CONSULTING ASSIGNMENT
REGIONAL STUDY ON THE ROLE OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE PREVENTION IN SOUTHERN AFRICA
The World University Service of Canada’s Field Support Services Project (WUSC FSSP) is a project established to provide a range of support services, including; technical, administrative, financial and logistical, in support of the implementation of Global Affairs Canada’s (GAC) development programming in South Africa. WUSC FSSP is contracting the services of two (2) qualified consultants (a Lead researcher and a Co-researcher) to carry a study on the role that private sector actors play in Gender Based Violence (GBV) in the SADC region. The two consultants will also be expected to identify current gaps and opportunities for private sector involvement and recommend concrete and country-specific entry points for enhancing the role of the private sector in violence prevention activities.
- Background
1.1 Violence Against Women and Girls in Southern Africa
Gender-based violence (GBV) is a form of discrimination which impairs the realisation of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Its health, social and economic extend to children, families, communities and society as whole. In Southern Africa, GBV and in particular violence against women and girls (VAWG), is among the most severe and widespread human rights violations. In international comparison, the prevalence of VAWG in Southern Africa is high. Between half and two thirds of all women in countries within the region confirm having experienced violence (physical, mental and/or emotional), with intimate partner violence (IPV) being the most commonly cited form. GBV poses a serious obstacle for efforts to achieve global, regional and national development outcomes. The elimination of GBV is therefore firmly anchored in the Sustainable Development Goals to be achieved by 2030. The revised Protocol on Gender and Equality of the South African Development Community (SADC, 2016) stresses the importance of GBV prevention, which has led to a renewed dynamism at the level of SADC Member States for addressing this social scourge. To guide the member states in an effective and efficient implementation of the Protocol with regards to GBV, the SADC Regional Strategy and Framework of Action for addressing gender-based violence (SADC GBV Strategy) was launched in 2018. - Rationale and research uptake
Despite progress over the past years, knowledge on the effectiveness of prevention interventions to curb GBV is still much needed to inform policymaking and programming. An evidence-orientation is therefore regarded a key principle of GIZ’s Partnerships for the Prevention of Gender Based Violence programme (PfP) implementation. Selected prevention approaches in four countries are accompanied by practice-oriented operational research and results shared with a broad range of stakeholders through regional exchange formats (e.g. study tours, conferences and webinars). In addition, PfP identifies themes and evidence gaps that can be addressed through cross-cutting research.
Against this background, PfP identified a lack of evidence on the role of the private sector in GBV prevention in Southern Africa. To close this gap, the PfP Programme, in partnership with the Ford Foundation, the Canadian High Commission and the SADC Secretariat, will conduct a study on the role of private sector in GBV prevention. The results of this regional study will provide key partners in the region, particularly women’s organizations and SADC Member States, with recommendations and an overview of approaches to prevent GBV through private sector engagement.
The regional study on private sector engagement on GBV prevention will contribute to priority areas listed above under the different partners, including to Objectives 1 (on Prevention of GBV) and 4 (on information and knowledge management) of the SADC GBV Strategy by showcasing and promoting innovative approaches to the prevention of gender-based violence.
2.1 The role of the private sector in prevention of GBV in the region
In early 2019, PfP conducted a non-exhaustive literature review on the existing evidence of what works in prevention of GBV in the thematic areas where the project is intervening, including the role of the private sector (Annex 1). The literature review on the private sector found that the role businesses can play in preventing VAWG can greatly vary. Businesses not only need to prevent and combat harassment and violence against women in the workplace, they also could expand their commitment to prevention of all forms of violence and harassment by reviewing ethics codes and other workplace regulations to ensure zero-tolerance for all forms of violence and discrimination. Similarly, they could also implement measures to institutionalise a culture of prevention, thereby confronting the stigma and taboo around GBV and challenging gender norms.
Lastly, best practices indicate that when businesses can create a general sense of care and wellbeing, staff feel comfortable to share incidents of violence experienced within and outside the workplace, and violence can be addressed and ultimately, prevented. Prevention efforts need to filter through all levels of the business hierarchy and include management and the general workforce alike. And they should extend to the homes of employers and employees. Business leaders and employers who are knowledgeable about GBV prevention will create a better environment at home and their circle of friends. Ultimately, interventions for the private sector to prevent GBV at the workplace and at home should lead to, e.g. less absenteeism, more productivity, less stigma around GBV and a higher wellbeing of staff on all levels, as well as empower women and expand economic opportunity for them. Hence, the private sector has a unique and influential role to play in promoting innovation, best practice and resourcing the prevention and response to GBV, including engaging with and support to civil society organizations and government. Their collaboration is necessary and required to address GBV and to achieve gender equality.
