Purpose of consultancy:

Background and Rationale:

Child, Early, Forced Marriages and Unions (CEFMU) is a grave violation of human rights that denies children their right to childhood, education, and choice. It often results in early pregnancy, lower educational attainment, and a heightened risk of domestic violence, creating an intergenerational cycle of poverty that undermines national development.

In 2021, the country passed Republic Act (RA) 11596, which criminalizes the practice of child marriage and imposes penalties for violations. Despite this legal milestone, CEFMU remains a pressing social issue, affecting one in 10 girls and three percent of boys. The drivers are complex, rooted in discriminatory gender norms, religious and cultural traditions, poverty, and limited access to reproductive health services. 

To address these challenges, the Philippines has committed to ending Child, Early and Forced Marriages and Unions (CEFMU) by 2028, in line with Target 5.3 of the Sustainable Development Goals. 

The Philippine government developed the NAP-ECEFMU 2025-2028 through a consultative process involving national and regional stakeholders. Led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), the plan adopts a whole-of-society approach organized under four strategic pillars:

• Pillar 1: Empowerment of Children – Equipping at-risk and already-married children with knowledge of their rights and agency.
• Pillar 2: Shifting Sociocultural Norms – Transforming patriarchal and harmful gender norms.
• Pillar 3: Strengthening Services and Systems – Enhancing access to adolescent-friendly and culturally relevant protection and health services.
• Pillar 4: Supportive Policy and Governance – Strengthening the enforcement of RA 11596 and ensuring institutional accountability,

Following the launch of the national action plan in 2025, a robust Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework is essential. The M&E framework aims to effectively measure the success of these strategies, promote accountability among implementing agencies, and support continuous improvement. This framework will serve as the primary mechanism to track progress, identify implementation gaps, and ensure that the vision of a society where all children are free from CEFMU is realized.

Scope of work:

To develop a comprehensive, feasible, and government-aligned M&E Framework that enables the Inter-Agency Committee (IAC-ECEFMU) to systematically monitor, evaluate, and report on the implementation of the NAP-ECEFMU.

The primary objective is to establish a coherent and government-aligned M&E framework that supports coordinated monitoring, reporting, and use of data across implementing agencies and LGUs, while supporting the Inter-Agency Committee in its oversight and coordination functions for the NAP-ECEFMU.

• Track Progress: Monitor performance against defined targets across all four pillars of the NAP-ECEFMU.
• Assess Impact: Evaluate the relevance and effectiveness of interventions using quantitative and qualitative data.
• Enhance Accountability: Establish a clear reporting and data-sharing mechanism for all lead and collaborating government agencies.

The consultant will perform the following tasks:

1. Framework Development: 
   • Develop a results-based M&E Framework aligned with RBM principles, including:
   • Refined Theory of Change (if needed)
   • Results framework (impact, outcome, output levels)
   • SMART, gender- and age-disaggregated indicators
   • Baselines (where available) and guidance for target-setting
   • Ensure alignment with SDG 5.3 and relevant national indicators
2. Data Systems and Governance
   • Map existing national and sectoral data systems (e.g., DSWD, PSA, DOH)
   • Develop data flow pathways across national and local levels
   • Propose data collection, validation, and reporting protocols
   • Identify data gaps and recommend practical solutions
3. Tools and Guidance
   • Develop user-friendly tools and templates (e.g., reporting formats, indicator reference sheets)
   • Prepare an M&E operational guide for implementing agencies and LGUs
4. Stakeholder Consultation
   • Facilitate structured consultations with IAC-ECEFMU member agencies and key stakeholders 
   • Document consultation results and integrate feedback into outputs
5. Validation and Finalization
   • Support validation of the draft framework
   • Finalize the M&E Framework and tools incorporating stakeholder feedback

Please note that if the consultant determines that additional experts or personnel are needed to complete all deliverables in this project, all associated expenses, including travel costs, professional fees, and any other related expenses, will be covered by the consultant.

Duration and Delivery dates, Proposed Payment Schedule and how work will be delivered (e.g. electronic, hard copy etc.):

Consultancy Period: 01 June to 31 October 2026. 

