Call for bids, Peru: Promoting LGBT+ Rights in the Workplace
Call for bids for a research project to build an evidence-based on LGBT+ rights.
The British Embassy in Lima is seeking bids for a research project that will build an evidence-based on LGBT+ rights to inform partners’ interventions and policy-making in Peru and strengthen the UK’s reputation as an ally.
1. Background
Our vision is to create a world in which everyone is free, safe, and equal to play a full and active part in society, without fear of violence, discrimination or stigma, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics.
The UK aims to tackle violence and discrimination against LGBT+ individuals, advance legal protections and decriminalisation, ensure inclusive access to public services, support LGBT+ people in crisis and conflict, and strengthen the economic case for inclusion. We do this through diverse interventions and by empowering human rights defenders.
Compared to its South American counterparts, Peru is at the lower end of the LGBT+ Equality Index. The LGBT+ community faces many challenges, including the lack of legal recognition of same-sex marriage and the prevalence of violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. LGBT+ community face significant barriers when trying to access certain jobs because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, which translates into a negative effect both for them and for the national economy.
In its most recent report, which reflects an Ipsos study conducted in 2020, it details that 30% of Peruvians stated that they would not hire a homosexual person. However, this percentage rises to 37% when it comes to transgender people. In 2021, for example, only 18% of openly LGBT workers indicated that their employers had inclusive policies in place, according to data from IESI Peru.
As part of BE Lima Human Rights Strategy (supporting two of its three main pillars on equality advocacy and business supporting human rights), the British Embassy would like to support the production a toolkit that can be used by companies to create inclusive workplace policies to increase the number of LGBT+ people hired and reduce the rate of discrimination and violence in the workplace.
2. Objective and scope of work
The objective of the work is to support the UK’s commitment to LGBT+ rights and freedoms in Peru, specifically focused the reduction of discrimination and violence in workspaces and help companies with guidelines that will contribute of the creation and implementation of inclusive policies. To this end, we are looking for an organisation to develop a comprehensive toolkit aimed at promoting safe and inclusive workspaces for LGBT+ individuals. The toolkit should facilitate the recruitment, retention and support of LGBT+ employees, ensuring they feel valued, respected, and free from discrimination. The goal is to foster a workspace culture that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion.
Bids should look to demonstrate their ability to deliver a report that includes:
a) Research and Analysis
Conduct a thorough literature review on best practices for creating safe and inclusive workplaces for LGBT+ individuals. Analyse current workplace policies, practices, and challenges related to LGBT+ inclusivity. If possible, engage with LGBT+ employees and advocacy groups to gather insights and experiences.
Development of a practical, user-friendly toolkit that includes: Guidelines for developing and implementing inclusive policies and practices. Strategies for creating a supportive and safe work environment. Best practices for recruiting and retaining LGBT+ employees. Training modules and resources for staff at all levels. Implementer should cover the final design of report for publication, with guidance from the British Embassy in Lima.
b) Implementation support:
Guidance and support to organizations in the initial implementation phase of the toolkit. Create a follow-up plan to evaluate the toolkit’s impact and propose tools for monitoring and assessing the effectiveness of inclusivity initiatives.
Bids should include a communications plan to launch the report, including but not limited to events, social media, press releases.
3. Project Budget
Project proposals of up to £15,000 = S/68,700 / $18,000. We are looking for projects that can begin in October 2024 and be completed by March 2025. Implementers should spend 100% of their allocation by mid-March 2025.
4. Assessment
Bids will be assessed against the following criteria:
- strategic fit – alignment with stated objectives and scope of work expected
- project viability – including a realistic description of methodology and activities to deliver the outcome and deliverables (outputs) within the project duration and sustainability after the project ends.
- stakeholder management – including the capacity of the implementing organisation to engage with key stakeholders, including diverse LGBT+ rights organisations present in Peru, and involve local/international expertise to deliver expected outcomes
- project design – including clear achievable objectives/outputs
- value for money
- risk management
- experience and understanding of the current LGBT+ context in Peru.
5. How to Bid
Please complete the attached “Project Proposal Form” and “Activity Based Budget” using the guidance provided. Completed forms should be sent in standard document and spreadsheet formats in English or Spanish to BEProjectsPeru@fcdo.gov.uk. By 11:59pm 22nd September, with “Call for bids LGBT+ Rights” in the subject line of your email. Bids submitted after this date will not be considered. Bids can be submitted at any time up to the indicated deadline.
Bidders will be notified via email of the outcome of assessments before or on 3rd October. Due to the volume of bids expected, we will not be able to provide feedback on unsuccessful bids.
Organisations can add up to a maximum total of 1 proposals; bids for projects that include engagement with stakeholders outside of Lima are particularly welcome.
Please also familiarise yourself at an early stage with the standard ‘Grant Agreement Template’ attached.
What to Include in the Bid Form?
- Overview of project or activity
- How it fits with the UK’s approach to the relevant priority; and why the UK should fund the project or activity
- How the project or activity will create an impact and lead to change
- Rationale– including why the project or activity should take place now
- Where relevant, evidence of support from Peruvian government actors for the project or activity and that it complements their own strategy
- Information about how the impact will be sustained after the project or activity has been completed
Proposals must be submitted on the authorised forms and include an activity-based budget (ABB) in soles/US dollars. Value for money is an important selection criterion and if you do not submit a detailed ABB then your proposal will not be considered.
6. Key documents
- Proposal Form for Activities / Projects between £10,000 and £80,000
- Activity Based Budget (ABB)
- Value for money and budgeting guidance
- Model Grant Agreement
7. Contacts
Please contact BEProjectsPeru@fcdo.gov.uk. with any questions or queries.