Research and Advocacy Consultant

Status-Open

Terms of Reference (ToR) for Research and Advocacy Consultant

Introduction
This Ability Trust is a nonprofit organization committed to promoting Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) with a focus on disability inclusion. To strengthen our research and advocacy efforts, we seek to engage a Research and Advocacy Consultant on a quarterly basis.

Objectives
The consultant will provide expertise in conducting research, generating evidence-based advocacy materials, supporting the organization’s strategic initiatives, and developing an effective advocacy strategy based on data-driven insights to influence policy and practice on disability-inclusive SRHR.

Scope of Work
The consultant will undertake the following tasks:

  • Conduct quarterly research on key SRHR and disability inclusion issues, policies, and best practices.
  • Develop and refine an advocacy strategy that aligns with evidence-based research and organizational goals.
  • Identify key stakeholders for policy advocacy and partnership, including government agencies, policymakers, disability rights organizations, healthcare providers, and community-based organizations.
  • Perform data analysis to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for advocacy interventions.
  • Develop advocacy materials such as policy briefs, reports, fact sheets, and position papers.
  • Engage stakeholders, including policymakers, government agencies, and civil society organizations, to advocate for disability-inclusive SRHR policies.
  • Identify emerging trends and provide recommendations for strengthening advocacy strategies.
  • Support the organization in organizing advocacy events, campaigns, and knowledge-sharing forums.
  • Conduct capacity-building sessions for staff and partners on research methodologies, data analysis, and advocacy techniques.
  • Monitor and evaluate the impact of advocacy initiatives and provide periodic progress reports.

Deliverables

  • Quarterly Research Reports on disability-inclusive SRHR topics.
  • A comprehensive Advocacy Strategy Document informed by research and data analysis.
  • Stakeholder Mapping Report identifying key actors for policy advocacy and partnership.
  • Data Analysis Reports identifying key insights for policy engagement.
  • Advocacy materials, including policy briefs, position papers, and fact sheets.
  • Stakeholder Engagement Reports summarizing key advocacy actions and outcomes.
  • Training sessions for staff and partners on research, data analysis, and advocacy.
  • Quarterly Advocacy Impact Assessment Reports.

Duration and Frequency
The consultancy is expected to run for one year, with quarterly research and advocacy deliverables in March, June, September, and December. The contract may be renewed based on performance and organizational needs.

Reporting and Accountability
The consultant will report to the Managing Trustee and the Advocacy and Research Committee. Regular meetings will be held to track progress and address emerging challenges.

Required Qualifications and Experience

  • Advanced degree in Public Health, Social Sciences, Human Rights, Data Analysis, or a related field.
  • At least five years of experience in research, advocacy, and data analysis, preferably in SRHR and disability inclusion.
  • Strong knowledge of disability rights frameworks, SRHR policies, and global best practices.
  • Expertise in qualitative and quantitative data analysis, with the ability to translate findings into advocacy strategies.
  • Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills.
  • Experience working with policymakers, government agencies, and civil society organizations.
  • Proven experience in stakeholder mapping and engagement for policy advocacy.
  • Ability to work independently and produce high-quality, evidence-based advocacy materials.

Application Process
Interested consultants are invited to submit their applications, including:

  • A cover letter outlining relevant experience and approach to the consultancy.
  • A detailed CV.
  • A financial proposal with a breakdown of consultancy fees per quarter.
  • Applications should be submitted to consultant@this-ability.org by April 11th 2025

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their CV, cover letter, and a sample report to consultant@this-ability.org by 11th April 2025. Please include a financial proposal outlining your consultancy fees.

Confidentiality and Ethical Considerations
The consultant must maintain confidentiality of all research data, advocacy strategies, and analysis findings and adhere to ethical research and advocacy standards.

This Ability Trust is an equal opportunity organization and encourages applications from persons with disabilities and those with experience in disability-inclusive and gender-responsive research.

Exclusion Clause 

  1. This Ability Trust has zero tolerance for corruption and fraud. You are required to go through the anti-bribery policy to get a better understanding of this and the other policies that the Trust’s operations focus on.
  2. This Ability Trust has a zero-tolerance policy against sexual harassment. The Trust makes available annual sexual harassment prevention and response training for all supervisors, managers, and Contractors. You are required to go through the Safeguarding policy
  3. The Trust affirms its established policy of non-discrimination in employment and its commitment to affirmative action in being an equal opportunity employer, particularly in the employment of women with disabilities.
  4. This Ability Trust reserves the right to offer comparable assignments to those qualified candidates that may not have been selected for this consultancy assignment which they applied for. These offers will be based on the needs of the organisation, appropriateness and relevance to the candidate’s educational backgrounds and work experience. Only those candidates in whose qualifications and experience the Trust has further interest will be contacted for subsequent interviews.