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Development of End FGM Network Africa Strategic Plan 2025-2030 and Advocacy Policy Consultancy

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Job Description

consultancy
Background

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) remains one of the most entrenched forms of gender-based violence globally. It is a socio-cultural practice with no medical justification, cutting across ethnic and religious contexts.

Globally, according to research, more than 230 million women and girls live with the effects of FGM, while an estimated 3.6 million are at risk annually. In Africa, prevalence remains alarmingly high. Among women aged 15-49, FGM rates reach 98% in Somalia, 97% in Guinea, and 93% in Djibouti. Girls under 14 are also highly vulnerable, with prevalence at 56% in Gambia and 54% in Mauritania. Although some countries report declining rates, rapid population growth in practicing regions threatens to increase the overall number of affected women and girls by 2030.

Despite progress in legislation, advocacy, and awareness, FGM persists due to deeply rooted social norms, weak enforcement of protective laws, and limited resources for community-led initiatives. The practice not only violates the fundamental rights of women and girls but also undermines their health, dignity, and empowerment across generations.

The global urgency to address FGM is reinforced by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 5, Target 5.3.2), which aim to eliminate all harmful practices, including FGM, by 2030. Achieving this target is pivotal for advancing gender equality, safeguarding human rights, and ensuring that women and girls in Africa and beyond live free from violence and discrimination.

It is against this background that the End FGM/C Network was formed back in 2023.

About the End FGM Network Africa.

End FGM/C Network Africa (The African Network) is an African-led coalition launched on October 10, 2023, during the African Union's 2nd International Conference on FGM in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The Network aims to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) across the continent. Conceived in 2022 through Orchid Project workshops, its mission is to amplify African voices in advocating for human rights protections for women and girls. Co-hosted by Covenant Foundation for Girls (Liberia) and ONG Éducation Universelle (Niger), with Orchid Project as interim secretariat and Coalition on Violence Against Women (COVAW) as the network’s treasurer, the Network unites diverse African organizations to coordinate grassroots advocacy, policy influence, and legislative reform efforts. Members have engaged in community sensitization, survivor support, and participation in regional platforms like the AU Gender Observatory and ACERWC meetings, strengthening partnerships and advancing child protection and gender equality initiatives.

Overview of the Amplify Change-funded project

Presently, the African Network is implementing a three-year grant with funding from Amplify Change, with a strategic priority of strengthening the Network’s governance structure, expanding membership, generating evidence on FGM, amplifying regional & global advocacy, and forging stronger partnerships. This funding will further improve the African Network’s capacity to champion African-led solutions, as the leading regional movement to end FGM/C. One of the activities under Organizational Strengthening (OS 1) is supporting the development of the Network’s Strategic Plan and the Network's Advocacy Policy.

The Consultancy Service





Purpose



The End FGM Africa Network seeks to engage a highly qualified and experienced consultant to lead the development of its Strategic Plan (2025–2030) and Advocacy Policy. The consultancy aims to produce two distinct but complementary documents, a Strategic Plan (SP) and an Advocacy Policy (AP), that will collectively define the Network’s vision, strategic direction, advocacy priorities, and operational framework for the next five years.

These documents will serve as the cornerstone of the Network’s coordination and accountability mechanisms, reinforcing its leadership in the continental movement to end Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C). The consultant will facilitate a participatory and evidence-based process that reflects the diversity of voices within the movement — from survivors and grassroots activists to policymakers and regional partners.

Both documents are expected to articulate a clear vision, mission, strategic priorities, and actionable goals, while embedding sustainability, accountability, and measurable impact indicators. They will guide the Network’s partnerships, advocacy engagements, and institutional strengthening, ensuring long-term alignment with regional and global frameworks such as Agenda 2063, SDG 5, and the Maputo Protocol on Women’s Rights.

The ultimate goal is to ensure that the End FGM Africa Network emerges as a stronger, more resilient, and more influential voice for women’s and girls’ rights across Africa.





Specific Objectives of the Consultancy



The main objective of this consultancy is to design a forward-looking, inclusive, and actionable Strategic Plan and Advocacy Policy that will serve as a roadmap for the Network’s growth, influence, and sustainability. Specifically, the consultant will:





Facilitate a structured and inclusive planning process that ensures full participation of members and key stakeholders.

Provide technical and strategic leadership in the development of the strategic plan and advocacy brief.

