National Consultant - GRCM Training and Programme Manual

Purpose of consultancy

Background and Rationale:

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is committed to advancing gender equality and strengthening systems that effectively prevent and respond to gender-based violence (GBV). Central to this commitment is ensuring that frontline service providers are equipped to deliver survivor-centered, gender-responsive, and rights-based case management services.

In the Philippines, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) plays a critical role in delivering social welfare and social protection services, including the provision of case management for survivors of violence against women and other forms of GBV. However, variations in capacities, approaches, and guidance across service providers continue to affect the consistency and quality of GBV response. Addressing these gaps requires a more standardized, coherent, and institutionalized approach to case management that is responsive to gender and grounded in human rights principles.

To address this, UNFPA has been supporting DSWD in advancing Gender-Responsive Case Management (GRCM) as a framework for strengthening GBV response within the broader social welfare system. In 2025, a consultant was engaged to draft the foundational materials for this framework. This resulted in the development of a draft Enhanced GRCM Program Manual, designed as the primary reference for delivering consistent, survivor-centered, and gender-responsive case management across different levels of service delivery. Complementing this, a draft Trainers’ Manual was developed to support the systematic building of capacities among DSWD personnel and partner service providers.

These efforts aim to contribute to the institutionalization of GRCM within DSWD systems and to ensure that a competent pool of trainers and practitioners is in place to sustain and scale its implementation. Strengthening both the technical quality of these tools and their practical applicability in real-world contexts is essential to achieving this goal.

Building on this progress, UNFPA now seeks an Individual Consultant to continue the work initiated last year. The focus of this second phase is to update, layout, and finalize these documents. The consultant will ensure the manuals are not only technically robust but also visually accessible and operationally ready for national implementation. This engagement is vital to ensuring that DSWD has a competent pool of trainers and a finalized set of tools to sustain and scale-up high-quality, survivor-centered GBV services. 

This engagement will also contribute to the institutionalization of standardized, gender-responsive case management practices within DSWD systems and partner service delivery mechanisms.

Objectives:

The consultancy specifically aims to:

1. Undertake a comprehensive desk review and technical assessment of the draft Enhanced GRCM Trainers’ Manual and Program Manual, including identification of key gaps, inconsistencies, and areas for strengthening in alignment with national policies and the Inter-Agency Standing Committee Guidelines for GBV Case Management.
2. Integrate technical inputs from the DSWD internal peer review process to enhance the structure, coherence, clarity, and usability of both manuals.
3. Design and implement pilot testing of the GRCM Trainers’ Manual and Program Manual, including development of methodology and evaluation tools to assess their practicality, effectiveness, and relevance in real-world settings.
4. Refine and validate the GRCM tools through iterative revisions, incorporating evidence from pilot testing and stakeholder validation to ensure that the manuals are user-friendly, context-responsive, and operationally feasible.
5. Produce high-quality, publication-ready versions of the Trainers’ Manual and Program Manual, including standardized training modules, facilitation guides, and tools, with appropriate formatting and layout aligned with UNFPA and DSWD standards.
6. Provide technical support to the orientation and initial roll-out of the finalized GRCM tools, including strengthening the capacity of DSWD trainers and documenting lessons learned to inform scale-up and institutionalization.

Ensure that all processes and outputs adhere to survivor-centered, ethical, and safeguarding principles, including confidentiality, safety, and Do No Harm approaches.

Scope of work:

Under the technical guidance of UNFPA and DSWD Protective Services Bureau (DSWD-PSB) with close coordination with relevant stakeholders, the consultant will undertake the following tasks:

1. Inception, Desk Review, and Technical Assessment of Relevant Materials

The consultant will:

• Conduct an inception meeting with UNFPA and DSWD- PSB to confirm the scope, expected deliverables, timelines, and coordination arrangements;
• Prepare and submit an Inception Report outlining the proposed workplan, methodology, timeline for the consultancy, and coordination approach;
• Undertake a comprehensive review of relevant materials, including:
  • Draft Enhanced GRCM Trainers’ Manual
  • Draft Enhanced GRCM Program Manual
  • Existing GRCM tools and frameworks, including those issued by UNFPA Headquarters/APRO and the Inter-Agency Standing Committee Guidelines for GBV Case Management
  • Relevant national policies and guidelines on GBV response and case management standards.
• Conduct a technical assessment and gap analysis of the draft manuals, identifying inconsistencies, gaps, and priority areas for strengthening, in line with national standards and the Inter-Agency Standing Committee Guidelines for GBV Case Management.

