DRF-DIWODE PROJECT

Terms of Reference for Consultancy: Review of the National Constitution on Gaps Relating to the Participation of Persons with Disabilities in Public and Political Processes and Development of Policy Briefs.

1. Background

Disabled Women in Development (DIWODE) is a local Organization of Persons with Disabilities (OPD) founded and registered in 1999. DIWODE works to advance the welfare of girls and women with disabilities in Malawi.

With funding from the Disability Rights Fund (DRF), DIWODE is implementing a project that aims to advocate for the increased participation of women and girls with disabilities in the upcoming 2025 general elections of Malawi, and to lobby for their appointments to leadership positions in line with UNCRPD Article 6 (women with disabilities) and 29 (Participation in political and public life) as well as SDG Goal 5 (Gender Equality).

DIWODE seeks to address the gaps in the National Constitution concerning the participation of persons with disabilities in public and political processes. This initiative aims to ensure that persons with disabilities, particularly women and girls, are fully included in the political and electoral processes. To achieve this, DIWODE requires a consultant to review the Constitution, identify any gaps, and develop policy briefs to inform discussions with political party leaders and other stakeholders.

2. Objective of the assignment:

The consultant will review the National Constitution to identify gaps relating to the participation of persons with disabilities in public and political processes. Based on the review, the consultant will develop a policy brief with recommendations for addressing these gaps. The policy brief will be used to engage with political party leaders and other stakeholders to advocate for the increased inclusion of persons with disabilities, particularly women and girls, in the 2025 general elections.

3. Scope of work:

The Consultant will be required to:

• Conduct a thorough review of the National Constitution, focusing on the participation of persons with disabilities in public and political processes.
• Identify and document any gaps, inconsistencies, or barriers in the Constitution that hinder full participation.
• Develop a policy brief that includes: -
• A summary of the gaps identified in the Constitution.
• Clear, actionable recommendations to address these gaps and promote greater inclusion of persons with disabilities in the political process.
• Engage with political party leaders and other stakeholders (e.g., election bodies, disability advocacy groups) to present the policy brief and advocate for the increased participation of women and girls with disabilities in the 2025 general elections.

4. Deliverables:

• A comprehensive report identifying gaps in the National Constitution regarding the participation of persons with disabilities in public and political processes.
• A policy brief with clear recommendations for addressing the identified gaps.
• A report documenting the engagements with political party leaders and other stakeholders.

5. Duration of the consultancy

This assignment is expected to be carried out for a period of 30 days starting from the date of contract signing.

6. Reporting and supervisory:

The Project Coordinator at DIWODE office will be the primary contact for the consultant. Additional guidance will be provided by the senior management in the office. The consultant will provide a report upon completion of the consultancy.

7. Required Qualifications and Experience:

The required background and experience for the consultant is as follows:

• Advanced degree in law, political science, public policy, social sciences sociology, anthropology, development studies, Economics/Statistics or related fields relevant for the assignment
• Those with a master’s degree will have an added advantage.
• At least 5years of research and other relevant professional experience
• Excellent facilitation and coordination skills.
• In-depth knowledge of UNCRPD and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Knowledge and Demonstrated experience with Human Rights Based Approach to Programming (HRBAP).
• Familiarity with national constitutions, electoral laws, and human rights frameworks.
• Strong communication and advocacy skills, including experience engaging with political leaders and stakeholders.
• Experience working with persons with disabilities or disability advocacy organizations is highly desirable.
• Institutional knowledge of the UN.
• Proven experience in conducting policy review and writing analytical research papers on disability issues.

The specific competencies and qualifications required of all consultants are as follows:

• Good knowledge of the recent developments in the area of human rights in general and of disability rights in particular in Malawi.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in writing/ speaking in English and other local languages (particularly Chichewa).
• Ability to deliver quality reports in line with established deadlines.

8. Budget

The budget for this consultancy will be (4,000,000 MK). All costs associated with the assignment, including fees, travel, and other expenses, should be clearly outlined in the proposal.

9. Mode of Application:

Qualified persons are required to submit their application by 28^th February, 2025 via email to: ksigere26@yahoo.com copying diwode1996@gmail.com.

You can also submit your application on WhatsApp Number: +265 888857674

10. Application Process

• A cover letter outlining their experience and qualifications for the assignment
• A detailed CV
• A technical proposal outlining understanding of the assignment, methodology, and work plan.
• A financial proposal with a detailed budget breakdown.
• A sample of their writing (e.g. a policy brief or research report)
• Contact information for at least three professional references.