Request for Proposals (RFP)

Needs Assessment Study on Issues and Needs of Women and Girls in Six Iraqi Provinces (Baghdad, Basra, Muthanna, Diwaniyah, Thi Qar, and Wassit)

1. Introduction

The National Democratic Institute (NDI) invites qualified local firms and research teams to submit proposals for conducting a Needs Assessment Study focusing on the challenges and priorities of women and girls in six underserved provinces in Iraq.

This study will contribute to NDI’s ongoing efforts under the “Supporting Local Governance through Women’s Advisory Boards (WAB)” project, which aims to amplify women's voices in local governance and decision-making.

2. Background

Despite various national and international efforts to improve equity and inclusion for women and girls in Iraq, women and girls continue to face substantial challenges in areas such as access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and political representation. This study will gather reliable, evidence-based data to inform sustainable policy recommendations and local initiatives aimed at improving conditions for women and girls in the targeted provinces.

The study will also complement and validate preliminary unstructured data already collected by Women Advisory Boards (WABs) in the six provinces.

3. Objectives of the Study

• Identify and analyze the key issues faced by women and girls in the targeted provinces.
• Capture local perceptions regarding services provided by local authorities and their accessibility.
• Explore public attitudes toward women’s political participation, particularly in upcoming elections.
• Validate and support unstructured findings collected by the WABs.
• Provide actionable, data-driven recommendations for women-led groups and local governments.

4. Scope of Work

The selected vendor will be responsible for:

• Designing and implementing a mixed-methods research approach, including structured surveys and focus group discussions.
• Recruiting and managing field researchers in all six provinces.
• Ensuring inclusive sampling that reflects the diversity of the population (e.g., adolescent girls, women with disabilities, rural communities).
• Applying ethical, culturally sensitive research practices.
• Analyzing and presenting findings in a comprehensive final report.

5. Methodology

The research should adopt a participatory and inclusive approach and may include:

• Quantitative and qualitative data collection in households or community centers.
• A transparent and representative sampling methodology.
• Use of local researchers familiar with provincial contexts.
• Coordination of all security clearances and local permissions required for fieldwork.

6. Deliverables and Timeline

The selected firm or research team will be expected to deliver the following outputs within an estimated period of four to six weeks from the contract signing date. The exact timeline will be finalized in coordination with NDI during the inception phase.

Expected deliverables include:

• Inception Report: Outlining the agreed methodology, sampling strategy, research tools, and proposed workplan.
• Draft Report: Presenting preliminary findings and analysis for review.
• Final Report: Providing a comprehensive analysis, evidence-based recommendations, raw data, and an annex describing the research methodology.

All deliverables must be submitted in both Arabic and English.

7. Submission Requirements

Interested firms/researchers must submit the following by August 20, 2025

• Technical Proposal: Clearly outlining methodology, tools, team composition, timeline, and approach.
• Financial Proposal: Detailed budget in Iraqi Dinars (IQD).
• Company or Individual Profile: Including CVs and examples of past relevant work.

All proposals should be submitted via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line:
Needs Assessment Study Proposal – [Vendor Name]

8. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Soundness and relevance of methodology
• Experience conducting similar assessments in Iraq
• Qualifications of research team
• Clarity and feasibility of timeline
• Cost-effectiveness and value for money. Proposals will be evaluated for value for money and financial feasibility. NDI reserves the right to negotiate the final price based on the strength of the technical proposal and justification of costs.

About the Organization

The National Democratic Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, nongovernmental organization that has supported democratic institutions and practices in every region of the world for more than three decades. Since its founding in 1983, NDI and its local partners have worked to establish and strengthen political and civic organizations, safeguard elections, and promote citizen participation, openness and accountability in government. NDI works on five continents with political parties, governments, parliaments and civic groups to establish and strengthen democratic institutions and practices. The Institute uses a multinational approach that reinforces the message that while there is no single democratic model, certain core principles are shared by all democracies. That philosophy has been applied in more than 132 countries since NDI’s founding.

Tender's File

6894c94facea6-ndi-rfp-needs-assessment-study.pdf