2. Technical Review, Participation in the DSWD Internal Peer Review and Integration of Peer Review Inputs

The consultant will:

• Actively participate in the DSWD internal peer review process of the draft Enhanced GRCM Training of Trainers (ToT) module and Program Manual;
• Provide substantive technical inputs and recommendations to strengthen the overall structure, coherence, clarity, and practical applicability of both documents;
• Integrate peer review inputs into an updated working draft of the Manuals;
• Ensure that the materials are aligned with national standards, existing frameworks, and global good practices in GBV case management; and
• Systematically document key feedback, insights, and recommendations arising from the peer review process to inform subsequent revisions and finalization of the outputs.

3. Pilot Testing of the GRCM Trainers’ Manual and Program Manual

The consultant will design and technically lead the pilot testing of the draft GRCM Trainers’ Manual and the Enhanced GRCM Program Manual with selected participants to assess their practicality, usability, and overall effectiveness in a training setting.

This will include:

• Designing the pilot testing approach, including the concept, methodology, and appropriate evaluation tools or framework;
• Preparing a pilot testing plan (including agenda, participants, and feedback tools); 
• Leading the facilitation of pilot training sessions using the draft manuals;
• Ensuring application of ethical and safeguarding standards, including the use of anonymized or simulated case scenarios;
• Documenting the pilot implementation process and systematically collecting and analyzing structured feedback from participants and relevant stakeholders;
• Assessing key aspects of the materials, including:
  • Clarity, coherence, and relevance of the training content
  • Practical applicability of tools and guidance provided in the Program Manual
  • Appropriateness of training duration, structure, and flow
  • Effectiveness of training methodologies, facilitation approaches, and exercises

The consultant will work in close coordination with the UNFPA-Gender/GBV Unit and the DSWD-PSB throughout the process to ensure that the pilot testing reflects operational realities and generates practical, evidence-based insights to inform the refinement and finalization of the manuals.

4. Synthesis, Refinement, and Validation of the GRCM Manuals

Following the pilot testing, the consultant will:

• Preparing a Pilot Testing Report with findings, lessons learned, and actionable recommendations.
• Synthesize and analyze feedback, observations, and lessons learned from the pilot testing;
• Identify key areas for improvement in the GRCM Manuals;
• Lead the systematic and iterative revisions of both documents, integrating findings from the pilot testing and the DSWD and UNFPA internal peer review process;
• Facilitate in-person and/or online validation sessions with UNFPA, DSWD-PSB, and relevant stakeholders at the national and local levels to ensure the materials are responsive, practical, and context-appropriate;
• Consolidate validation inputs and recommendations and incorporate these into the final versions of the GRCM manuals;
• Ensure comprehensive quality assurance, thorough editing, proofreading, including clarity of language, consistency of terminology, technical accuracy of content; and usability for frontline practitioners; 
• Design and deliver final, print-ready versions of the GRCM Trainers’ Manual and Program Manual that are suitable for institutional adoption and implementation.

.5. Finalization, Lay-out and Roll-out Support

The consultant will:

• Finalize and submit publication-ready versions of the GRCM Trainers’ Manual and Program Manual;
• Ensure materials are user-friendly, well-structured, and aligned with UNFPA and DSWD standards;
• Coordinate or oversee layout/design processes, as needed;
• Provide technical support to the orientation of DSWD trainers, including those from Regions V, VIII, and BARMM;
• Provide technical advisory support during the initial roll-out in Regions V, VIII, and BARMM, to be led by DSWD and trained facilitators;
• Support DSWD in identifying and strengthening a core group of GRCM trainers across these regions;
• Document roll-out activities, including:
  • Key processes,
  • Lessons learned,
  • Challenges and good practices,
  • Region-specific implementation insights;
• Submit a Roll-out and Completion Report, including recommendations for scale-up and institutionalization across Regions V, VIII, BARMM, and other areas.

Cross-Cutting Responsibilities

Throughout the assignment, the consultant will:

• Ensure adherence to survivor-centered and ethical principles, including confidentiality, safety, respect, and non-discrimination;
• Apply Do No Harm principles across all activities;
• Maintain regular coordination and communication with UNFPA and DSWD-PSB;
• Ensure timely delivery of high-quality, evidence-based, and publication-ready outputs;
• Align all outputs with national standards and international best practices.

Please note that the engagement of any additional experts or personnel, where necessary to ensure the timely and quality delivery of outputs, shall be discussed and agreed upon with UNFPA and DSWD-PSB. Any associated costs—including professional fees, travel, and related expenses—will be borne by the consultant. The consultant remains fully responsible for ensuring that all deliverables meet the required technical and quality standards, regardless of resource arrangements.

