The Directorate of SZABIST ZABTech (iTVE), in partnership with the Government of Sindh and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), is inviting qualified consulting firms or consortia to undertake a Baseline Study focused on women’s empowerment through skill development. This study targets 6,000 women across 30 districts of Sindh, covering a wide range of geographic settings including coastal, urban, desert, and peri-urban areas. The findings will play a crucial role in shaping future skill development initiatives and aligning them with labor market demands to enhance women’s economic participation in the province.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop a comprehensive and detailed research methodology that effectively addresses the geographic diversity of the 30 districts.
- Design a statistically representative sampling strategy at the provincial level and, where feasible, at regional or divisional levels to ensure data accuracy and relevance.
- Conduct Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) to collect qualitative insights from various stakeholders.
- Perform district-level skills gap analyses to identify specific needs, challenges, and opportunities for women’s skill development.
- Analyze both qualitative and quantitative data to establish baseline indicators aligned with the program’s objectives.
- Prepare clear, concise, and actionable draft and final baseline study reports, incorporating recommendations to guide future interventions.
Required Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience in conducting baseline studies, labor market assessments, and research within the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector.
- Proven ability to manage complex research projects that involve diverse geographic and demographic contexts.
- Expertise in designing sampling methodologies and executing both qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques.
- Strong analytical skills with a track record of thorough data analysis and professional report writing.
- Capacity to effectively engage and collaborate with multiple stakeholders, including government agencies and local communities.
Interested consulting firms with relevant expertise are encouraged to review the detailed Request for Proposal (RFP) and Terms of Reference (TOR) available through the official procurement office. Proposals should be submitted in sealed envelopes clearly marked “RFP – Baseline Study for Women Skill Development Program – Sindh.” The deadline for submission is 15 days from the date of this advertisement.
The Directorate of SZABIST ZABTech (iTVE) reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals without providing reasons. This consultancy represents a valuable opportunity to contribute to a significant women’s empowerment initiative with wide-reaching regional impact.