Introduction
Oxfam is a confederation of more than 20 independent charitable organizations focused on alleviating global poverty and addressing social injustice. Oxfam recognizes that gender justice is fundamental to achieving social, economic, and environmental justice. We strive to ensure that women and girls, in all their diversities, live free from gender-based discrimination and violence. Our efforts challenge deep-rooted male privilege and dominance, working with communities to dismantle patriarchal beliefs that perpetuate abuse and keep women in poverty.
Oxfam has been actively working to address inequalities related to care work globally and in Africa. Our efforts focus on promoting the Recognition, Reduction, Redistribution, Representation, and Remuneration of unpaid care work, as well as advocating for the formalization and decent work conditions for paid care workers. We aim to highlight and address the social, economic, and gender-related challenges within the care sector.
Additionally, Oxfam is involved in the StandwithHer initiative, launched by the African Union Commission and Oxfam Africa as part of the 16 Days of Activism to combat gender-based violence in Africa. This campaign aims to support women’s rights organizations promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. Oxfam has received numerous applications for this initiative as well, with resources available for only five partners. Learn more about Oxfam HERE
Background
In the last year Oxfam in Africa has embarked on supporting WROs and CSOs with small unrestricted funds to advance advocacy initiatives on Care and GBV. This was initially informed by the Deepening Regional Advocacy on Care” Gates Foundation funded project that sought to provide small feminist funds to WROs and CSOs in sub-Saharan Africa to advance their Care Advocacy work on themes such as policy change, public perception of care work, valuing women and girls unpaid work etc. This was followed by the StandWitHer initiative that focused on supporting Feminist initiative on GBV. In response to these calls that could only support 5 organisations each Oxfam received over 200 applications for funding advocacy projects. This underscores the urgent need for comprehensive analysis of care work and gender-based violence issues in Africa in relation to flexible funding needs in the current climate of shrinking funding on gender justice work not just in Africa but across the globe.
To better understand thematic priorities, funding needs and capacities of Care and GBV movements across the continent Oxfam plans to engage consultants to conduct a desk review of the applications from both the Care Work Advocacy Project and the StandwithHer initiative. This review will providing valuable insights to inform future funding needs and advocacy priorities
Scope of Work
The purpose of this desk review is to comprehensively analyse the grant applications submitted for both the Care Work Advocacy Project and the StandwithHer initiative. This study will utilize existing applications, databases to provide a nuanced understanding of care issues and gender-based violence in Africa as articulated by the applicants.
Objectives
- Application Analysis: Conduct a detailed analysis of the grant applications to identify common themes, Priorities and approaches presented by the applications unpaid care work and gender-based violence.
- Identifying Gaps: Highlight gaps in advocacy and funding for care work and gender-based violence within the submitted proposals, focusing on the unique challenges faced by women and marginalized groups.
- Contextual Understanding: Provide context regarding the socio-economic and gender-related factors influencing both the care economy and gender-based violence across the regions represented in the applications.
- Recommendations for Future Funding: Based on the findings, offer actionable recommendations for Oxfam to refine its funding strategies, enhance support for care work initiatives, and inform future advocacy efforts related to care work and gender-based violence in Africa
Deliverables
- Desk Review Report: A comprehensive report detailing the findings of the analysis of the grant applications, including insights into the challenges and opportunities identified within the care sector and the StandwithHer initiative.
- Policy Brief: A concise policy brief summarizing key findings and recommendations tailored for stakeholders, including potential funding bodies, NGOs, and community organizations involved in care work and gender-based violence advocacy.
- Presentation: Develop a presentation to share the findings and recommendations with Oxfam staff and relevant partners, facilitating discussions on future actions and interventions.
Timeline
The assignment will span two months, during which the consultant will undertake the desk review, analysis, and report preparation, adhering to set deadlines for deliverables. Regular check-ins with the Commissioning Manager and other relevant team members will ensure alignment with Oxfam’s goals and expectations.
Qualifications and Requirements
Educational Background
- Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field such as Social Sciences, Gender Studies, International Development, Public policy, Development Studies, or related disciplines.
Professional Experience
- Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in Gender Justice programming and research with any additional expertise in care work, or social policy being highly desirable.
- Proven experience in conducting desk reviews or qualitative analyses, particularly in the areas of gender justice, care work, or social policy.
- Demonstrated expertise in advocacy and policy analysis related to gender and care work issues, preferably in the African context.
Knowledge and Skills
- Proven analytical skills and excellent ability to synthesize large volumes of data in a comprehensive and clear manner.
- Strong understanding of the socio-economic and cultural factors impacting care work and gender-based violence in Africa.
- Familiarity with existing frameworks and policies addressing gender equality and care work at both regional and international levels.
Communication Skills
- Written and verbal communication skills in English. Proficiency in relevant local languages is a plus, French included.
- Experience in developing presentations and facilitating discussions for various stakeholders, including government agencies and community organizations.
- Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear and actionable insights.
Interpersonal Skills
- Strong relationship-building skills to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including local communities, NGOs, governmental representatives, and other partner organizations.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability to changing circumstances and priorities.
Technical Skills
- Proficiency in digital tools for research, data analysis, and presentation, including relevant software for document creation, data visualization, and communication.
Additional Requirements
- Strong commitment to feminist principles and gender justice,
- Compliance to Oxfam code of conduct and safeguarding policies
- Availability to commit to the full duration of the assignment (2 months) and to provide deliverables within the stipulated timelines.
- Willingness to engage in consultations with stakeholders as required, ensuring an inclusive approach to the desk review process.
Invitation to Apply
Oxfam is inviting applications from suitably qualified consultants to carry out this work. Your proposal should contain:
- A short introduction stating why they are suited to deliver this project.
- Consultant profile, and qualifications.
- A technical proposal with detailed response highlighting how they understand the TOR, with specific focus on addressing the scope of work including methodology.
- Initial work plan and indication of availability
- Estimated number of days and proposed timeline
- A financial proposal with a budget cap of 10,000 CAD (Canadian Dollars) Only
- Company/organizational profile or CV including a minimum of 3 traceable, recent, and relevant references.
How to apply
Your proposal, which should not exceed five pages in length and should be sent by email to ssc.consultancy@oxfam.org under the subject line “Analysis on the Care Grant applications” no later than 28th October 2024.