The consultant will be paid on a per deliverable basis, following the schedule below:

• The first payment, 20%, will be made upon receipt and acceptance of the first deliverable as per the table of deliverables (electronically);
• The second payment, 30%, will be made upon receipt and acceptance of the second deliverable as per the table of deliverables (electronically);
• The third payment, 30%, will be made upon receipt and acceptance of the third deliverable as per the table of deliverables (electronically); 
• The remaining 20% will be made upon approval by the Assistant Representative and acceptance of the final deliverables as per the table of deliverables (electronically)

A detailed project timeline, including specific deliverables and their associated deadlines, will be mutually agreed upon by the consultant and UNFPA. This timeline will be outlined in an inception report to be submitted by the consultant at the commencement of the engagement.

Place where services are to be delivered:

The consultant will be mostly home-based but will have to report to the UNFPA office when called (upon prior coordination with the Consultant).  The deliverables will be submitted to UNFPA Philippines CO through the Social Norms Change Analyst and will be closely coordinated with the DSWD and CWC focals. 

The project is expected to focus in Metro Manila for national-level activities.

Location of Activities:

Monitoring, Supervisory, and quality check arrangements: 

The UNFPA Gender/GBV Programme Team and DSWD Protective Services Bureau (PSB) will work hand in hand to monitor the progress of all deliverables and the entire consultancy.

Supervisory Arrangements:

The project will be under the overall management of UNFPA with day-to-day technical backstopping from DSWD PSB. The consultant is expected to work closely with both parties involved.

UNFPA and DSWD PSB will have frequent interactions with the consultant at various stages to:

1. Brief the consultant and provide clarity on the assignment; the process, and the deliverables;
2. Provide key documents relevant to the deliverables;
3. Introduce and facilitate the consultant to work with key stakeholders and counterparts if necessary; and 
4. Provide feedback and get agreement on the next steps of the assignment.

Required expertise, qualifications, and competencies, including language requirements:

The following experience and qualifications are required for the IC:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Social Sciences, Gender Studies, Development Studies, Public Policy, Public Administration, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of progressively responsible experience in programme monitoring and evaluation, strategic planning, or results-based management, particularly in the areas of gender equality, women’s empowerment, or prevention and response to violence against women and girls (VAWG).
• Proven experience in designing and implementing results-based M&E frameworks and systems for national action plans, preferably in the context of GBV or related social policy sectors, national policies, or multi-sectoral programmes.
• Solid understanding of  results-based management and logical framework approaches in social development or governance sectors including programme and project cycle management, 
• Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of Philippine government systems and development planning processes, including public budgeting, inter-agency coordination, and reporting mechanisms at both national and local levels.
• Strong understanding of the legal and policy environment on gender equality and GBV in the Philippines, including key laws such as the Anti-Child Marriage Law (RA 11596), Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710), Anti-VAWC Act (RA 9262), Anti-Rape Law, Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, and the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313).
• Strong understanding of Philippine governance systems, including planning, budgeting, and reporting processes at national and local levels
• Familiarity with the broader gender policy landscape in the Philippines, including national strategies, institutional mandates, and coordination structures
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.
• Strong facilitation skills and experience in leading participatory consultations and workshops with government and civil society stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize qualitative and quantitative data to inform strategic planning and costing. 
• Working knowledge of international frameworks on gender equality and women's rights (e.g., CEDAW - Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination against Women, SDG 5, Beijing Platform for Action).
• Experience in evaluation design and use of mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative) is an advantage
• Experience in developing M&E frameworks that are operationalized within government systems (not only at design level) is highly desirable
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Please note that if the consultant determines that additional experts or personnel are needed to complete all deliverables in this project, all associated expenses, including travel costs, professional fees, and any other related expenses, will be covered by the consultant.

Inputs/services to be provided by UNFPA or implementing partner (e.g support services, office, equipment):

UNFPA will manage the logistical aspects required for the activities outlined in this TOR, including arranging the venue and accommodations (if necessary), and meals. The DSWD PSB will assist with specific logistical requirements.

UNFPA and DSWD PSB teams will provide essential reports, databases, research, and other relevant documents to support this project.

Other relevant information or special conditions:  

Interested applicants are required to submit the following:

• A technical proposal outlining the proposed approach, methodology, and workplan
• At least two (2) sample works demonstrating relevant experience (e.g., results-based M&E frameworks, reports developed or led by the applicant)

An updated CV highlighting relevant experience.