2.2 Linkages to international policy and action
Generation Equality Forum
The year 2020 was coined the year of Gender Equality. In light of UN Women’s 10th anniversary, the 20th anniversary of the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 as the basis for the Women, Peace, Security Agenda, and 25 years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (Beijing +25), UN Women initiated the Generation Equality Forum multi-stakeholder process, co-hosted by Mexico and France. Through the establishment of six global, innovative multi-stakeholder partnerships – known as Action Coalitions – with specific goals, the international community commits to strengthening its commitment to promoting gender equality and realizing the human rights of all women and girls over the next five years.
The goal is to drive transformative, ground-breaking progress toward a gender-transformative implementation of the 2030 Agenda by 2025, and in particular to achieve SDG 5 and the gender sub-targets of other SDGs. Two out of the six Action Coalitions specifically address the issues “Economic Justice and Rights” and “Gender-Based Violence”. The study would hence contribute to the global public conversation for urgent action and accountability for gender equality and be particularly relevant for the action coalition on gender-based violence and economic justice and rights by highlighting the linkages and synergies of both priority areas. Moreover, as the South African and German Government are part of the leadership structure in the action coalition on economic justice and rights, the political momentum is strong and can be used as divers to accelerate progress.
International Labor Organization’s (ILO) Violence and Harassment Convention (No. 190)
Another key international framework is the International Labor Organization’s (ILO) Violence and Harassment Convention (No. 190) and Recommendation (No. 206). On June 21 2019, during its Centenary Conference, ILO adopted the Centenary Declaration on the Future of Work, expressing a clear commitment to a world of work free from violence and harassment and brought this commitment to life with the adoption of the Violence and Harassment Convention (No. 190) and Recommendation (No. 206). The ILO Convention No. 190 is the first ever international standard aimed at ending violence and harassment in the world of work with the aim to create long lasting and far-reaching positive impact. For the first time, the right to a world of work free from violence and harassment has been articulated in an international treaty. The ILO Convention No. 190 is a clear and common framework to prevent and address violence and harassment, based on an inclusive, integrated and gender- responsive approach. Violence and harassment in the world of work remains pervasive, affecting all countries, occupations and work arrangements. It manifests in different forms and contexts. It deprives people of their dignity and is incompatible with decent work and social justice.
- Objective of the assignment
The objective of the study will be is to take stock of and document the role that private sector actors already play in GBV in the SADC region, including through direct interventions in the workplace setting and further identify current gaps and opportunities for private sector involvement and recommend concrete and country-specific entry points for enhancing the role of the private sector in violence prevention activities.
The study will be split in two phases. The first phase shall cover the preparation of the study (1.1.: design of study) as well as desk study (1.2: information on the level of private sector involvement in GBV prevention). The second phase lays out country case studies, synthesis of results as well as their presentation.
The preparation of Phase 1 is the goal of this assignment. 2 experts (1 Lead researcher and 1 Co-Researcher) are expected to carry out the assignment jointly.
- Methodology
The study consists of two phases which build on each other. Phase 1 consists of the preparation and desk study. The country case studies and synthesis of results and recommendations of phase 2 (tbd) will build on the results of phase 1.
4.1 Set-up and tasks
Phase 1
• 1.1 Preparation: During this phase the study design is developed and summarised in the form of a proposal, including the approach for sampling, data collection and analysis. This includes the development of a systematic and criteria-led approach to assessing the level of private sector involvement in GBV prevention of in each SADC member state.
• 1.2 Desk study: Information on the level of private sector involvement in GBV prevention shall either be collected through an initial online survey or a systematic selection and assessment of a mix of national and regional private sector companies from different sectors and sizes. In addition, the study shall draw on data from a desk study of specialist literature, company documents, CSR reports, secondary data as well as expert interviews with stakeholders from selected SADC countries (e.g. regional and national private sector companies, SADC secretariat, private foundations, development partners, research institutions, civil society organizations, policymakers). A list of relevant interview partners will be developed by the consultant jointly with PfP and partners. Based on the desk study and expert interviews, a preliminary synthesis of data per country shall be developed and the potential for an in-depth country case study be outlined. Selection criteria shall ideally include preference to one country for each of the official SADC languages (French, Portuguese, English). Sampling of countries should be discussed in the reference group based on criteria such as focus countries of partners.
