Consultancy assignment for Deepening the conversation on feminist alternatives beyond GDP in Asia

Terms of Reference

Primer: Consultancy assignment for Deepening the conversation on feminist alternatives beyond GDP in Asia

1. INTRODUCTION:

Oxfam in Asia is seeking the services of an individual/firm who is skilled in research on GDP alternatives and has experience of working with the development sector to develop a research primer.

Oxfam is a global movement of people who are fighting inequality to end poverty and injustice. Across regions, from the local to the global, we work with people to bring change that lasts. Our work is grounded in the commitment to the universality of human rights. Driven by diversity and founding our asks in evidence and experience, we take sides against poverty and injustice everywhere. Feminist approaches guide all our analysis, action and interaction.

In Asia, traditional economic models often fail to capture the nuanced realities of diverse communities, particularly those marginalized due to gender biases and colonial legacies. A core feature of the current economic system is its focus on gross domestic product (GDP) as the primary indicator of economic and social progress. GDP growth is seen as the key to achieving other socio-political goals, such as greater equality, wellbeing and an end to poverty. Over time, GDP has moved from being an instrument and indicator of some limited value to being a goal for countries. As a metric, GDP is limited in its ability to highlight what is being produced, how it is being produced, and who it benefits and who and what is harmed. Studies have shown how GDP growth does not necessarily correspond with advancements in gender nor other key social prosperity indicators. It wholly ignores the value of care work to society. The unfettered focus on GDP growth also ignores planetary boundaries. There have been many alternate to GDP frameworks brought through in the past but that these have failed to gain meaningful policy traction or support transformative change. Since UNSG is currently advancing the agenda through the development of global metrics, we are presented with an opportunity to influence the discussion from a feminist and decolonial perspective.

By embracing feminist and decolonial perspectives, Asian economies can move beyond traditional GDP-driven paradigms and pave the way for more equitable and sustainable development. This primer would help build on Oxfam GB’s report radical pathways beyond GDP and support our advocacy efforts in Asia. It would serve as a catalyst for meaningful discourse and tangible policy reform, promoting a transformative shift towards holistic and inclusive economic development in the region. This primer will be formally presented at a policy dialogue on this issue in fall. The feedback from the participants will subsequently strengthen the research piece.

2. OBJECTIVES AND RESEARCH QUESTIONS:

Objectives:

• To contextualise the limitations of GDP in Asia and its implications for different Asian communities from a feminist and decolonial perspective.
• Map out existing alternatives to GDP tested out in the region and key actors that are relevant in this space (including civil society actors and governments). Identify how these alternatives link to the broader feminist, economic, and climate justice demands of CSO’s and movements in the region
• Identify key entry points for influencing regional and national statistical and economic policy making processes. Identify key entry points and key messages towards Asian governments, ASEAN and other institutions and stakeholders to take the conversation forward.

Research Questions:

1.What would a feminist and decolonial alternative to GDP look like in Asia?

The primer would help us take the global piece forward and help flesh out what alternatives are currently available in Asia, to what extent are they feminist and decolonial, and what are the barriers to their mainstreaming from a political economy and financing perspective.

We are also hoping the primer could help us answer some of the criterion laid out in the Oxfam’s flagship alternates to GDP paper and help piece together a picture of what can an alternate look like in Asia.

As an outcome, we would need 2-3 key recommendations or action points that we can take up with our target audience. We would need high level policy recommendations and guidelines for Asian governments and institutions to integrate feminist and decolonial principles into their economic assessments and policy-making processes.

2.Refining our target audience: Who would we target within Asia to influence a move towards GDP alternatives?

The primer could help us identify Asian target audience for the piece. This would include key national and regional decisions maker including Asian governments, ASEAN and other institutions and stakeholders. It would also include allies we can engage to support our influencing work.

3.Building allyship: Why should local organisations and allies be interested in taking up this agenda:

Oxfam is currently supporting an Asia feminist coalition which is a network of feminist organisations working across Asia. We would like to build a shared understanding and co-develop a few key activities to take the alternatives to GDP conversation forward. Some of the questions we would like the primer to address is why local organisations and allies should care about this agenda and how can it be linked with existing feminist work in Asia.

3. Audience of the primer:

This piece is intended for an Oxfam audience and CSO, allies and movements planning on influencing work around this agenda in Asia. This piece is targeted towards actors influencing on feminist, climate and economic justice issues in the region.

4. METHODOLOGY:

The primer would be a thought piece based on an extensive desk based literature review. It would be supplemented by key informant interviews and consultations with actors currently influencing on feminist, climate and economic justice issues in the region (including but not limited to CSOs, activists, multilateral and UN organisations, and governemnts).

5. KEY DELIVERABLES

One comprehensive report including:

• Literature review framing the narrative on GDP alternatives in Asia
• Discussion on existing alternatives in Asia
• Key messages and entry points for influencing Asian actors
• Mapping of allies and target audience relevant in this space
• Top-line suggested pathways for advocacy on the agenda.

6. TIMELINE:

The consultant will be expected to compile the information and formulate it into a first draft report within a month from the contract signing. The consultant will be expected to impart 22 days for the assignment. The consultant would be required to integrate feedback from the project team as well.

A. TASK No. of Days

Developing the overall report 16 days

Incorporation of feedback to the first draft 2 days

Attending the policy dialogue and updating the draft 2 days

Reviewing the second draft and finalization of the briefing 2 days

Total Days 22

B. TIMELINE:

The study will unfold according to the following timeline:

COMPONENT MONTH/ TIME

First draft of the study to be circulated End of July

Second draft of the study to be circulated Mid August

Final Sign off Mid September

7. IMPORTANT NOTES

• The contract period for this assignment will be for twenty two days
• The selected candidate will report to the Gender Justice Policy & Advocacy Manager at Oxfam.
• All the deliverables need to be approved by the project team before being finalized.
• The Consultant will seek the team’s feedback and incorporate it to improve the quality of the deliverable. Oxfam has the right to suggest changes to the deliverables at any time during the period of this consultancy.
• All content produced will be a property of Oxfam and may not be used for other commercial purposes without permission. The consultant will work in close collaboration with Oxfam’s Communications team to ensure delivery of the required products on pre-defined standards, using Oxfam’s branding guidelines. The final products will be subject to approval by Oxfam.

8. PROCEDURE FOR SUBMISSION

Interested candidates should submit:

1. A short narrative proposal

2. Financial Quotation (inclusive of all taxes)

3. Submit the contact details of two referees

4. Sample of previous work

5. Registration & Taxes: The applicant firms must be registered companies having complete postal address, telephone, fax, National Tax Number (attach copy).

   9. Key Competencies

• Key knowledge, understanding and insight into the alternatives to GDP conversations
• Extensive research experience and knowledge of women’s economic justice, gender and feminist issues and their link with macroeconomics
• Understanding of the links between gender and GDP measurement
• Proven experience with conducting research studies
• Knowledge of key regional and national actors in the economic policy and decision making space in Asia
• Previous degree in economics and/ or social development
• Previous work experience with other international non-government organization is desirable.