Consultants for Baseline Study

Job Posting Organization:
The Spotlight Initiative is a global initiative aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, focusing on ending violence against women and girls. It operates under the principle of 'leaving no one behind,' particularly addressing the needs of women and girls facing multiple forms of discrimination. The initiative builds on established global frameworks and decades of experience, engaging rights holders, survivors, local partners, and governments to create impactful interventions. The Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme 2.0 (SIARP 2.0) is a flagship multi-year program aimed at accelerating progress towards ending all forms of violence against women and girls in Africa, supported by the European Union and implemented through a coordinated governance arrangement involving UN organizations such as UNDP, UNFPA, and UNICEF. The program is set to run from 2026 to 2029, focusing on strengthening regional frameworks, enhancing prevention, and expanding services for survivors.

Job Overview:
The consultants will be responsible for conducting a baseline study for the Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme 2.0, which aims to collect and analyze quantitative and qualitative data to assess the current state of violence against women and girls (VAWG) and harmful practices in Africa. This study will establish baseline values for various indicators defined in the program's results framework, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the existing legal, policy, and institutional frameworks, as well as the capacity of institutions to uphold these laws. The consultants will engage with a range of stakeholders, including survivors, to ensure a survivor-centered approach that aligns with ethical standards. The study will also focus on identifying gaps in data and providing recommendations for future monitoring and evaluation efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop an inception report outlining the methodology, stakeholder analysis, and data collection instruments for the baseline study.
• Conduct secondary and primary data collection using mixed methods to gather comprehensive data on VAWG and harmful practices.
• Analyze data and interpret findings to establish baseline values for indicators in the program's results framework.
• Engage with stakeholders, including survivors and civil society organizations, to ensure meaningful participation in the study.
• Prepare a comprehensive baseline report detailing findings, including current context, attitudes, perceptions, and barriers related to achieving program outcomes.
• Present findings and recommendations to stakeholders through validation workshops and presentations.
• Ensure all data collection activities prioritize the safety, dignity, and well-being of participants, adhering to ethical considerations throughout the study.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in gender studies, social sciences, development studies, public health, international development, monitoring and evaluation, human rights, sociology, political science, or a closely related field.
• At least 5 years of strong expertise in result-based monitoring and evaluation of survivor-centered, human rights, gender-based violence programs or projects.
• At least 10 years of experience conducting baseline studies for comprehensive programs to end gender-based violence in Africa, utilizing mixed-methods and participatory approaches.
• Strong knowledge of African regional and continental institutions and frameworks related to VAWG and harmful practices.
• Demonstrated expertise in gender-responsive and human rights-based approaches to addressing violence against women and girls, particularly in engaging with survivors through trauma-informed methods.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in relevant fields such as gender studies, social sciences, public health, or international development. This educational background is essential to ensure a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding gender-based violence and the necessary methodologies for conducting effective research in this area.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of experience in conducting baseline studies specifically focused on gender-based violence programs in Africa. This experience should include a strong background in monitoring and evaluation, particularly in survivor-centered approaches and human rights frameworks. Additionally, candidates should have experience engaging with diverse stakeholders, including survivors, to ensure ethical and effective data collection.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English and French is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the African context may be considered an asset, enhancing the ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to be based within the African continent to facilitate coordination of consultations and data collection activities. The contract duration is for the baseline study, which will involve both field-based and virtual data collection methods. Limited travel may be required to field locations for validation of the program baseline. The consultants will work collaboratively with the SIARP team to determine specific field visits and locations, ensuring minimal travel time and cost. The application deadline is April 22, 2026, and interested candidates must submit a technical proposal, CVs, and relevant samples of previous work.