Terms of Reference (TORs) to conduct:
Baseline Study of The Women’s Amplified Voice for Accountability (WAVA) Project
1. Background and Context.
Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWODE) is a non- partisan women’s rights organization whose
vision is, ‘a just and fair society where women and men equally participate in and benefit from
decision-making processes in the public and private spaces.’ FOWODE is part of a history that
paved the way for women to have a voice in the public space having grown out of the women’s
caucus of the 1994-1995 Constituent Assembly (CA) which passed the 1995 Constitution of
Uganda. The organization has championed women’s and young people’s participation in decision
making and nurtured transformative leadership to enable women claim their rights and bolster
their agency and voice to hold duty bearers and institutions accountable. FOWODE’s 30-year
advocacy footprint and expertise on women’s leadership and Gender Responsive Budgeting
stretch into the regional and the global arena.
2. About the Women’s Amplified Voice for Accountability (WAVA) Project
The Women’s Amplified Voice for Accountability (WAVA) Project is a multi-year (April 2025 and
December 2027) initiative of FOWODE that is financed by Denmark, The Netherlands, Sweden,
and Ireland. With the goal of contributing to Improved women-led accountability for gender-
responsive service delivery and climate justice in the Karamoja region by 2027, the WAVA
project is being implemented in partnership with Nakere Rural Women Activists (NARWOA) and
Hope for Karamoja Children Foundation (HCF) in Amudat, Karenga, Kotido, Nakapiripirit, and
Napak districts. The project aims to achieve the following key results;
1. Increased participation of women in decision-making processes on gender-responsive
service delivery and climate justice in the Karamoja region.
2. Accountability mechanisms strengthened to foster effective service delivery, gender-
responsive policies and climate adaptation for women and marginalized communities in
Karamoja.
The project’s anticipated reach is 20,092 community members, comprising 12,148 females, 7,944
males, of which 6,040 youth, and 241 persons with disabilities (PWDs), to promote inclusive and
equitable development in the Karamoja region.
The WAVA project primarily targets women at the grassroots, organized in existing groups to
address systemic barriers to their participation in decision making to transform the planning and
policy implementation landscape to centre the priorities of girls and women. This will specifically
entail, strengthening women’s agency and leadership skills; Enhancing the capacities of
technocrats and policymakers to integrate gender equality in development plans; Promoting
citizen engagement with duty bearers to improve accountability in service delivery; and
Integrating gender-responsive climate action in governance and budgeting processes.
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To effectively guide project implementation and track progress over time, FOWODE seeks to
conduct a baseline survey that will provide reliable benchmark data against which change will be
measured.
3. Purpose and scope of the baseline:
The baseline aims to establish benchmark values for key project indicators to enable effective
monitoring, adaptive implementation, and evidence-based reporting. Conducted within a shifting
civic and governance landscape marked by marginalized regions, the baseline will also provide
critical insights into contextual enablers and constraints that may influence project outcomes.
3.1 Baseline Specific Objectives
The baseline survey aims to achieve the following specific objectives:
i. To assess the current levels of awareness and capacity among women and duty bearers
in the Karamoja region to advocate for gender-responsive service delivery and climate
justice.
ii. To evaluate the extent to which Local Government plans and budgets in Karamoja
integrate gender and climate justice considerations.
iii. To conduct a contextual analysis of the Karamoja region with special focus on the key
barriers and enablers affecting women’s effective participation and leadership in local
decision-making processes.
iv. To review the WAVA project’s results framework and establish baseline data for all
indicators in the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) framework.
4. Scope of the assignment:
The baseline study will encompass the following key components:
i) Geographical Scope:
The baseline assessment will be conducted in five target districts of the Karamoja sub-region:
Amudat, Karenga, Kotido, Nakapiripirit, and Napak. These districts were selected based on their
relevance to the project’s objectives and the need to address persistent gender and climate justice
gaps affecting women and marginalized communities in hard-to-reach and underserved areas.
ii) Thematic Scope:
The baseline study will explore key themes central to advancing Improved women-led
accountability for gender-responsive service delivery and climate justice in the Karamoja region.
Specifically, the study will examine:
• Strengthening women’s agency, voice, and leadership in public decision-making.