Produce two high-quality, standalone documents, the Advocacy Policy and the Strategic Plan (2025–2030), grounded in evidence and the African context.



Scope of Service

The consultant’s role will encompass the following:

a. Support the Policy and Strategic Planning Process

Design and lead a structured and participatory process involving the Network’s leadership, membership, and partners to ensure alignment with the Network’s values, mission, and goals. The process should promote ownership, collaboration, and shared accountability.

b. Provide Technical Expertise

Apply extensive knowledge of organizational development, gender equality, advocacy, and human rights frameworks to guide the process. The consultant will integrate best practices in advocacy planning, policy formulation, and sustainability strategies tailored to the African context.

c. Collaborate with Key Stakeholders

Work closely with the Network’s leadership and secretariat while engaging civil society organizations, government representatives, survivors, traditional leaders, and advocacy champions to ensure inclusivity and representation in the process.

d. Embed Sustainability and Accountability

Identify practical mechanisms for governance strengthening, resource mobilization, partnership development, and institutional sustainability that will be reflected in both documents.

Scope of Work and Key Activities

The consultant will be responsible for leading, coordinating, and delivering all components of the assignment, in close collaboration with the Network’s leadership, members, and partners.

a) Coordination and Consultations





Establish a clear work plan and methodology with the Network’s leadership and Secretariat.

Facilitate inclusive consultations (virtual and in-person, where feasible) with members, partners, government stakeholders, survivors, and youth-led organizations.

Ensure representation from grassroots movements and key regional actors.



Deliverables:





Inception report with methodology, work plan, and consultation schedule

Consultation summaries and stakeholder engagement reports



b) Situational Analysis





Conduct a review of existing documents, reports, and evaluations related to the Network’s past work and the continental movement to end FGM/C.

Carry out a SWOT analysis to assess the Network’s position, capacity, and opportunities for growth.

Map stakeholders, partnerships, and allies at national, regional, and global levels.

Identify emerging issues (e.g., climate justice, youth leadership, digital advocacy, funding trends) affecting the Network’s agenda.



Deliverables:





Situational Analysis Report (including SWOT, stakeholder mapping, and landscape analysis).

Presentation of findings for validation by the Network’s leadership and members.



c) Strategic Plan and Advocacy Policy Development





Draft a comprehensive Advocacy Policy integrating insights from consultations and situational analyses

Draft a comprehensive Strategic Plan (2025–2030) integrating insights from consultations and situational analyses

Redefine the Network’s vision, mission, and core values, and develop strategic objectives and thematic priorities

Establish evidence-based advocacy strategies aligned with global and continental frameworks

Create measurable indicators for policy influence and programmatic impact

Develop an Implementation and Advocacy Roadmap with clear actions, roles, timelines, and accountability mechanisms

Integrate a Resource Mobilization and Partnership component within the Strategic Plan as well as a logical framework in both the Advocacy Policy and the Strategic Plan.



Deliverables:





Draft Advocacy Policy

Draft Strategic Plan (2025–2030)

Implementation and Advocacy Roadmap with MEAL framework and accountability matrix



d) Validation and Finalization





Facilitate a validation workshop with the Network’s members, partners, and regional allies to review and refine the drafts

Incorporate stakeholder feedback and finalize both documents

Oversee professional editing, formatting, and design for publication

Prepare a dissemination brief summarizing key priorities and recommendations for donor and partner engagement. This will be a power point presentation.

Provide a handover and orientation session for the Network’s leadership and Secretariat



Deliverables:





Validation Workshops Report with stakeholder feedback

Final Advocacy Policy

Final Strategic Plan (2025–2030)

Dissemination Brief / Power point presentation

Handover Note and Implementation Follow-up Plan



Service Duration

The consultancy assignment is expected to be completed within thirty (30) working days, distributed over two months. The proposed timeline will run from November 1, 2025, to December 12, 2025, allowing sufficient flexibility for stakeholder consultations, data collection, drafting, validation, and finalization of the Advocacy Policy and the Strategic Plan. This phased approach ensures that adequate time is allocated for meaningful engagement with the Network’s leadership, members, and partners, while also providing room for iterative feedback and refinement of deliverables.

