Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Restoring Children’s and Young Peoples Lost Aspiration, Integrity and Mental well-being (ReCLAIM) Mental Health Policy Consultant

1. Background

The Regional Psychosocial Support Initiative (REPSSI) is a renowned pan-African organization that has been supporting governments and non-governmental organizations to provide holistic psychosocial care and support to children and their families in East and Southern Africa for 18 years.

Our programs are spread across 13 countries and aim to enhance the psychosocial and mental well-being of girls, boys, youth, their families, and communities, enabling them to respond to challenges such as quality of life, conflict, poverty, climate change, environmental disasters, and social strife. We also take advantage of opportunities such as education, health services, and sexual and reproductive health to integrate psychosocial support (PSS).

We deliver our programs through partnerships with regional bodies such as SADC (Southern Africa Development Cooperation), EAC (East African Community), AU (African Union), national governments, non-governmental organizations, and private firms. REPSSI has provided resources for 15 years to enhance the psychosocial well-being of children, youth, and communities. This work strengthens resilience, self-esteem, teamwork, conflict resolution, and motivation through:

• Evidence-based mental health and psychosocial support (PSS) knowledge development.
• Dissemination of user-friendly resources and training.
• Strengthening MHPSS monitoring, evaluation, and documentation.
• Advocacy for PSS integration into core programming.

2. About the Project

The Restoring Children’s and Young Peoples Lost Aspiration, Integrity and Mental well-being (ReCLAIM) Project, funded by Comic Relief, launched in 2020 to enhance community support for children and youth aged 5–24 with or at risk of mental health challenges. It operates in Chipata, Katete, Livingstone, and Kazungula in Zambia’s Eastern and Southern provinces.

3. Objective of the Project

The primary objectives of the ReCLAIM Project are:

• Build the capacity of community structures to support mental health.
• Strengthen resilience of children and youth at risk.
• Improve access to mental health services.
• Enhance the policy environment for child and adolescent mental health.

4. Consultancy Background

Mental health remains a critical public health concern in Zambia, with limited resources and outdated or inadequate policies to address the needs of diverse populations, including vulnerable groups such as young people and refugees. To enhance policy advocacy and implementation, it is essential to review existing mental health-related policies and frameworks and develop a position paper to guide stakeholders in advocating for improved mental health systems.

5. Consultancy Objective

The consultant will:

• Review existing mental health policies, guidelines, and frameworks.
• Gather feedback from key stakeholders, including Members of Parliament (MPs), traditional leaders, young people, and line ministries.
• Deliver a comprehensive mental health policy position paper to support advocacy efforts within Zambia’s mental health stakeholders.

6. Scope of Work:

6.1. Desk Review:

• Conduct a thorough review of existing mental health policies, guidelines, and frameworks in Zambia.
• Identify gaps, strengths, and areas for alignment with global best practices, such as WHO guidelines and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

6.2. Stakeholder Engagement:

• Develop a stakeholder engagement plan to ensure inclusive and representative feedback.
• Conduct consultations with MPs, traditional leaders, young people, line ministries, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Document stakeholder perspectives, priorities, and recommendations regarding mental health policy.

6.3. Position Paper:

• Synthesize findings from the document review and stakeholder consultations.
• Draft a mental health policy position paper that highlights key issues, evidence-based recommendations, and actionable steps for policy advocacy.

6.4. Validation and Finalization:

• Present the draft position paper to key stakeholders for validation.
• Incorporate feedback and finalize the position paper.

7. Deliverables:

The consultant will produce the following deliverables:

• Inception Report detailing methodology, timeline, and stakeholder engagement plan.
• Comprehensive Review Report of existing mental health policies and frameworks.
• Documentation of Stakeholder Feedback from consultations.
• Draft Mental Health Policy Position Paper.
• Final Validated and Polished Mental Health Policy Position Paper.

8. Payment Schedule:

• 30%: Upon adoption of the Inception Report.
• 30%: Upon submission of the Draft Report.
• 40%: Upon approval of the Final Report.

9. Expertise and Qualifications:

The consultant should possess:

• Advanced degree in public health, law, policy development, social sciences, or a related field.
• Proven experience in policy analysis, development, and advocacy, preferably in the health or mental health sectors.
• Strong understanding of Zambia’s health systems and socio-political context.
• Demonstrated ability to engage diverse stakeholders, including government officials and community leaders.
• Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills.

10. How to Apply:

10.1. Applicants should submit:

• A cover letter explaining their suitability for the assignment.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Financial proposal detailing consultancy fees, any anticipated costs, and timelines.

10.2. Application Submission:

• All applications should be addressed to the Country Director via email: Zambia@repssi.org.
• Deadline: 7th January 2025 at 17:00hrs.