Westminster Foundation for Democracy (“WFD”) is the UK public body dedicated to supporting democracy around the world. Operating internationally, WFD works with parliaments, political parties, and civil society groups as well as on elections to help make political systems fairer, more inclusive and more accountable.

We are a problem-solving, practitioner-led organisation that offers:  

• Specialist analysis, research, and advice to inform policy makers on a range of democratic governance issues;
• High quality and impactful programmes that directly support the full spectrum of institutions in political systems to develop inclusive political processes, more accountable political systems, protection of rights and freedoms, and more pluralistic societies; and  
• International elections observation on behalf of the UK.

Aim of this Request for Quotes

WFD is issuing this Request for Quotes (“RFQ”) to a range of potential suppliers of goods and/or services and would welcome a proposal or quote from you/your organisation. 

Quote submission

• All proposals or quotes should be submitted by 12th December 2024 in writing and include:  
• The supplier’s name, status, company number, and registered office address  
• An overview of the supplier’s relevant experience, expertise, capability and capacity
• A description of the good(s) or service(s) to be provided and clear explanation as to how this meets the specification in this RFQ
• A transparent quotation of the charge for the good(s) or service(s), in the currency of the payables account of the service provides, to include: a clear breakdown of all costs; any proposed discount applied for WFD as a not-for-profit organisation; and a separate identification of any VAT charges (and/or any other applicable tax, excise or other charges).  

The proposal or quote should be sent electronically and addressed to:  PAFA, Ahmed Nisbah at ahmed.nisbah@wfd.org and cc-ed to Programme Co-ordinator, Aishath Hameeda at aishath.hameeda@wfd.org 

The same email addresses should be used for any questions related to this RFQ.  

WFD’s standard terms and conditions for tendering and key policies can be found WFD’s standard terms and conditions for tendering and key policies and WFD’s Code of Conduct.   

Detailed Specification

Objective 

WFD has been working in the Maldives since 2019 on various programmes. In the past, WFD has supported the People’s Majlis in enhancing parliamentary capacity in carrying out inquiries and conducting post legislative scrutiny.  

Following the April 2024 parliamentary elections only three (out of 93) and only 12% of candidates that ran in party primaries earlier in 2024 were women. Only three out of the 22 cabinet ministers and two out of the 20 senior officials appointed in the President's Office are women. At the local level women’s representation is higher (33% of local councillors are women) as a direct result of the quota introduced in the Decentralisation Act 2019. Failure to include women and other marginalized groups and their perspectives in political decision making weakens the democratic institutions as inclusion and representation is crucial for effective functioning democracy.  

WFD is currently working with the Human Rights & Gender Committee of People’s Majlis to conduct a parliamentary inquiry on VAWP. The gathered evidence will enhance understanding of root causes of the problem among the secretariat and members of the Human Rights & Gender Committee of the Peoples Majlis. It will also inform the development of their strategies in addressing VAWP and garner support from relevant stakeholders, especially political parties to address existing structural barriers.

In this background, WFD is seeking the services of a local consultant to draft a cross-party statement with commitments to combatting VAWP from political parties.  

Deliverables 

The consultant is expected to conduct a series of engagements with political parties to secure buy-in, drafting and feedback for the statement as stated below; 

1. Preparation and Context Analysis: Develop a briefing note for stakeholders based on VAWP in the Maldivian context, drawing on evidence from the WFD’s parliament inquiry on OVAWP and other relevant studies
   • Deliverable 1: Develop a briefing note summarising key findings, the importance of addressing VAWP and examples of best practices from other countries for stakeholders.
2. Working session 1: Introduction into VAWP, best practices on how political parties can address VAWP as a political institution and drafting of the cross-party statement
   • Deliverable 2: Facilitate roundtable session(s) with political parties  
   • Deliverable 3: Develop and circulate the first draft of the cross-party statement to participating political parties for review 
3. Working session 2: Feedback and Refinement of first draft  
   • Deliverable 4: Facilitate 2nd roundtable session(s) with political parties to gather detailed feedback and suggestions for revisions 
   • Deliverable 5: Incorporate feedback from Working session 2 and submit the revised cross-party statement for final approval from political parties. 
   • Deliverable 6: Cordinate with WFD and party representatives to ensure consensus and sign-off on the final statement.
4. Public Launch of Cross-Party Statement on VAWP 
   • Deliverable 7: Support WFD in presenting the statement at a public launch event. 
   • Deliverable 8: Provide recommendations on monitoring the implementation of commitments made in the statement.  

Reporting

The Expert is expected to report to the WFD Maldives team after each deliverable and on a regular basis as agreed upon. 

Working arrangements

The Expert will work remotely and closely with the WFD – Maldives Country Director Aryj Hussain.

Payments   

• Full breakdown of time and cost estimates for the proposed solution in the currency of the Expert’s preferred accounts payable account, including any daily rate to be applied.  
• Separate accounting of VAT and/or any other applicable tax, duty, or charge.  
• Detailing of any discount applied in view of WFD’s not-for-profit status.   

Minimum experience and expertise

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Law, Gender Studies, Public Policy or related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.
• At least 5 years of experience in governance, political science, law or a related field, with a focus on gender equality, human rights or political reform.  
• Proven experience in facilitating multi-stakeholder engagements, particularly with political actors. Ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders, is desirable.
• Strong track record of drafting policy documents, statements aimed at institutional reform or social change, ideally within a political or legislative context.
• Strong understanding of the Maldivian political landscape, including gender dynamics and the challenges faced by women in politics.
• Stong written and verbal communication skills in Dhivehi and English, with strong interpersonal skills to effectively engage with political stakeholders and facilitate sensitvie discussions.