CONSULTANCY-TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR)

Assessment study on minority issues

Background

Pakistan is a religiously diverse country where 96% of the population is Muslim (of these, 85% Sunni and 15% Shia), and 4% belong to other religions (Christians, Hindus, Sikhs and Ahmadiyya). With population of 199 million Pakistan is the 6th most populous country in the world[1].

The Constitution Pakistan generally upholds citizens’ right to religious freedom, with limitations for the Ahmadiyyah community, but misinterpretation of laws in disfavor of vulnerable groups has led to intolerance, harassment and violence particularly against minorities and women.   Procedural flaws in this legislation enable extremist and militant groups to take law into their own hands on sensitive religious issues. Religion is an integral part of social and political life in Pakistan, where religious and political elite continue to use religion to influence the public way of life. Despite guaranteeing equal rights to its citizens, Pakistani constitution, however, has contradictory and discriminatory provisions in some laws, which were introduced during periods where democratic rule was suspended at the behest of religious actors. Consequently, majority communities with moderate thoughts, minorities, especially minority women, in Pakistan face a myriad of challenges and rise of violent extremism in the country, which has increased their social exclusion and further restricted their chances of upward mobility

Khwendo Kor (KK) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization working in Pakistan since 1993. It was set up in response to an urgent need expressed by women for a forum to address their issues. Rightly so, Khwendo Kor means “Sisters’ Home” in Pashto. It’s a participatory development initiatives “Peoples First Approach” where marginalized and vulnerable communities are actively involved in community development and decision making process especially women and youth.

KK is an indigenous organization having its roots in local community based organizations (CBOs) and have knowledge of local custom and tradition.  KK’s one of the values is to respect the local culture and to work within the local culture and tradition through engaging the local communities including women in all its developmental initiatives. KK has also formed a network of activists (Council of Communal Harmony, CCH) from different religious minorities and actively engaged in identifying and advocating issues related to minorities and marginalized group in the target communities.

Purpose of the Study

Keeping in view the prevailing situation of minorities in Pakistan and more specifically in KP, Khwendo Kor with the financial support of Minority Rights Group (MRG)  has planned to conduct a study on core issues faced by religious minorities and other most marginalized and discriminated groups in the target areas of Peshawar. After finalization of report it will be launched and shared at large. Based on the findings of the study an action plan will be formulated with an aim to address the identified core issues of minorities.

Scope of the Study

The study will cover Peshawar District with main focus on areas where minorities groups are residing including Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, Bahai, Muslim (Shia, sunni), transgender, marginalized women and children.  The study will also cover views of different stakeholders including relevant government actors and civil society organization, available legal documents, initiatives taken by different stakeholders and gaps remaining.

Methodology

  • Methodology of the study will includes but not limited to;
  • meetings, consultations, focus group discussions with relevant groups,
  • literature review,
  • findings from social and print media, and
  • Personal observations.

Activities

  • Preparation of inception plan for the research study
  • Designing of research methodology.
  • Identification of target areas and groups for the study (with consultation of existing network, council of communal harmony CCH)
  • Formulation and finalization of tools (focus group Discussion, interviews etc) for caring out the study.
  • Coordination for meetings and Focus Group Discussions etc with target group.
  • Finalization of the schedule for the study.
  • Conduction of the study
  • Analysis of the findings of the study.
  • Drafting and finalization of study report.

Responsibilities

  • The consultant will carry out the above mention activities with the consultation of KK responsible Manager.  Other than that;
  • The consultant will have to work independently
  • Professional fee must be given in lump sum amount per deliverable.
  • All cost including travel, meeting, stationary must be included in consultancy fee.
  • Logistic arrangement for data collection, in-depth interviews, and community-based
  • Meetings, Consultations, focus groups discussions, analysis of data and formulation and finalization of report must be consultant’s responsibility.

Financial Management

Khwendo Kor will pay lump sum amount of PKR.50,000 inclusive of all taxes. The amount will be paid to the consultant after satisfactory completion of the task within the time limit mentioned in the ToRs.

Time Frame

  • Hiring of consultant 20th May to 26th May 2021
  • Preparation for the study including inception plan-----27th to 31st May 2021
  • Conduction of study---------1st June to 15th June
  • Analysis of findings, report drafting and finalization and submission of repot from 16th June---20th June 2021

Qualification and Experience

  • Master degree holder in Social sciences
  • Minimum 5 years experience in development sector including 3 years experience in conducting research study ideally on minorities’ issues and inter-faith harmony.
  • Excellent communication, analytical and report writing skills

Deadline for applying:  24rd May 2021

How to apply:

Please share your resume on the email address below;

deebashabnaam@yahoo.com