Terms of Reference (TOR) for Consultant: Development of Simplified Toolkit for Gender Transformative Approaches, Advocacy, and Meaningful and Inclusive Youth Participation (MIYP) in Uganda
- Background:
The “Power to You(th)” (PTY) program is a five-year country program implemented by the PTY Consortium in Uganda, aiming to ensure that young people under 35 years are meaningfully included in discussions and decisions regarding the interrelated issues of unintended pregnancy, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), child marriage, and female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C). The program is implemented in collaboration with three partner organizations: The Eastern African Sub-Regional Support Initiative for the Advancement of Women, Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU), and the Uganda Youth and Adolescents Health Forum (UYAHF). The program operates in the districts of Kampala, Kalangala, Isingiro, Busia, Mbale, and Bukwo.
Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and harmful practices, such as FGM/C, early and forced child marriage, and teenage pregnancy, are deeply rooted in harmful gender and sexual norms perpetuated by unequal (patriarchal) power relations. The Power to Youth program aims to address these root causes by adopting Gender Transformative Approaches, empowering stakeholders, including CSOs, cultural leaders, religious leaders, and young people, to critically examine, question, and change rigid gender norms and power imbalances at all levels of society.
- Purpose:
The purpose of this consultancy is to develop a simplified toolkit for Gender Transformative Approaches, Advocacy, and Meaningful and Inclusive Youth Participation (MIYP) within the context of the Power to Youth program in Uganda. The toolkit will serve as a comprehensive guide for various institutions on how to meaningfully engage and include young people, stakeholders to implement gender transformative policies and practices to address SGBV and harmful practices effectively.
- Objectives:
- Literature Review: Review existing literature, best practices, and toolkits provided by the global team on gender transformative approaches, MIYP, and advocacy in the context of Uganda on SGBV and harmful practices.
- Toolkit Development: Develop a user-friendly and context-specific toolkit that includes practical guidance, tools, resources, and case studies for institutions to implement gender transformative policies and practices effectively, with a focus on addressing SGBV and harmful practices.
- Incorporate Youth Perspectives: Ensure that the toolkit incorporates the perspectives and voices of young people, making it a youth-friendly and inclusive resource.
- Stakeholder Consultation: Engage in consultations with various stakeholders, including young people, government agencies, NGOs, community leaders, to gather input and insights.
- Monitoring and Evaluation Framework: Develop a monitoring and evaluation framework that allows institutions to measure the impact of their efforts in implementing gender transformative policies and practices and in engaging youth meaningfully
- Capacity Building: Design and deliver training sessions or workshops for relevant stakeholders on how to effectively use the toolkit, build their capacity, and foster a gender-transformative and youth-inclusive environment.
- Advocacy Strategies: Include strategies and guidance for advocacy efforts aimed at promoting gender equality and reducing SGBV and harmful practices within institutions and communities.
- 4. Scope of Work:
The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:
- Conduct a thorough review of existing literature, guidelines, and best practices related to gender transformative approaches, advocacy, and meaningful inclusion of young people in addressing SGBV, child marriage, FGM/C, and teenage pregnancy.
- Engage with key stakeholders, including the PTY Consortium members, CSOs, cultural leaders, religious leaders, andyouth advocates, young people from youth led and youth serving organizations, through interviews, focus group discussions, and consultations to gather insights, experiences, and recommendations for inclusion in the toolkit.
- Develop a simplified toolkit that includes practical, actionable, and evidence-based strategies for promoting gender transformative approaches, conducting effective advocacy, and ensuring meaningful inclusion of young people in decision-making processes at all stages and levels of programming.
- Present the draft toolkit to the PTY Consortium for feedback and incorporate any suggested revisions.
- Submit the final toolkit in both hard copy and electronic formats.
- 5. Deliverables:
The consultant is expected to deliver the following:
- Inception report detailing the proposed methodology and work plan.
- Draft simplified toolkit for Gender Transformative Approaches, Advocacy, and MIYP.
- Draft monitoring tool or guide for Gender Transformative Approaches, Advocacy, and MIYP.
- Presentation of the draft toolkit to the PTY Consortium.
- Final toolkit incorporating feedback from the PTY Consortium.
- Final monitoring tool or guide for GTA, Advocacy and MIYP
- 6. Timeline:
The consultancy is expected to be completed within 40 days from the contract signing date. A detailed timeline will be agreed upon with the selected consultant.
- 7. Qualifications and Expertise:
The consultant should possess the following qualifications and expertise:
- A master’s degree in social studies, Public Health, Development Studies and any other related field
- A proven track record in gender transformative programming, youth empowerment, and advocacy within the context of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
- Demonstrated experience in developing toolkits, training materials, or similar resources related to gender, youth, and SRHR issues.
- In-depth knowledge of the socio-cultural context in Uganda, particularly regarding SGBV, child marriage, FGM/C, and teenage pregnancy.
- Excellent research, writing, and communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders and facilitate participatory processes.
- Strong presentation, communication, and writing skills in English are paramount: the ability to understand any other local languages spoken in Isingiro, Bukwo, Kalangala, Mbale, and Busia is an added advantage.
- The consultant should have proven experience in youth friendly programming
- 8. Reporting and Coordination:
The consultant will report to the Programme Manager PtY, the PTY Consortium and will work closely with the program’s technical team to ensure the alignment of the toolkit with the program’s objectives and approaches.
- Interested candidates or firms are invited to submit their proposals, including a detailed methodology, work plan, CVs, Detailed cost proposal including the number of days you would spend on the assignment and daily fees (budget should cover all costs in-country as well, including logistical costs) and examples of relevant previous work to email address rhu@rhu.or.ug , dnanyange@rhu.or.ug pnabatanzi@rhu.or.ug by 25th June 2024
- Award of consultancy/additional notes
Power to Youth will evaluate the proposals and award the assignment based on technical and financial feasibility. Power to youth reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal received without giving reasons and is not bound to accept the lowest or the highest bidder
Note: The TOR may be subject to minor adjustments or revisions based on the discussions and agreements with the selected consultant.