Breakdown of expert days per phase 1:
Description/Tasks
Lead researcher, days Co-researcher,
days Case study
researchers, days
Phase 1
Phase 1.1: Planning and conceptualization of the study and development of research proposal, including study design, tools and criteria for assessment. Presentation of proposal and revisions. Up to 10
Home-based Up to 10
Home-based /
Phase 1.2: Desk study, including literature review and expert interviews and identification of countries for case studies. Up to 15
Home-based Up to 15
Home-based /
Sum (up to) 25 25
Proposed guiding questions: The list of questions is not exhaustive but serves as a framework for guiding the study. The framework should further take into account feminist approaches and also measure successes based on stakeholders’ perceptions and assessments.
• Which examples exist in SADC countries of successful private sector interventions in GBV prevention (e.g. workplace programmes, strategies, existing guides/toolkits/ engagement with CSOs and (or) women’s rights organizations)?
• What are the outcomes (including unexpected outcomes) of such interventions?
• Was the outcome of interventions measured or verified? How was it measured? What was the impact of the interventions for sustained action?
• What challenges are reported during the design and implementation of such interventions?
• Which actors are involved in those interventions (multi-stakeholder partnerships)?
• How did other projects structure value propositions/shared with private sector companies and what are learnings about what works and does not work in incentivising private sector to invest in violence prevention?
• What are the gaps and entry-points for engaging the private sector in Southern Africa?
• What are the promising business sectors for possible interventions?
• What role should government play to support the private sector in GBV prevention – policy and incentives?
• What role should civil society organisations, especially women’s rights organisations, children’s rights organisations and GBV service organisations play in mobilizing private sector engagement?
• How can the experience of civil society organisations working on GBV prevention be harnessed in support of strengthening capacities of the private sector?
• What is the responsibility of private sector companies in the prevention and response to VAWG?
4.2 Specific Milestones and Products
Specific milestones and timelines shall be tentatively achieved according this schedule:
Milestone/ Product Schedule / person responsible
Phase 1.1 – Preparation
Draft proposal, including detailed workplan, study design, methodology, tools, criteria for assessment, general framework for conducting country case studies. March 1st 2022 / lead researcher (LR)
Feedback from advisory/ reference group March 7th , 2022/ advisory group
Final proposal March 14th , 2022/ LR
Phase 1.2 – Desk study
Draft desk study report, including literature review and expert interviews and identification of countries for case studies. April 14th , 2022 / LR
Presentation to advisory/ reference group April 21st , 2022 / LR
Written feedback from advisory group April 28th, 2022 / advisory group
Final desk study report May 16th, 2022 / LR
Phase 2 will be designed as a follow-on package according to identified priorities by the reference group.
4.3 Qualifications for the assigned experts
The contractor shall propose a team of experts, including the following positions:
a) Lead researcher – Responsible for the overall technical and administrative implementation of the study and serves as the main contact for GIZ and is accountable to the whole of the reference group. The lead researcher steers the overall process on behalf of the reference group, coordinates with the Co-Researcher and ensures the quality of the products and compliance with deadlines.
b) Co-researcher – Primarily responsible for conceptualisation, data collection and analysis as well as development of recommendations. The researcher ensures that the study is carried out according to international standards and takes current knowledge from the professional scene into account.
The lead researcher has the following qualifications:
• Education/training: University degree (Master) in development studies, business studies, social sciences, or a comparable and relevant topic;
• Language: English (C1/C2);
• General professional experience: 10 years of proven work experience in the conceptualisation and implementation of qualitative and quantitative (operational) research;
• Specific professional experience: 5 years of proven work experience in the field of GBV;
• Demonstrate a strong feminist analysis, approach and understanding of GBV;
• Leaderships/management experience: 5 years of proven experience steering complex processes and diverse teams;
• Regional experience: Proven, extensive experience in Southern Africa, e.g. work/ study/ research related to the content of the study. Experiences as part of a long-term assignment (at least 3 years) is a strong asset. The ideal candidate is a national of one of the SADC member states.
• Development cooperation experience: Working experience with donors, government, civil society and private sector and a strong network in all sectors;
• Other: Experience in authoring, coordinating and editing publications;
• In addition, outstanding competences in communication and interpersonal skills as well as very good working knowledge of ITC technologies and MS Office Package is required. Previous work experience in the private sector is an asset.
The co-researcher has the following qualifications:
• Education/training: University degree (Master) in a topic relevant to the theme of the study;
• Language: English (C1/C2) and good knowledge (B.2) of either Portuguese or French;
• General professional experience: 5 years of proven work experience in the implementation of qualitative and quantitative (operational) research, including data collection, analysis and reporting;
• Specific professional experience: 3 years of proven work experience in the field of GBV prevention;
• Demonstrate a strong feminist analysis, approach and understanding of GBV;
• Leaderships/management experience: proven experience in coordinating complex data collection processes;
• Regional experience: Proven, extensive experience in Southern Africa, e.g. work/ study/ research related to the content of the study. Experiences as part of a long-term assignment (at least 2 years) is a strong asset. The ideal candidate is a national of one of the SADC member states.
