Tenders are invited for Consultancy: Review of Community-Based Social Protection Systems in Ethiopia, Malawi, Tanzania and Mozambique. Closing Date: 10 Dec 2025 Introduction HelpAge International (www.helpage.org) is the secretariat to the HelpAge Global Network, which brings together a wide range of organisations and individuals working together to ensure that older people lead dignified, active, healthy, and secure lives. Study background Across Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania, older women and men face increasing vulnerability due to persistent poverty, food insecurity, and weak social protection systems. Uneven economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, high inflation, and low household purchasing power have deepened poverty, particularly among those without adequate pensions or savings, who depend on overstretched family and community support. Older women are disproportionately affected by economic hardship and the lack of pension coverage due to lifelong gender inequalities that restrict access to education, property, and formal employment. Climate shocks, disasters, and conflict further erode livelihoods and resilience, while older peoples needs and voices remain largely absent from data, policy, and crisis response. Social protection and pension systems which should ensure income security for older people remain very low, reaching less than 6% in most countries. Where they do exist, benefits are inadequate, and older peoples access is undermined by implementation challenges. Social protection coverage rates for the population receiving at least one social protection benefit in 2020 was 7.4% for Ethiopia; 21.3% for Malawi; 13.3% for Mozambique and 14% for Tanzania. The situation is worse for older people, with only 3.9% of older people in Ethiopia covered by at least one social protection benefit; 2.3% Malawi, and 5.55% in Tanzania (ILO World Social Protection Report 2024-26). In this context of pressing need for income support, and underdeveloped formal social protection systems, community-based solidarity and support systems (community-based social protection) such as community networks, burial societies and savings groups can play a critical role in improving financial resilience. These groups serve multiple functions. Members pool resources to secure credit, emergency loans and to save for various needs. Beyond financial assistance, such groups often offer emotional support and solidarity, employment networks, and labour-sharing arrangements.[1] Despite their prevalence, the role of community-based solidarity and support systems within wider social protection systems is not yet well understood. From HelpAges perspective, key evidence gaps include the following: What is the scope, functioning, inclusiveness, and impact of different types of community-based social protection approaches regarding older people? How do community-based social protection approaches interact with formal social protection systems and programmes, particularly those relevant to older people? Do these interactions improve older peoples income security, wellbeing, and dignity? How do community-based social protection approaches interact with and potentially support the sustainability and effectiveness of Older Persons Associations? Overall objective This study seeks to generate evidence on how: Community-based social protection approaches may contribute to older peoples income security, wellbeing and dignity, Community-based social protection approaches may improve the sustainability and impact of Older Persons Associations, Community-based and formal (state-led) social protection approaches could be better integrated to achieve greater impact on older people and their community groups. Research methodology A collaborative research approach will be adopted, led by the consultant in close partnership with HelpAge International, ROAR country programme partners/network members in Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania. The study will apply a mixed methods design to capture both quantitative and qualitative evidence on the role of community-based social protection in sustaining Older Persons Associations and enhancing the income and wellbeing of older women and men. The methodology will be participatory, gender-sensitive, and inclusive, ensuring that the perspectives and voices of older women and men are meaningfully integrated into all stages of the research. The consultant will work jointly with HelpAge International staff to design the research tools. HelpAge International project partners in the four countries will support the field data collection process using the agreed tools and procedures. Roles and Responsibilities Consultant Design user-friendly, context, and language-appropriate data collection tools and systems. Provide training to data collectors (HelpAge project partners in the four countries). Conduct primary data analysis. Undertake review of relevant literature and secondary data sources. Present key findings in a validation session with stakeholders. Prepare and submit the draft and final research reports. Ensure adherence to agreed research methodology and timelines. HelpAge International Lead the contracting process with the consultant. Oversee the research process and ensure adherence to quality standards. Review and approve data collection tools, research methodology, drafts, and final reports. Coordinate communication and collaboration between the consultant and HelpAge project partners in the four countries. Provide logistical support and ensure timely implementation of research process activities. HelpAge project partners and network members Mobilize and organize participants for Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and any other as agreed upon. Conduct primary data collection using tools and procedures developed by the consultant. Research deliverables and proposed tentative timelines Literature review/contextual analysis (2 days) Development of data collection tools (2 days) Data collection (14 days) Data analysis (5 days) Draft report (10 days) Validation workshop (1/2 day) Finalizing the report (2) A research report (maximum of 35 pages) The format of the research document should have the following sections. Executive summary (with all topics of the report) Introduction, context and relevance Research methodology(a.Approach, b.Methods of data collection and analysis,Limitations Research findings and analysis Conclusion and recommendations Timeframe and payment The research is expected to begin in the month of January 2026 and is expected to take approximately three months. Payment will be based on submission of deliverables that are satisfactory and have been assessed by the HelpAge team to be of good quality. Taxation laws will apply on the overall consultancy fee. The following payments will be paid to the firm/consultant using an agreed mode of payment. 30% of the contract value after the submission and approval of the inception report, including a detailed methodology and research instruments. 30% of the contract value after the submission and approval of a first draft of the report. 40% of the contract value after the submission and approval of final report incorporating comments on the first draft. Ethics, Safeguarding and Code of Conduct The firm/consultant will be working on behalf of HelpAge and will be required to sign and adhere to the Safeguarding Policy and ethical guidelines. The firm/consultant must obtain informed consent from all participants. The firm/consultant must receive prior permission for taking and use of visual still/ moving images for specific purposes. The consultant will ensure data protected principles and the title rights, copyrights and all other rights generated under the provisions of this consultancy will exclusively be vested with HelpAge International. Qualifications and Experience Required Strong expertise in social protection systems, including community-based mechanisms. Strong expertise in community-based development approaches. Proven experience in research and analysis, particularly using mixed methods and participatory approaches. Sound understanding of older peoples wellbeing, and community structures. Excellent report writing, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills. Advanced degree in Social Policy, Development Studies, Sociology, or a related field; OR minimum 7 years relevant experience in social protection, ageing, or community development. Tender Link : https://reliefweb.int/job/4188163/consultancy-review-community-based-social-protection-systems-ethiopia-malawi-tanzania-and-mozambique
