Request for Proposals - Registration of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) with Social Welfare Department in Rawalpindi and Islamabad and Opening of OPDs Bank Accounts

Pak Women, a non-profit national organization, is dedicated to enhancing income-generating opportunities for youth with disabilities from slum areas of Rawalpindi and Islamabad in the CBM funded project. To further this mission, the organization seeks services of reputable firms/individuals for registration of Organizations with Disabilities (OPDs) with Social Welfare Department in Rawalpindi and Islamabad and opening of OPDs Bank Accounts.

Interested consultant (Firm/Individual) should submit their technical and financial proposals in sealed envelopes marked “Technical and financial proposals for Registration of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) with Social Welfare Department and Opening of OPDs Bank Accounts” through only courier services before or by January 23, 2025 by 5:00 pm 

“Improving access to income generating activities for young adults in Rawalpindi and Islamabad”

Terms of Reference (TOR) for consultant

Registration of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) with Social Welfare Department in Rawalpindi and Islamabad and Opening of their Bank Accounts

1. Background:

Pak Women is a women-led non-governmental organization (NGO) that has been working since 1998 for the socio-economic and political development of women, children, persons with disabilities, youth, minorities, and transgender individuals. The vision of Pak Women is "A just, peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous society," and its mission is "To build a just society where the poor, particularly women, children, persons with disabilities, minorities, and transgender individuals, enjoy their full rights and achieve their social, economic, and political development."

With technical and financial support from CBM – Christoffel-Blindenmission Christian Blind Mission e.V., Pak Women is implementing the project "Improving Access to Income-Generating Activities for Young Adults with and Without Disabilities in Low-Income Areas of Rawalpindi and Islamabad."

To achieve the project's overall objective, Pak Women has organized communities in the slum areas into 60 Informal Savings and Loan Groups (ISLGs), 30 Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and six (06) Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs). These OPDs play an active role in promoting the social and economic development of persons with disabilities and other marginalized communities in the slum areas of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

2. Objective of the Consultancy:

The key objectives of this consultancy are:

1. To assist OPDs in navigating the registration process with the Social Welfare Department, ensuring compliance with all legal and administrative requirements.
2. To facilitate the opening of organizational bank accounts for the OPDs following their registration.

This registration will grant the OPDs legal status, enabling them to operate officially as recognized entities under the law. With this legal recognition, the OPDs will be empowered to enter into contracts, apply for grants, and actively represent the interests of persons with disabilities in forums, consultations, and advocacy initiatives.

Furthermore, registration will strengthen the OPDs' collaboration with the government, donors, and funding agencies, enabling them to better support their members' access to various social welfare programs. These programs include healthcare, education, vocational training, employment services, and other social sector services.

3. Scope of Work:

The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

3.1. OPDs Registration:

1. Review of Legal Framework: Analyze relevant laws, regulations, and procedures governing the registration of OPDs with the Social Welfare Department in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
2. Preparation of Documentation: Assist OPDs in preparing necessary documentation, including organizational constitutions, by-laws, and other required legal documents.
3. Submission of Documents: Submit all essential documents as per the requirements of the Social Welfare Department in Rawalpindi and Islamabad for the registration of six OPDs.
4. Liaison with Authorities: Serve as a liaison between OPDs and the Social Welfare Department to facilitate smooth communication and resolve any procedural issues.
5. Response to Queries by Authorities: The consultant will be responsible for responding to all queries from authorities in writing, if required, providing verbal clarifications.
6. Submission and Follow-Up: Provide continuous support to address queries or additional requirements from the Social Welfare Department.
7. Collection of Registration Certificates: Collect registration certificates for six OPDs from the Social Welfare Department in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

3.2. Opening of Bank Accounts for Six OPDs:

i.        Coordination with Banks: The consultant will be responsible for coordinating with banks, identifying the most suitable banks willing to process the OPDs' bank accounts promptly.

ii.        Facilitating OPDs in Document Submission: The consultant will facilitate the six OPDs in preparing and submitting the necessary documents for opening their bank accounts.

iii.       Handing Over Bank Account Certificates to OPDs: The consultant will ensure regular coordination and follow-up with the banks throughout the process. Once the bank accounts are opened, the consultant will collect the bank account certificates and hand them over to the OPDs through Pak Women.

4. Responsibilities of Pak Women:

1. Pak Women will provide comprehensive support to the consultant in engaging with the organized OPDs located in the slum areas of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
2. Pak Women will supply the consultant with all necessary documents from the OPDs required for the registration process as well as for opening of OPDs bank accounts.
3. Pak Women will assist the consultant by sharing all essential information and documentation needed to ensure the successful registration of the five OPDs and opening of bank accounts for six OPDs.
4. Pak Women will make payments to the consultant on deliverables base, the consultant fee would cover all the expenses related to travel, stationary, photocopying, meals and all other associated expenses.

5. Deliverables:

1. An Inception Report detailing the work plan and timeline.
2. A Complete Documentation Package for OPD registration.
3. OPDs board/ executive body verification process report from police department/ special branch or any other department as per registration requirements.
4. Registration Certificates for five OPDs registered with the Social Welfare Department in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
5. Bank Account Certificates for the six registered OPDs.
6. A Final Report summarizing the registration process.

6. Duration: The duration of the consultancy will be 45 days, starting from signing of the contract.

7. Eligibility Criteria:

1. The consultant must be a registered firm or individual consultant with the Government of Pakistan.
2. A minimum of five years of experience in working with civil society organizations on registration and bylaw development is required.
3. A proven track record of successfully registering organizations with the Social Welfare Department in Punjab and Islamabad.
4. Strong knowledge of Pakistan's disability rights framework and social welfare policies.
5. Excellent communication and facilitation skills to effectively engage with stakeholders.

8. Reporting and Supervision:

The consultant will report to the Project Manager and work closely with the designated project team. Regular updates and coordination meetings will be required to ensure alignment with project goals.

9. Safeguarding and Child Protection

Pak Women is committed to maintaining a zero-tolerance policy for any form of exploitation, abuse, harassment, or discrimination. The consultant must comply with Pak Women s safeguarding and child protection policies.

10. Submission Requirements:
Interested candidates are required to submit the following:

1. For consulting firms: A profile of the firm highlighting relevant experience.
2. For individual consultants: A detailed CV highlighting relevant experience.
3. A cover letter outlining the proposed approach to the assignment.
4. A financial proposal indicating the consultancy fee includes all associated expenses such as government fees, travel, accommodation, documentation, stationary, photocopying, communication and taxes.