Terms of Reference (ToR)
Social and Gender Expert – Situational Analysis
Position Summary
- Position Title: Social and Gender Expert – Situational Analysis
- Project: Climate-Resilient Integrated Water Resources Management (CR-IWRM) in the Zarafshan River Basin
- Assignment Title: Social and Gender Analysis to Inform the Zarafshan River Basin Development Plan
- Duty Station: Home-based, with required travel to Samarkand, Navoi, Bukhara, Kashkadarya, and Djizzakh Provinces (Zarafshan River Basin)
- Duration: August – November 2025 (up to 45 working days)
- Reports to: Zarafshan River Basin Council Board and designated Technical Advisors from Caritas Switzerland and CAREC
- Type of Contract: Individual Consultant
- Background
Caritas Switzerland, in partnership with the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC), is implementing the project “Climate-Resilient Integrated Water Resources Management in the Zarafshan River Basin (CR-IWRM)”. The project promotes sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient management of water resources. As part of the basin planning process, it is essential to assess the social and gender dimensions of water access, governance, and agricultural livelihoods.
This consultancy will ensure that the Basin Development Plan (BDP) is aligned with national policies on gender equality, social development, and sustainable natural resource management.
As part of the broader technical team, the consultant will work under the overall guidance of the Expert Group Coordinator – Water Resources Management Specialist, who is responsible for consolidating sectoral findings into a unified Basin Development Plan. All experts will collaborate closely to ensure alignment and consistency across thematic assessments.
- Objective of the Assignment
To conduct a comprehensive analysis of social and gender issues within the Zarafshan River Basin, identify key challenges and opportunities, and provide practical recommendations for promoting women leadership, equity and inclusion in water governance and basin-level planning.
- Scope of Work and Key Tasks
- Data Collection and Analysis
- Review statistical data, reports, legal frameworks, and literature related to gender, social policy, and water use.
- Conduct interviews and surveys with local communities, government officials, NGOs, and vulnerable groups (e.g., women-headed households, youth, elderly).
- Analyze the barriers and opportunities for women and men in accessing water and employment in the rural context.
- Preparation of Analytical Report
- Describe the current social and gender situation in the Zarafshan River Basin.
- Identify barriers to equitable access to water, land, finance, and employment in agriculture and water sectors.
- Assess participation of women and vulnerable groups in water governance and decision-making processes.
- Examine how climate change and water scarcity affect different social groups.
- Develop actionable recommendations for gender-responsive and socially inclusive basin development planning.
- Deliverables and Timeline
- Inception Report – Methodology and data collection approach
Due: Within 2 weeks of contract start - Preliminary Report – Summary of early findings
Due: By the end of October - Final Analytical Report – Narrative and visual presentation of results
Due: By the end of November
Must include:- Detailed social and gender analysis
- Visual schemes/maps showing geographic and demographic disparities
- Recommendations for socially inclusive water governance
- Presentation of Findings – Delivered to project stakeholders for feedback
Language and Format: All deliverables must be submitted in English or Russian, both in digital and hard copy formats.
- Required Qualifications and Experience
- Advanced degree in Sociology, Gender Studies, Social Policy, or a related field
- Minimum 5 years of experience in gender and social analysis, ideally in the context of development or natural resource management
- Experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods, including participatory tools (e.g., PRA, focus groups, surveys)
- Demonstrated ability to prepare high-quality analytical reports with policy-relevant recommendations
- Knowledge of governance in water or agriculture sectors is an advantage
- Familiarity with Central Asian or Uzbekistan-specific socio-cultural context is preferred
- Duration, Reporting, and Logistics
- Duration and Level of Effort:
August – December 2025, with an estimated level of effort of up to 45 working days. - Duty Station and Travel:
Home-based with required field travel to Samarkand, Navoi, Bukhara, Kashkadarya, and Djizzakh Provinces.
The consultant is responsible for all logistical arrangements and travel costs. - Supervision and Reporting:
As part of the broader technical team, the consultant will work under the overall guidance of the Expert Group Coordinator – Water Resources Management Specialist, who is responsible for consolidating sectoral findings into a unified Basin Development Plan. All experts will collaborate closely to ensure alignment and consistency across thematic assessments.
The consultant will report to the Zarafshan River Basin Council Board and designated Technical Advisors from Caritas Switzerland and CAREC, working in close coordination with the broader CR-IWRM project team.
- Support and Coordination:
While the project will help establish initial contacts with key stakeholders, the consultant is responsible for managing all data collection, field arrangements, and communications necessary for fulfilling the assignment.