Work Schedule and Arrangements:

The consultancy will commence upon contract approval and will be implemented in close coordination with UNFPA and DSWD-PSB to ensure the timely and efficient delivery of all agreed outputs. The engagement will involve regular consultations, technical discussions, and coordination meetings with both UNFPA and DSWD-PSB at key stages of the consultancy.

While selected activities—such as pilot testing, validation sessions, and Training of Trainers—will require in-person participation, the majority of tasks, including desk review, documentation, and refinement of modules and tools, may be conducted remotely. This allows for a flexible, home-based work arrangement while ensuring continuity and productivity.

The consultant is expected to maintain regular availability during agreed working hours, ensure timely communication and responsiveness, and actively participate in scheduled coordination meetings. The consultant shall also ensure effective coordination with relevant stakeholders to support the smooth implementation of activities and the timely delivery of high-quality outputs.

Duration and Delivery dates, Proposed Payment Schedule and how work will be delivered (e.g. electronic, hard copy etc.):

The consultant will be paid on a per deliverable basis, following the schedule below:

Payment	Deliverables	Percentage
1st Payment	Upon submission and acceptance of: A.  Inception Report Detailed workplan, timeline, and methodology Deliverables schedule aligned with payment tranches Summary of initial desk review and technical assessment of draft manuals B.  Technical Review Documentation Documentation of participation in DSWD internal peer review Consolidated comments and recommendations (e.g., comment matrix) Initial revised outline or annotated drafts of the GRCM Trainers’ Manual and Program ManualSubmission of the Inception Report	30%
2nd Payment	Upon submission and acceptance of: A. Revised GRCM Trainers’ Manual and Program Manual (Draft Version) Revised manuals incorporating: inputs from the DSWD internal peer review; findings and recommendations from pilot testing; Updated and consolidated content, including: structured training modules and session plans; facilitator guides and tools; Clean, organized draft versions ready for validation (not yet final layout). B. Validation Report Validation activity plan or concept note; Documentation of validation sessions (participants, process, key discussions); Consolidated feedback and recommendations from stakeholders; Clear documentation of how validation inputs were addressed or incorporated into the revised manuals (e.g., summary matrix of revisions).	20%
3rd Payment	A. Final GRCM Trainers’ Manual and Program Manual (Publication-Ready) Finalized manuals incorporating all inputs from: peer review, pilot testing, and validation processes; Fully edited, proofread, and quality-assured content (clarity, consistency, technical accuracy); Publication-ready layout and design, aligned with UNFPA and DSWD branding standards; Submitted in: editable format (Word and/or design files), and final PDF format ready for printing and dissemination. B. Roll-out Report Documentation of orientation sessions conducted with IASC GBV Case Management-trained trainers and DSWD specialists; Documentation of initial roll-out activities in Regions V, VIII, and BARMM; Summary of key processes, lessons learned, challenges, and good practices; Practical recommendations to inform scale-up and institutionalization of GRCM implementation. C. Completion Report Consolidated documentation of all consultancy outputs and processes; Summary of key achievements against objectives and deliverables; Final recommendations for sustainability, institutionalization, and future scale-up.	50%
ToTAL:	100%

Payments will be made upon satisfactory completion and acceptance of deliverables, in accordance with the approved schedule below. Payments are contingent upon the quality and completeness of deliverables, as determined by UNFPA.

1. First payment (30%) will be made upon submission and acceptance of the first set of deliverables, as outlined in the table of deliverables, submitted in electronic format;
2. Second payment (20%) will be made upon submission and acceptance of the second set of deliverables, as outlined in the table of deliverables, submitted in electronic format;
3. Final payment (50%) will be made upon submission, acceptance, and formal approval of the final set of deliverables, as outlined in the table of deliverables, submitted in electronic format.

All deliverables shall be subject to review and approval by UNFPA, in coordination with the DSWD Protective Services Bureau (DSWD-PSB), to ensure compliance with agreed technical and quality standards.

Place where services are to be delivered:

Please note that specific locations may be adjusted based on recommendations of DSWD and in consultation with UNFPA.

Meetings and coordination activities may be conducted either virtually or in person, as appropriate.

UNFPA will cover all authorized travel-related expenses for the consultant (one participant), including airfare, land transportation, and daily subsistence allowance (DSA), in accordance with applicable UNFPA rules and regulations. These costs are separate from the professional fee.

All travel shall be pre-approved by UNFPA and coordinated in advance with DSWD-PSB.

