TERMS OF REFERENCE

PROJECT COORDINATOR:

Promotion of the participation of people with visual impairment in

social and economic processes. (EuropeAid/127988/L/ACT/BO)

La Paz, Bolivia

The Action

This action aims to promote the participation of people with visual impairment
(VI) from the regions of La Paz, Chuquisaca, Potosi, and Cochabamba in socio-
economic and political life so they may have equal opportunities and conditions.
It is estimated that the work will cover a three year period, beginning March
2010.

Background

International Service (IS) in Bolivia will implement the above mentioned project
in conjunction with The Bolivian Institute for the Blind (IBC). IBC was founded on
the 22nd of February 1957, by law legislating the setting up of the National
Institute for the Blind as a decentralised public body, responsible for the
investigation and settling of disputes (individual and collective), relating to the
VI, and to successively coordinate public policy in order to ensure the rights of
the VI are respected. The Law also calls for the setting up of nine regional offices
to carry out administrative work, manage social benefits, and attend to the
needs of the VI in each region. These offices are not functioning to their full
potential due to a lack of technical and financial support.

In Bolivia in general, the disabled population and in particular those with a visual
impairment live in an ‘assistencialist culture’. They tend to focus their attention
on the problems and power struggles rather that finding the adequate solutions.
To strengthen a partner like IBC, the most important social actor for the VI in
Bolivia underpins the efforts of the action, to create optimum conditions and
produce positive results that will support the organisation to bring about
permanent change.

The success of the project mainly depends on the compromise of the

protagonists themselves, the VI, who IS have worked with for over 3 years,
particularly in the region of Chuquisaca. Through the work of a volunteer in
Sucre, an interinstitutional dynamic and confidence already exists among
members that allows for more complex synergies to now take place. It is the
members of the IBC’s in each region that have asked for the support and who
have formulated their own expectations for this action.

Este puesto esta financiado por la Unión Europea

Objectives

• To promote a wider integration of the VI in socio-economic life through the

promotion of small enterprise, private enterprise, participation in existing
business networks in Bolivia and the creation of jobs in the public sector.

• To strengthen organisational, managerial and legal capacities of

employees and advisors of The Bolivian Institute for The Blind at national
and regional level.

• To increase knowledge and understanding on appropriate legislation

regarding human rights and disability so more people are exercising their
rights.

• To promote the creation of inclusive public policies that will benefit the VI,
by raising awareness among key actors in government, civil society and
the media at national and regional level.

The Role of Coordinator

The coordinator will supervise the implementation of the project. Her/his

main role will be to monitor and follow up on the actions of the project
through the four IS development workers who will be working with partner
organisations in Bolivia; IBC National branch, Chuquisaca, Potosí and
Cochabamba. She/he will be responsible for coordination between the four
partner organisations so they are better equipped to execute their respective
work plans. Periodically, and in accordance with donor specifications, it will
be necessary to present narrative and financial reports to ensure a
transparent management of the project. In addition, she/he will be expected
to share information in relation to goals achieved and the level of awareness
raised for IS in Bolivia and at global level.

Duration and Location

The position will initially be for a period of 2 years, in accordance with the
duration of the project, from the time of the signing of the contract with IS
and The European Union. The person will be based in the IS office in La Paz,
Bolivia with frequent rural and urban travel to the partner organisations of
IBC, in the regions of Potosí, Chuquisaca and Cochabamba.

Responsibilities

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Implementation

• Develop an annual work plan together with partner organisations and

development workers in accordance with the projects objectives.

• Provide support in the orientation and training of development workers.

• Update when necessary the terms of reference for development

workers of the IBC.

• Initiate and facilitate workshops between the four partner

organisations in order to create the space to share experiences and
strengthen links for future progress.

Financial Management

• In coordination with the IS Bolivia team and IS Ireland, manage the

projects budget and monthly accounts.

• Offer the necessary support to external auditors.

• Aid in the identification of sources of finance and in the development of

proposals for co-financing.

Relationships

• Form relationships with key actors in the disability movement in Bolivia.

• Facilitate in the strengthening of relationships with key government

departments for the benefit of the partner organisations involved in the
project.

• Strengthen the capacity of the 4 partner organisations and development

workers to work well together.