Expert qualifications

Expert Specification

The End FGM Africa Network is seeking a highly qualified and values-driven consultant with a proven record of excellence in strategic planning, organizational development, and gender advocacy. The ideal candidate will demonstrate not only technical expertise but also a strong personal and professional commitment to ending Female Genital Mutilation and Cutting (FGM/C) and broader violence against women and girls. This consultancy is best suited to an individual who is passionate about social justice, gender equality, and movement-building, and who is willing to contribute to the Network’s future growth and sustainability on a modest fee basis.

The successful consultant will be expected to combine technical proficiency with an understanding of the complexities of African civil society, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders ranging from grassroots organizations and survivors to policymakers and donors. Integrity, cultural sensitivity, and a participatory approach will be essential qualities for this role.

Essential Qualifications and Experience





An advanced degree in social sciences, gender studies, public health, development studies, law, or a closely related field

A minimum of seven (7) years of progressive experience in high-level advocacy policy development, strategic planning, program design, or organizational development, ideally within the women’s rights, gender equality, or civil society sector;

Proven track record of working on issues directly related to FGM, gender-based violence, or women’s empowerment;

Demonstrated ability to design and facilitate participatory planning processes, ensuring meaningful engagement of diverse stakeholders;

Experience working with or within coalitions, networks, or multi-partner initiatives at regional or continental levels;

Strong knowledge of the African civil society and policy landscape, particularly as it relates to gender, women’s rights, and FGM advocacy.



Skills and Competencies





Excellent facilitation, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage sensitive discussions respectfully and constructively;

Strong writing and documentation skills, including demonstrated capacity in developing strategic plans, reports, and policy briefs;

Ability to work collaboratively within multicultural and multidisciplinary teams, while adapting to dynamic contexts and balancing competing priorities;

High level of professionalism, self-motivation, integrity, and flexibility;

Capacity to produce high-quality outputs within agreed deadlines.



Desirable Qualifications and Experience





Previous experience working or volunteering in low-resource consultancy or non-profit settings

Fluency in English and basic communication and translation skills in French, with proficiency in additional African languages considered an asset;

Familiarity with donor-funded initiatives, multi-country programs, or pan-African advocacy campaigns.



Inclusion and Equal Opportunity

The End FGM Africa Network is deeply committed to inclusivity, equity, and diversity in all its processes and partnerships. We recognize the critical role that women, young people, and persons living with disabilities play in shaping sustainable solutions to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and advancing gender equality across Africa.

As such, we strongly encourage qualified women, individuals living with disabilities, and members of marginalized or underrepresented groups to apply for this consultancy. The Network values diverse perspectives and believes that lived experiences, when combined with technical expertise, enrich the quality and relevance of strategic planning processes.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations to support their participation in the consultancy selection process are encouraged to indicate this in their application. The Network will make every effort to ensure accessibility and to provide the necessary support to enable equal participation.

By applying, the candidate will be contributing not only to the development of a forward-looking Advocacy Policy and Strategic Plan but also to building an inclusive movement that reflects the voices of all those most affected by harmful practices.





How to apply

Interested candidates who meet the criteria are invited to apply by responding to these Terms of Reference.

Applications must include the following:





A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) with at least three professional references;

A proposed methodology (maximum four pages) outlining the approach to the consultancy, including strategies for stakeholder engagement and participatory processes, including participants with special needs;

A work schedule indicating key deliverables and an indicative timeline;

A detailed financial proposal/budget, clearly indicating the daily consultancy rate and any anticipated costs related to communication, travel, and logistics. Please note that the consultations shall primarily be held online.

At least two samples of strategic plans previously developed and/or led by the applicant, demonstrating experience in high-quality, participatory strategic planning, including any link.



Important note: When preparing the financial proposal, please ensure that the fees for the following two activities are listed and calculated separately: Development of the Strategic Plan and Development of the Advocacy Policy. The cost breakdown for these two items must be distinct in the proposal.

Submission process

Application is only acceptable electronically via email to: and ; ensure to cc to: , and ; with the subject line: “ENDFGM/C Network Africa Advocacy Policy and Strategic Plan (2025–2030) Consultancy Application” no later than 4 PM Liberia (GMT-1) or 7 PM EAT (GMT+3) on October 26, 2025.

Special note

Please note that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. Hence, the ENDFGM/C Africa Network reserves the right to accept or reject any application without providing a reason. Submission of an application does not guarantee selection. The Network also reserves the right to withdraw, postpone, or modify this consultancy opportunity at any stage of the process. All decisions by the selection panel shall be final and binding.
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