Call for Proposals to Conduct a National Attitudinal Survey in Lesotho

The Other Foundation is inviting qualified research teams to conduct a nationally representative survey on public attitudes, understanding, and experiences related to homosexuality and gender diversity in Lesotho. The consultancy covers the complete research process, including survey design, ethical approval, nationwide data collection, statistical analysis, and the preparation of a comprehensive analytical report.

About the Research Consultancy

The Other Foundation has launched a call for proposals for experienced research teams to undertake a comprehensive national survey on public attitudes towards homosexuality and gender diversity in Lesotho.

The study will be conducted in collaboration with a national reference group and will follow a research methodology comparable to previous national surveys undertaken in South Africa, Malawi, Eswatini, Botswana, and Mauritius. The findings will provide reliable, evidence-based data to improve understanding of public attitudes and experiences related to sexual orientation and gender diversity.

The selected research team will manage the entire research process while ensuring high standards of ethics, data quality, participant safety, and statistical accuracy.

Why This Research Matters

Reliable national data helps policymakers, researchers, civil society organisations, and development partners better understand public attitudes and social experiences.

The survey aims to:

• Measure public attitudes towards homosexuality and gender diversity.
• Improve understanding of knowledge and perceptions relating to LGBTI communities.
• Identify demographic and geographic trends.
• Support evidence-based policy and programme development.
• Strengthen research on equality, diversity, and human rights.
• Provide nationally representative data for future research and advocacy.

Scope of Work

The selected consultancy team will be responsible for planning and implementing every stage of the research project.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing the research methodology.
• Preparing a detailed implementation work plan.
• Adapting an existing survey questionnaire for the Lesotho context.
• Obtaining ethical clearance where required.
• Recruiting, training, and supervising experienced fieldworkers.
• Conducting nationwide fieldwork.
• Maintaining quality control throughout data collection.
• Ensuring participant safety and confidentiality.
• Cleaning and validating survey data.
• Performing statistical analysis.
• Producing technical and analytical reports.

Survey Methodology

The survey should follow methodologies comparable to similar national studies previously conducted in:

• South Africa
• Malawi
• Eswatini
• Botswana
• Mauritius

This approach will support consistency and allow meaningful comparisons across countries where appropriate.

Required Deliverables

The consultancy requires four major deliverables:

1. Methodology and Work Plan

The selected team must prepare:

• Detailed research methodology
• Sampling strategy
• Project implementation plan
• Timeline

2. Survey Instruments and Ethics Documentation

This includes:

• Adapted questionnaire
• Survey instruments
• Ethical approval documentation (where required)

3. Completed Fieldwork and Cleaned Dataset

The research team must provide:

• National survey implementation
• Quality-controlled fieldwork
• Clean anonymised dataset

4. Technical and Analytical Reports

The final outputs include:

• Technical fieldwork report
• Comprehensive analytical report examining findings and correlations with socio-demographic characteristics

Who Is Eligible?

Applications are invited from qualified research teams based anywhere in Southern Africa.

Applicants must be able to successfully implement the research in Lesotho.

Eligible teams should demonstrate experience in:

• Large-scale national social surveys
• Sensitive attitudinal research
• LGBTI-related research
• Quantitative statistical analysis
• Ethical research practices
• Data protection and confidentiality
• Working with civil society organisations and/or LGBTI movements in Lesotho

Required Team Composition

The proposed team should include appropriately qualified professionals, including:

• Project Manager
• National Coordinator
• Data Analyst
• Experienced trainers
• Field supervisors

Additional research and technical personnel may be included where necessary.

Technical Skills Required

Applicants should demonstrate proficiency in recognised statistical software, including:

Strong expertise in survey sampling, statistical modelling, and quantitative data analysis is expected.

How the Consultancy Works

The consultancy follows a structured implementation process:

1. Develop the research methodology and work plan.
2. Adapt the questionnaire for Lesotho.
3. Obtain ethical approval where required.
4. Recruit and train fieldworkers.
5. Conduct nationwide field data collection.
6. Clean and validate collected data.
7. Analyse survey results.
8. Prepare technical and analytical reports.

Selection Criteria

Proposals are expected to be evaluated based on:

• Relevant experience with national surveys
• Experience researching sensitive social issues
• Technical quality of the proposed methodology
• Qualifications of the research team
• Statistical and analytical expertise
• Experience working in Lesotho
• Capacity to deliver all required outputs within the consultancy period

Tips for Applicants

Applicants can strengthen their proposals by:

• Demonstrating previous experience with nationally representative surveys.
• Presenting a robust sampling methodology.
• Explaining ethical safeguards and participant protection measures.
• Highlighting expertise in quantitative analysis.
• Including experienced project management and field supervision staff.
• Providing realistic implementation timelines and quality assurance procedures.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting incomplete technical proposals.
• Providing weak sampling methodologies.
• Failing to address ethical approval requirements.
• Demonstrating limited experience with sensitive research topics.
• Omitting quality assurance procedures for fieldwork.
• Providing insufficient information about team qualifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of this consultancy?

The consultancy will conduct a nationally representative survey examining public attitudes, understanding, and experiences related to homosexuality and gender diversity in Lesotho.

Who can apply?

Qualified research teams based anywhere in Southern Africa that can successfully implement the study in Lesotho.

What type of research experience is required?

Applicants should have experience conducting large-scale social surveys, sensitive attitudinal research, and statistical data analysis.

Which software skills are expected?

Teams should demonstrate proficiency in SPSS, R, or Stata.

Is experience with LGBTI-related research important?

Yes. Applicants should have experience researching sensitive issues, including LGBTI-related topics, and working with civil society organisations and/or LGBTI movements in Lesotho.

What are the required project deliverables?

The consultancy requires four key deliverables: the methodology and work plan, survey instruments and ethics documentation, completed fieldwork with cleaned data, and final technical and analytical reports.

Can research teams outside Lesotho apply?

Yes. Teams may be based anywhere in Southern Africa, provided they have the capacity to conduct the research in Lesotho.

Conclusion

The Other Foundation’s research consultancy provides an opportunity for experienced research teams to contribute to an important national study on public attitudes towards homosexuality and gender diversity in Lesotho. Through rigorous survey methods, ethical research practices, and comprehensive statistical analysis, the project will generate high-quality evidence to support informed decision-making, future research, and initiatives promoting equality and inclusion.