Terms of Reference for Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion Consultancy At CBM Global Disability Inclusion

1.   Background and rationale

CBM Global Disability Inclusion (CBM Global, for short) Nigeria is leading a consortium to implement an 18-month project focused on piloting the mental health elements of Nigeria’s National Neglected Tropical Diseases Masterplan (2023-2027)¹ adopting approaches that align with global and regional normative guidance and best practices.

Evidence exists identifying specific gendered factors that affect mental health of people with Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). In addition to the general reality of intersectional impacts being greater on women (for example poverty, exclusion from workplaces and education, exclusion from family life and decision-making), the stigma associated with NTDs, related to skin scarring and loss of function seems to be worse for women (especially if affecting the face). Women already have a prevalence of depression that is twice as high as for men, and this is reflected in prevalence rates in studies of people with NTDs. 

Globally, women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with a mental health condition and the prevalence of anxiety condition is significantly higher for women (23.4 percent than men 14.3 percent (Psychiatric Research Journal, 2011). High rates of gender-based violence (GBV) may predispose women to some forms of mental ill health (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder); and women with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to GBV. Post-natal depression/psychosis affects 15-20% of new mothers in Nigeria.

As important cross-cutting issues in global health policy and services, gender, disability, and social inclusion are integral components of NTD work in Nigeria with the aim of reaching populations that are most vulnerable and marginalized and contributing to achieving national and global goals. The Strengthening access to people-centred mental healthcare for persons affected by NTDs in Nigeria project (also known as Person-centred NTD care project) was designed to pilot test a model to address inequities related to access to NTD care in Nigeria. 

¹ The National NTD Master Plan for Nigeria (2023-2027) is an essential strategic document for the government to effectively plan and implement sustainable NTD programmes. Such national NTD programme’s comprehensive multi-year plan provides programme goals, objectives and year strategy based on extensive situation analysis, and addresses all components of the NTD programmes relevant to the country.

Version date: Nov 2021

The overall objective of the project is, “Contribute to improved mental health and wellbeing of women, men, girls and boys living with NTDs in Nigeria and the West Africa region.” Its specific objective is, “Support government and civil society actors to develop and pilot test a comprehensive intervention for integration of MH and NTDs based on global and national frameworks.” It has three result areas focusing on governance and leadership, service integration and stigma reduction, and research and evaluation all geared towards achieving the overall objective of improved mental health and wellbeing of women, men, girls, and boys living with NTDs in a way that will build knowledge and promote sustained impact.

CBM Global Nigeria is seeking to hire a GEDSI Consultant to provide expertise in improving the understanding of front-line health staff in primary healthcare centres (nurses and Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs)) in the intersection between mental health and NTDs, and Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI). S/he will lead discourse and actions to ensure that system components like health information system indicators includes means to measure this mainstreaming approach.

2.   Purpose and Deliverables

The purpose of this consultancy is to ensure that the project is delivered using approaches that demonstrate gender-sensitive programming in the implementation model, in the research dissemination, and in any policy recommendations. This also entails providing ongoing support to the consortium members on GEDSI approaches in delivery of the planned intervention.

The key deliverables of the GEDSI Consultant include:

• Inception report detailing methodology and work schedule to deliver the consultancy service incorporating feedback from CBM Global. (2 days)
• GEDSI elements integrated into the tools for M&E/research, including tools for GEDSI analysis for the project baseline assessments. (3 days)
• Training of implementing partner staff on use of tools for data collection for gender analysis designed and conducted. (3 days)
• Analysis of data collected from the gender analysis (conducted by implementing partners). (5 days)
• GEDSI analysis report produced. (3 days)
• Design of training materials and facilitation of one-day workshop on GEDSI programming. The Consultant should share plan and draft training materials (simple handouts and presentation for the session) for the workshop with the Project Officer/Consortium Lead before the workshop to incorporate feedback. (7 days)
• GEDSI training for consortium members designed and conducted. (8 days)
• Report of the consultancy detailing the activities conducted (e.g., tools development, trainings conducted, etc.), methodology, milestones achieved, GEDSI-related lessons learned, conclusion, and recommendations to inform national policy and programme implementation. (5 days)

3.   Scope 

This consultancy will be conducted in four sites – Kwali and Bwari Area Councils (in the Federal Capital Territory), Ogoja (in Cross River State), Ogbaru (in Anambra State), Takai LGA (in Kano State) for a period of 36 working days spread over 18-month period. The consultancy should provide practical guidance to the project consortium partners and generate evidence on effective GEDSI approaches to delivering person-centred care for people with NTDs.

