Advocacy Expert

The Lebanese Women Democratic Gathering (RDFL) is a feminist, secular, non-governmental organization advocating for the rights of women in Lebanon. Founded in 1976, RDFL is one of the oldest feminist organizations based on volunteerism. Its vision and objectives draw from international laws and treaties that Lebanon is signatory to, as well as the constitution itself. RDFL’s vision is to achieve equality between women and men in all spheres and protection from gender-based violence. To achieve this vision, RDFL works on and advocates for the elimination of gender-based violence and all forms of discrimination and to achieve full citizenship for women, through a widespread and empowered membership and in collaboration with the civil society.

In the framework of its five-year strategy, RDFL is currently implementing a program “Protection of women and girls from gender-based violence” that aims at improving the mechanisms of protection for girls and women victims of violence in Lebanon and to raise awareness about the protection methods available

Objectives for the consultancy

• Review partners current projects, as well as advocacy initiatives and identify potential priorities and areas of focus
• Review the existing advocacy strategy on child marriage
• Developing an advocacy strategy that will be used to advocate for ending child marriage in Lebanon.

Expected deliverables

• Develop a complete advocacy strategy, outlining clear objectives, targets, activities, allies, deliverables and indicators, as well as an implementation plan for the first year and advice on funding opportunities for such work; 
• Review the current structure, workload and focus of partners communication & advocacy department and carry out a SWOT analysis; 
• Produce a report on the current structure of the communications & advocacy department (SWOT analysis) and provide recommendations
• Draft advocacy strategy for feedback and comments
• A final strategy in English, including an implementation plan for 2017-2020

Methodology:

The methodology will be proposed by the consultant. The consultant will work closely with RDFL as the designated contact point in setting up meetings, exchanging information and providing documentation. The strategy work will be concluded with a feedback session where initial findings are presented for key staff of RDFL for their comments. 

Furthermore, the consultant will prepare an inception report prior to the commencement of the developing partner advocacy strategy. The inception report will present the proposed methodology, a matrix and instruments that will be used for the purpose of having strategies, conducting interviews, conducting desk study, collecting field data and a proposed timetable for the entire process and the cost for the assignment.

Skills and Competencies:

Applicants will be shortlisted based upon their expression of interest, budget and CV and based on the following criteria:

• Quality of proposal
• Extensive work experience and proven record in advocacy, policy, campaign, strategic management
• Clear understanding of gender, human rights, and issues surrounding violence against girls.
• Demonstrate experience of having undertaken similar assignments 
• Good analytical and documentation/report writing skills
• Proven communication and facilitation

Timeframe:

The advocacy strategy development is planned to be undertaken in May 2018. The strategy development will include meetings and workshop with RDFL staff, stakeholders and relevant advocacy networks.  The following is a proposed timetable that may be revised after discussions between parties. 

22 April 2018: Submission of expression of interest, budget and CV

30 April 2018:  Selection of consultant

7 May 2018: Submission of inception report to RDFL

10 May -15 May 2018: Meetings with staff and stakeholders for feedback

16 May – 22 May 2018: Developing the strategy and action plan

23 May 2018: Submission of a draft advocacy strategy to RDFL

30 May 2018: Draft version reviewed and commented by RDFL and sent to the consultant for revision and finalization

10 June 2018: Submission of the final advocacy strategy to RDFL