Terms of Reference. Project Title: Women s Political Leadership in Commonwealth Africa: Research and Capacity Building Project

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1 Terms of Reference Post Title: Consultant - To research the current terms of political party governance structures and mechanisms in Commonwealth Africa (in relation to the advancement of women in political leadership) and develop a framework for engagement of political parties and capacity building in this regard. Project Title: Women s Political Leadership in Commonwealth Africa: Research and Capacity Building Project Project Location: Home based with some duty travel Project Duration: 55 working days over a six-month timeframe Closing Date: 7 September 2016 Background The Commonwealth Secretariat s gender priorities as articulated in the Strategic Plan envisage that Gender equality and the empowerment of women be effectively mainstreamed into member states policies, frameworks and programmes and the Secretariat s projects. This objective is also enshrined the Commonwealth Charter. Over time, the Gender Section has developed tools and knowledge products that can be built upon and deployed for this purpose across Divisions. In particular, an area where this knowledge could be sufficiently enhanced and would add value is in the political landscape where women continue to be underrepresented in many Commonwealth countries. Consequently, political decisions that impact on democracy and development are often made without taking into account the perspectives of both genders. Political parties are potentially a significant enabler to advancing women s leadership at the national and local level. A large number of political parties operate within governance structures that actively or passively do not encourage or support women candidates in elective positions This is the second phase of a project that seeks to open a new approach in Commonwealth Secretariat s work in this area by directly engaging with political parties in Commonwealth Africa to promote an increase in the number of women in political leadership. The Commonwealth Secretariat will also work in close collaboration with the African Union (AU), through its political party programme to advance this project. The project will further seek to engage with African regional institutions including the East Africa Community (EAC), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) to develop an inclusive and focused response on enhancing women s political participation.

2 A consultant will be contracted to examine the structures of political parties across Commonwealth Africa, in order to provide clarity about the obstacles to women s political participation in these organisations; highlight best practice and success stories; and to pinpoint areas for future capacity building support. Scope and Purpose of Assignment The Consultant will report directly to the Advisor and Head of Africa Section in the Political Division. Through the designated staff in the Africa Section, there will be close collaboration and consultation with the Gender Section under the Office of the Secretary-General. Objectives 1. To research and identify the current terms of political party governance structures and processes in Commonwealth Africa which affect the recruitment and retention of women for political leadership. 2. To raise the gender awareness in political parties in Commonwealth Africa and provide options for reforms to enable increased number of women in political leadership. 3. To directly engage with political parties in Commonwealth African countries, to design and implement procedures and projects that increase the number of women in political leadership. Consultant s Tasks It is expected that the Consultant will produce this work over a period of 6 months. Tasks include: Review, research and gather relevant information regarding women s participation and governance from the statutes of the major registered political parties in Commonwealth Africa. (Secretariat staff will collaborate with the consultant to make official contact with political parties). Research and gather relevant information from the women s wing of the major registered political parties in Commonwealth Africa. (Secretariat staff will collaborate with the consultant to make official contact with the women s wings of political parties). Examine the existence of mechanisms to promote gender equality in the major political parties in Commonwealth Africa. Examine the policies that political parties in Commonwealth Africa have employed to promote gender equity in their statutes, organisational structure and government proposals.

3 Determine what, if any, differentiated strategies that political parties in Commonwealth Africa have to attract women activists. Examine how political parties in Commonwealth Africa have made inroads in promoting and including women among their senior ranks and public positions. Ascertain whether political parties in Commonwealth Africa promote women s leadership training and how much resources are directed towards that end. In close collaboration with Commonwealth Secretariat staff, develop interview schedules, surveys or other research tools, and draft follow-up communication to conduct other primary research with relevant stakeholders. Visit a sample of Commonwealth African countries to conduct research and gather information from key local stakeholders. This will be undertaken in collaboration with Commonwealth Secretariat staff. Deliverables Deliver and discuss the results of the research in a focus group with high-level representatives from political parties from Commonwealth Africa, the African Union (AU) and other relevant stakeholders, in an African country. Subsequent to the holding of this focus group, a final research and policy paper will be produced. Produce and submit a working draft of the policy paper three to four months after the signing of contract for discussion with the Secretariat. Have regular communication with Secretariat staff to monitor progress over the life of the project. The main deliverable of the assignment will be a research and policy recommendations paper with possible chapter framework as outlined below: Executive Summary Introduction Objective of the study Methodology of the Study Findings Chapters (including challenges) Conclusions & Recommendations Functional Competencies of Consultant Demonstrated understanding of issues related to gender and politics including

4 in the context of advancing inclusive democracy. Knowledge of international normative frameworks on gender, politics and inclusive democracy. Recent research and policy drafting and development experiences with government, regional bodies and/or international organisations will be considered an asset. Demonstrated experience working with projects/programmes on gender, politics, democracy, advocacy and capacity building. Strong analytical and communication skills, including demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information and produce high quality practical advisory reports and knowledge products. Ability to work independently and produce high quality outputs in a timely manner, while understanding and anticipating evolving needs. Client Orientation Contributing to positive outcomes for the client. Anticipates client needs. Works towards creating an enabling environment for a smooth relationship between the Secretariat and its stakeholders. Core Competencies Demonstrated understanding of the Commonwealth s fundamental values and principles as outlined in the Commonwealth Charter. Highest standards of integrity, discretion and loyalty. Promotes enabling environment for open communication. Solid political acumen Required Skills and Experience The successful candidate should ideally possess: Postgraduate degree in social sciences/humanities such as development studies, gender, public administration, political science or other related field or other relevant disciplines. Minimum 10 years experience in research and policy development at national, regional and wider levels. In-depth knowledge of development issues and management in developing country contexts, and in Africa Substantive experience in developing high-level research and working with international project teams. High-level communication and facilitation skills, especially for engaging with stakeholders for research. Knowledge and experience of work in Commonwealth societies.

5 Budget and Payment Total payment will amount to 16,500 at a rate of 300 per day. It is expected that the consultant will produce this work over a period of 55 days in total, spread over a six-month period. This includes the days spent to present the report to the focus group and 5 days to revise the report in collaboration with the Secretariat after the focus group is held with representatives of political parties in the region. How to apply The applicant must submit: A curriculum vitae and a motivation letter explaining why he/she is suitable to carry out the expected tasks. A brief outline of how he/she might approach project implementation. A sample of a relevant research and policy document he/she has produced.