1.     Objectives 

1.1. Overall objective

To assess the integration of gender, inclusive, and disaggregated data into Lesotho’s NSS and related administrative data systems, thereby strengthening evidence-based policymaking and inclusive national development planning.

1.2. Specific objectives

The specific objectives of the assignment are to:

-          Develop a reference framework of priority gender, inclusive, and disaggregated indicators aligned with national priorities and international commitments.

-          Assess availability, quality, accessibility, timeliness, and disaggregation of key indicators across NSS data sources.

-          Review integration of gender and inclusion dimensions (sex, age, disability, geography, and other equity markers) in data production and dissemination systems.

-          Map and analyse statistical production systems, administrative data sources, and dissemination platforms.

-          Assess institutional arrangements, coordination mechanisms, and capacities for producing and using gender, inclusive, and disaggregated statistics.

-          Identify methodological, institutional, coordination, and dissemination gaps.

-          Provide strategic recommendations and a practical roadmap for strengthening gender, inclusive, and disaggregated data systems. The findings and recommendations shall be designed to serve as preparatory inputs to the subsequent broader NSS Assessment, the End-Term Evaluation of NSDS II, and the formulation of NSDS III.

2.     Scope of the assessment

The assessment shall cover:

-          Major national surveys and censuses (e.g., Population and Housing Census, Labour Force Survey, Demographic and Health Survey, Household Budget Survey);

-          Administrative data systems (e.g., EMIS, HMIS, social protection databases, agricultural information systems);

-          Sector information systems and statistical dissemination products;

-          Institutional coordination mechanisms related to gender, inclusive, and disaggregated statistics;

-          National development monitoring frameworks;

-          Gender statistics production systems and integration of gender dimensions across surveys, censuses, administrative systems, dissemination platforms, and monitoring frameworks.

3.     METHODOLOGY

The consultants shall apply a mixed-methods, participatory institutional assessment approach, comprising:

3.1. Desk review

Review of survey instruments, administrative data tools, metadata, indicator frameworks, publications, national policies and strategies, NSDS II documents, and relevant gender, disability, youth, and social inclusion frameworks.

3.2. Reference indicator framework

Develop a practical, prioritised framework covering gender equality, disability inclusion, youth and age-related inequalities, geographic disparities, and other equity dimensions (e.g., rural/urban, vulnerable groups), aligned with SDGs, Agenda 2063, national priorities, and international statistical standards.

3.3. Data mapping and technical assessment

Assess indicator availability, sources, frequency, level of disaggregation, methodological consistency, accessibility, dissemination practices, and alignment with international standards. This includes a comprehensive review of gender statistics across the NSS and how existing systems currently support (or fail to support) gender and inclusion objectives.

3.4. Stakeholder consultations

Conduct interviews with NSS stakeholders to identify institutional constraints, coordination gaps, capacity needs, and priority data demands. Specifically engage institutions responsible for gender equality, disability inclusion, social protection, youth, and vulnerable groups.

3.5. Gap analysis and prioritisation

Identify missing indicators, methodological gaps, weak disaggregation practices, capacity constraints, and coordination/dissemination challenges. Distinguish between quick wins, medium-term improvements, and long-term institutional reforms.

An illustrative assessment matrix (to be improved by consultants) is provided in Annex 1.

4.     TASKS TO BE PERFORMED BY THE EXPERTS

4.1. Before the assessment

-          Prepare inception report and work plan.

-          Develop data collection and assessment tools.

-          Prepare stakeholder mapping and consultation plan.

-          Develop the reference indicator framework.

4.2. During the assessment

-          Conduct desk reviews and key stakeholder consultations.

-          Assess datasets, indicators, metadata, dissemination systems, and institutional coordination mechanisms.

-          Facilitate technical discussions with stakeholders.

4.3. After the assessment

-          Submit draft assessment report with prioritised recommendations and roadmap.

-          Present findings during a validation workshop.

-          Finalise report incorporating comments.

4.4. Relationship with subsequent NSS and NSDS processes

Given that this assessment precedes the broader NSS Assessment, the NSDS II End-Term Evaluation, and the NSDS III formulation process, the consultants shall structure the findings, gap analysis, and recommendations so that they can be readily used as upstream evidence and baseline inputs for those subsequent exercises. This includes harmonising indicators and aligning recommendations with national statistical development priorities to facilitate seamless integration later. The assessment does not aim to replace or duplicate those future exercises but to provide foundational evidence.

5.     DURATION OF THE ASSIGNMENT

 The assignment is expected to be conducted over a period of approximately 2 to 3 months.

6.     Target audience and stakeholders

Key stakeholders include the Bureau of Statistics (BOS – lead counterpart), major line ministries, planning and M&E units, civil society organisations (research, advocacy, inclusion), institutions for gender, disability and vulnerable groups, academia, and development partners.

 7.     Institutional Arrangements

The assignment shall be carried out under the overall coordination of the Bureau of Statistics (BOS), with technical support from Expertise France and relevant stakeholders of the National Statistical System.

Key deliverables shall be reviewed and validated through consultative processes involving relevant NSS stakeholders.

 8.     Expert working days breakdown

(*) In-person or online

 9.     Deliverables

The experts shall deliver:

1. Inception report (methodology and work plan).
2. Consolidated reference framework of priority indicators.
3. Mapping matrix of existing indicators, data sources, and disaggregation levels.
4. Stakeholder consultation summaries.
5. Draft assessment report.
6. Validation workshop presentation.
7. Final assessment report including key findings, gap analysis, institutional assessment, prioritised recommendations, and a practical roadmap for strengthening gender, inclusive, and disaggregated data systems.

The final report shall also include:

-          Assessment of gender statistics systems and institutional arrangements;

-          Findings related to NSDS II gender‑mainstreaming objectives;

-          Analysis of how existing inclusive data systems currently support (or fall short of) NSDS II objectives;

-          Preparatory strategic inputs (baseline evidence, gap analysis, and recommendations) specifically designed to inform the subsequent broader NSS Assessment, NSDS II End-Term Evaluation, and NSDS III formulation process, without duplicating those future exercises.