CST Ethiopia

CAFOD SCIAF Trócaire

INVITATION TO BID

STUDY ON PERCEPTIONS OF WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP, ATTITUDES TOWARDS GENDER EQUALITY, AND MALE ENGAGEMENT IN THE ICSP PROJECT TARGET AREAS

Introduction

CST Ethiopia represents the overseas development and humanitarian agencies of the Catholic Church from England and Wales (CAFOD), Scotland (SCIAF), and Ireland (Trócaire) in Ethiopia. The three agencies have over 40 years of experience in international development and humanitarian response and are each member of worldwide networks, including Caritas Internationalis. Currently, the three agencies jointly operate a single, integrated country programme in Ethiopia through the legal entity CST Ethiopia. CST Ethiopia is a partnership organization and works with local partners to deliver services for people in need especially on Humanitarian response, women Empowerment focusing on protection, livelihood enhancement and strengthening resilience of vulnerable and marginalized communities. CST-Ethiopia established an office in Mekelle City, Tigray, to provide closer support to implementing partners and community . CST Ethiopia invites qualified consulting firms and individual consultants to submit proposals for conducting a study entitled: "Study on Perceptions of Women's Leadership, Attitudes Towards Gender Equality, and Male Engagement in the ICSP Project Target Areas."

1. Assignment Purpose and Objectives

The purpose of this study is to generate evidence on community perceptions of women's leadership, attitudes toward gender equality, and the role of male engagement in advancing gender equality within the ICSP target areas. The study will assess program gains, remaining gaps, and the sustainability of observed changes to inform adaptive programming, strengthen ongoing interventions, and enhance women's participation, leadership, and supportive gender norms beyond the project period.

2. Scope of the Work

The successful consultant will be expected to:

• Conduct the study in selected ICSP project areas in South Omo Zone, Borana Zone, and Addis Ababa City Administration.
• Assess perceptions, attitudes, and practices related to women's leadership and gender equality.
• Explore both women's and men's perspectives, with particular attention to male engagement in promoting gender equality.
• Collect and analyse both qualitative and quantitative data using appropriate research methodologies.
• Engage community members, local leaders, women's groups, civil society representatives, government stakeholders, and other relevant actors.
• Examine social norms, barriers, and enabling factors affecting women's leadership and gender equality.
• Produce a comprehensive research report, practical recommendations, presentation materials, and complete datasets.
• Apply participatory, gender-sensitive, inclusive, and ethical research approaches throughout the assignment.
• The assignment is expected to be completed within 45 calendar days from contract signing.

3. Qualifications and Experience

Applicants should possess:

• A postgraduate degree in Gender Studies, Social Sciences, Social Work, Leadership, Management, Law and Governance, or another relevant field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in conducting research and assessments.
• Proven experience undertaking similar studies on gender equality, women's empowerment, leadership, social norms, or related areas.
• Demonstrated expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
• Strong analytical, facilitation, report-writing, and communication skills.
• Extensive knowledge of gender-related issues and women's empowerment programming.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering similar consultancy assignments.

Desirable Qualifications

• Previous experience working with civil society organizations (CSOs), NGOs, or development partners.
• Experience conducting research in Ethiopia, particularly in the project target regions.
• Knowledge of local languages spoken in the target areas.
• Strong understanding of gender-transformative approaches and male engagement programming.

4. Application Instructions

Interested and eligible bidders are invited to submit a comprehensive set of bidding documents, including:

• Technical Proposal ( Letter of Interest, detailed technical proposal outlining methodology, work plan, and approach, Updated CV(s) of key personnel, at least two professional references, Copies of relevant academic and professional certificates, recommendation letters or evidence of successfully completed similar assignments,
• Financial Proposal (detailed budget and cost breakdown). Proposed daily rates in ETB inclusive of VAT and all associated costs.

In addition, bidders are required to provide:

• A renewed business licence for the current year.
• VAT registration certificate.
• Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).

All Expressions of Interest should be clearly marked: " Study on Perceptions of Women's Leadership, Attitudes Towards Gender Equality, and Male Engagement in the ICSP Project Target Areas." and delivered in sealed and stamped envelopes to: CST Ethiopia, Kirkos Sub City, Woreda 3, Kebele 4, Next to Gotera Don Bosco, Catholic Salesianum, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

For further information and to request the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the assignment , please contact: KAbegaz@cst-together.org

The BID submission deadline is 16 October 2026, at 1.30 PM.

CST Ethiopia reserves the right to cancel this bid process, either in full or in part, at its discretion and without obligation to provide reasons for the cancellation. Submission of a bid does not guarantee that a contract will be awarded by the organisation.