• Enhancing the capacity of technocrats and policymakers to mainstream gender equality
in development planning and implementation;
• Promoting meaningful citizen engagement with duty bearers to improve transparency
and accountability in public service delivery; and
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• Supporting the integration of gender-responsive climate action into local governance
systems and budgeting processes.
These thematic areas will guide data collection and analysis, ensuring alignment with the project’s
objectives to foster inclusive and equitable governance in the Karamoja sub-region.
iii) Target Groups:
The baseline survey will focus on the following target groups:
• Women leaders and advocates with experience in local governance or advocacy
• Women’s rights activists and community leaders
• Existing women’s organizations, such as women’s groups and associations
• Local government officials
• Community stakeholders, including religious leaders and youth leaders aged 18-35 years,
with a focus on young women aged 18-35 years.
• Vulnerable populations, including persons with disabilities (PWDs), to ensure their voices
are heard and needs are addressed
• Technical and support partners, including civil society organizations working on gender
and governance, climate justice, and environmental issues.
5. Methodology:
The consultant is expected to use participatory and mixed methods of data collection. The
selected consultant should present a sound methodology that addresses the survey objectives
and key outcome indicators in the results matrix. This includes developing relevant tools and
proposing a suitable sampling methodology and size which is both statistically valid and cost-
effective. The FOWODE team will review and approve the sample size and proposed tools before
the survey begins.
6. Study duration and timeframe.
The assignment is expected to last 30 contractual days within a period of 60 days from the date
of signing the contract. Any changes beyond this timeline will have to be communicated and
agreed with the contracting party.
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7. Key Deliverables (Outputs).
The consultant shall be expected to deliver the following outputs:
No Deliverable Description Responsibilities
1 Baseline
Inception
Report
The inception report will outline the
study’s methodology, data collection
tools, sampling strategy, work plan,
ethical considerations, and a risk
assessment. It will also propose
mitigation strategies for challenges like
insecurity and extreme weather
conditions in Karamoja.
• Develop a detailed work
plan and methodology.
– Prepare data collection
tools, sampling strategy, and
timeline.
• Conduct a risk assessment
and outline mitigation plans.
2 Draft
Baseline
Report (40
pages
maximum,
excluding
annexes)
The draft report will present a
comprehensive analysis of baseline data
aligned with the Results Framework
indicators, focusing on youth inclusion,
governance barriers, and institutional
capacities. It will include clear, actionable
recommendations to guide project
implementation and potential MEL
framework adjustments.
• Analyze baseline data in
relation to Results
Framework indicators.
• Provide a brief contextual
analysis of the project
focusing on the region
• Develop evidence-based
recommendations.
3 Final Baseline
Report
A clear, analytical and concise well-
written final baseline survey report (40
pages maximum, excluding annexes). The
final report will integrate feedback from
FOWODE, consortium partners, and RDE,
and will include an executive summary,
detailed methodology, findings,
conclusions, and annexes (e.g., raw data
and data collection tools).
• Review and incorporate
feedback from stakeholders.
• Finalize the report, ensuring
it meets quality standards
for clarity, accuracy, and
alignment with the Results
Framework and MEL needs.
4 Disseminatio
n of Findings
during a
validation
meeting
The findings will be shared through a
PowerPoint presentation summarizing
key insights, followed by a virtual or in-
person workshop with consortium
partners and key stakeholders to discuss
the findings, gather feedback, and ensure
shared understanding of the baseline
data.
• Prepare and present a
PowerPoint summarizing
findings.
• Facilitate a virtual or in-
person workshop with
consortium partners and
stakeholders to promote
discussion and feedback.
8. Budget
The consultant should propose a budget that is sufficient to cover all costs related to data
collection, analysis, and reporting. This should include field travel, data collection expenses, and
any administrative costs incurred during the consultancy period.
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9. Consultant Qualifications, Experience, and Skills Requirements
The selected consultant or consulting firm must demonstrate extensive expertise and a proven
track record in governance, accountability, youth inclusion, civic engagement, and evaluation in
fragile contexts. The ideal candidate should meet the following qualifications:
8.1. Educational Background
• A Master’s degree or higher in Gender studies, Public Policy, Governance, Human Rights,
Social Work, Policy Analysis, Development Studies, or other relevant fields.
