2023 USAID/Ecuador Gender & Vulnerable Populations Study

Deadline: 31-Jul-23

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking applications for a Fixed Amount Award from qualified entities to implement the USAID/Ecuador Gender & Vulnerable Populations Study (the Activity).

The purpose of this Gender and Social Inclusion Analysis is the systematic gathering and analysis of information to identify and understand the roles, divisions of labor, resources, constraints, inequalities, discriminatory and customary inhibiting laws and practices, needs, opportunities/capacities, and interests of men and women (girls and boys), including marginalized persons at the macro level in a given context, and in this particular case, the situation with and amongst indigenous peoples. The analysis should also look at other crosscutting issues such as gender-based violence, women’s leadership, participation in the social, political and economic matters that affect women’s lives, amongst others.

USAID/Ecuador awarded the three-year “GIRA” (Gobernanza Indígena ante Riesgos y Amenazas) Activity, implemented by Fundación Raíz Ecuador, to strengthen the capabilities of indigenous peoples on risk management, with selected organizations in the Esmeraldas (northwest of the country), Sucumbíos and Orellana provinces (Amazon region). The active participation of the organizations and community members is key for the success of the activity, and that includes the proper and active participation of women and girls.

Implementation Strategy

• The analysis shall consist of three main phases:
  • Desk Research:
    • Provide a preliminary review and analysis of pertinent literature, documents, indices, and any previous work on the matter, including, but not limited to: previous studies and assessments conducted by donors, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), Government of Ecuador, local governments and/or the local and international academic community. U.S. Government and USAID policies may also serve as reference material to establish a framework for the overall analysis.
  • Field Study and Engagement with Project Participants:
    • For the most accurate understanding of the realities of women within indigenous peoples, the bulk of the work should be conducted on the ground. The consultant team shall conduct field research, using qualitative (interviews, focus groups, etc.) and other methodologies as it deems appropriate, with project participants and any other relevant stakeholders.
    • The analysis should ideally include, where possible:
      • Entry briefings with USAID/Ecuador to identify links on gender and social inclusion issues in the programs the Mission is undertaking, and to identify possible entry points for the incorporation of gender and social inclusion considerations into ongoing and/or future activities;
      • Input from selected key stakeholders, including the implementing partner, Fundación Raíz, the project’s beneficiaries/participants (community members and organizational leaders), and any other relevant stakeholders.
  • Analysis of the Findings and Formulation of Recommendations:
    • The findings and the recommendations from the gender and social inclusion analysis shall:
      • Identify the macro or sectoral level societal inequalities or obstacles for indigenous women and girls that can be linked to a successful achievement of the Activity, and USAID/Ecuador’s overall organizational value of inclusiveness.
      • Identify relevant gaps in the status and anticipated levels of participation of indigenous women, girls and other marginalized groups, both within their communities/organizations and in the wider Ecuadorian social, political and economic contexts that could hinder overall project outcomes; and formulate concrete, innovative and realistic recommendations on how USAID/Ecuador, organizations (national and local indigenous organizations), local governments (provincial, municipal), the Government of Ecuador, and/or other donors and international organizations could address the challenges through specific actions in the short, medium and long term.

Funding Information

• USAID intends to provide $100,000 in total USAID funding over the period of performance.

Duration

• The anticipated period of performance will not exceed four (4) months.

Eligibility Criteria

• Ecuadorian (Local, as defined in ADS 303.6) Organizations may participate under this RFA.
• Applicants must have established financial management, monitoring and evaluation processes, internal control systems, and policies and procedures that comply with established U.S. Government standards, laws, and regulations. The successful applicant will be subject to a responsibility determination assessment (Pre-award Survey/Desk Review) by the Agreement Officer (AO).
• The Recipient must be a responsible entity. The AO may determine a pre-award survey is required to conduct an examination that will determine whether the prospective recipient has the necessary organization, experience, accounting and operational controls, and technical skills – or ability to obtain them – in order to achieve the objectives of the program and comply with the terms and conditions of the award.
• For-profit applicants must note that USAID policy prohibits the payment of fee/profit for recipients under assistance instruments. Forgone profit does not qualify as cost-share or leverage.
• USAID welcomes applications from organizations that have not previously received financial assistance from USAID.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.