• Development cooperation experience: previous cooperation experience with donors, government, civil society and the private sector;
• Other: Experience in delivering high-quality publications and presentations.
When submitting your financial and technical proposal, please indicate clearly whether you are applying for the position of the Lead researcher or Co-researcher. Applications as a research tandem are welcome.
About the partners
The regional programme Partnerships for Prevention of Gender-Based Violence in Southern Africa
The regional programme ‘Partnerships for Prevention of Gender-Based Violence in Southern Africa’ (PfP) is commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by GIZ. Considering the magnitude of GBV in Southern African countries, broad-based efforts are required. To this end, PfP supports multi-stakeholder initiatives that leverage financial and technical contributions from governments, civil society organisations, private sector, the media and academia. More information about the programme and resources can be found at www.partnershipsforprevention.org
The Southern Africa Development Community (SADC)
At regional level, PfP is collaborating with the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC). In particular, GIZ partners with the Gender Unit of the SADC Secretariat, to disseminate and implement its regional strategies for the prevention of VAWG, which is a top priority under the SADC Gender Based Violence Strategy and its Framework of Action 2018-2030, approved by the SADC Ministers responsible for Gender Equality and Women’s Affairs.
The SADC GBV Strategy states the following main objectives:
- To promote prevention and early identification of GBV by addressing associated social, cultural and/or traditional, religious, political and economic factors.
- To strengthen delivery of effective, accessible and responsive protection, care and support services to those affected by GBV.
- To strengthen regional and national capacity to efficiently and effectively respond to gender-based violence.
- To improve information and knowledge management, sharing of best practices and innovation on GBV for evidence-based policy and service planning and implementation.
- To ensure efficient and effective management, coordination and partnerships building for the regional and national GBV response.
The Ford Foundation
The Ford Foundation under their Gender, Race and Ethic Justice (GREJ) programming on GBV will partner with the PfP programme. The Foundation’s work on GBV focus on more effective implementation of laws, policies and programmes to eliminate GBV in the Southern Region. However, the Foundation recognizes that a critical starting point is to facilitate strategic partnerships between government, civil society organizations, women’s rights organizations, other donors and the private sector. This is because multisectoral collaboration and partnerships have been evidenced to be successful to transform deeply patriarchal attitudes in all spheres of society. The Ford Foundation in their partnership with PfP programme seeks to:
- Strengthen partnerships and collaboration across multiple stakeholders to ensure a well-resourced and networked women’s movement that represent the complexities and diversity of women’s identities, interests and needs.
- Build alliances and networks towards a more common aligned advocacy agenda and programming with less common allies including the private sector.
- Engage and partner with business leaders in the private sector to press for change and to allocate resources to prevent GBV.
The Canadian High Commission/ Global Affairs Canada
Canada works to advance gender equality through an intersectional gendered lens. Working in partnership with key stakeholders, including civil society organizations, other donors, the private sector, Global Affairs Canada through its international assistance actively promotes the inclusion of all people in economic, social, and political life. The Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP) and the Feminist Foreign Policy places gender equality and the empowerment of women at the centre of sustainable development. As espoused by the growth that works for everyone Action Area, Canada believes that inclusive growth requires the full and equal participation of women in the economy. This new approach to economic growth and development is required for poverty reduction. This would help achieve Goal 8 of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development regarding decent work and economic growth. There should be better income distribution and improved access to, and management of, human, financial and natural resources. Research shows that poverty and inequality are major drivers of GBV. Ending GBV is a key Government of Canada priority. Through its partnership with PfP Canada seeks to:
- Contribute to the building of a body of knowledge on the linkages between economic growth, poverty, inequality and GBV as evidence for advocacy.
- To foster sustainable partnerships with the private sector aimed at ending GBV in all spheres including workplace GBV.
Interested candidates should email a letter of application (clearly indicating the position they are applying for) and a CV (not more than 4 pages) to:[email protected] with the subject heading “GBV Consultancy – Southern Africa”, showing how your background is linked to each item in the qualifications and mandatory experience. In addition;
• You are required to provide details on your daily fee rate in Canadian Dollars equivalent as well as other relevant costs anticipated to be incurred while undertaking this assignment.
• You must also provide names and contact details of three referees; including at least one from a current or previous employer.
The deadline for receiving CVs is the close of business on the 14th February 2022. Candidates whose documentation confirms they meet the mandatory criteria for the position they have applied for will be invited for an interview to assess their technical abilities and knowledge. Only Shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Please visit the link below for a detailed job description;
https://cutt.ly/GBV-Consultants