Consultancy Service for GEDSI Assessment and Strategy Development

BACKGROUND

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Philippines works across the Bohol, Sulu, and Celebes Seas, which together span over 600,000 square kilometers and form part of the Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion (SSME) — a globally significant marine area recognized under the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTI-CFF).

These interconnected waters are ecologically rich and serve as major fishing grounds supporting millions of Filipinos who rely on small-scale fisheries for food and income. The region's coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, and deep-sea habitats are critical for biodiversity, fisheries productivity, and coastal protection.

Despite their ecological and economic importance, these marine areas remain underrepresented in national marine spatial planning and MPA network design. Small island provinces such as Tawi-Tawi and Siquijor face high poverty rates, limited access to services, and growing vulnerability to climate change impacts — including sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and declining fish stocks — all of which disproportionately affect marginalized communities.

Through this initiative, WCS aims to build climate resilience, protect coastal ecosystems, and strengthen sustainable livelihoods in climate-vulnerable small island communities, particularly by enhancing the leadership of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IP&LCs) in ecosystem-based marine resource management. A strong Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) approach will ensure that interventions are inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the diverse needs of women, persons with disabilities, Sama Indigenous Peoples, and other marginalized groups.

PURPOSE OF ENGAGEMENT

As part of the United Kingdom's Climate and Ocean Adaptation and Sustainable Transition-funded initiative (UK-COAST), the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is implementing the project, From Vulnerability to Resilience: Securing Food and Climate Futures for Philippine Small Island Communities in Tawi-Tawi. WCS will be collaborating with key national and regional agencies, as well as relevant departments, to co-develop a planning framework that integrates Indigenous knowledge systems with scientific tools. This framework will support marine spatial planning (MSP), the recognition of Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECM), and the achievement of relevant targets under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).

As an integration site, Tawi-Tawi requires a more cultural and traditions-based approach given the different traditional and customary frameworks of communities. WCS is seeking a consultant to conduct a comprehensive GEDSI assessment and subsequently develop a GEDSI strategy to ensure that project activities and policies are inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the needs of marginalized and underrepresented groups in Tawi-Tawi, particularly the Sama community, women, coastal fishers, youth, people with disabilities and other vulnerable communities.

Scope of Work

The overall objective of this consultancy is to conduct a GEDSI analysis during the project inception phase, and to develop a subsequent GEDSI Strategy that will guide equitable and inclusive implementation of project activities in Tawi-Tawi.

The consultant is expected to perform, but not be limited to, the following tasks:

1. Assessment and Analysis

• Conduct a GEDSI assessment to understand the context, dynamics, and intersectional vulnerabilities within sites, including cultural frameworks of the Sama communities.
• Identify barriers and enabling factors that influence participation, leadership, and inclusion of marginalized groups, including women, youth, persons with disabilities, and small-scale fishers in activities and decision making related to ocean governance, marine resource management.

2. Strategy and Planning

• Develop or update a comprehensive GEDSI Strategy and Action Plan for Tawi-Tawi aligned with the WCS/COAST project's objectives.
• Recommend targeted interventions and practical measures to address identified gaps and strengthen inclusive practices within project operations and community engagement processes.

3. Capacity Development

• Design and facilitate GEDSI training and/or orientation sessions for project staff, implementing partners, and key stakeholders.
• Develop practical tools, guidelines, and checklists to support consistent integration of GEDSI principles across planning, implementation, and monitoring activities, including communication materials.

DURATION AND DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS

The engagement will run from November 15, 2025 to March 30, 2026. The implementing partner is expected to deliver and provide the following items:

• Inception report outlining methodology and work plan.
• GEDSI assessment or analysis report.
• GEDSI Strategy and Action Plan.
• Training materials and/or capacity-building report.
• GEDSI integration checklist.
• Final report summarizing activities, outcomes, and recommendations.

The consultant will report to the Policy and Governance Unit and work in close coordination with Program Implementation Unit and relevant partners.

OTHER DUTIES RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Coordinate his/her activities with the consultants for the GEDSI for National and Siquijor and for the Tawi-Tawi scoping to ensure alignment.

2. Coordinate with LGUs and Site-based National Government Agencies in Tawi-Tawi. Ensure timely and transparent coordination with local government units (LGUs), the regional and field offices of the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy (MENRE), the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR), and the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs (MIPA), the academe, and relevant security services for the execution of project activities, securing permits and approvals, as needed.

3. Define research framework. Provide research protocols and methodologies for including survey questions, if any.

4. Ensure compliance with social safeguards mechanisms. Undertake the proper free and prior informed consent (FPIC) and other social acceptability requirements.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree in Gender Studies, Sociology, Development Studies, Social Work, or related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in gender, disability, and social inclusion work in the Bangsamoro region, especially Tawi-Tawi.
• Demonstrated experience in developing GEDSI strategies, tools, or training programs.
• Strong understanding of intersectionality and inclusive development principles for the Bangsamoro, especially Tawi-Tawi.
• Excellent facilitation, writing, and communication skills.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Interested applicants must submit:

• Updated Curriculum Vitae highlighting relevant experience
• Brief cover letter or proposal outlining suitability for the role, proposed changes to the timeline, and approach to the assignment
• Submit the requirements to /

WCS is an equal opportunity employer, and the organization complies with all employment and labor laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in hiring and ensures that candidates from all backgrounds are fairly and consistently considered during the recruitment process. We are dedicated to hiring and engaging a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value. The organization provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. The organization does not discriminate for employment based on gender, race/ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, caste, genetic information or any other covered status or characteristic protected by laws and regulations/and similar categories.

It is everyone's responsibility to ensure that we do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based upon a person's membership in one of these protected categories in areas such as recruitment, selection, job assignment, supervision, training, promotions, job grading, transfers, termination, compensation, benefits, educational opportunities, WCS sponsored recreational activities and facilities.

The organization complies with the spirit and intent of relevant local laws and WCS's employment policies.

Job Type: Temporary

Contract length: 4 months

Application Question(s):

• Interested applicants must submit:

● Updated Curriculum Vitae highlighting relevant experience

● Brief cover letter or proposal outlining suitability for the role, proposed changes to the timeline, and approach to the assignment

● Please submit proposal to /

Work Location: Remote

Application Deadline: 10/30/2025