CALL FOR SHORT-TERM CONSULTANCY

Terms of Reference for Reviewing Malawi’s Implementation of National Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Policy

Background

The Malawi Government is committed to providing comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services in line with national and international policies, protocols, and agreements. National frameworks, such as the National Health Policy and the National Reproductive Health Program, alongside international recommendations from the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in 1994 and the National Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights policy, have been central to the development of health delivery systems in Malawi.

The National Reproductive Health Program outlines strategies for implementing SRH services, including family planning, maternal and neonatal health, the prevention and management of sexually transmitted infections and HIV and AIDS, early detection and management of cervical cancer, and more.

The 2017-2022 SRHR Policy expired in 2022, necessitating its revision. This revision aims to build upon the successes and challenges of the previous policy, updating targets, and addressing existing gaps. It will be guided by evidence from the implementation process and involve national and international stakeholders with experience in SRHR issues.

Girls Activist Youth Organisation (GAYO) and Centre for Youth Empowerment and Civic Education (CYECE) are dedicated advocates for gender equality and youth empowerment. They envision a future where youth actively participate in development, free from gender-based violence and HIV&AIDS. To achieve this vision by 2026, GAYO and CYECE are actively contributing to the national SRHR policy review by submitting a policy brief that will highlight successes, gaps, and recommendations in SRHR policy implementation.

GAYO and CYECE will receive support for the development of the SRHR policy brief under the GEAR Alliance Networking grant called the Sexuality Education for Transformation (SET) project. The SET project aims to create a youth-serving organization movement in Southern Africa advocating for access to SRH services for adolescent girls and young women in rural communities.

Problems to be addressed by alliance members:

• Limited access to SRH services in rural communities and schools in Southern Africa.
• Limited government accountability in delivering SRH rights for young people, especially Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM), and Youth-Friendly Sexual and Reproductive Health Services (YFSP).
• Limited access to menstrual health products and information for adolescent girls and young women in rural communities.

Consultancy Objectives

To assess Malawi’s implementation of the 2017-2022 Malawi National Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Policy, focusing on women, key populations, and other marginalized groups.

Specific Objectives:

• Analyze the implementation of the current 2017-2022 Malawi National Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Policy.
• Review the successes and gaps in the implementation of the 2017-2022 Malawi National Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Policy.

Scope of Work

• Undertake a desk review of existing information and documents on the 2017-2022 Malawi National Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Policy.
• Conduct interviews and meetings with stakeholders.
• Prepare a draft study report.
• Facilitate a report validation workshop.
• Prepare a final study report.
• Facilitate a report dissemination workshop jointly with the consortium.

Key Deliverables

1. An inception report detailing the work-plan, understanding of the TORs, methodology, and the list of stakeholders to be consulted.
2. Draft report.
3. Study validation workshop report.
4. Final study report.

Timelines

The consultant is expected to work within a two-week period from the date of signing the contract.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Advanced University Degree in Social Science, Health Economics, Public Health, Community Development, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of working experience as a consultant in the field of public health or related areas.
• Proven experience in high-level SRHR policy and program studies.
• Experience in facilitating and moderating high-level SRHR policy review workshops and meetings.
• Strong writing and communication skills.
• Familiarity with local and international SRHR policy frameworks.
• Immediate availability.

How to Apply/Submission of Application

Applicants should submit a Technical Proposal, a two-week Action Plan, two Reference Letters from recent clients, Curriculum Vitae, and a Budget for fieldwork and professional fees to the following email addresses: gayoprocurement@gmail.com or info@gayomalawi.org.

The application should bear the heading “SRHR POLICY BRIEF Consultancy Application-GAYO22.”

The closing date for receiving applications is on Friday, 27th October 2023, at 16:00 hrs.