• Additional certifications or training in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) will be
considered an added advantage.
8.2. Professional Experience
• Minimum of 8 years of professional experience in monitoring, evaluation, learning (MEL),
and research, particularly in the areas of gender equality, governance, civic engagement,
and climate justice.
• Demonstrated experience conducting baseline studies and evaluations for governance
and women-focused programs, including advocacy and accountability initiatives.
• Significant experience in designing and applying participatory research methodologies,
gender analysis, and rights-based programming with an inclusive and intersectional
approach.
• Experience working in Uganda, particularly in the Karamoja sub-region, with deep
knowledge of the region’s political, socio-cultural, and environmental dynamics.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct rigorous fieldwork in remote, hard-to-reach, or post-
conflict environments while ensuring inclusive and ethical stakeholder engagement.
Technical Skills and Methodological Expertise
• Proficiency in mixed-methods research, including:
o Quantitative methods: survey design, statistical analysis using tools like SPSS or
Stata.
o Qualitative methods: conducting and analyzing Key Informant Interviews (KIIs),
Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and Outcome Harvesting.
• Proficiency in digital data collection and analysis platforms such as ODK/KoboToolbox,
NVivo or ATLAS.ti.
• Strong analytical and documentation skills with the ability to synthesize complex data into
clear, actionable, and donor-ready reports.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, including presentation and
facilitation abilities.
• Ability to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders including donors, government
officials, community leaders, and CSO partners.
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Additional Requirements
• Knowledge of local languages in Karamoja is an added asset.
• Demonstrated commitment to safeguarding, as well as anti-fraud and anti-bribery
policies.
• Capacity to navigate and manage security, logistical, and climatic challenges typical of the
Karamoja region.
9. Payment Specifications:
FOWODE will disburse payments to the successful bidder in three instalments, based on the
completion and approval of key deliverables, as follows, 30% upon submission and approval of
the inception report, 40% upon completion of data collection and submission of a draft baseline
report. 30% upon submission and approval of the final baseline report and all related deliverables.
10. Management:
The Consultant will report to the Director of Programs / Program Manager, who will provide
overall accountability and coordination for the evaluation study. Technical guidance and quality
assurance related to monitoring, evaluation, and learning will be provided by the MEL Manager
at FOWODE.
FOWODE will:
• Provide overall coordination and management support for the baseline evaluation.
• Participate in the hiring process for the Consultant.
• Support the training of enumerators.
• Review and provide feedback on the inception report, final baseline report,
• Ensure quality control through supervisory visits during data collection.
• Assist with random sampling for households and communities.
• Ensure deadlines are met and support results validation and dissemination.
The Consultant will:
• Manage day-to-day coordination of evaluation activities.
• Obtain ethical and administrative clearances.
• Design data collection tools and prepare the inception report.
• Lead the recruitment and training of enumerators and facilitators.
• Supervise data collection, entry, cleaning, transcription, and translation.
• Provide raw data and transcripts to FOWODE.
• Prepare reports on data collection procedures, limitations, and tabulated questions.
• Compile household survey and qualitative reports.
• Facilitate the validation and dissemination of baseline findings with stakeholders.
• Review relevant project documents.
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10. Application Process and timeline.
We invite interested individuals and companies to submit the following application
documents:
• Expression of interest outlining how the consultant(s) meet(s) the selection criteria and
their understanding of the ToR and methodology.
• A technical proposal outlining the approach and methodology for conducting the baseline
study.
• A financial proposal detailing consultant (s) itemized fees, data collection and
administrative costs.
• Consultant(s)’ CVs that demonstrate relevant experience and qualifications of the team
that will undertake the baseline survey.
• Recent relevant experience in quantitative and qualitative methodologies while working
with local communities and non- government agencies. (kindly include clients’ contacts)
• Recent sample evaluation reports (not more than 5 years old) of previous similar work
written by the applicant.
Please submit expressions of interest to:
Disclaimer:
Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWODE) is an Equal Opportunities, gender sensitive and
corruption intolerant employer – Women are particularly encouraged to apply. FOWODE does
not charge or seek payment for any recruitment process. Any form of canvassing or lobbying for
expression of interest shall lead to automatic disqualification.
