Request for proposals
Technical consultant, project ‘Strengthening a gender-equitable and inclusive women-owned small business (PUK) network to influence GEDSI and Trade policies’
About the Association for Women Small and Micro Business Assistance (ASPPUK)
ASPPUK is a national network of civil society organizations in Indonesia committed to empowering marginalized women, particularly micro-entrepreneurs, young people, women heads of households, survivors of violence, and women with disabilities. Through capacity building, policy advocacy, participatory research, and community-based economic development, ASPPUK promotes gender equality, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. With a presence in both rural and urban areas across the country, ASPPUK works to build a just and resilient economy by supporting women’s leadership, strengthening community livelihoods, and amplifying women’s voices in policy and development. ASPPUK envisions a future where women are recognized as key actors in driving inclusive, sustainable, and rights-based development in Indonesia.
About the project
ASPPUK is partnering with the Trade and Gender Equality Incubator (TGEI), an initiative funded by the Australian government to deliver the project “Strengthening a gender-equitable and inclusive women-owned small micro business (PUK) network to influence GEDSI and Trade policies”. The project aims to address gender inequality affecting participation in trade in Indonesia, and thereby facilitate the participation of women entrepreneurs in international markets.
The opportunity
ASPPUK is delivering an applied research on GEDSI and trade issues among its network of SME service providers so that it can better support and represent its members on trade-related policy issues. The research seeks to establish how many SMEs within ASPPUK’s larger network are involved in trade (as importers, exporters, or in export-oriented supply chains), as well as the hurdles diverse entrepreneurs face when engaging in international trade. The research team which is comprised of staff at the Head Quarters of ASPPUK, will take lead in collecting data from the field. Findings will be used to identify areas for future policy advocacy to advance equal access to trade benefits for women, people with disabilities, and other diverse groups; shape training modules and podcast content; and inform a public awareness campaign to promote the role of women entrepreneurs in trade.
The research is in the designing stage. Data collection will take place from 30 May to 25 July 2025 by the research team of ASPPUK. ASPPUK is seeking an individual consultant or a consultancy firm/organisation (the Consultant) to provide technical support for the research from 1st July to 30th September 2025. The Consultant will be responsible for the following deliverables regarding the completion of the research.
- Deliverable 1: A work plan to provide quality assurance of qualitative data collection by the research team of ASPPUK from 7 to 25 July (15%)
- Deliverable 2: Written guidance and feedback for data analysis by the research team of ASPPUK (25%)
- Deliverable 3: Draft research report (35%)
- Deliverable 4: Final research report (25%)
Interested individual consultants or consultancy firms should provide a technical proposal detailing their capabilities in supporting the scope of services outlined in the ToR.
To ensure the above can be effectively managed and completed in alignment with this TOR, below are the requirements for the consultant:
Academic Background and Expertise
- Master or Doctoral degree (PhD) in international trade, gender studies, economics, development studies, Sociology or other relevant fields
- Strong conceptual understanding of Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) principles and their integration into trade and economic policy frameworks.
Relevant Experience
- Minimum 10 years of professional experience in conducting and/or supervising research related to gender and trade, women’s economic empowerment, or inclusive economic development
- Track record in producing high-quality research reports or publications, preferably for development partners, donor agencies, or multilateral institutions
- Demonstrated experience working with civil society organizations, women’s economic groups, or policy advocacy networks in Indonesia or the ASEAN region.
Technical Skills
- Strong command of both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including tools for data validation and gender-responsive analysis
- Excellent writing, synthesis, and analytical skills, with the ability to present complex information in a clear and policy-relevant manner
- Proven ability to mentor and provide feedback to research teams to improve data quality and coherence of findings.
Communication and Coordination
- Strong facilitation, interpersonal, and coordination skills, with experience engaging a wide range of stakeholders including local communities, NGOs, donor representatives, and policymakers
- Fluency in both English and Bahasa Indonesia, with strong writing and verbal communication skills in both languages.
Desirable
- Knowledge of ASEAN trade frameworks such as the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)
- Familiarity with DFAT-funded programs
How to Apply
Please send the application documents as follow:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Example of previous work or research reports or publications relevant to gender and trade or economic development (preferably authored solely or team)
- A technical and financial proposals on how you will approach the assignment
Interested bidders should submit Technical and Financial proposals in alignment with requirements outlines in Section IX of the full TOR.
Please click this link to access the full TOR: bit.ly/torlocalconsultant for more information on how to apply.
Please submit your application documents before 11.59pm of 30 May 2025 to asppuk@gmail.com with the subject line:
Application: Consultant for Gender and Trade Research – ASPPUK-TGEI Project