Terms of Reference for the Development of a Communications Strategy – Zero Tolerance for GBV 365 National Programme

1. Background

In 2016 UNFPA, in partnership with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Gender and community Development, led the process of development of a National Programme for GBV prevention and response 2016 – 2020. The programme is called ‘Zero Tolerance for GBV 365” and its main scope is to ensure coordination of all GBV actors in Zimbabwe through the implementation of a systematized set of GBV prevention and response interventions in order to reduce duplication of efforts while providing greater access to services for GBV survivors on a National scale.

Gender based violence is a well-documented human rights violation, a public health challenge, and a barrier to civic, social, political, and economic participation. It undermines the safety, dignity, and overall health status, social and economic wellbeing of the individuals who experience it. Gender based violence is not only a violation of fundamental human rights, but also an obstacle to the social and economic development of communities and States, as well as to the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals. Globally, GBV is a pervasive issue and it’s rooted in gender-based power inequalities that put women and girls at a disadvantage owing to their differentiated roles, as well as the responsibilities, constraints, opportunities and privileges assigned to them as compared to those of men. Women's subordinate status makes them more vulnerable to violence and contributes to an environment that accepts, excuses, and condones violence against women.

UNFPA is seeking a qualified and suitable Individual Consultant to develop a Communications strategy for the GBV 365 National Programme.

2. Purpose of the Consultancy: GBV in Zimbabwe

To develop a multimedia communications strategy on GBV in Zimbabwe, intended to reach key audiences with various messaging on GBV and to harmonise key messages on GBV prevention with messages on family planning, cervical cancer screening and HIV prevention.

The multi-media strategy is expected to focus on youth oriented, innovative components for communicating on GBV prevention, mitigation and response, including but not limited to Social media and ITC support.

3. Specific Objectives

Specifically, the consultant will:

• Produce an Inception Report detailing the work plan and methodologies to be used.
• Will consult and hold discussions with stakeholders in the social sector, including media, justice, health and gender, as well as line government ministries, civil society organization and development partners in developing the strategy.
• Explore best practices at regional and global level on GBV communication multi-media tools and adapt them to the local context.
• Consult and report to an identified joint task force overseeing the process.
• Make particular effort in utilizing innovative methods which will engage young cohorts, as well as gatekeepers of importance to the issue of GBV.
• Develop the strategy, providing a draft and final report of the policy in soft and hard copies.

4. Proposed Methodology

• Desk review of the relevant HIV, SRH, GBV Programme documents and other relevant documents
• Review current multi-media activities on GBV
• Gather, collate and synthesise views from relevant stakeholders
• Based on the information gathered, develop the harmonised multimedia strategy on GBV prevention
• Presentation of the first draft to the joint task force during a validation workshop
• Inclusion of comments, layout and preparation for printing
• Finalisation of strategy

5. Deliverable

• Presentation of inception report detailing the methodology to be used.
• First draft in printable format, presented at a meeting of stakeholders.
• Final multimedia strategy (2 hard copies, electronic copy in MS Word and electronic PDF copy – colour-separated for printing).

6. Qualifications and Experience of the Consultant

The consultant must possess the following attributes:

• An advanced Degree in media studies or related disciplines
• Knowledge on gender concepts, gender based development approaches with a special focus on GBV
• Experience on use of social media, ITC and other multi-media support as communication tools.
• Experience in designing and implementing IEC interventions pertaining to SRH, Gender, HIV and related health interventions, including innovation approaches to multimedia contents and ITC, with readily available examples of similar work.
• Experience of developing gender operational frameworks
• Excellent written, verbal communication and presentation skills, including quality report writing skill
• Good understanding of Zimbabwe Government Gender equality frameworks and systems
• In-depth understanding of the context of GBV in Zimbabwe
• In-depth understanding of community interventions and the policy environment in Zimbabwe, as well as program issues and interpersonal communication issues

7. Management and Support Arrangements

The consultants will work under the overall supervision of the UNFPA head of programs, in close liaison with the UNFPA Gender Unit, UNFPA Communication unit and the head of the gender department at the Ministry of Women and Youth Affairs.

8. Contractual Agreements

An Individual Consultant Contract (ICC) will be signed with the consultant.

9. Responsibilities of the Consultant

In fulfilment of the tasks, the consultants will be responsible for the overall process until the development of the Communications strategy.  The specific responsibilities will include, among other things:

• Liaising with UNFPA and the MOWYA to obtain relevant reference materials on the assignment.
• Developing a schedule of work with critical milestones and timelines for the duration of the assignment
• Conducting briefing and debriefing sessions to update the joint task force on progress.
• Drafting and editing the strategy
• Adhere to the Terms of Reference and timelines in carrying out the assignment.

10. Submission of applications

A proposal for the assignment is expected with the application and should include the following;

• Details of qualifications
• Prior experience in the subject area in Zimbabwe.
• Examples of previously developed communication strategies
• Financial proposal for the assignment

11. Time Frame

This consultancy will be for (30 days) and the final product is expected by April 30, 2018.

Please submit applications in a sealed envelope marked “Communications Strategy” no later than Friday 23rd March, 2018 to:

The UNFPA Country Representative

Reference: GBV Multimedia Strategy

Block 7, 1st Floor, Arundel Office Park,

Mount Pleasant

P.O. Box 4775

Harare

Or by email to: zimbabwe.office@unfpa.org