• Promote exchange of ideas and experiences in national and international

networks.

• Form and maintain good relations with donors and partners of the project.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Design a plan for monitoring and evaluating the project.

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• Monitor and evaluate all aspects of the project, including partner
organisations and the work of the four development workers within ‘The
Framework of Impact Measurement’ of IS.

• Complement the development of the projects baseline using IS’s

‘Organisational Self-Evaluation’ method.

• Ensure the constant application of the organisational self-evaluation

method with partner organisations.

• Accompany the director of IS Bolivia and other personnel of IS England

and/or Ireland on project assessments.

• Offer support to external consultants who carry out (intermediate and

final) assessments.

Reporting

• Write up and present reports in accordance with donor specifications

• Ensure that development worker and partner organisation reports are

submitted in time.

• Submit reports to representatives of IS Bolivia, Ireland and England when

requested.

Human Resources

• Offer the necessary support to development workers and partner

organisations in order to ensure work efficiency and to maintain good
relations.

• Anticipate and aim to resolve potential conflicts that may arise within the
project.

Communication and Documentation

• Develop a communication plan specific to the project.

• Provide the appropriate material (case histories, photographs, videos,

radio spots, articles etc), to IS, and to relevant media and international
networks.

• Share experiences with other countries where International Service works.

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• Produce ‘lessons learned’ documents at the end of the project to share
with partner organisations, civil society and the institutions involved.

Profile

Requirements

• Degree in Social Sciences or other related area.

• Knowledge of disability issues, particularly in the area of mainstreaming

disability.

• Knowledge of project management and in particular organisational and

institutional strengthening.

• Knowledge and experience in the processes that create public policy.

• Knowledge on issues relating to visual impairment in developing countries,

especially in relation to isolated rural areas.

• Experience working with government projects in developing countries

and/or in civil society organisations.

• Knowledge of the socio-economic and political situation in Bolivia.

• Experience in human resource management.

• Ability to work in both Spanish and English.

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Word and Excel.

• Availability and desire to travel to isolated rural areas.

Desirable

• Masters in International Development

• Knowledge of the setting up and running of small enterprises.

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• Knowledge of the management of projects financed by international
donors like The European Union.

• Experience in networking.

Skills

• Flexible and creative

• Ability to work well under pressure

• Willingness to work outside of office hours

• Ability to organise and coordinate

• Good leadership and team work skills

• Good interpersonal and communicative skills (oral and written).

Work Conditions

• Competitive salary

• Accommodation costs, if you do not own your own house

• For foreigners: Medical costs, including evacuation and personal

insurance costs

• For Bolivians: Short-term health insurance, pension fund and benefits in

accordance with the General Labour Law.

• Travel costs

• Training costs according to the budget

• 20 days annual holidays

• Excellent work environment

How to apply

The application form is available on the webpage www.is-ireland.ie .

Completed application forms should be sent to okicullen@is-ireland.ie no later
than Friday March 19th. For more information visit the website
www.isbolivia.org or www.is-ireland.ie .

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Este puesto esta financiado por la Unión Europea
ANNEX

Implementation Strategy.

There will be a focus on 3 specific areas:

1. Work Inclusion for The Visually Impaired (VI): The activities

proposed aim to generate work opportunities, in the area of productivity,
through the creation of 9 small enterprises; and also in the public sector,
in accordance with Supreme Decrees 27477 and 29608 which enable the
integration into the workforce of disabled people in public administration .

In relation to the creation of small enterprises, training in basic

administration and marketing will be available to all interested members
of the IBC’s participating in the project. Later on, technical capacities will
be developed in specific areas of the enterprise according to the chosen
business plans. Legal support will also be made available, along with
financial support to cover basic start-up costs and also for the integration
into existing business networks to ensure a sustainable future for the
micro-enterprises.

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 Concerning employment in the public sector, capacity building will take
place in the form of training made available to improve work skills, in
accordance with job profiles, job offers and capacities of the VI. One of the
first activities of the project will be to obtain information necessary to
identify the training required. In addition, it is deemed necessary to work
with local authorities, so as to raise awareness among them on the
importance of the insertion of disabled people into the workforce. For this
reason, these actors will be taken into account for training purposes and in
relation to political incidence.

