Request for proposals

Legal and Regulatory Reviews and Policy Briefs on GEDSI and Trade Issues among ASPPUK Network of SME Service Providers

About the Association for Women Small and Micro Business Assistance (ASPPUK)

ASPPUK is a national network of civil society organizations in Indonesia committed to empowering marginalized women, particularly micro-entrepreneurs, young people, women heads of households, survivors of violence, and women with disabilities. Through capacity building, policy advocacy, participatory research, and community-based economic development, ASPPUK promotes gender equality, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. With a presence in both rural and urban areas across the country, ASPPUK works to build a just and resilient economy by supporting women’s leadership, strengthening community livelihoods, and amplifying women’s voices in policy and development. ASPPUK envisions a future where women are recognized as key actors in driving inclusive, sustainable, and rights-based development in Indonesia.

About the project

ASPPUK is partnering with the Trade and Gender Equality Incubator (TGEI),  an initiative funded by the Australian government to deliver the project “Strengthening a Gender Equitable and Inclusive Women-Owned Small Micro Business (SMEs) Network to Influence GEDSI and Trade Policies”. The project aims to address gender inequality affecting participation in trade in Indonesia, and thereby facilitate the participation of women entrepreneurs in international markets.

The opportunity

ASPPUK is seeking two individual consultants who can bid separately or a consultancy firm/organisation (the Consultant , each of them will conduct a legal and regulatory review of a priority issue relating to gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) and trade. Each consultant will use the review findings and recommendations to develop a policy brief for the identified issue. The consultant will work in close collaboration with ASPPUK’s team to analyse existing laws, regulations and policies relating to priority GEDSI and trade issues. Examples include identifying gaps and challenges in the legal and regulatory framework which impact to the access of SMEs to trade-related services, business registration and licensing and export-import procedures. The review will also consider Indonesia’s international trade commitments and gender mainstreaming obligations.

The findings from legal and regulatory review will help to guide ASPPUK’s future policy positions and provide recommendations to implement existing trade policy and programs in a gender responsive way, and. The results will be used to develop policy briefs and public awareness materials. The legal review will apply a desk review methodology, including analysis of relevant legal texts, policy documents, and previous regulatory impact assessments.

Each consultant will work for 13 days during the period from 25th August to 28 November 2025. The final products will be subject to comments, amendments, and the approval from the RT4D Facility Team and the Project Proponent.

The Consultant will be responsible for the following deliverables regarding the completion of the research.

• Deliverable 1: Two work plans and methodology to conduct a legal and regulatory review on gender and trade Issues, one by each consultant.
• Deliverable 2: Two draft review reports of the legal and regulatory frameworks, one by each consultant.
• Deliverable 3: Two final legal and regulatory review reports, one by each consultant.
• Deliverable 4: Two draft policy briefs on trade and GEDSI, one by each consultant.
• Deliverable 5: Two final policy briefs on trade and GEDSI, one by each consultant.

Interested individual consultants or consultancy firms should provide a technical proposal detailing their capabilities in supporting the scope of services outlined in this ToR. To ensure the above can be effectively managed and completed in alignment with this TOR, below are the requirements for the consultant:

Academic Background and Expertise

• Advance degree (Master’s or above) in Law, Public Policy, International Trade, Gender Studies, Sociology or related fields.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and its linkages with gender equality issues. Demonstrated a solid understanding of ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANFTA) and Regional Cooperation Economic Partnership (RCEP) would be a distinct strength.

Relevant Experience

• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in conducting legal analysis, particularly in the areas of trade regulations, gender equality, women economic empowerment, or policy reforms.
• Demonstrated experience working with civil society organisations, women’s economic groups, or policy advocacy networks, both at the national and local level in Indonesia.

Technical Competencies

• Strong understanding of the Indonesian legal and regulatory system, including processes for law-making, policy reform, and implementation.
• Familiarity with gender-responsive legal frameworks and international standards on women’s rights and inclusive trade.
• Experience in applying inclusive lens in conducting legal and policy reviews.

Communication and Coordination

• Strong facilitation, interpersonal, and coordination skills, with experience engaging a wide range of stakeholders including local communities, NGOs, donor representatives, and policymakers
• Fluency in both English and Bahasa Indonesia, with strong writing and verbal communication skills in both languages.

How to Apply

Please send the following application documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting relevant expertise in legal and regulatory analysis, gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI), and trade issues.
• Examples of previous work such as legal or regulatory reviews, policy briefs, research reports, or publications relevant to GEDSI, trade, or economic development (preferably authored solely or as a lead team member).
• A combined technical and financial proposal outlining your proposed methodology, work plan, and budget for delivering the Legal & Regulatory Review and Policy Briefs assignment.

Interested bidders should submit Technical and Financial proposals in alignment with requirements outlines in Section IX of the full TOR.

Please click this link to access the full TOR: bit.ly/459h9iL for more information on how to apply.

Please submit your application documents before 11.59 pm of  20 August 2025 to asppuk@gmail.com with the subject line:
Application: Consultant for Legal Review&Regulatory, and Policy Brief – ASPPUK-TGEI Project