab: 7/ KP: 3) are engaged to support young women to practice their digital skills.
    - Collaborate with private sector partners to secure placements for graduates from the training and mentorship programs:
      - Identification and Engagement of Partners:
        
        Identify potential technology and communications companies that align with your program’s goals through industry research, networking events, and referrals.
        
        Develop a value proposition that highlights the benefits for companies participating in the program, such as access to a skilled workforce, potential for innovation, and corporate social responsibility impact.
      - Regular Consultations with Private Sector:
        
        Establish a schedule for regular meetings with partners to discuss and update the training content according to the latest digital skills required in the market.
        
        Create a feedback loop where companies can provide insights into emerging technologies and skills demands, which can be incorporated into the curriculum.
      - Partnership and Collaboration Agreements:
        
        Formalize partnerships through Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) that detail the roles and expectations of each party, including commitments on the number of internships and job placements.
        
        Offer incentives for companies to join the program, such as recognition in program materials, co-branding opportunities, and involvement in advisory boards.
      - Facilitation of Placement Matching:
        
        Develop a comprehensive matching system that aligns the skills of graduates with the needs of potential employers. This could include detailed profiles, skills assessments, and matching algorithms.
        
        Organize career fairs and networking events to allow direct interaction between graduates and company representatives.
      - Monitoring and Evaluation:
        
        Implement a tracking system to monitor the progress of placements, including job retention rates and career advancement of program graduates.
        
        Regularly evaluate the impact of the program on participants’ careers and adjust strategies as needed to improve outcomes.
        
        Provide ongoing support and follow-up to both graduates and employers to ensure long-term success and address any challenges in the transition phase.
      - Reporting and Impact Assessment:
        
        Prepare comprehensive reports detailing the outcomes of the program, including success stories and case studies of particularly successful placements.
        
        Share these reports with all stakeholders to demonstrate the program’s impact and to help secure ongoing or increased support from existing and potential partners.

Funding Information

The budget range for this proposal should be $ 1,750,000-1,800,000 for Punjab/ $850,000-$900,000 for KP.

Timeframe

The project duration is 37 months:
- Start Date: 1st October 2024
- End Date: 30th October 2027

Role of the Responsible Party (RP)

Active Participation: The RP should actively participate in the project’s implementation, particularly focusing on bridging the gap between the two provinces by facilitating knowledge exchange.
Regular Meetings: Organize and participate in regular meetings involving stakeholders from both provinces. These meetings will serve as platforms to discuss progress, share best practices, and collaboratively solve challenges.

Competencies

At least 05 years of experience in designing and implementation of similar activities.
Reputed nationally registered organization with representative office in Pakistan and outreach in mentioned areas of intervention.
Proven track record of working in the area of women’s economic empowerment focusing on IT sector related training and relationship with relevant stakeholders (At least one partner in the consortium should possess a proven track record and competencies in designing and delivering IT sector-related training programs, especially if the lead CSO lacks this experience).
Previous work experience with UN agencies or other international development agencies is an advantage.
Ability to communicate in local language.

For more information, visit UN Women.