Terms of reference for an external consultant to produce a publication on “IPPF worldwide FGM programming”.
Background
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) continues to be a severe violation of human rights and a significant public health issue worldwide. Supporting groups led by FGM survivors is essential to eradicate this practice, highlighting the pivotal role these survivors play in fostering change and creating effective interventions.
FGM survivors endure both physical and psychological trauma from this pervasive practice, affecting millions of girls and women globally. The consequences of FGM extend beyond immediate harm, causing lasting trauma, reinforcing cycles of inequality, and damaging the health and well-being of individuals and communities.
IPPF, supported by its deeply established member associations, stands as a global leader advocating for Zero Tolerance towards Female Genital Mutilation, and renews its commitment to progress toward eliminating FGM by 2030.
General information about the requested tasks
Purpose of Assignment
IPPF seeks to collect and map all the efforts made by IPPF through its MAs in terms of programs and actions to eliminate FGM. This mapping, analysis and assessment will guide the strategies/programs/plans and funds that could be developed/dedicated to combat FGM through IPPF and its MAs. The purpose of the assignment is then, to enable IPPF and MAs to have a holistic and comprehensive knowledge/view of the existing FGM programs and how to enhance their programming approaches and plans during the IPPF strategic framework 2023-2028.
Consultant Scope of work
The scope of work for the consultant tasked with producing a publication on IPPF worldwide FGM programming encompasses the following:
- Conduct interviews and develop surveys to be filled by MAs to understand their current performance, strategies on FGM programming.
- Conduct a review of the existing documents of the FGM programs including proposals, log frames, programmatic reports and means of verifications of activities conducted along with the supplementary information retrieved from MAs survey.
- Analyze MAs' policies and practices that guardin against FGM interventions.
- Identify specific needs and gaps in FGM programming with acceleration Framework.
- Consult with the FGM programs leader in each Member Association and eventually some IPPF AWRO staff to understand the programs implementation and the extent of alignment with the cultural contexts and needs and review the current systems in place for collecting relevant programs performance data/ indicators and feedback.
Identify the baseline data sets available at the level of the MAs.
It is required at all times that the assignment is carried out with due regard to IPPF’s commitment to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults.
The review is expected to include and answer the following:
- To what extent did the FGM programs achieve their original objectives/purpose? Were there any unexpected outcomes beyond the objectives?
- What were the principal common regional issues/challenges faced while implementing these programs?
- What has been the effects of the FGM programs on the target groups and communities it is working with?
- What approaches, strategies and activities worked well and what did not? Explain why and how?
- What challenges were met and were they overcome? Explain why and how?
- What have been the main lessons learned from these programs? How could we advise Member Associations to achieve the same successes and avoid the same problems?
- What are the main successes of the programs planning phases and reaching target groups. Have the FGM programs put in place measures to reach people most in need, and did they cover the areas targeted efficiently?
- What are the achievements in FGM programs implementation carried out by the Member Association?
- Were there efficient sustainability plans put in place by the Implementing Member Associations to ensure the welfare of the served communities after the end of the program/fund? What plans are in place for continuation, replication, adaptation, scaling up, etc.? What was done to ensure sustainability of the outcomes of the FGM programs and long-term impact for the survivors/society?
- What could be recommended for a long-term impact and possibilities of the in country and/or overseas duplication of the programs?
- What ways to strengthen partnerships between IPPF / donors and IPPF Member Associations in the Arab World could be suggested?
Expected Deliverables
- Submit a detailed methodology/ work plan, including a possible plan of meetings, no later than 7 days from the startup of this assignment, to be discussed and approved by IPPF AWRO Team prior to implementation.
- Preparation of a narrative first draft report/ publication (A) with preliminary findings and recommendations issued from the FGM programs’ desk review, surveys and interviews to be presented and discussed with IPPF AWRO Team and the IPPF London Office.
- Preparation of a second draft report (B) taking in account the highlights and recommendations of the IPPF AWRO and London Office.
- Delivery of a final report/publication in English with a summary in Arabic no later than 4 November 2024.
Methodology
The mapping/review will combine both qualitative and quantitative methods to gather relevant information from the different programs of interest. Desk reviews of existing reference documents, performance indicators as per each program log frame, key informant interviews with program staff are expected to be used as data collection methods.
The review is envisaged to rely heavily on qualitative methods in addition to measuring performance and achievement of stated FGM programs’ objectives quantitatively. The two will complement each other so that the review reveals not only what happened during the course of each program but also why and how and for the benefit of whom.
The mapping/ review methodology shall be guided by participatory principles, in order to maximize what can be learned from the various achievements and emphasize documenting lessons learned.
The document preparation shall be happening in coordination with the focal point at the IPPF AWRO regional office and the performance, learning and impact advisor.
Suggested structure of the final publication (25 pages)
(1) Forewords from IPPF AWR Regional Director (1 page)
(2) Overall FGM situation at global and in the Arab World region (2 pages)
(3) Summary of FGM Programming Experiences & lessons learned by IPPF and MAs (10 pages)
Programs outlines/achievements/ what went well and why/ what did not go well – why what could make it easier/ challenges-how did the project solved/ lessons learned, etc…
(4) Common Global and regional issues/challenges/ opportunities pulled from FGM programming experiences at IPPF (3 pages)
(5) Recommendations based on IPPF AWRO and London Office comments and desk review, MAs surveys and interviews (7 pages)
- How to improve reach and access? Advocacy, communication, promotion
- How to improve the quality of services? Eg Delivery of high quality FGM survivals-centered services, data collection, etc…
- How to improve Sustainability of FGM programming and funding
(6) Available data graphics presentation and analysis areas.
(7) Conclusion (1 page)
(8) Annexes (1 page)
Expected Duration: The consultant is expected to execute all the mentioned tasks and deliver the publication in its final format no later than 4 November 2024.
Supervision and support
Technical support and supervision will be provided by IPPF AWRO, and the MAs selected staff members.
Consultant’s background and Experience
- Post-graduate qualification in relevant fields (SGBV and FGM issues, Social Science, Gender, Sexual and Reproductive Health)
- Strong research skills: at least 3 years’ experience in monitoring and evaluation systems for similar projects.
- Minimum of five years of proven experience in conducting qualitative and quantitative research and participatory research.
- Strong analytical skills and ability to synthesize complex information and data into clear, concise recommendations.
- Fluency in English is required; knowledge of French, Arabic, and Portuguese is an asset.
- Ability to write clearly and concisely in English and Arabic and ability to demonstrate experience writing reports for national and international networks and NGOs.
- Knowledge of the Arab World Region development and humanitarian context
Submission of offers:
Those interested in this consultation must submit an application file including:
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae, including 3 references for similar work and if possible, examples of similar work.
- A technical proposal describing the proposed methodology and proposed weekly timeframe defining milestones for the performance of the services including the estimated level of effort in workdays.
- A financial proposal (1 page) to include the following:
The amount proposed (in USD) shall include covering all costs for the completion of the service in its final deliverable form as required above. Noting that IPPF will not be responsible for any costs other than that agreed upon in the signed contract. The price offer is to include VAT and if the IPPF agrees with an individual that is not registered in the VAT department he /she will be solely responsible towards the before mentioned department to pay all dues in respect to the signed agreement with no responsibility towards the IPPF.
All offers are to be sent by email no later than 30 September 2024 as follows:
State in Subject Line: “publication on IPPF worldwide FGM programming: consultant offer.”
To be sent directly to [email protected]
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