Consultant - Baseline Study for Sindh Coastal Resilience Integrated Programme

Terms of Reference (ToR)

Baseline Study for Sindh Coastal Resilience Integrated Programme (SCRIP) 1. Background

The Sindh Coastal Resilience Integrated Programme (SCRIP) is a comprehensive, multi-sectoral initiative designed to strengthen climate resilience, promote livelihood security, enhance natural resource management, and improve disaster preparedness in the coastal belt of Sindh, Pakistan.

Focusing on the districts of Thatta and Sujawal, the programme aims to benefit approximately 8,000 individuals from vulnerable coastal communities by improving their adaptive capacity and resilience to climate change risks. The project integrates both community-based and ecosystem-based approaches.

Key expected outcomes include:

Enhanced capacity, resources, and knowledge for climate-resilient planning and disaster risk preparedness, including development of coastal resilience plans, strengthening Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM), and implementing small-scale mitigation/adaptation solutions.

Improved resilience of coastal livelihoods and habitats, with increased access to water and energy services through sustainable aquaculture, regenerative farming practices, and clean energy solutions.

Thematic areas of intervention:

•  Climate-resilient livelihoods
•   Disaster risk reduction and preparedness
•  Clean energy and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene)
•   Afforestation and ecosystem restoration
• Resilient infrastructure development

2. Objectives of the Baseline Study

The baseline study will serve as a reference point for measuring progress and assessing programme impact.

Specific objectives:

1.  Establish baseline values for key outcome and output indicators as per the Results Framework.
2.  Identify existing gaps, needs, and vulnerabilities of targeted communities.
3.  Assess current socio-economic conditions, climate resilience, gender roles, natural resource use, and institutional capacity.
4.  Provide sex-, age-, disability-, and location-disaggregated data for informed programme implementation.
5.   Validate the relevance and feasibility of planned interventions.

3. Scope of Work

The baseline study will cover selected villages in Thatta and Sujawal. The consultant/firm will:

•   Review key project documents (Results Framework, M&E Plan, Theory of Change).
•   Finalize study design and methodology in consultation with the programme team.
•  Develop and field-test data collection tools (quantitative and qualitative).
•   Conduct household surveys, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and participatory assessments.
•   Analyze data and triangulate findings across stakeholder groups.
•  Prepare a comprehensive report with analytical summaries and data sets.

4. Key Indicators to Be Covered

Indicators must align with the Results Framework. Examples include:

Outcome-Level Indicators:

• Number of households reporting improved DRR capacities and protection.
• % of households perceiving improved economic viability from sustainable livelihoods.
• % of population reporting improved WASH knowledge and practices.

Output-Level Indicators:

•   Number of Coastal Resilience Plans developed and integrated locally.
• ·Number of community members trained in disaster preparedness.
•  % of beneficiaries reporting increased income from aquaculture.
•  % of farming households adopting regenerative farming practices.
•  Number of households provided with solar energy systems.
•  Number of people accessing improved WASH services.

5. Methodology

• A mixed-methods approach will be adopted:
• Quantitative: Statistically representative household surveys
• · Qualitative: FGDs, KIIs, stakeholder consultations
•  Participatory: Mapping, seasonal calendars, gender analysis tools
• All data must be sex-, age-, and disability-disaggregated (SADD) and collected in a culturally sensitive, ethical, and participatory manner.

6. Deliverables

1. Inception Report – Design, sampling, tools, and work plan

2. Final Data Collection Tools – Questionnaires, FGD and KII guides

3. Clean Dataset – Properly coded and disaggregated

4. Draft Baseline Report – Key findings and analysis

5. Final Baseline Report – Incorporating stakeholder feedback

6. Presentation – Summary of findings to SCRIP Project team

7. Timeline

The study is to be completed within 8–10 weeks of contract signing. A finalized timeline will be agreed upon during the inception phase.

Tentative Timeline:

Activity

Timeline

Inception & desk review

Week 1

Tool development & pretesting

Week 2

Data collection

Weeks 3–5

Data analysis

Weeks 6–7

Draft reporting

Week 8

Final report & presentation

Week 9–10

8. Reporting Line

The consultant(s) will report directly to the SCRIP Project Manager and work closely with the AKF MEARL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, Research, and Learning) team.

9. Qualifications of the Consultant/Team

- At least 7 years of experience in conducting baseline/impact evaluations for multi-sectoral programmes.

- Strong expertise in quantitative and qualitative research, gender analysis, climate resilience, natural resource management, and WASH.

- Fluency in English and Urdu. Data collection teams must also be fluent in Sindhi.

- Experience working in coastal regions or similar contexts preferred.

10. Safeguarding

AKF is committed to protecting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. All consultants must adhere to AKF’s zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment (SEAH), and other misconduct. Non-compliance may result in termination and disqualification from AKDN activities.

Additional Requirements:

- Ensure informed consent from participants

- Maintain data privacy and confidentiality

- Apply cultural sensitivity and gender inclusiveness

- Comply with data protection and ethical standards

10. Budget and Payment Terms

Payment will be made in three tranches upon satisfactory completion of deliverables:

1. 30% upon approval of the Inception Report

2. 30% upon approval of the Draft Baseline Report

3. 40% upon approval of the Final Report and Presentation

11. Application Process

Interested candidates should submit:

• The consultant/firm must submit a technical and financial proposal, inclusive of all applicable taxes and costs,
• Proposed work plan.

Please find below the link for the detailed ToR, email details of focal person to be for providing the documents:

 (Final)SCRIP_Baseline_Study_ToR.docx

AKF(P) recruitment and selection policy and procedures reflect our commitment to equal opportunity and the safeguarding of children, beneficiaries, partners, community members and employees in accordance with AKF(P)’s Safeguarding policy.

The deadline for the submission of application is Wednesday, June 25, 2025. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.