The scope of the consultancy will cover:

1. Review project implementation plans from a gender lens and provide appropriate contextual guidance.
2. Support the review and/or development of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning tools to gather gender-disaggregated data throughout the project, from baseline to final evaluation.
3. Lead on conducting a GEDSI analysis across project sites before implementation starts intended to inform the design and adopt GEDSI-sensitive approaches for delivery of the project activities.
4. Participate in planning and delivery (facilitation and co-facilitation) of GEDSI base training for partners and other related workshops. For example, in the training of partners on the use of the Essential Care Package, the GEDSI consultant will ensure that GEDSI perspectives are embedded in the implementation model. In the anti-stigma campaign materials design workshop, the GEDSI consultant will work with the FMOH to ensure that behaviour change communication (SBCC) products will address social determinants of NTDs, including how inequities due to socio-cultural factors, gender and poverty issues in NTD-endemic populations.
5. Provide ongoing technical support to the consortium partners on GEDSI approaches to implementing their activities.

4.   Timeframe and duration 

The timeframe required for this Consultancy is 36 working days spread over the 18 months.

5.   Place/ location of service delivered 

The GEDSI Consultant’s regular place of work for this piece of work is at the project sites, which include Abuja (FCT), Kano State, Cross River State, and Anambra State. 

6.   Required Expert Profile

The key qualifications required to perform the Consultancy include:

• Advanced academic qualification in Women and Gender Studies or related, or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in programme design, implementation and/or policy development working in the areas of humanitarian and development sector.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience of working in GEDSI related programme.
• Experience in supporting GEDSI responsive and transformative designs and related mainstreaming strategies and activities across various sectors.
• Experience in disability inclusion in programming.
• Experience leading GEDSI analysis (specifically gender and disability analysis) to inform design and to support GEDSI-responsive monitoring and evaluation.
• Experience in policy influence, advocacy, or research related field.
• Knowledge of current approaches to gender equality, disability inclusion and broader inclusion programming in complex humanitarian disaster and/or transformational development environments.
• Understanding of institutional donors and/or INGO GEDSI frameworks, emerging models, policies and/or programming.
• Excellent English verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to present information logically and concisely.
• The ability to work as part of diverse teams and to co-ordinate with them effectively.
• Strong organisational and presentation skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Strong research skills in both quantitative and qualitative data analysis and interpretation.
• Preference will be given to candidates with prior experience and demonstrated understanding of development issues in Nigeria.

Qualified female candidates and candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

7.   Payment schedule

Payment would be made as detailed below according to the achievement of the milestones less applicable withholding tax, upon approval of the deliverables and submission of invoices.

How to apply

Interested parties should submit the following in English to our email address [email protected]; with the following format: Last Name First Name: (JOB TITLE, COUNTRY):

1. Letter of expression of interest and demonstration of capability.
2. Curriculum vitae of the consultant/s or firm portfolio.
3. Evidence of experience in undertaking similar assignments.
4. A copy of at least one previous participatory research report.
5. A technical proposal outlining proposed methodology and both field and non-field work plan/schedule.
6. A financial quotation.
7. Contact information for two independent referees and links to/attachments of work done for them.

Canvassing by any bidder will lead to automatic disqualification. 

Any proposal which does not fully and comprehensively address this ToR will be rejected.

Please note that successful consultants will have to sign and abide by CBM Global’s Safeguarding and related policies. As part of our commitment to inclusion, CBM Global aims to encourage applications from OPDs and persons with disabilities. We have a comprehensive equality and diversity policy.

More information about CBM Global Disability Inclusion can be found by visiting the CBM Global website: www.cbm–global.org  

Closing date: Saturday 30 September 2023 – 18:00 HRS

Any proposals received after the stated time and date will be rejected.