TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE LEADERSHIP AND EXPLORATION DEVELOPMENT (LEAD) PROJECT) SEXUAL HARASSMENT ASSESSMENT IN 10 TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS.

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

Zimbabwe’s socioeconomic and political environment has been exposed to the COVID-19 pandemic for more than 2 years now. The impact of COVID-19 in Zimbabwe has been exacerbated by poor governance, compromised economic recovery strategies, political instability and a declining public health system.

The shrinking economic space is further increasing and exposing young people to extreme poverty, coupled with the closure and scaling down of jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, most students cannot afford the cost of education in the higher education sector. This has been escalated by the government of Zimbabwe reducing its financial support to the higher education sector, leaving colleges to depend on students’ tuition fees to sustain financial operations. This economic environment in the higher education sector pushes to the periphery investments in student’s health, academic freedoms and their participation in national discourse.

Despite having a progressive constitution, there are sub populations whose rights are not prioritised by society. Such a situation is reflected in Zimbabwe’s higher education sector where groups such as young LGBTIQ+ members, young women, students with disabilities as well as students living with HIV are viewed as second class citizens in some spaces. Furthermore, the higher education sector does not have their adequate representation in students governing structures. Like many other developing African countries, young people’s access to SRH services have a strong beating on their enjoyment and ultimate participation in the higher education sector. Sexual and reproductive health infirmities such as HIV, unplanned pregnancies, sexual harassment, Gender Based Violence and poor access to quality menstrual health and management remain a key operational factor on how students enjoy the right to quality education in Zimbabwe.

The targeted results will be achieved through the following initiatives;

1. Advocate and support the development of mechanisms and frameworks which safeguard the human rights of traditionally marginalized groups in the higher education sector.
2. Strengthening the capacities of CSOs that work with students in the use and generation of evidence to challenge SRH related human rights violations happening in the higher education sector of Zimbabwe.
3. Conduct advocacy for the inclusive and equitable implementation of SRH rights programming in the higher education sector.

Purpose of the Sexual Harassment Assessment (SHA)

The SHA seeks to establish the situation of SH in the targeted 10 institutions of Higher Learning. This will begin with establishing the existence of SH policy frameworks at national level, then at institution level. Further the study is expected to determine whether the previously discriminated groups[1] are aware of the existence of such policies. The assignment will also establish the existence of SH prevention and management mechanisms at institution level. Examination of these should follow the AAAQE[2] criteria listed below;

• Availability
• Accessibility (Physical, Financial, Bureaucratic/administrative, Social, Information)
• Acceptability
• Quality
• Effectiveness (Working well and producing desired results).

Scope of the Sexual Harassment Assessment (SHA)

The study is covering the targeted 10[3] higher learning institutions in Zimbabwe. The consultant is therefore expected to employ all relevant techniques, as applicable, to conduct the assessment which will ultimately inform decision making with regards to the project.

Methodology

The consultant is expected to use relevant and applicable/appropriate methodology, as per their experience, to gather information and data, analyze and logically present to the satisfaction of the contracting organization (SAYWHAT) and funding partner in this case, SAIH.

NB. Demonstration of the relevant and appropriate methodology in the application process is an aided advantage.

Expected Deliverables

Concept Note/Inception report and Data collection tools: The concept note shall detail the scope of work, methodology, including sampling, data collection methods, data analysis methods, data quality assurance plan, risk management, staffing, and ethical considerations in conducting the study. This must be submitted within a maximum of 5 working days after the inception meeting.

[1] Young LGBTIQ+ members, young women, students with disabilities as well as students living with HIV

[1] UNICEF Availability, accessibility, adaptability and quality guide can be accessed here: https://gbvguidelines.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/AAAQ-framework-Nov-2019-WEB.pdf [1] Midlands State University, Lupane State University, Bindura University of Science Education, Great Zimbabwe University, Gwanda State University, Harare Institute of Technology, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences, National University of Science and Technology, and University of Zimbabwe.

First draft report: Expected on the date to be agreed. This shall be done either virtually or face to face during a Validation meeting facilitated by the consultant to discuss preliminary findings.

Final Report: The layout of the report shall be as follows;

• Contextual analysis relating to SH (National and institutional)
• Objectives of the assessment
• Methodology
• Findings
• Conclusions
• Recommendations
• Annexes (including the list of stakeholders consulted during the assessment, key documents and websites consulted, terms of reference, data collection tools, any other documents as applicable.
• A PowerPoint presentation summarizing the contents of the final report will be submitted to SAYWHAT on the date to be agreed.

The table below shows the implementation calendar for the assessment and payment terms;

Duration of the Rapid Assessment

The assessment is estimated to take 28 days.

Required Expertise

Firm/Entity

Mandatory

• Mandatory for Firm/Entity to have a minimum 5 years of local, regional or international experience in research
• Mandatory for Firm/Entity to be registered in Zimbabwe
• Proven experience in designing and implementing research studies within the development and youth empowerment sector, supported by a minimum of three (2) references
• Demonstrable evidence of similar work undertaken previously, supported by one work sample which is no more than 5 years’ old

Team Leader

Mandatory

• Master’s Degree in any of the following fields: Education, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Public Health, Evaluation or other related studies; a PhD will be an added advantage
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in conducting research at the national or regional level
• Proven experience in conducting researches within the education sector, supported by at least two (2) references
• Proven experience in data collection, analysis and reporting, supported by at least two (2) references

Desirable

• Previous experience working on other assignments
• Failure to meet any of the mandatory criteria will result in disqualification of the submission.

Required submissions

• All interested Consultants are required to submit a Technical and Financial proposal separately via email. The technical proposal should be no more than 10 pages, and will be assessed on the following;
• Approach to assignment that demonstrates extent to which the Consultant understands the requirements as set out in TOR;
• Feasible and technically sound methodology, appropriate for fulfilling the overall purpose of the assignment;

• Realistic work plan with specific treatment of key deliverables and priorities;
• Expertise and experience of the Firm/Entity; expertise, experience and qualifications of the Team leader
• The financial proposal should be no more than 4 pages and should detail the following;
• An appropriate Price Schedule which includes, as a minimum, the consultancy rate per day, and number of workdays per main activity in order to assist the Contracting Department to determine, which items may be negotiated, if applicable, or which items can be modified as per the budget. All prices shall be quoted in US dollars.
• Copy of CV with at least 2 references related to conducting similar assignments in the youth empowerment sector.

Management

• The Consultant will work closely and will be supervised by the SAYWHAT Monitoring and Evaluation Officer to ensure the finalization of all tools and progress with the assessment.
• The Consultant will report to SAYWHAT Programs Coordinator.
• The Consultant will be responsible for own overheads and logistical requirements such as office space, administrative and secretarial support, telecommunications, and printing of documentation.
• All deliverables will be prepared in English.

Submission of proposal

• The Call is open to Consultants with the right expertise and capacity to cover engagements and data collection from Zimbabwe.
• Interested Consultants to submit technical and financial proposals separately via email to procurement@saywhat.org.zw no later than 26 September 2022.

[1] Young LGBTIQ+ members, young women, students with disabilities as well as students living with HIV

[2] UNICEF Availability, accessibility, adaptability and quality guide can be accessed here: https://gbvguidelines.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/AAAQ-framework-Nov-2019-WEB.pdf

[3] Midlands State University, Lupane State University, Bindura University of Science Education, Great Zimbabwe University, Gwanda State University, Harare Institute of Technology, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences, National University of Science and Technology, and University of Zimbabwe.