Girls Not Brides advertises this consultancy in partnership with Plan International, SADC PF, UNFPA, UNICEF and Hivos.

Terms of Reference 
Child, Early and Forced Marriage (CEFM) is a violation of children’s rights and a fundamental impediment to human development. It has particularly adverse effects on girls, curtailing their education, violating their sexual and reproductive health and rights, limiting their autonomy and placing them at increased risk of violence.

The 2017 UNICEF data showed a historic drop in child marriage rates globally, confirming that progress is possible in addressing this harmful practice. While global trends are encouraging, with 25 million child marriages averted in the last decade, some regional and national situations are worrying. 1 in 3 of most recently married child brides are now in sub-Saharan Africa, compared to 1 in 5 a decade ago, indicating that the global burden of child marriage is shifting to sub-Saharan Africa, which is deeply a source of critical concern.

To reverse these global and regional trends, Girls Not Brides, Plan International, UNICEF, UNFPA and Hivos offices housed in the Region of Eastern and Southern Africa have been very instrumental in implementing multi-pronged interventions, strategies and programs to address child marriage in collaboration with various stakeholders such as Regional Economic Communities, in particular, SADC-Parliamentary Forum, governments, line ministries, health institutions, parents, youth groups, champions of change, opinion formers, religious leaders and community leaders such as chiefs/ Chieftainesses, Head persons, elders and other traditional leaders.

In 2019, Girls Not Brides, Plan International, the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF), and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) partnered to organize a SADC regional workshop. The workshop aimed to discuss strategies and actions for ending child marriage in the SADC region. The workshop had a positive impact, resulting in the formation of SADC communities of practice.

Since the convening in 2019, significant progress has been made in addressing child marriage in the SADC region. Some of the notable achievements include the adoption of the SADC Model law by member countries, the strengthening of legal frameworks, and the implementation of community-based programs that empower girls and young women. It is essential to reflect on these achievements, learn from the best practices, and remind the government of its role in fulfilling the commitments made since the last convening.

About the Consultancy

Girls Not Brides, Plan International, SADC PF, UNFPA, UNICEF and Hivos are exploring an exciting opportunity to convene the SADC Model Law Regional workshop on 20 – 22 August 2024.

We are seeking a team of consultants to facilitate this workshop, including pre-planning engagements collaboratively with the team to facilitate the meeting and document the deliberations through the provision of rapporteur services. The ideal consultancy team comprises a facilitator (to preside over the opening ceremony) and a workshop rapporteur.

The main objective of the regional meeting is to serve as a critical platform for dialogue and action, bringing together government representatives, civil society organizations, international partners, and donors. It also seeks to assess the progress made by SADC governments and member states in fulfilling their commitments towards the implementation and domestication of the SADC Model Law on Eradicating Child Marriage and Protecting Children Already in Marriage at international, regional, and national levels. By providing insight into the achievements and identifying gaps where further action is required, the workshop aims to catalyse the full implementation and dissemination of the Model Law, ensuring its impactful contribution to the well-being and empowerment of girls and women across the region.

Scope of Work

The consultant(s) will be responsible for the following tasks:

Phase one: Planning 

• The consultant(s) will be required to attend preparation meetings with a team of organisers to co-design the regional convening, including the agenda and selecting appropriate methodologies of delivery.
• Suggesting reporting formats for review and approval by the team.

Phase two: Preside over the opening ceremony and report writing during the workshop

• Engaging with stakeholders, including government, policymakers, and representatives from civil society organizations, to promote dialogue and exchange of ideas and strengthen coordination at a regional and global level. (Facilitator).
• The consultant will be expected to capture workshop proceedings (rapporteur) and prepare a comprehensive report summarising the workshop proceedings, including key findings, recommendations, and next steps for improving the implementation and domestication of the SADC ML at the regional level.
• Designing a Clear Roadmap for the Domestication and Implementation of SADC Model Law. (Rapporteur).
• Identifying key challenges and opportunities for the implementation and domestication of the SADC ML child marriage in the region and developing actionable recommendations for improving programming efforts. (Rapporteur).

Phase 3: Final report

• Draft report and road map shared with the organising team by 13 September 2024.
• Submission of the final report by 27 September 2024

Required Experience, Qualifications and Expertise

The consultant(s) should possess the following qualifications:

1. Possess expertise in child marriage programming, with a proven track record of facilitating high-level workshops on related topics.
2. In-depth knowledge of the socio-cultural, economic, and political context of child marriage in Africa, including an understanding of the challenges and opportunities for addressing this issue.
3. Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including high-level government, practitioners, policymakers, and civil society organisations, in the field of child marriage or related areas.
4. Excellent facilitation and communication skills, with the ability to engage participants from different backgrounds and promote meaningful discussions.
5. Strong analytical and report writing skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information and present it clearly and concisely. Please provide evidence/records/references.
6. Availability and ability to travel within Zambia to facilitate the workshop in the week of 19 – 23 August 2024

Deliverables

1. A well-designed and facilitated three-day workshop, including an agenda, group discussions, and activities.
2.  A Clear Roadmap for Domestication and Implementation of SADC Model Law.
3. A comprehensive report summarizing the workshop proceedings, including recommendations and next steps for domesticating and implementation of the SADC ML.

Timelines 
The consultants are expected to complete the workshop report and deliverables within 30 days. The anticipated start date for this consultancy is 5 August 2024.

Fees
Please include a detailed financial proposal as part of the application.

Girls Not Brides shall cover the consultants’ travel and accommodation expenses and any other reasonable and relevant expenses as agreed upon in writing.

Application Process
Please submit your application via the Girls Not Brides portal by 19 July 2024, 11:59 BST and include:

• A technical proposal with a brief description of all team members, and a detailed, explicit methodology on how they will approach and complete the assignment and a work plan with timelines.
• The technical proposal should also contain CVs indicating the educational background/ professional qualifications and experience of all team members, as well as their contact details (email and telephone).
• A detailed financial proposal.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.