Activities	Place
Pilot testing	Metro Manila (in-person)
Validation	Metro Manila, Regions V, VIII and BARMM (virtual and in-person)
Roll out	Region V, VIII and BARMM

Monitoring, Supervisory, and quality check arrangements: 

UNFPA and DSWD-PSB will jointly monitor the progress of deliverables and the overall implementation of the consultancy to ensure alignment with agreed timelines, technical standards, and expected outputs.

A detailed project timeline, including specific deliverables and corresponding deadlines, will be developed by the consultant in consultation with UNFPA and DSWD-PSB and will be subject to approval by UNFPA. The approved timeline shall be reflected in the Inception Report and will guide the implementation of the consultancy.

Progress against the agreed timeline will be regularly monitored through periodic coordination meetings and technical check-ins to ensure the timely delivery of high-quality outputs.

Supervisory Arrangements:

The consultant is expected to work in close coordination with both UNFPA and DSWD-PSB and to actively engage in regular consultations and technical discussions at key stages of the assignment.

UNFPA and DSWD-PSB will support the consultant by:

• Providing clear guidance on the scope of work, processes, and expected deliverables;
• Sharing relevant documents, data, and reference materials necessary for the assignment;
• Facilitating introductions and coordination with key stakeholders and counterparts, as needed;
• Providing timely technical feedback on deliverables and agreeing on next steps to ensure smooth implementation.

All deliverables will be reviewed by UNFPA, in coordination with DSWD-PSB, and will be assessed against agreed quality and technical standards prior to acceptance.

Required expertise, qualifications, and competencies, including language requirements:

The following experience and qualifications are required for the Individual Consultant: 

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s Degree) in social work, sociology, anthropology, public health, development studies, social protection, public policy, or other relevant social science fields;
• Registered Social Worker (RSW) in the Philippines is required.

KKnowledge and Experience

• At least 2 years of progressively responsible experience in gender-based violence (GBV), case management, social protection, or related fields;
• Demonstrated training and/or practical application of gender-responsive case management (GRCM) or GBV case management approaches is highly desirable;
• Demonstrated experience in developing, reviewing, and finalizing training modules, manuals, or operational guidelines, preferably related to GBV case management;
• Proven experience in designing and facilitating Training of Trainers (ToT) and multi-stakeholder consultations;
• Demonstrated experience in pilot testing, validation processes, and iterative refinement of technical tools and materials;
• Experience supporting the roll-out and/or institutionalization of tools, guidelines, or capacity-building programs, preferably within government systems;
• Strong understanding of survivor-centered approaches and gender-responsive programming, including familiarity with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee Guidelines for GBV Case Management;
• Familiarity with Philippine social protection systems and GBV response mechanisms; experience working with DSWD and/or LGUs is an advantage;
• Demonstrated experience working with government agencies, UN agencies, or development partners is highly desirable.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong facilitation, coordination, and stakeholder engagement skills;
• Excellent analytical and report-writing skills;
• Proven ability to synthesize complex technical inputs into clear, user-friendly, and publication-ready outputs;
• High attention to detail and ability to ensure quality assurance of technical materials;
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines under minimal supervision.

Inputs/services to be provided by UNFPA or implementing partner (e.g support services, office, equipment), if applicable:

The DSWD Protective Services Bureau (DSWD-PSB) will provide support on specific logistical and coordination requirements, including facilitating engagement with relevant stakeholders and counterparts, as needed.

UNFPA and DSWD-PSB will provide the consultant with access to relevant documents and resources, including reports, databases, research materials, and existing tools necessary to support the assignment.

The consultant is expected to:

• Proactively identify, source, and analyze additional information and references as required;
• Not rely solely on materials provided by UNFPA and DSWD-PSB;
• Ensure the completeness, accuracy, and technical rigor of all deliverables.

All outputs produced under this consultancy shall be the property of UNFPA.

Other relevant information or special conditions:

Interested applicants are required to submit the following:

Technical Proposal

• Clearly outlining the proposed approach, methodology, and workplan for the assignment;
• Demonstrating understanding of the scope of work and proposed strategy for delivering the expected outputs.
• (Note: A financial proposal is not required at this stage.)

Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Highlighting relevant professional experience, particularly in GBV, case management, training development, and work with government or development partners.

Sample Works

• At least two (2) samples of relevant work, such as training modules, manuals, operational guidelines, or technical reports developed or led by the applicant;

Samples should demonstrate the applicant’s capacity to produce high-quality, well-structured, and user-oriented technical materials, particularly in GBV, case management, or social protection.