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

Tenders are invited for Consultancy: Review of Regional Economic Instruments to Advance Inclusive Trade and Womens Empowerment Closing Date: 5 Oct 2025 Type: Consultancy Themes: Gender/Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding International Alert is seeking a qualified consultant to conduct a comprehensive review of regional economic instruments in the Great Lakes region, specifically the ICGLR Pact, EAC Common Market Protocol, and COMESA Simplified Trade Regime. The analysis will cover Rwanda, Burundi, and the DRC, focusing on the relevance of these instruments to womens cross-border trade, identifying barriers and gaps, and providing actionable recommendations that address womens specific needs and promote their role in peacebuilding. This consultancy offers a unique opportunity to amplify womens voices in conflict-affected areas, strengthen their role in peacebuilding, and support inclusive cross-border economic development. Background Tuote Kesho is a regional peacebuilding initiative implemented by International Alert and partners in the Great Lakes Region. The project aims to amplify womens voices in conflict-affected areas, strengthen their role in peacebuilding processes, and foster cross-border economic resilience and inclusion. One of the key objectives of the project among others, is to assess the effectiveness of regional economic frameworks (e.g including ICGLRs Pact on Security, Stability, and Development, the EAC Common Market Protocol, and COMESAs Simplified Trade Regime), to foster economic interdependence, peaceful collaboration, and trust among women traders. In this regard, International Alert calls for consultant firm, individual, consortia etc., to undertake the analysis and review of the existing regional economic instruments in the 3 countries of Rwanda, Burundi and DRC and come up with how these instruments are relevance to womens cross boarder trade, identify barrier/ gaps and highlight key recommendations. Purpose and objectives of the Consultancy The purpose of this consultancy is to assess the effectiveness of regional economic frameworks, including ICGLRs Pact, the EAC Common Market Protocol, and COMESAs Simplified Trade Regime, in addressing the specific needs of women cross-border traders, as well as youth, and integrating their role in peacebuilding efforts. The following are specific objectives: Conduct an in-depth analysis of existing regional economic instruments, including the ICGLR Pact, 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 resulting implications. Identify gaps in implementation, policy limitations, and enforcement challenges that hinder womens economic participation and security in cross-border trade Examine the legal framework and the key structural and operational barriers, both country-specific and common across the region, that hinder womens economic empowerment and resilience within these instruments. This includes exploring opportunities for reform, innovation, and collaboration to enhance gender inclusivity and economic stability. Formulate concrete recommendations and actions, both specific to each country and common across the region, in order to address the identified gaps and challenges, while capitalizing on the opportunities highlighted. Scope of Work Methodological Design The responsibility for developing the methodological approach, including one that is sensitive to context, conflict, and gender, lies with the firm or consultant conducting the studyContext: Develop a methodology tailored to the socio-political and economic contexts of Rwanda, DRC, and Burundi, ensuring relevance and adaptability to each countrys unique environment. Tool Development in Collaboration with International Alert: Design and validate a comprehensive set of research tools in close consultation with International Alert, including: Structured question guides for interviews Consent forms aligned with international ethical standards Implementation Conduct a desk review of existing regional economic instruments. Carry out structured interviews with users, supervisors, and enforcers of these instruments in Rwanda, DRC, and Burundi. Analyse and identify common patterns, shared experiences, and differing perspectives on the implementation of the instruments. Deliver a final analytical report (maximum 30 pages) with detailed, country-specific and regional recommendations. Deliverables Submit an inception report outlining the detailed methodology and work plan. Prepare a draft report highlighting both country-specific and shared patterns observed across Rwanda, DRC, and Burundi. Conduct a first debriefing session with the Tuote Kesho project team to present and discuss the draft findings. Deliver a final report (maximum 30 pages), including annexes, in both English and French. Timeline The consultancy is expected to span approximately 4 weeks, including: Week 13: Structured interviews, Data/policy analysis and reporting Week 4: Finalization and presentation of results Eligibility Applications are open to: Individual consultants with proven expertise in policy analysis, trade frameworks, and gender, Research teams composed of a maximum of two consultants who can jointly carry out the assignment, Research centres, universities, or firms with demonstrated regional expertise in policy analysis, trade frameworks, and gender in the Great Lakes region. Essential qualifications : Solid background 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. Strong analytical and writing skills, with a track record of producing concise, high-quality reports. Fluency in English or French (working knowledge of both is an asset). Willingness to undertake limited travel within the region if deemed necessary for interviews or data collection. How to apply Interested candidates should submit applications to: [email protected] with subject line : Consultancy to Review of Regional Economic Instruments-Tuote Kesho Project,. Remember to copy;[email protected]; and [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, disabled people, and other historically marginalised people. While International Alert will endeavour to contact all candidates within a reasonable time, this may not always be possible due to limited resources. Therefore, if you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, you can assume that your application has, on this occasion, been unsuccessful. Alert is a member of the Misconduct disclosure scheme (MDS); and by applying for this Consultancy role, you agree to undergo MDS checks. Tender Link : https://reliefweb.int/job/4177615/consultancy-review-regional-economic-instruments-advance-inclusive-trade-and-womens-empowerment