Call For Expression Of Interest (EOI) On Conduct Evidence-Based Research on the Interlinkage between Customary Laws and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Bangladesh

CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

Organization             :           Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact

Assignment Title      :           Conduct Evidence-Based Research on the Interlinkage   between Customary Laws and Gender-Based Violence (GBV)

Study Location          :           Bangladesh

Types of Contract     :           Consultancy Services Contract

Contract Duration     :           Within 25 Days (August – November 2026)

Application Deadline            :           20 July 2026

1.     Background

The Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP) was formally established in 1992, with its Secretariat based in Thailand, following a 1988 resolution by a group of Asian Indigenous Peoples. AIPP acts as a regional movement for building and strengthening the solidarity and cooperation of Indigenous Peoples in Asia for the promotion and protection of the rights of Indigenous Peoples, particularly their right to self-determination, and promoting and defending the rights of Indigenous Peoples in Asia, including rights to their land, territories, and resources.

AIPP has 46 members from 14 countries in Asia, including 18 Indigenous Peoples’ country-level alliances across four sub-regions (South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Mekong). There are 16 ethnic-based organizations, 6 Indigenous Women’s Organizations, 4 Indigenous youth organizations, and 1 organization of Indigenous Persons with Disabilities. As part of its continued commitment to its strategic priority of advancing gender equality and enhancing the rights of indigenous women, AIPP’s Indigenous Women Programme (IWP) is initiating a research study to build deeper insights into Indigenous core values and the multi-intersectional challenges Indigenous women face regarding gender-based violence (GBV).

Recognizing that customary laws for Indigenous Peoples act as a primary governance framework for social norms, conflict resolution, and gender relations, this study aims to unpack both the core values of the Indigenous worldview and the potential inequality dimensions of these Indigenous customary laws regarding GBV.

Specifically, the research study aims to explore how Indigenous worldviews in Bangladesh shape social justice and inclusion. By generating evidence-based, community-rooted insights that center Indigenous women’s voices, this research will support targeted advocacy, community engagement, and policy dialogues across local, national, and regional levels. Ultimately, the findings will provide a foundation for informing Indigenous legal practices and Indigenous women’s rights-based recommendations for better implementation of the international frameworks like the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), particularly in addressing and preventing GBV within Indigenous contexts.

2.     Objectives of the Consultancy

To ensure an informed and comprehensive documented and evidenced-based findings on the interlinkage between customary laws of Indigenous Peoples and GBV in Bangladesh, focusing on both positive implications and potential risks, AIPP seeks to engage a highly qualified consultant. The consultant’s role will involve in details as in the followings:

Key objectives of the assignment:

1. To examine how Indigenous customary practices, social norms, and conflict resolution mechanisms interact with GBV.
2. To generate evidence-based insights that reflect grassroots realities and the lived experiences of indigenous women.
3. To generate practical recommendations for intervention policy to harmonize local Indigenous customs with international human rights standards, specifically CEDAW General Recommendation 39 in upholding the rights of Indigenous women and Girls.

3.     Scope of Work

The consultant will be responsible for:

1. Reviewing existing literature and research on the customary laws of Indigenous Peoples in Bangladesh and its connection to gender-based violence (GBV).
2. Developing research framework, tools and present the analysis framework to AIPP for inputs
3. Carrying out field-based data collection, in collaboration with local partners where relevant.
4. Consulting with Indigenous communities, including women, elders, youth, and other key stakeholders.
5. Developing a comprehensive research report with key findings, case studies, and actionable recommendations.

4.     Deliverables

Based on the above, the key deliverables are as follows:

1. Inception report: Includes a desk review and a detailed work plan outlining the research methodology, data collection tools, and implementation timeline.
2. Draft research report for review.
3. Final research report (including executive summary and recommendations).

5.     Consultant Qualifications

The consultant(s) should possess the following competencies:

1. Proven experience and skills in conducting research on gender and GBV.
2. Demonstrated experience in working with Indigenous Peoples Organizations, particularly Indigenous Women Organizations and Networks, and familiarity with Indigenous knowledge, values, and practices.
3. Knowledgeable about the Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Women’s movements in Asia and beyond.
4. Relevant work experience, expertise and knowledge in Gender Equality, Diversity, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) with an Intersectionality approach.
5. Knowledge on qualitative and/or mixed-method research skills.
6. Experience in participatory, rights-based, or feminist methodologies is highly desirable.
7. Excellent analytical and writing skills.

6.     Reporting

The consultant(s) will report to AIPP’s Indigenous Women Programme for guidance, quality assurance, and finalization of deliverables.

7.    Location

This assignment will be a remote-based assignment, with travel required for community visits to conduct data collection, as agreed upon in consultation with the IWP team and outlined in the proposal. All logistical arrangements and costs associated with the approved field visits—such as transportation, accommodation, and per diem—will be fully covered by AIPP, in accordance with its internal travel and finance policies. The consultant is expected to coordinate closely with the IWP team for planning travel schedules, community access, and local support during the visits.

8.     Duration and payment

Remuneration is based on 25 working days of performance, to be delivered within a maximum four-month study period (August -November 2026). Installments are tied directly to the successful completion of expected deliverables.

9.    How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates can submit an Expression of Interest (EoI) with a detailed work plan and consultancy fee. EoI can be submitted to [email protected] and [email protected] with the subject “Conduct Evidence-Based Research on Customary Laws and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Bangladesh” on or before 20 July 2026. The application should include:

• Cover Letter: An overview of the applicant’s understanding of the assignment, relevant experience, and qualifications of the team members or individual involved.
• Technical Proposal: A detailed approach and methodology for conducting the research, including a work plan and timeline.
• Financial Proposal: A budget breakdown outlining the cost of the consultancy, including professional fees and any other expenses.
• CVs/Profiles: CVs of the consultant(s) or a profile of the firm, highlighting relevant experience and expertise.

Indigenous Peoples and women candidates are encouraged to apply. The consultancy is also open to individuals or consultant teams that include at least one Indigenous member.

Only shortlisted Consultant(s) will be notified.

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