Consultancy Terms of Reference (ToRs): Mapping and Needs Assessment Study of Judicial Structures and Practices in Pakistan

1. Background

The Asia Foundation (TAF) is initiating a project to enhance the equal representation of young men and women in Pakistan’s judicial system. The project begins with a comprehensive mapping and needs assessment study to analyze existing judicial structures, practices, and barriers affecting underrepresented groups on both the demand and supply sides. The study will inform project design, guide the development of a strategy to promote equitable participation, and ensure alignment with Do No Harm principles. The geographic outreach of the project is across Pakistan. 

2. Objective

The objective of this consultancy is to conduct a comprehensive mapping and needs assessment study of judicial structures and practices across Pakistan, focusing on:

• Analyzing data from previous and ongoing justice system strengthening programmatic efforts.

• Identifying barriers to women’s and vulnerable groups’ (women working within the judiciary and women beneficiaries) access to justice and representation in the judiciary.

• Reviewing relevant laws, judicial structures, procedural inefficacies, and gaps in hiring of underrepresented groups within the judiciary. 

• Identification of best practices, i.e., national, regional, and international, for fair representation of all groups.

• Assessing the existing infrastructure (e.g., training institutions, courtrooms, judicial chambers) for accessibility for people, persons with disabilities, disabilities and women.

3. Scope of Work

Under the direct supervision of the Program Implementation Lead, TAF, the consultant will undertake the following tasks:

• Conduct an extensive review of domestic and international literature, reports, and studies related to strengthening the judicial system, with a focus on youth, especially women’s experiences in Pakistan’s legal system. Analyze existing data from previous and ongoing justice system development initiatives.

• Engage key stakeholders such as judicial academies, bar associations, bar councils, and other key actors in the justice system to understand and analyze the socioeconomic dynamics for improving the justice sector and specifically improving the fair representation in the judicial system. Collaborate with top-ranked law schools and universities to design and implement the study.

• Employ qualitative methods and quantitative methods to collect data from diversely sampled cities in Pakistan (minimum of five districts from each province and including two from Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir) and capture insights from legal professionals, judicial staff, and other stakeholders.

• Assess the accessibility and functionality of judicial infrastructure, including courtrooms, judicial chambers, and training institutions, with a focus on creating safe, functional, and women-friendly spaces.

• Identify and document barriers faced by underrepresented groups, particularly women, in judicial representation. Document best practices and gaps in laws, judicial structures, and practices.

• Provide actionable recommendations to inform project design and develop a strategy for equitable participation that adheres to Do No Harm principles.

• Prepare a comprehensive report summarizing the study’s findings, including data visualizations and actionable recommendations.

• Support dissemination to the relevant stakeholders. 

4. Deliverables

The consultant is expected to deliver the following:

• An inception report with a detailed work plan, methodology, and timeline for the study.

• Designed qualitative and quantitative tools (e.g., survey questionnaires, interview guides, focus group discussion protocols).

• A comprehensive literature review report of existing domestic and international literature, reports, studies, and ongoing efforts for fair representation of vulnerable groups in the judiciary

• Carry out the problem and solution tree exercise with TAF and partners to streamline the mapping study. 

• A draft mapping and needs assessment report detailing findings, including barriers, best practices, gaps, and recommendations.

• A revised report incorporating feedback from TAF and judicial academies, with data visualizations and actionable recommendations.

• A presentation of key findings and recommendations to stakeholders for validation and endorsement. Compile a two-page fact sheet highlighting the key findings that will be shared with the partners. 

• A comprehensive final report should be well-designed and include actionable recommendations and accurate data representation. 

5. Timeline

The consultancy is expected to be completed within 8 weeks from the date of contract signing. The tentative timeline is as follows:

6. Qualifications

The consultant or consulting team should have:

• Advanced degree(s) in law, social sciences, gender studies, or a related field.

• At least 7–10 years of experience in conducting research and needs assessments in the rule of law programming, preferably for vulnerable groups in Pakistan or South Asia.

• Strong knowledge of Pakistan’s judicial system, including laws, structures, and practices.

• Proven experience in qualitative and quantitative research methods, including survey design, interviews, and focus group facilitation.

• Strong working relationship and experience collaborating with judicial academies, bar associations, and law schools.

• Excellent analytical and report-writing skills, with the ability to present complex data clearly.

• Fluency in English; proficiency in Urdu and/or other local languages is an advantage.

7. Reporting and Coordination

The consultant will report to the TAF Program Implementation Lead and coordinate with the core team throughout the assignment. 

8. Language 

All the deliverables will be provided in English. 

9. Budget and Payment

TAF will pay the consultant a lump sum to cover all expenses related to the assignment. The payment will be made in three installments: 20 % upon submission of the inception report (including a list of questions for stakeholders and work plan), 40% upon submission and approval of the draft report and PowerPoint presentation, and 40 % upon submission and approval of the final report.

10. Application Process

Interested candidates or firms should submit:

1. A technical proposal (maximum 5 pages) outlining the overall research framework, including research approach, methodology (sampling design, data collection tools and techniques, data analysis and interpretation), and timeline for the study.

2. A financial proposal detailing the budget, including fees and any anticipated expenses.

3. CV(s) of the consultant(s) or team members, highlighting relevant experience.

4. Two samples of previous research or reports related to justice systems or gender issues.

5. Contact details of two professional references.

Financial Offer Template 

11. Evaluation Criteria 

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Technical quality and feasibility of the proposed methodology (40%).

• Relevant experience and qualifications of the consultant/team (30%).

• Cost-effectiveness of the financial proposal (20%).

• Quality of previous work samples (10%).

12. Ethical Considerations

• The consultant must adhere to Do No Harm principles and ensure ethical research practices, including informed consent, confidentiality, and sensitivity to gender and cultural issues.

• All data collection and reporting must comply with TAF’s data protection and safeguarding policies.

• All research materials will be the intellectual property of TAF and may not be used, reproduced, or distributed without prior written permission