About the Position

• Job Title: Consultant for conducting gender gap analysis in Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) process of Bihar
• Number of positions: 1
• Location: Patna
• Grade: Not Applicable
• Salary Range: Competitive fees commensurate with experience
• Type: Project Based (From August 2025 to November 2025)
• Qualification required: An advanced degree in social science subjects
• Experience required:

1. Minimum 5 years of experience in quantitative research
2. At least 5 publications in reputed peer-reviewed journals

• Skills and Attributes:

1. Must possess high levels of integrity and commitment to data quality, confidentiality, and research ethics
2. Should be well organized and must pay attention to detail in the assigned work and honour time commitment. 

Application closure date: 28^th July 2025

Position Description:

The Consultant will undertake a study to understand the gender gaps in Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) process across Bihar. The consultant will be solely responsible for developing a study design, designing tools, desk review of pertinent data as per need, data collection including the Key informant interview and focus group discussion, data analysis and submission of the final study report. The consultant will also support in preparing the presentation and other reports for the final dissemination of the findings with the key stakeholders.

Scope of Work

The consultant will work closely with program manager-UPAMA, PCI to finalise the study design. The study aims to empirically assess the gender gaps in the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) process across Bihar, particularly focusing on women’s participation, decision-making power, and inclusion of gender-sensitive priorities in panchayat planning. The broad objectives of the study are as follows: –

• To assess the extent and effectiveness of Gender integration in planning, budgeting, and implementation processes of the GPDP.
• To examine participation and leadership roles of Elected Women Representatives (EWRs).
• To identify and analyse the Barriers hindering effective participation of EWR such as proxy leadership, digital divide, low literacy, and GBV.

Additionally, the consultant will also undertake following tasks: –

• Review of existing GPDPs from at least three recent years (2022–25).
• Stakeholder consultations including PRI officials, EWRs, community members.
• Development of gender-responsive planning and budgeting tools.
• Identification of successful women and girl-friendly panchayat (WGFP) models.

Study Design

A suggestive study design has been mentioned in the ToR. However, it will be finalised in consultation with UNFPA and PCI. A mixed methods design will be conducted, encompassing qualitative and quantitative designs. Sampling will be conducted through a multistage sampling process. Additionally, desk research will also be conducted to review GPDPs of the past three years from 2022 to 2025, Minutes of the meetings of Gram Sabhas and GPDP budgets.

Sample Size

Quantitative

Qualitative

Geography

• Proposed Sample Size: 60 to 80 Gram Panchayats
  • 35 GPs from the ongoing UNFPA–PCI UPAMA project
  • Remaining GPs selected based on:
    • Regional diversity (North, South, Central, East, West Bihar)
    • Women-led vs. men-led Panchayats
    • Socioeconomic variation (e.g., literacy, FLFP, child marriage prevalence)
    • Presence/absence of Mahila Sabha practices
    • Inclusion of Dalit, Adivasi, Minority, and OBC-dominated villages

Analytical Tools

1. • Gender Activity Profile
   • Access and Control Profile
   • Gender Needs Assessment
   • Gender Budget Template

Data Analysis

1. • Quantitative:  descriptive, inferential stats

Qualitative: Thematic analysis with triangulation

Deliverables

The consultant will be responsible for the submission of the following deliverables at the end of the study.

• Gender gap matrix
• gender mainstreaming recommendations
• toolkit
• policy brief
• 10 case stories

Additionally, all the interview recordings, datasets and tools will be submitted to PCI after the completion of the study.

• Reporting to:- Program Manager UPAMA

About the Project

The Uttkristh Pariwar Niyojan Adhikar Sangrakshan Matritwa Swasthya Abhiyan(UPAMA) project aims to develop and demonstrate key indicators in the selected districts of Sheikhpura, Katihar, Khagaria, and urban PHCs of Patna, with the goal of establishing model sites for Family Planning (FP) and Maternal Health (MH). These models are intended to serve as replicable and scalable examples for implementation in other regions. The gender component of the project focuses on strengthening government systems for informed decision-making and timely response to gender-based violence (GBV). It also entails close collaboration with the Panchayati Raj Department and elected representatives from selected panchayats in Sheikhpura to support the creation of model, women- and girl-friendly panchayats. This will be achieved through targeted interventions and the development of gender-inclusive Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs).

What can you expect in PCI

• A warm, inclusive and happy work environment.
• An empowering organisation structure which values individual’s skills, competencies and potential.
• Leadership roles for women is encouraged and given preference in selection and training.

Recruitment Process

1. Applications will be shortlisted based on the specified criteria mentioned in the Job Description.
2. The process could also include presentation of the assignment.
3. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend one or more rounds of panel interview/s.

The complete process usually takes 2 to 3 weeks. Those moving to the final round of interviews will be hearing from the People & Culture team. We prefer in person meetings but in case of location distances, we are happy to meet you virtually.

After the final round, if you are not selected for the position advertised, we will inform you over a mail. However, we invite you to apply to other open positions. We always look forward to engaging with talent that add value to our endeavours in various capacities.

PCI is committed to prevent any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct.