Consultancy to Develop the Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Action Plan

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PURPOSE OF THIS ASSIGNMENT

The purpose of this assignment is to develop a GEDSI Action Plan that provides a strategic framework and actionable interventions to mainstream GEDSI across the environmental sector’s policies, programs, and institutional practices. A comprehensive GEDSI Action Plan must be:

• Aligns with and reinforces the Ministry’s Gender Mainstreaming Strategic Plan (GMSP).
• Supports the Gender Mainstreaming Action Group (GMAG) in advancing institutional commitments to equality, inclusion, and social justice.
• Provides actionable strategies, capacity-building measures, and monitoring frameworks to ensure the effective mainstreaming of GEDSI principles across the environmental sector.

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

The Ministry of Environment is mandated to lead the implementation of policies and programs that promote environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and the sustainable management of natural resources. Recognizing that sustainable environmental outcomes cannot be achieved without addressing gender inequality, disability exclusion, and broader social inequities, the Ministry has committed to mainstreaming Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) across all its operations, in line with national development priorities and global commitments.

To institutionalize these commitments, the Ministry developed the Gender Mainstreaming Strategic Plan (GMSP), which provides a framework for integrating gender considerations across all environmental programs, projects, and policies. To operationalize the GMSP, the Ministry established the Gender Mainstreaming Action Group (GMAG) — a multi-sectoral and cross-departmental platform that coordinates, monitors, and advocates for effective gender and social inclusion mainstreaming within the Ministry’s departments, divisions, and field offices.

However, while progress has been made, there remains a need for a more comprehensive, inclusive, and actionable approach that explicitly incorporates disability inclusion and broader social inclusion dimensions alongside gender equality. Therefore, the Ministry, with support from Oxfam-Cambodia, is commissioning a National Consultant to develop a Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Action Plan for the Environmental Sector, which will complement and expand upon the existing Gender Mainstreaming Strategic Plan in the Environmental Sector 2026-2030 and strengthen the work of the GMAG.

This Action Plan will serve as a practical roadmap to ensure that all Ministry policies, programs, and institutional mechanisms are inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the diverse needs and contributions of women, men, youth, persons with disabilities, and marginalized groups.

To support with this action plan, Oxfam utilized the support through the Climate Resilience for All (CREFA) Project funded by the Embassy of Ireland in Vietnam. CREFA project, part of the Natural Resource Governance Program, is a yearlong initiative led by Oxfam Cambodia and nine consortium partners specializing in climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, resilience, and policy dialogue. Its goal is to reduce Cambodians’ vulnerability to climate change through a twin-track approach: strengthening policy dialogue and building local capacities for mitigation and adaptation.

CREFA works closely with national and local government bodies, private sector actors, CSOs, SMEs, and smallholder farmers, engaging communities in the Tonle Sap Biosphere and northeastern provinces. Positioned as the start of Oxfam’s multi-year Climate Initiative, it transforms climate risks into opportunities for equitable, sustainable growth while aligning with disaster risk reduction and social protection efforts.

The project prioritizes marginalized groups—women, ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities—through a GEDSI analysis, ensuring inclusivity in the post-COVID-19 context. CREFA supports SDGs 7, 12, and 13, aligns with Irish government priorities, and contributes to Cambodia’s national strategies, including the NSDP, CCCSP, NPGG, and its Third National Communication to the UNFCCC.

SCOPE OF WORK

Under the supervision and in close with the GMAG-MoE, the consultant will undertake the following tasks:

• Conduct a Situational and Institution Analysis
  • Review existing policies, strategies, and institutional mechanisms related to GEDSI and the environment.
  • Identify gaps, challenges, and opportunities for integrating GEDSI principles in environmental programs.
  • Assess existing data and evidence on gender, disability, and social inclusion in environmental management.
• Stakeholder Consultations
  • Facilitate participatory consultations with government institutions, civil society organizations, community groups, persons with disabilities, women’s networks, and development partners.
  • Conduct focus group discussions and interviews with related stakeholders if needed.
  • Document stakeholder perspectives, priorities, and recommendations for the GEDSI Action Plan.
• Develop the Draft GEDSI Action Plan
  • Define strategic objectives, priority actions, and indicators for integrating GEDSI into the environmental sector.
  • Propose institutional arrangements, capacity-building measures, monitoring frameworks, budget considerations, communication and advocacy strategies, M&E and reporting mechanisms.
  • Ensure alignment with national, sectoral and international policies (e.g., gender policy, disability strategy, environmental action plan) and relevant commitments (e.g.,CEDAW, CRPD, SDGs, Paris Agreement, NDC3.0).
• Validation and Finalization
  • Present the draft GEDSI Action Plan to stakeholders for feedback and validation.
  • Incorporate feedback and finalize the GEDSI Action Plan for official endorsement.
  • Prepare a brief implementation roadmap and monitoring tool for the GMAG.

DELIVERABLES

MoE and Oxfam in Cambodia is looking for a potential consultant/s to develop a GEDSI Action Plan that provides a strategic framework and actionable interventions to mainstream gender equality, disability inclusion, and social inclusion across the environmental sector’s policies, programs, and institutional practices. The below outputs and deliverables are expected to complete by consultant:

DURATION OF THE WORK

This consultant will work for 8 weeks approximately 15 days starting December 2025. The consultancy contract will remain valid until the end of January 2026.

INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT AND DUTY STATION

The Consultant will be home-based and responsible for managing the logistics and equipment for the work. The consultant will work under the overall guidance of the GMAG-MoE. All reports and deliverables shall be submitted in both Khmer and English, in both electronic and hard copy formats, following the structure agreed upon with the Ministry. Deliverables will be reviewed and approved by GMAG-MoE.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Actual remuneration is based on submissions of deliverables according to the agreed schedule. The budget for the assignments will be proposed by the consultant(s), and a competitive financial proposal with an appropriate methodology will be considered. Payment will made by Oxfam in Cambodia. Oxfam in Cambodia will pay 15% withholding tax for resident taxpayer or 14% withholding tax for non-resident taxpayer to the Cambodian Government from the respective net fee. The tentative payment schedule is as below.

METHODOLOGY

The potential consultant(s) are expected to provide a suitable methodology and work plan for the assigned tasks. They should propose an approach that outlines the steps, processes, and techniques they intend to develop a GEDSI Action Plan that provides a strategic framework and actionable interventions to mainstream gender equality, disability inclusion, and social inclusion across the environmental sector’s policies, programs, and institutional practices. The methodology should demonstrate a clear understanding of the project objectives and align with best practices in the field. The work plan should outline the timeline, deliverables, and resource allocation necessary to complete the assignment effectively and efficiently.

PROFILE REQUIREMENTS

The Consultant/s requires a proficient understanding of gender, equality, and social inclusion issues globally and in the Cambodian context and should have the following competencies:

Essential criteria

• Master’s degree in gender studies, environmental studies, social development, public policy or a related field.
• At least 7 years of professional experience in gender mainstreaming, disability inclusion, and/or social inclusion within development or environmental sectors.
• Proven experience in policy analysis, strategy development, or action plan formulation.
• Strong understanding of national frameworks on gender equality, disability inclusion, and environmental sustainability.
• Recent work experience in Cambodia.
• Systems thinking.
• Forward-looking and strategic visioning.
• Demonstrated facilitation, consultation, and report writing skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, and a good team player.
• Proven self-management skills.
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and work effectively in diverse cultural and environmental settings.
• Adherence to ethical standards in biodiversity and ecosystem conservation, including a commitment to sustainable and equitable practices.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Proficiency in Khmer will be an advantage.
• Women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Key Attributes:

• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to cultural differences and gender issues, as well as the commitment to equal opportunities.
• Ability to demonstrate an openness and willingness to learn about the application of gender/gender mainstreaming, women’s rights, and diversity for all aspects of development work.
• Commitment to Oxfam’s safeguarding policies to ensure all people who come into contact with Oxfam are as safe as possible.

Organisational Values:

• Accountability – Our purpose-driven, results-focused approach means we take responsibility for our actions and hold ourselves accountable. We believe that others should also be held accountable for their actions.
• Empowerment – Our approach means that everyone involved with Oxfam, from our staff and supporters to people living in poverty, should feel they can make change happen.
• Inclusiveness – We are open to everyone and embrace diversity. We believe everyone has a contribution to make, regardless of visible and invisible differences.

Others:

• Eager and required to adhere to Oxfam’s principles and values as well as the promotion of gender justice and women's rights. 
• Understanding of and commitment to adhere to equity, diversity, gender, child safety and staff health and wellbeing principles.

Interested individuals should submit a cover letter, CV, and support reference by December 07, 2025 (23:59 GMT+7), with a daily fee rate (in USD) through: https://oxfam.box.com/s/8kpubd1lwhsm9amsv3ht3wnplezqq8rb

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.