Request for Proposal for engagement of an Academic Institution

Lead Implementing Partner:

Operating Location

Introduction

Mahila Housing Trust (MHT)

15 million lives

Project background:

The Kolkata Metropolitan Area (KMA), situated in a vulnerable deltaic region, faces severe climate change impacts including sea-level rise, cyclones, heavy rainfall, heat waves, flooding, and seasonal water scarcity. These hazards threaten the region’s infrastructure—transport, energy, and water systems—and lead to significant economic and social losses. Informal worker communities, whose settlements often overlap with the most climate-exposed zones, are at the greatest risk of displacement, loss of livelihoods, and deepening poverty.

While the Kolkata Municipal Corporation and state authorities are implementing climate-resilience efforts such as flood control, disaster preparedness, and climate-resilient infrastructure, these actions largely overlook informal workers, their live-work conditions, and the rural-urban migration driven by climate stress. The current infrastructure-focused approach lacks attention to social vulnerabilities and community capacities.

“Community-Led Climate Resilience for Informal Workers”

To enhance climate resilience for the urban poor and informal sector workers, we propose conducting a comprehensive landscape study of existing state and local government policies and programs. This intervention will involve a detailed analysis of current policies, Programs and Schemes frameworks to assess the extent to which climate change considerations are integrated. By identifying gaps and opportunities, we aim to pinpoint strategic entry points for strengthening climate resilience measures within social security programs. This approach will enable us to develop targeted recommendations for policy enhancements that not only address immediate social security needs but also build long-term resilience against climate-related vulnerabilities, ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth for the most marginalized populations.

Objectives

1.

2.

3.

Identify Gaps and Opportunities for Strengthening Climate-Responsive Policies

4.

Scope of Work

1 Identify and evaluate key climate-related stressors affecting the Kolkata region especially women

and analyze key climate-related stressors

the exposure, sensitivity, and vulnerability

2 Assess Integration of Climate Considerations in Existing Policy Frameworks

·     Understand and analyse existing government protective measures—including state-level and ULB-level policies, programs, and schemes in the Kolkata region—targeted at informal settlements and worker communities especially for women, with a focus on assessing their coverage, design, and implementation status.”

state government initiatives aimed at enhancing social security, expanding skill development and training opportunities, promoting financial inclusion, and advancing labor reforms

national climate missions, policies, Programs and welfare schemes

Government Resolutions (GRs), circulars, and notifications related to climate-responsive schemes

key institutional actors

3. Identify Gaps and Opportunities for Strengthening Climate-Responsive Policies

· Understand Policy, Programs scheme design, delivery mechanisms, and administrative or operational challenges.

· Compare policy, programs and schemes provisions with field realities to identify coverage gaps, unmet needs, and systemic constraints faced by informal workers in adapting to climate-related risks.

· Triangulate findings using secondary literature, stakeholder consultations, and primary field evidence to ensure analytical depth, accuracy, and validity.

4.Promote Sustainable and Inclusive Growth

inclusive

·     Assess and outline mechanisms through which women in informal settlements and informal livelihoods can effectively access and benefit from existing programmes, policies, and schemes, with a focus on enhancing gender-responsive climate resilience.

Suggested Timeline

Inception Report-detailed Research Methodology and Tools

Draft findings report- Detailed compendium of relevant policies, schemes, mandates, and institutional structures. Assessment of climate resilience presence across existing framework. Analysis of gaps in integrating climate resilience with social and livelihood issues. Mapping of vulnerabilities of informal workers and settlements. Documentation of consultations, thematic insights, challenges, and opportunities.

Draft study report and then final study report with Recommendation. Comprehensive synthesis of findings. Clear, actionable recommendations for integrating inclusive climate resilience into existing and future policies. Draft policy integration roadmap and institutional strengthening suggestions. PDF copy of existing Policies, Programs and Schemes

Eligibility Criteria

·       The agency must demonstrate a minimum of five years of experience in public policy, climate resilience, urban planning, or related sectors. At least one senior team member shall be based in West Bengal, possess strong proficiency in the Bangla language, and have proven work experience within the state.

·       Demonstrated experience conducting policy studies, climate vulnerability assessments, or urban development research.

·       Experience working with government agencies, civil society organizations, or multilateral institutions.

·       Strong analytical, documentation, and stakeholder engagement capabilities.

Proposal Submission Requirements

Interested consultants must submit:

Technical Proposal

o  Understanding of scope, methodology, work plan, and team composition.

Financial Proposal

o  Detailed budget breakdown and payment terms.

Organizational/Consultant Profile

o  Relevant past experience, samples of similar study undertaken previously

Team CVs

o  Detailing qualifications and relevant experience.

Duration of Assignment

three months

Contact for Clarifications

@mahilahsg.org