Call for Consultancy - Research on the Effectiveness of Community Based Structures in the First Line Support for Survivors of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV)

1. Experience and Context
Sexual and Gender
• Based Violence (SGBV) remains a pervasive issue with deep
• rooted social, cultural, and economic consequences. Community
• based structures (e.g., local leaders, women's groups, community health workers, youth groups, religious institutions, etc.) often serve as the first point of contact for survivors. These structures play a pivotal role in providing immediate emotional support, referral services, and protection.
However, the effectiveness of these structures in offering appropriate and timely first
• line support, based on the WHO’s LIVES principles (Listen, Inquire, Validate, Enhance safety, Support), has not been systematically assessed. This research seeks to evaluate their effectiveness, identify gaps, and make recommendations for strengthening community responses.

Key Responsibilities:
2. Objectives of the Consultancy
2.1 Overall Objective
To assess the effectiveness of community
• based structures in providing first
• line support to SGBV survivors.
2.2 Specific Objectives
• To map and categorize existing community
• based structures involved in SGBV response.
• To assess the knowledge, Skills, and capacity of these structures to provide first
• line support to SGBV survivors.
• To evaluate the accessibility and quality of support provided by community
• based structures.
• To identify gaps, challenges, and best practices in current community responses to SGBV.
• To provide actionable recommendations for improving the effectiveness and coordination of community
• based responses.
3. Scope of Work
The consultant will be responsible for:
• Designing the research methodology (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods).
• Developing data collection tools and protocols.
• Conducting a literature review on community responses to SGBV.
• Coordinating and facilitating field data collection (interviews, focus groups, surveys).
• Analyzing data and synthesizing findings.
• Presenting a draft report for feedback and validation.
• Finalizing and submitting the research report, including an executive summary, methodology, findings, and recommendations.
4. Deliverables
The consultant is expected to deliver the following:
1. Inception Report – including detailed methodology, data collection tools, sampling plan, and timeline.
2. Mapped inventory of community
• based structures supporting SGBV survivors.
3. Draft Report – with preliminary findings and recommendations.
4. Presentation of findings to stakeholders.
5. Final Report – incorporating feedback and fully edited for publication.
6. Policy Brief/Executive Summary – summarizing key findings and recommendations.
7. Publication and dissemination of findings to relevant stakeholders
5. Duration and Timeline
The consultancy will be for a period of 4 weeks, starting from (19 September 2025) the date of signing the contract. A detailed work plan with key milestones will be developed in the inception phase.

6. Required Requirements and Experience
• Advanced degree in Gender Studies, Public Health, Social Sciences, Human Rights, or related field.
• Proven Experience in conducting qualitative and/or quantitative research on SGBV, gender equality, or community development.
• Strong knowledge of community
• based mechanisms and GBV response frameworks.
• Excellent analytical, writing, and communication Skills.
• Familiarity with ethical considerations in conducting GBV
• related research.
• Fluency in English (and [local languages] if relevant).
7. Ethical Considerations
• The consultant must ensure adherence to ethical research standards, including confidentiality, informed consent, and safeguarding.
• Special attention must be given to the safety and dignity of SGBV survivors involved in the research process.
8. Reporting and Supervision
The consultant will report to the [Project Manager/GBV Specialist] and work closely with the Monitoring & Evaluation and Gender teams. Regular check
• ins and progress updates will be required throughout the consultancy.

2. Objectives of the Consultancy
2.1 Overall Objective
To assess the effectiveness of community
• based structures in providing first
• line support to SGBV survivors.
2.2 Specific Objectives
• To map and categorize existing community
• based structures involved in SGBV response.
• To assess the knowledge, Skills, and capacity of these structures to provide first
• line support to SGBV survivors.
• To evaluate the accessibility and quality of support provided by community
• based structures.
• To identify gaps, challenges, and best practices in current community responses to SGBV.
• To provide actionable recommendations for improving the effectiveness and coordination of community
• based responses.
3. Scope of Work
The consultant will be responsible for:
• Designing the research methodology (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods).
• Developing data collection tools and protocols.
• Conducting a literature review on community responses to SGBV.
• Coordinating and facilitating field data collection (interviews, focus groups, surveys).
• Analyzing data and synthesizing findings.
• Presenting a draft report for feedback and validation.
• Finalizing and submitting the research report, including an executive summary, methodology, findings, and recommendations.
4. Deliverables
The consultant is expected to deliver the following:
1. Inception Report – including detailed methodology, data collection tools, sampling plan, and timeline.
2. Mapped inventory of community
• based structures supporting SGBV survivors.
3. Draft Report – with preliminary findings and recommendations.
4. Presentation of findings to stakeholders.
5. Final Report – incorporating feedback and fully edited for publication.
6. Policy Brief/Executive Summary – summarizing key findings and recommendations.
7. Publication and dissemination of findings to relevant stakeholders
5. Duration and Timeline
The consultancy will be for a period of 4 weeks, starting from (19 September 2025) the date of signing the contract. A detailed work plan with key milestones will be developed in the inception phase.

9. Application Process. Interested candidates should submit: Technical proposal outlining the approach, methodology, and work plan. Financial proposal including a detailed budget. CV and cover letter. Sample(s) of similar work conducted. Applications should be submitted by [9 September 2025] to [research@musasa.co.zw].