Advancing women’s protection in Iraq: Policy and power analysis

Terms of Reference Advancing women’s protection in Iraq: Policy and power analysis

The NGO Coordination Committee for Iraq (NCCI) was established in 2003. NCCI’s mission, structure and objectives have continuously evolved to adapt to the changing circumstances and support needs for civil society and international NGOs in Iraq. Primary functions include coordination and information sharing, advocacy support services and capacity building for NGOs.

1. PURPOSE

The purpose of this consultancy is to support strategic and coordinated advocacy conducted by NCCI Advocacy Working Group members concerning women’s protection in Iraq.

2. OBJECTIVE

To develop policy analysis (narrative product) detailing the policy landscape (existing legislation, policy gaps, and relevant policy processes) and actors of power and influence (government, religious and other stakeholders as relevant) relating to women’s protection in Iraq.

3. METHODOLOGY

The consultant should conduct the policy and power analysis using a methodology developed in partnership with NCCI. It is expected that it will be built around a literature review and key informant interviews (KIIs) with representatives from national women’s rights organizations, international NGOs with a focus on women’s protection related advocacy, relevant government entities (GoI and KRG), and other stakeholders such as UN agencies, humanitarian cluster representatives, etc. Existing presence in Baghdad or Erbil preferable to allow for in-person KIIs, but also possible to conduct online.

4. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Consultant: The consultant will be responsible for designing and delivering policy and power analysis in narrative form, reaching out to relevant actors/prospective KIIs (with support from NCCI where relevant), collecting and analyzing data from the literature review and KIIs, and delivering the final narrative.
• NCCI: The consultant will be contracted by NCCI. NCCI will have responsibility for the overall management of the consultant, including: developing and finalizing the terms of reference; reviewing and finalizing the methodology; monitoring the delivery of milestones; and providing feedback on the initial and final draft of the policy analysis. NCCI will also provide the opportunity for national women’s rights organizations and international NGOs with a focus on women’s protection related advocacy to provide feedback on the draft policy and power analysis; either in writing or via a group consultation.

5. KEY DELIVERABLES

• An inception report including a work plan, detailed methodology, report format and timeline, to be submitted within 5 working days from the commencement of the assignment;
• Itinerary including list of stakeholders to be interviewed;
• KIIs with national women’s rights organizations, international NGOs with a focus on women’s protection related advocacy, relevant government entities (GoI and KRG), and other relevant stakeholders such as UN agencies, humanitarian cluster representatives etc.
• First draft of policy and power analysis narrative;
• Final policy and power analysis narrative.

6. DURATION AND TIMEFRAME

The consultancy will last one month, with the final narrative submitted to NCCI by 27 October 2022

7. BUDGET:

$4,000 USD

8. SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED OF CONSULTANT

The consultant is expected to have the following skills and expertise:

• Fluency in Arabic and English. Kurdish a plus, but translation can be provided for engagement with Kurdish speaking KIs if needed;
• Advanced university degree in social sciences/development science or other relevant field;
• Minimum 8 years of proven similar experience;
• Extensive knowledge of women’s rights organizations and protection advocacy in Iraq, with demonstrable focus on this area previously and an existing relevant network (on which NCCI and KIIs can help to build if/as needed);
• Demonstrably strong communication, analytical and report writing skills and experience, including familiarity with relevant citation standards;
• Female candidates strongly encouraged to apply.