2. Institutional Strengthening of the IBC’s: will be achieved through

training of technical personnel, with the view to forming organisational
and managerial capacities of leaders and employees of the national IBC
groups and the three regional IBC partner groups in the project
(Chuiquisaca, Potosí and Cochabamba). The self-evaluation method
designed by IS (International Service), will identify strengths and
weaknesses and a training plan will be implemented in each IBC, in
accordance with the characteristics of each entity.

3. Impact on Public Policy: Finally, training will take place on human

rights and political incidence to affiliated members of the IBC’s, on four
public policies, focusing on participation and the promotion of human
rights. We see this as the starting point for effective and sustainable
inclusion in the workforce. This area will take into consideration the
involvement of the community as a whole, people with visual disability,
local and national authorities in workshops, publicity spots, written
material, fairs, as well as cultural and sporting events. The objective is to
make information in relation to laws, rules, testimonies and others readily
available, in order to achieve a better understanding of the rights of
disabled people from the point of view that ‘right and duty go hand in
hand’.

Planned Activities

1. The setting up and running of small enterprises. Identification

of key actors, administrative and technical training for the
people involved.

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9 Small to Medium Businesses will be set up (SMB). They will be
sustainable, established and will be managed by members of the partner
organisations. There will be 10-12 people involved in each business, with
the view to reducing poverty levels for those involved and for their
families, while integrating them into the workforce and economic life. They
will be trained in areas related to their specific business. Training
materials will be accessible to the VI.

During the entire process of the setting up of the enterprises, gender

equality will be taken into account. Some of the workshops will also
provide training in relation to environmental issues.

2. Active participation in business networks. Training on

networking in business will be provided.

The 9 SMB’s set up and managed by the VI will actively participate in

business networks in Bolivia so members can become involved in other
aspects of business life at regional and national level. The project will
facilitate links between the managers of the businesses of the VI and
directors of the business networks in order to achieve a good connection
between them and active participation in business circles.

3. Gathering of Information of existing vacancies for the VI.

Training workshops on work skills in the public sector for the
VI. To encourage and monitor the insertion into the workforce
of the VI in public bodies.

The project aims to increase by 20% the number of VI working in the

public sector, in compliance with Law 1678 and the Supreme Decrees No.
27477 and 29608 so that disabled people constitute 4% of the total public
sector workforce. In order to achieve this, information will be gathered
from the 4 regions of La Paz, Chuquisaca, Potosí and Cochabamba, as well
as information on positions held, occupational profiles and job offers. In
accordance with the results, the project will provide the required technical
and professional training to the VI interested in applying for job positions
available.

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4. In-depth analysis of the capacities of partners. Design and
implementation of training schedule. Evaluation of the
institutional progress of the IBC.

The self-evaluation method of IS will be applied in order to establish the

organisational, managerial and legal capacities of the personnel who have
received training in the IBC at local and regional level. According to the
results, a work plan for institutional strengthening will be devised as well
as the production of internal work tools.

5. Design of modules on human rights and legal regulations.

Diffusion of case histories at fairs, workshops, and cultural
events. Training workshops on the rights of the VI.

2,000 members of the national IBC branch will be trained and informed on
human rights issues in a series of workshops. Information will be shared
on a massive scale in relation to human rights, laws and obligations in
relation to visual impairment and case histories will show the positive
experiences of the VI who are now integrated into the workforce in
Bolivian society. The material aimed at the blind population will be
produced in Braille and audio, to reach this particular audience.

6. Definition of subject matter for impact on public policy.

Training leaders of the Movement for the Blind on legal
techniques. Development of inclusive public policies.

4 public policies at national and/or regional level as stated in the New

Political Constitution of the State will promote the rights of the VI. These
policies will be made known at regional and national level.

7. Indentifying allies. Development of plans and budgets together

with allies. Participation in advocacy at regional and national
level.

The plan is to work with strategic allies such as the local municipalities
where the IBC’s have a role to play in the writing up of at least 9
inclusive development plans at municipal and regional level. In order
to achieve this level of incidence, the IBC’s will go through a training

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process and will carry out an analysis of municipal and regional
development plans.

Finally, a social network agency will be set up in Cochabamba.

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