Request for Proposal | Development of 2X Challenge Investee Support Package: Tools and Templates
Background
The 2X Challenge was launched at the 2018 G7 Summit in Canada as a bold capital commitment of development and multilateral finance institutions to invest in the world’s women. Since then, this flagship initiative has mobilised over US$34 billion in investments. Over 1000 transactions into approximately 620 individual entities have been qualified under the 2X Criteria, reflecting the growing interest of investors and investees in gender lens investing. To continue supporting 2X Challenge-qualified investees in strengthening their gender-smart practices and advancing the field of gender finance, it is necessary to provide practical tools and templates that help them meet and further improve their alignment with the 2X Criteria. Accordingly, we are seeking to develop an investee support package for qualified investees that includes tools and templates for key policies and practices to help them fulfil and strengthen their commitments under the 2X Criteria.
Purpose of the Assignment
The purpose of this assignment is to design and develop a practical set of tools and resources that enable 2X Challenge qualified investees (companies, funds and financial institutions) to strengthen their gender-smart practices and deepen their alignment with the 2X Criteria (the “Investee Support Package”). 2X Challenge Investees regularly make commitments to implement gender-smart practices as part of their participation in the 2X Challenge, for instance, to implement gender-responsive hiring or supply chain policies. Investees often request structured, practical support to translate this commitment into consistent policies, systems, and practices that meet and exceed 2X requirements.
Through this assignment, the selected consultant will develop the Investee Support Package, comprising actionable, practical tools, templates, and guidance materials to help investees implement gender-smart business practices. The support package is intended to help 2X Challenge investees not only maintain their qualification status but also continuously improve their gender practices, enhance accountability, and advance the broader field of gender finance.
Objectives of the Assignment
The objectives of this assignment are to:
Work with 2X Challenge participating investors and investees to identify the resources most helpful to the broadest set of 2X Challenge investees.
Develop a practical and user-friendly Investee Support Package that supports 2X Challenge-qualified investees in implementing gender-smart practices and fulfilling their commitments as 2X Challenge investees.
Translate the 2X Criteria into clear, actionable guidance that investees can apply across key policy, governance, operational, and reporting practices.
Design and deliver a suite of practical tools and templates that address common gaps and challenges faced by investees in meeting and improving against the 2X Criteria.
Support investees in institutionalising gender-smart practices by providing adaptable resources for different sectors, geographies, and stages of business development.
Enable continuous improvement among qualified investees by outlining pathways to progress from minimum compliance to stronger, best-practice gender outcomes.
Strengthen consistency and quality in how investees implement and demonstrate alignment with the 2X Criteria, thereby contributing to the credibility and advancement of gender finance.
Timelines
Proposals are requested by March 13, 2026.
It is expected that the successful applicant will begin work in April 2026, with final deliverables no later than July 31, 2026.
Budget
We invite bidders to provide a budget proposal for this work. We anticipate the budget range to be between $20,000 and $25,000.
The budget shall be of moderate detail, outlining the expected days' input and fee rates for each key activity. Please note that 2X Global has a maximum daily fee of $1000. Blended rates are acceptable.
