Scope of Work (SOW) for Country Expert: Leading Data Synthesis and Stakeholder Engagement on Adolescent Health Services Access
1. Context Analysis
Global commitments towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasize the importance of improving health and well-being, particularly through the access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, addressing gender inequality, and tackling adolescent pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The SDGs aim to bridge the equity gap by focusing on social development goals and health milestones that enable the full potential of women and girls. In many low- and middle-income countries, especially in SSA, barriers to accessing SRH services remain a critical challenge, particularly for adolescents. These barriers often result in early and unintended pregnancies, which have severe health and socio-economic implications for young women.
In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported 21 million pregnancies among adolescents aged 15–19 years, with nearly half of these pregnancies unintended. Adolescent pregnancy rates in the East and Southern Africa (ESA) region are notably higher than the global average, exacerbated by gaps in access to contraception and family planning services. This situation highlights the urgent need to address barriers such as cultural stigma, gender inequality, lack of youth-friendly healthcare services, and geographic and economic access challenges.
In this context, a human-rights-based approach will guide an assessment of adolescent SRHR, focusing on the implications of climate-induced shocks (such as floods, droughts, and storms) that further exacerbate adolescents’ ability to access health services. This research will inform policy recommendations for improving access to SRH services and reducing adolescent pregnancy in the ESA region.
2. In-Country Expert Scope of Work
The In-Country Expert will play a key role in synthesizing country-specific adolescent health data, mapping key stakeholders, and facilitating high-level stakeholder workshops and panel discussions on adolescent SRHR (Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights) in the context of climate-induced health challenges. These workshops, known as Critical Thinking Symposia, will bring together key stakeholders and experts to discuss the issues and recommend actions to enhance adolescent SRHR.
Key tasks and responsibilities for the In-Country Expert include:
A. Data Synthesis and Collation
- Identify Key Documents: Review grey and published literature related to adolescent SRHR and climate change-related challenges.
- Review SRHR Progress: Analyze country-specific progress toward addressing adolescent pregnancy, including gaps in service provision and access.
- Focus Areas: Address issues such as contraceptive access, safe abortion care, maternal health, HIV prevention, and comprehensive sexuality education.
B. Planning and Coordination
- Initial Consultation & Inception: Engage with the project team, country representatives, and regional stakeholders to finalize objectives and deliverables.
- Event Logistics: Develop a work plan and organize the logistics for the symposium, including panelists’ selection, event schedules, and technical setup.
C. Designing and Facilitating the Symposia
- Content Development: Collaborate with the Principal Investigator to develop agendas that focus on pressing adolescent SRHR issues, climate change impacts, and regional priorities.
- Moderation: Lead panel discussions and virtual sessions, engaging experts and ensuring productive discussions.
D. Reporting and Documentation
- Event Reports: Prepare detailed post-event summaries, capturing discussions and key insights.
- Synthesis Report: Consolidate recommendations across all symposia to inform regional policy development.
E. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)
- M&E Framework: Develop a framework to assess the effectiveness of the symposia, including feedback collection and progress tracking.
- Follow-up Actions: Ensure recommendations are acted upon, contributing to future programming and advocacy.
3. Deliverables
- Detailed Work Plan with timelines, milestones, and event structure.
- Agenda for Each Panel Discussion, tailored to the specific needs of each country or regional group.
- Participant and Expert List of 15-20 experts per country.
- Event Facilitation and Moderation, ensuring smooth conduct of panel discussions and virtual sessions.
- Post-Event Reports summarizing key discussions and actionable recommendations.
- Synthesis Report consolidating recommendations from all symposia.
- M&E Framework to track progress and collect participant feedback.
- Dissemination Plan for sharing event outcomes and follow-up actions.
4. Timeframe
The expert will deliver services within 4 months, with milestones as follows:
- Inception Phase (Week 1-2): Finalize event plans and schedules.
- Planning & Coordination (Week 3-6): Invite panelists and prepare materials.
- Symposia Implementation (Week 7-12): Organize and facilitate discussions.
- Reporting & Follow-up (Week 13-16): Compile reports, recommendations, and disseminate outcomes.
5. Qualifications & Experience
The Country Expert should have:
- A Master’s degree in Public Health, Social Sciences, or related field.
- Extensive experience in organizing and moderating symposia on adolescent health and SRHR.
- Experience working with regional organizations (e.g., SADC, COMESA) and knowledge of regional SRHR frameworks.
- Familiarity with climate change impacts on adolescent health.
- Strong networking, facilitation, and report-writing skills.
6. Payment Terms
Payment will be made based on the delivery of milestones, with detailed invoices submitted for approval. Specific payment terms will be outlined in the contract.
7. How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, CV, 2-3 examples of prior work related to the assignment, and a methodology outline to:
Email: [email protected]
Deadline: 28th February 2025
This consultancy offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to adolescent SRHR improvements and climate adaptation in the East and Southern Africa region.
