Terms of Reference (ToR): Development of Methodology and Training for Most Significant Change (MSC) Stories

1. Background

The Asia Foundation (TAF), in partnership with the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), is implementing the AMPLIFY program. This initiative aims to mitigate the disproportionate impacts of conflict and insecurity on women in ASEAN and strengthen peace actions through their meaningful participation and benefit. The program targets regional interventions and country-level components in Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, with scope for engagement with other ASEAN countries.

AMPLIFY integrates a strong focus on learning and contextual knowledge, particularly in countries like Laos and Cambodia, where significant gaps in Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) understanding exist, and Myanmar, where the situation for women remains volatile. Documenting Most Significant Change (MSC) stories is a core learning activity under the program to support agenda setting and prioritization for national and regional WPS initiatives. The AMPLIFY team is looking for creative and engaging ways to share stories. The target audience will range from ASEAN governments, donors and civil society, using a variety of mediums.

2. Objectives

The objective of this assignment is to:

1. Design a robust methodology and approaches for documenting MSC stories that align with AMPLIFY’s goals and theory of change.
2. Build the capacity of TAF’s team and key stakeholders to collect, analyze, and utilize MSC stories effectively.

3. Scope of Work

The selected firm will:

1. Develop the MSC Methodology:

• Design a tailored MSC methodology and tools to capture stories of significant change, ensuring alignment with AMPLIFY’s outcomes and learning objectives.
• Incorporate considerations for ethical storytelling, cultural sensitivity, privacy and data security, and inclusion of diverse voices, particularly from vulnerable or underrepresented groups.
• Provide a clear process for story collection, validation, and thematic analysis.

2. Design and Deliver Training:

• Develop training materials and a curriculum to build the capacity of TAF staff and partners on the MSC methodology.
• Deliver a virtual training program in April 2025, spread over one to two weeks with not more than 3 hours daily session, to accommodate different sessions and participant schedules.
• Incorporate interactive elements such as practical exercises, group discussions, and case studies to ensure active engagement and learning.

3. Support Post-Training Implementation:

• Provide follow-up support and mentorship to participants as they begin collecting and analyzing MSC stories.
• Offer guidance on addressing challenges and refining the methodology based on initial implementation feedback.

4. Deliverables

1) MSC Methodology and Tools:

• A comprehensive methodology document, including tools and guidelines for story collection, validation, and analysis.
• Ethical guidelines and a checklist for ensuring quality and inclusivity in story collection.

2) Training

• A detailed training curriculum with session plans, presentations, and handouts.
• Practical exercises and case studies tailored to the AMPLIFY program’s context.
• A virtual training program will be conducted in April 2025, spanning one week. Session recordings and supplementary resources will be provided to participants to enhance their learning experience.

3) Post-Training Support:

• A plan for ongoing mentorship and support to ensure effective implementation of the MSC methodology.

5. Timeline

The assignment will be conducted according to the following timeline:

• Contract Award: February 2025
• Development of MSC Methodology: February to March 2025
• Submission of Methodology and Training Agenda and Materials: Mid-March 2025
• Virtual Training Delivery: April 2025
• Post-Training Support-mentoring of team to draft stories: May to October 2025

6. Qualifications and Experience

The firm/consultant should have:

• Proven expertise in designing and implementing MSC methodologies and approaches.
• Experience in delivering capacity-building programs, particularly in virtual settings.
• Knowledge of WPS, gender equality, and human security contexts in ASEAN.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse participants.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills.
• AMPLIFY strongly encourages applications with innovative and creative approaches to storytelling while being underpinned by robust methodologies.

7. Application Process

Interested firms are invited to submit:

1. A technical proposal outlining their approach and timeline.
2. CVs of key team members highlighting relevant experience.
3. A financial proposal with a detailed breakdown of costs.
4. Samples of previous work, particularly related to MSC for similar programs