Terms of Reference (ToR) for Training on Evidence-Based Policy Advocacy

Project Title: Empowerment and Representation: Advancing Political Inclusion for Women and Persons with Disabilities in Ethiopia

Background

Organizational Background

The Network of Ethiopian Women Associations (NEWA) is a leading national coalition striving to achieve gender equality and women’s empowerment in Ethiopia. Established in 2003 and reregistered under certificate number 1481, NEWA promotes women’s political, social, economic, and legal rights through advocacy and capacity-building efforts. With 37 member associations, NEWA plays a pivotal role in influencing national policies and ensuring women’s entitlements are recognized.

Training Background

In collaboration with UN Women, NEWA is implementing the “Empowerment and Representation: Advancing Political Inclusion for Women and Persons with Disabilities in Ethiopia” project to enhance political inclusion for women and persons with disabilities. As part of this initiative, NEWA will deliver a capacity-building training on Evidence-Based Policy Advocacy for Women-Led and Women Rights Organizations, CSOs, and Organizations of Persons with Disabilities. The training seeks to equip participants with strategic advocacy skills, focusing on women’s political participation and Temporary Special Measures (TSM).

Objectives

The training aims to:

• Enhance advocacy skills of 80 CSO leaders and experts on evidence-based policy advocacy.
• Strengthen engagement of participants in advocating for women and persons with disabilities’ rights in the political space.
• Equip CSO leaders and experts with practical tools and knowledge to implement policy advocacy strategies.

Scope of Work

The trainer/consultant will be responsible for:

• Developing a training methodology, schedule, and materials for approval.
• Conducting two rounds of training sessions for 80 participants (40 in each round).
• Designing and conducting pre- and post-training evaluations.
• Preparing a comprehensive training report summarizing key findings and recommendations.

Duration & Location

The training will be conducted for three consecutive days in two rounds in Afar (Semera) and Adama town:

• Round 1: June 11–13, 2025
• Round 2: June 17–19, 2025

Training Participants

Participants will include 80 CSO leaders from Women-Led and Women Rights Organizations, CSOs, and Organizations of Persons with Disabilities.

Methodology

The training will be interactive and participatory, incorporating:

• Presentations on advocacy principles and strategies.
• Group discussions fostering peer learning.
• Practical exercises on the Evidence-Based Policy Advocacy for applied learning.

Expected Deliverables

The consultant/trainer must provide:

• Inception Report: detailing training methodology, contents of the training and schedule.
• Training Materials: PowerPoint presentations, handouts/ manual, and exercises.
• Pre-and post-assessment
• Successful delivery of two rounds of training.
• Post-training report: summarizing outcomes and evaluation results.

Trainer/Consultant Requirements & Qualifications

The trainer/consultant must be:

• A Senior Expert in providing capacity building and women’s political participation.
• A Certified Trainer (TOT) in Advocacy is mandatory.
• