THE FEMINIST ALLIANCE

Terms of Reference (ToR)

‘Consultant for the Update of the National Strategy’

HIRING A CONSULTANT TO REVIEW, REVISE AND UPDATE THE SIERRA LEONE FEMINIST ALLIANCE NATIONAL AND REGIONAL ADVOCACY STRATEGY, ENSURING IT IS RELEVANT, EVIDENCE-BASED, INCLUSIVE, AND ALIGNED WITH CURRENT NATIONAL SGBV PREVENTION AND RESPONSE FRAMEWORKS, INCLUDING A DETAILED, PRACTICAL, AND RESOURCE-REALISTIC ACTION PLAN FOR IMPLEMENTATION.

Specific objectives include:

1. Background

The Feminist Alliance (FA), an alliance of six organizations in Sierra Leone and Liberia, implements the regional program “Concerted action for zero tolerance against SGBV in the Mano River Region” funded by the BMZ and supported by Medica Mondiale. The partner organizations are: in Sierra Leone – Women Against Violence and Exploitation in Society (WAVES), Girl2Girl Empowerment Movement (G2G) and Choices and Voices Foundation for Women and Girls (CVF); in Liberia – medica Liberia (mL), Aiding Disadvantaged and Traumatized Women and Girls (ADWANGA) and Rising Youth Mentorship Initiative (RYMI).

The regional program aims to contribute to women and girls in the Mano River Region being able to live in an inclusive society, in dignity, and free from sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and discrimination. Specifically, the program seeks to mainstream the rights, needs, and perspectives of women and girls affected by SGBV into social, institutional, and policy responses to prevent and respond to SGBV at national and regional levels, reducing tolerance towards SGBV and at introducing a survivor- centred stress- and trauma-sensitive support for survivors.

During Phase 1 of the project (2021 – 2025), a comprehensive national advocacy strategy was developed to address Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Sierra Leone. Based on lessons learned from Phase 1 and developments in political and institutional dynamics, the national advocacy strategy shall be review and updated, including the development of a detailed, time-bound implementation action plan for Phase 2 (November 2025 – April 2029).

The consortium seeks to engage a qualified consultant to review and update the national advocacy strategy and develop a comprehensive advocacy action plan that will guide the effective implementation of the national advocacy strategy, ensuring coordinated efforts toward achieving zero tolerance for SGBV in Sierra Leone, while contributing to broader regional efforts in the Mano River Region.

To ensure continuity, coherence and alignment between the national and the regional advocacy processes, it is envisaged that the consultant engaged for the review and update of the Sierra Leone National Advocacy Strategy may subsequently also contribute to the review and update of the Regional Advocacy Strategy of the Feminist Alliance. This follow-up engagement would be undertaken jointly with a consultant from Liberia and is governed by separate Terms of Reference.

2. Objectives of the Consultancy

The primary objective is to review, revise and update the Sierra Leone Feminist Alliance National Advocacy Strategy, ensuring it is relevant, evidence-based, inclusive, and aligned with current national SGBV prevention and response frameworks, including a detailed, practical, and resource-realistic action plan for implementation.

Specific objectives include:

  • Review and analyse the existing national advocacy strategy, tools, and related documents to understand its goals, objectives, and priority areas
  • Assess the current SGBV, gender equality, and policy environment in Sierra Leone to identify shifts, trends, and emerging advocacy opportunities
  • Conduct participatory stakeholder consultations with consortium partners, government agencies, civil society organizations, women’s groups, and other relevant actors to gather insights and priorities
  • Update and strengthen the advocacy strategy, including objectives, target audiences, messaging, and action plan
  • Develop a comprehensive, time-bound action plan with clear activities, responsibilities, timelines, resources, and indicators
  • Ensure alignment with the regional program goals and stress- and trauma-sensitive principles
  • Identify potential risks, challenges, and mitigation strategies for implementation
  • Establish monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track progress and impact
  • Provide recommendations for resource mobilization and partnership development
  • Produce a final, user-friendly Sierra Leone Feminist Alliance National Advocacy Strategy
  1. Scope of Work

The consultant will undertake the following tasks:

3.1 Review and Analysis

  • Thoroughly review the national advocacy strategy developed in Phase 1
  • Analyse the current SGBV landscape in Sierra Leone, including policy environment, stakeholder landscape, and ongoing initiatives
  • Review relevant national and regional policies, frameworks, and commitments related to SGBV

