Tenders Are Invited For Consultancy: Review Of Regional Economic Instruments To Promote Inclusive Trade And Womens Empowerment

Tenders are invited for Consultancy: Review of Regional Economic Instruments to Promote Inclusive Trade and Womens Empowerment Closing Date: 5 Oct 2025 Type: Consultancy Themes: Gender/Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding We are looking for a qualified consultant to conduct an in-depth analysis of regional economic instruments in the Great Lakes region, including the ICGLR Compact, the EAC Common Market Protocol and the COMESA Simplified Trade Regime. The study will cover Rwanda, Burundi and the DRC, with a focus on the relevance of these instruments for cross-border trade in women, identifying barriers and gaps, and making concrete recommendations that address their specific needs and integrate their role in peace efforts. This consultation represents a unique opportunity to amplify womens voices in conflict-affected areas, strengthen their role in peacebuilding processes, and support inclusive cross-border economic development. Context Tuote Kesho is a regional peacebuilding initiative implemented by International Alert and its partners in the Great Lakes region. The project aims to amplify womens voices in conflict-affected areas, strengthen their role in peace processes, and foster cross-border economic resilience and inclusion. One of the key objectives of the project is to assess the effectiveness of regional economic frameworks (including the ICGLR Security, Stability and Development Compact, the EAC Common Market Protocol, and the COMESA Simplified Trade Regime) in promoting economic interdependence, peaceful collaboration and trust among women traders. In this context, International Alert is launching a call for consultation (firm, individual consultant, consortium, etc.) to analyse and review the existing regional economic instruments in the three countries (Rwanda, Burundi and DRC), in order to assess their relevance to cross-border trade in women, identify barriers and make key recommendations. Purpose of the consultation The objective of this consultation is to assess the effectiveness of regional economic frameworks, including the ICGLR Compact, the EAC Common Market Protocol and the COMESA Simplified Trade Regime, in addressing the specific needs mainly of women cross-border traders and also youth in integrating their role in peacebuilding efforts. Specific objectives: Conduct an in-depth analysis of existing regional economic instruments, including the ICGLR Compact, the EAC Common Market Protocol and the COMESA Simplified Trade Regime, with a focus on the integration of women and youth in peacebuilding efforts and the implications thereof. Identify implementation gaps, policy limitations, and enforcement challenges that hinder the economic participation and security of women and youth in cross-border trade. Examine the legal framework, key structural and operational barriers, both country-specific and region-wide, that hinder womens economic empowerment and resilience under these instruments. This includes exploring opportunities for reform, innovation, and collaboration to strengthen gender inclusivity and economic stability. Formulate concrete recommendations and actions, both country-specific and common to the entire region, in order to address the identified gaps and challenges, while capitalizing on the opportunities identified. Scope of work Design of the methodological approach The responsibility for developing the methodological approach, including a context, conflict and gender-sensitive approach, falls within the role of the consulting firm that will conduct this study. The aim will be to develop a methodology adapted to the socio-political and economic contexts of Rwanda, DRC and Burundi, guaranteeing relevance and adaptability to the specific environment of each country. Tool development in collaboration with International Alert: Develop and validate a comprehensive set of research tools in close collaboration with International Alert, including: Structured question guides for interviews Consent forms that comply with international ethical standards. Implementation Conduct a desk review of existing regional economic instruments. Conduct structured interviews with users, supervisors and implementers of these instruments in Rwanda, DRC and Burundi. Analyze and identify common trends, shared experiences and divergent perspectives on the implementation of the instruments. Produce a final analytical report (maximum 30 pages) with detailed, country-specific and region-specific recommendations and, where appropriate, annexes. Available Submit an inception report detailing the understanding of the mission, methodology and work plan. Prepare an interim report highlighting country-specific trends as well as commonalities in Rwanda, DRC and Burundi. Organize a first feedback session with the Tuote Kesho project team to present and discuss the provisional results. Submit a final report (maximum 30 pages) including annexes, written in two versions: in English and French. Calendar The consultancy is planned for a period of approximately 4 weeks, distributed as follows: Weeks 1-3: Structured interviews, data/policy analysis, and report writing Week 4: Finalization and presentation of results Eligibility criteria Applications are open to: Individual consultants with proven expertise in policy analysis, business frameworks and gender, where Research teams of up to two consultants who can jointly carry out the assignment Research centres, universities, firms with proven regional expertise in policy analysis, trade frameworks and gender in the GL region Essential Qualifications: Strong experience in regional economic policy, trade or womens economic empowerment Demonstrated experience in desk-based research, literature reviews and policy analysis Proven ability to design and conduct structured interviews with key stakeholders Excellent policy analysis and research report writing skills, with a track record of producing concise and high-quality reports Fluency in English or French (knowledge of both languages is an asset) Availability to make limited travel in the area if necessary for interviews or data collection Application Process Consultants interested in this call for consultancy may express their interest by submitting their application files, which must include the following documents: A technical proposal (max. 4 pages) describing the proposed approach and methodology, including timeline, context, conflict and gender sensitivity. If you are applying as a researcher based in a single country, please specify your proposed role, your availability and how your team will be required to intervene in the study areas. A detailed financial proposal that accurately describes the expenses and covers all the costs to be incurred in the context of this study. If deemed necessary, travel and accommodation expenses will be reasonably covered by International Alert in accordance with its travel policies and procedures. One or more resumes highlighting relevant experience A minimum of two examples of similar work carried out in the last three years A list of at least 3 references that can recognize and attest to your expertise How to apply Submit the following documents (in French or English): Technical proposal (max. 4 pages) Financial proposal (including all costs) CV(s) highlighting relevant experience At least two examples of similar work done in the last 3 years Applications should be sent to: [email protected] with the subject line: Consultation for the Review of Regional Economic Instruments Tuote Kesho Project and in copy; [email protected]; and DRC Programs; [email protected] International Alert prides itself on being an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes applications from underrepresented people, including women, people from the Global South, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, and other historically marginalized people. While International Alert strives to contact all applicants within a reasonable amount of time, this is not always possible due to limited resources. Therefore, if you have not received a response from us within two weeks of the deadline, you may consider that your application has not been successful this time. Alert is a member of the Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS). By applying for this role of consultant, you agree to undergo MDS verifications. [Disclaimer: The above text is machine translated. For accurate information kindly refer the original document.] Tender Link : https://reliefweb.int/job/4177620/consultance-revue-des-instruments-economiques-regionaux-pour-promouvoir-le-commerce-inclusif-et-lautonomisation-des-femmes