Who we are

　　Bixal is a mission-driven, woman-owned small business determined to improve people's lives through human-centered strategies and transformative technologies, with a firm belief that everyone has the right to an effective government.  

　　We deliver on this belief by partnering with leading Federal agencies to design, develop, and deliver powerful customer experiences through holistic digital product solutions and strategic communications initiatives––bringing a high standard and unique creative energy to our clients––and our wonderfully diverse culture is what makes it all possible.  

　　Bixal unites different people with different perspectives from all over the world! We provide our team with an open and empowered environment where collaboration thrives and solutions flourish. 

　　Location 

　　This role will be remote.  

　　Background 

　　Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) is a critical piece of the USAID mission to achieve global prosperity and peace. USAID envisions a world where individuals of all gender identities and background enjoy equal rights and agency, access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and freedom from restrictive norms and discrimination. To realize this vision, USAID integrates GESI principles into its strategies, projects, and activities. 

　　This analysis aims to gather and analyze information, providing insights into gender dynamics, challenges, and opportunities within the Mission and among Implementing Partners. The resulting key findings and recommendations will be instrumental in informing the development of a Mission-wide Strategy Framework that aligns with the Mission's goals and is adaptable to gender-specific considerations.  

　　The GESI analysis is structured around key sectors of the USAID/Burma portfolio (1) democracy and governance, (2) education (3) economic growth and (4) health sectors. It will also address the USAID ADS 205 gender analysis domains and priority cross-cutting themes and sub-sectors. Specifically, the analysis will look at the intersection of gender with age (youth), internally displaced persons (IDPs), and rural/urban differences. The impacts of conflict will be a cross-cutting theme. 

　　Key Elements of the GESI Analysis

　　Priority Sectors and Sub-sectors:

　　1) Democracy and Governance: Civil society, Political Parties, Human Rights

　　2) Economic Growth: Private Sector/small and medium-sized enterprises, financial sector, agriculture, Human Rights.

　　3) Health: Human rights

　　4) Education: Human rights

　　USAID ADS 205 Gender Analysis Domains:

　　1) Laws, Policies, regulations, and institutional practices

　　2) Cultural norms and beliefs

　　3) Gender roles, responsibilities, and time use

　　4) Access to and over assets and resources

　　5) Patterns of power and decision-making

　　Cross cutting theme: Impacts of conflict

　　Priority Populations: Youth, Internally Displaced Person (IDP), Rural/Urban

　　What will you do? 

　　Bixal seeks a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in the field of democracy and governance and GESI for a short-term technical assistance (STTA) role providing technical review and validation of analysis findings. The SME will focus specifically on GESI in relation to democracy and governance in Burma, including the priority sub-sectors of political process, civil society, and human rights. Their expertise should take into account the ADS 205 Gender Analysis Domains, the cross-cutting themes, and the priority populations. 

　　The Democracy and Governance SME will work in collaboration with the Bixal technical team (MEL Specialist and GESITechnical Lead) and the three additional SMEs for the remaining priority areas. Together they will make up the assessment team. 

　　The consultant will be responsible for assisting the GESI Technical Lead, MELSpecialist, and assessment team in integrating technical expertise around GESI and Democracy and Governance. They will contribute to the desk review, including by identifying key documents relevant to their sector and sub-sectors, reviewing documents, and providing detailed feedback and additional information. They will support in creating the methodology, including drafting tools and identifying potential interviewees. If needed, they may be asked to carry out a minimal number of interviews virtually. They will contribute to the qualitative analysis, including providing technical expertise on the data analysis process and providing detailed feedback on the qualitative analysis for their sector and sub-sectors, as well as provide any cross-sector insights with the other key areas. They will review, provide feedback, and collaboratively contribute to the final report and the final presentation slide deck.  

　　Assignment, duration, and anticipated level of effort  

　　The Consultant must be able to start the assignment in January. We are estimating approximately 7-10days’ level of effort (LOE) for the SME between January-May 2024, to be finalized in line with the final Scope of Work.  

　　**The consultant will be precluded from working on any procurement that results from this analysis.** 

　　Responsibilities Provide detailed insight and technical expertise on democracy and governance, including stated sub-sectors, in relation to GESI to tailor and enhance analysis and recommendations. Work closely with the GESI technical lead, MEL Specialist and other SMEs (assessment team) to ensure a comprehensive and integrated approach to the GESI analysis. Collaborate with the assessment team to develop data collection tools and methodology. Contribute to desk review and qualitative analysis Collaborate with the assessment team to identify cross-sectoral findings, providing insights into gender dynamics, challenges, and opportunities across the Mission and with Implementing Partners. Collaborate with the assessment team to develop a slide deck and present findings to USAID. Work collaboratively with the assessment team to co-create the final report, including for the recommendation section. Participate in collaborative discussions and workshops to share insights and contribute to the overall success of the project. Demonstrate a commitment to gender equality and social inclusion principles in the assigned subject area. Coordinate with Bixal team and the client to ensure a high-quality product. Attend regular weekly check-ins with Bixal technical team. 

　　Qualifications Technical expertisein Democracy and Governance, with experience in identified sub-sectors. Technical expertise in gender analysis and/or social inclusion. Strong experience and knowledge in qualitative research, desk review, and data analysis. Proven ability to write effective research reports. Exceptional organizational abilities and timely communication. Minimum of 5 years of relevant working experience, with at least 2 years working with USAID or other or other international development agencies. Bachelor’s degree or higher in related field, including international development, sociology, or anthropology. Professional written and spoken English skills. Experience workingon projects, research and/or evaluation in Southeast Asia and for non-permissive environmentsisrequired. Experience in Burma ishighly preferable.  

　　Deliverables Contribution and review of GESI Inception Report outlining approach, methodology and data collection tools Contribution and review ofPowerPoint slides on democracy and governancefor GESI Analysis validation and dissemination Contribution and review of GESI Analysis Report with findings on democracy and governance, including cross-cutting findings across sectors and actionable thematic recommendations (approximately 25-30 pages total) 

　　Deliverables will be done in collaboration with the assessment team with specific contribution to be determined. Each SME will be responsible for a specific piece and will be expected to support in the finalization of each deliverable to ensure it is representative of their sector. 

　　Please note that candidates selected may undergo a background investigation and, if applicable, meet eligibility requirements for suitability.

　　Bixal is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. It ensures equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, national origin, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, genetic information, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within our organization and beyond.