3.2 Stakeholder Engagement

  • Design and facilitate participatory consultation sessions with key stakeholders including consortium partners, government ministries, women’s organizations, survivors’ groups, traditional and religious leaders, youth groups, and other relevant actors
  • Conduct key informant interviews with strategic partners and stakeholders
  • Organize validation workshops with stakeholders to review and refine the draft action plan

3.3 Action Plan Development

  • Develop a detailed implementation action plan covering a minimum 3-year period (until end of April 2029) with the following components:
    • Clear strategic objectives aligned with the advocacy strategy
    • Specific activities, outputs, and outcomes for each strategic objective
    • Detailed timelines and implementation schedules
    • Roles and responsibilities matrix for consortium partners and stakeholders
    • Resource requirements (human, financial, technical)
    • Risk analysis and mitigation strategies
    • Monitoring, evaluation, and learning framework with indicators and data collection methods
    • Communication and visibility plan
    • Sustainability and exit strategy considerations

3.4 Capacity Building

  • Conduct a brief orientation session for consortium staff on the action plan and its implementation
  • Provide guidance on monitoring and reporting mechanisms

3.5 Documentation and Reporting

  • Prepare inception report outlining methodology and work plan
  • Submit a draft of the updated strategy for review and feedback
  • Incorporate stakeholder feedback and finalize action plan
  • Prepare final report summarizing the consultancy process, findings, and recommendations
  • Validation Workshop

4. Deliverables and Timeline

The consultant is expected to produce the following deliverables according to the schedule below. Due dates to be revised during inception phase.

SN Deliverable Timeline Specifications
1 Advertisement 7th – 16th January 2026 Publication of advertisement of TOR
2 Shortlisting 21st January 2026 Contact possible applicant
3 Interview 23rd January 2026 Contact Successful applicant
4 Inception meeting 28th January 2026 Discuss tools and methodology proposed for the consultancy process
5 Inception Report 4th February 2026 – Detailed methodology and approach
– Work plan with weekly activities
– Stakeholder mapping
– Data collection tools
– Risk assessment
6 Stakeholder engagement to inform them about the research 12th – 14th February 2026 – Comprehensive stakeholder analysis
– Power-interest matrix
– Engagement strategy per stakeholder group
– Summary of initial consultationsNote: This will be done by POs to inform relevant stakeholders about the consultancy exercise.
7 Data Extraction 21st February – 6th March 2026 Collect data through stakeholders’ engagement
8 Submission of draft Report and Draft Advocacy Action Plan 11TH March 2026 – Documentation of all consultations
– Key findings and recommendations
– Stakeholder feedback synthesis
– Priority areas identified- Draft Updated National Advocacy Strategy, including a draft action plan with all components
– Annexes including M&E framework, budget, templates
9 Validation Workshop (online)  17th March 2026 – Workshop proceedings
– Feedback received
– Revisions made
10 Feedback session on the report and plan 24th March 2026 Share information about the report and consultancy process
11 Final Consultancy Report and Final Updated National Advocacy Strategy 3rd April 2026 – Finalised comprehensive action plan incorporating all feedback
– Executive summary
– Full document with all annexes
– Summary of consultancy process
– Methodology and approach used
– Key findings and lessons learned
– Implementation recommendations
– Capacity building recommendations
12 Disseminate Report 14th April 2026 PowerPoint presentation for staff and stakeholders’ orientation of the report and action plan

All deliverables should be submitted in English, in both MS Word and PDF formats. Visual presentations should be in PowerPoint format.

5. Methodology

The consultant is expected to employ participatory and inclusive methodologies including:

  • Desk Review: Comprehensive review of existing documentation, literature, policies, and frameworks
  • Stakeholder Consultations: Multi-level consultations including national and community-level engagements
  • Focus Group Discussions: Separate sessions with different stakeholder groups ensuring diversity and inclusion
  • Key Informant Interviews: In-depth interviews with strategic partners and decision-makers
  • Participatory Workshops: Interactive sessions using participatory tools and techniques
  • Validation Sessions: Structured feedback and validation workshops
  • Gender-Responsive Approach: Ensuring gender analysis and women’s meaningful participation throughout
  • Survivor-Centred Approach: Trauma-informed and ethical engagement with survivors and affected communities
  • Do No Harm Principles: Risk-sensitive approaches that prioritize safety and confidentiality

The consultant should propose a detailed methodology in the inception report, including:

  • Sampling strategy for consultations
  • Data collection and analysis methods
  • Quality assurance mechanisms
  • Ethical considerations and protocols

6. Duration of Consultancy

Contract Period: January 19, 2026 to 28th, March 2026

The consultant must be available for field visits to different regions of Sierra Leone and flexible scheduling for stakeholder engagement activities, including potential evening or weekend sessions as culturally appropriate.

7. Consultant Qualifications and Experience

The ideal consultant should possess:

Required Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree or higher in Social Sciences, Gender Studies, Human Rights, Development Studies, Public Policy, or related field
  • Minimum 7-10 years of experience in advocacy strategy development and implementation, particularly on SGBV, women’s rights, or gender equality issues
  • Proven experience in developing strategies, action plans, monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and strategic planning (provide at least 3 examples)
  • Strong knowledge of SGBV issues in West Africa, particularly Sierra Leone and the Mano River Region
  • Demonstrated experience working with civil society organizations, women’s organizations, and government agencies in Sierra Leone
  • Excellent facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills with demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups
  • Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and report writing skills in English
  • Experience in participatory methodologies and community-based approaches
  • Knowledge of survivor-centred and trauma-informed approaches

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Previous work experience in Sierra Leone with demonstrated understanding of the local context, culture, and socio-political landscape
  • Knowledge of regional frameworks such as ECOWAS protocols on gender equality and SGBV, Mano River Union initiatives
  • Experience working with grassroots women’s organizations and survivor support groups
  • Familiarity with donor requirements and reporting
  • Experience in capacity building and training
  • Sierra Leonean national or long-term resident preferred
  • Existing networks with government ministries and CSOs in Sierra Leone

8. Reporting and Management

Direct Reporting: The consultant will report directly to the Executive Director of WAVES and will work closely with designated focal persons from Girl 2 Girl Empowerment Movement and Choices and Voices Foundation for Women and Girls.

Steering Committee: A steering committee comprising representatives from the three consortium partners will:

  • Provide strategic guidance and oversight
  • Review and approve all deliverables
  • Facilitate access to stakeholders and documents
  • Support coordination of consultation activities

Regular Communication:

  • Weekly progress updates via email
  • Bi-weekly check-in meetings (virtual or in-person)
  • Ad-hoc meetings as required for specific issues
  • Final presentation to consortium partners

9. Budget and Payment Schedule

The consultant should submit a detailed financial proposal including:

Budget Components:

  • Professional fees: Daily rate × number of days (clearly specify)
  • Travel costs: Transportation for field visits to consultation sites (specify locations)
  • Accommodation: Hotel costs for field visits (number of nights and locations)
  • Per diem: Daily subsistence allowance for field days
  • Communication costs: Phone, internet, printing
  • Other related expenses: Specify any additional costs

Payment Schedule:

  • 30% upon signing of contract and submission of approved inception report
  • 40% upon submission and approval of draft action plan
  • 30% upon submission and approval of all final deliverables

Note: All payments are subject to satisfactory completion and approval of deliverables by the consortium steering committee. Payments will be made within 14 days of approval of deliverables.

10. Application Process

Interested consultants (individuals or consulting firms) should submit the following:

Required Application Documents:

  1. Technical Proposal (maximum 15 pages) including:
    • Understanding of the assignment and context
    • Proposed methodology and approach
    • Detailed work plan with weekly activities and timeline
    • Proposed stakeholder engagement strategy
    • Risk mitigation approach
    • Quality assurance mechanisms
    • Team composition (if firm)
  2. Financial Proposal with detailed budget breakdown using the template provided:
    • Professional fees
    • All anticipated costs
    • Payment schedule acceptance
    • Total cost in Leone (SLL) and EUR
  3. CV/Company Profile highlighting relevant experience (maximum 5 pages per person):
    • Educational background
    • Relevant work experience
    • Similar assignments completed
    • Geographic experience
    • Language proficiency
  4. Three (3) Professional References from similar assignments including:
    • Organization name and contact person
    • Email and phone number
    • Brief description of assignment
    • Dates of assignment
  5. Work Samples: At least two (2) examples of previous work including:
    • Advocacy strategies or action plans developed
    • Consultation reports
    • M&E frameworks
    • (Links to documents or PDF attachments)
  6. Confirmation of Availability for the full contract period

Submission Details:

