A. Introduction

One of the critical challenges confronting Indigenous communities in Asia is water governance. Women primarily oversee the domestic and agricultural use of water, yet their involvement in planning and managing water resources remains challenging. Indigenous women often play pivotal roles in water governance, yet their voices and perspectives are not acknowledged. Further, their indigenous knowledge and skills in water resource management are not well documented.

With the financial support of PAWANKA Fund, the Network of Indigenous Women in Asia (NIWA) and AIPP aim to strengthen the capacities of Indigenous Women to document the knowledge and practices of IW concerning WRM, and further advocate for recognition of Indigenous Women’s critical role in WRM.

Feminist Participatory Action Research (FPAR) is one of the growing recognized research approaches as transformative and empowering the marginalized communities or groups amplifying voices that are ignored and silenced. Thus, a research project in two NIWA member countries (Malaysia and Thailand) will be implemented by utilizing feminist participatory action research (FPAR) principles and methodologies. The FPAR research will uncover and document the knowledge of Indigenous Women and unique challenges concerning water resource management.

Thus, NIWA’s Secretariat is seeking the research consultant to co-design FPAR and mentor the Indigenous Women in data collection and documenting evidence utilizing feminist participatory action research tools and methodologies.

B. Objective/ Purpose of the Work

The consultant will enhance the capacity of NIWA members by providing a comprehensive understanding of the FPAR methodology and providing ongoing support for the study of Indigenous Women’s roles in Water Governance in Thailand and Malaysia. This includes research design, data collection, analysis, and advocacy, with particular emphasis on incorporating the perspectives of Indigenous Women.

C. Scope of the Work & Deliverables

The consultant(s) will work in close collaboration with NIWA to design, develop, and facilitate a participatory and inclusive process for FPAR on women in water governance.

Based on the given objective and scope of the work, the tasks of the consultants will include:

• Conduct and facilitate an online FPAR workshop to train NIWA members on FPAR methodology, including research design, data collection, analysis, and advocacy strategies.
• Guide and facilitate the FPAR process for conducting studies on Indigenous Women in water governance in Thailand and Malaysia, co-designing the research approach with local researchers.
• Provide training to researchers in setting research questions, designing data collection tools, and conducting analysis.
• Provide online monthly guidance and support to researchers in both Thailand and Malaysia throughout the duration of the FPAR process.
• Provide technical guidance during community consultations ensuring effective engagement and data collection.
• Support the preparation of detailed reports that present study findings, analyses, and actionable recommendations.
• Ensure the FPAR process integrates Indigenous Women’s perspectives, cultural sensitivity, inclusion, and intersectionality in all stages of research.
• Ensure timely completion of all deliverables within the agreed timeframe.

D. Key Deliverables:

Based on the above, the key deliverables are as follows:

• Comprehensive online FPAR workshop agenda, materials, and training delivered to NIWA members.
• FPAR methodology co-designed with researchers for the studies in Thailand and Malaysia.
• Regular monthly online guidance sessions and technical support for researchers.
• Final report summarizing the FPAR process, outcomes, and lessons learned.

E. Reporting

The consultant will report to NIWA Secretariat for technical guidance, quality assurance, and finalization of deliverables.

F. Qualifications/Competencies/ Experience

The firm or consultant should possess the following qualifications:

• Expertise in Feminist Participatory Action Research, particularly in Indigenous and community-led research.
• Experience in working with Indigenous Women and understanding of water governance issues.
• Experience in research design, data collection, analysis, and report writing.
• Demonstrated experience in working with Indigenous Peoples Organizations, particularly Indigenous Women Organizations and Networks, and familiarity with Indigenous knowledge, values, and practices.
• Knowledgeable about the Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Women’s movements in Asia and beyond.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders, including AIPP EC members, Secretariat staff, and representatives from the 14 NIWA member organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to articulate and deliver well-structured research design and report in proficient English.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Research, or Gender Studies. (Master’s degree in the above will be an added advantage.)

G. Location

This is a remote-based assignment.

H. Duration

The duration of the consultancy agreement will be 15 days in total from November 2024 to April 2025.

I. Payment

The remuneration and payment terms will be subject to negotiation.

J. How to Apply

To apply for the consultancy position, interested parties should send the following documents to hr-aipp@aippnet.org by 30 October 2024:

• An expression of interest/proposal including a cover letter, an understanding of the scope of work, the proposed methodology and approach, workplan, and a financial proposal.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).

In the email subject line, please mention: AIPP/FPAR Consultancy.

Only shortlisted Consultant(s) will be notified.