Deadline for Receipt of Applications: 7th January 2026

Submit applications to:

Contact Person: Hannah Fatmata Yambasu
Title: Executive Director, WAVES-SL
Email: wavesrights@gmail.com or rhobethliz91@gmail.com
Phone/WhatsApp: +232 76 300009 or +23276 444777

Email Subject Line: Application for SGBV National Advocacy Strategy Update Consultant

Application Format:

  • Compile all documents into ONE PDF file
  • File name format: “LastName_FirstName_SGBV_NationalStrategy_Consultant.pdf”
  • Maximum file size: 15MB

Queries and Clarifications: Any queries regarding this ToR should be submitted in writing to wavesrights@gmail.com or rhobethliz91@gmail.com by 7th January 2026. Feedback/Responses will be shared with all interested consultants by 15th January 2026.

11. Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be evaluated using a two-stage process:

Stage 1: Technical Evaluation (80 points)

Criteria Weight Points
Technical approach and methodology 30% 24
– Clarity and appropriateness of proposed methodology 10
– Quality of stakeholder engagement strategy 8
– Innovation and practicality of approach 6
Relevant qualifications and experience 30% 24
– Academic qualifications and professional background 8
– Experience in similar assignments (action plan development) 10
– Quality of work samples 6
Understanding of SGBV issues in Sierra Leone/Mano River Region 20% 16
– Demonstrated knowledge of local context 8
– Understanding of SGBV landscape and stakeholders 8
Work plan and feasibility 10% 8
Team composition and language skills 10% 8

Minimum Technical Score Required: 56 points (70%)

Stage 2: Financial Evaluation (20 points)

Consultants who meet the minimum technical score will proceed to financial evaluation.

The financial proposal with the lowest evaluated cost will receive maximum points (20). Other proposals will receive points using the formula:

Points = (Lowest Price / Price under consideration) × 20

Final Score Calculation:

Total Score = Technical Score (80%) + Financial Score (20%)

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Interviews may be conducted with the top 3-5 candidates based on combined scores.

12. Ethical Standards and Safeguarding

The consultant is expected to adhere to the highest ethical and professional standards throughout the assignment, including:

Ethical Requirements:

  • Confidentiality: Maintain strict confidentiality of all sensitive information, including survivor testimonies, organizational data, and stakeholder inputs
  • Survivor-centred Approach: Apply trauma-informed practices and survivor-centred principles in all interactions with SGBV survivors and affected communities
  • Do No Harm: Ensure all activities prioritize the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of participants and communities
  • Informed Consent: Obtain clear, informed consent for all consultations, interviews, and use of information
  • Data Protection: Ensure secure storage and handling of all data collected, with appropriate anonymization of sensitive information
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Respect local customs, traditions, and cultural contexts while upholding human rights principles
  • Non-Discrimination: Ensure inclusive and non-discriminatory practices in all stakeholder engagements
  • Safeguarding Compliance: Adhere to WAVES and consortium partners’ safeguarding policies and child protection protocols
  • Conflict of Interest: Declare any potential conflicts of interest and maintain independence and objectivity
  • Professional Conduct: Maintain professional behaviour and respect in all interactions

Protection and Safety Protocols:

The consultant must:

  • Conduct risk assessments before field visits and consultations
  • Ensure safety protocols are in place for all participants
  • Have referral pathways for any protection concerns that arise
  • Report any safeguarding concerns immediately to the Executive Director
  • Not engage in any form of exploitation, abuse, or harassment

The consultant will be required to sign the consortium’s Code of Conduct and Safeguarding Policy upon contract signing.

13. Other Terms and Conditions

Intellectual Property:

All documents, data, and materials produced under this consultancy shall be the property of WAVES and consortium partners. The consultant may not reproduce or share any materials without written permission.

Amendments:

Any changes to the scope of work or deliverables must be agreed upon in writing by both parties.

Termination:

The contract may be terminated by either party with 14 days written notice. In case of unsatisfactory performance, the contract may be terminated immediately.

Insurance:

The consultant is responsible for their own health, travel, and professional liability insurance.

Health Protocols:

The consultant must adhere to any national health protocols and guidelines in effect during the contract period.

Note: WAVES and consortium partners reserve the right to accept or reject any application, and to cancel the recruitment process at any stage without providing reasons and without any liability to the applicants.

Equal Opportunity: WAVES is an equal opportunity employer. Women, persons with disabilities, and candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.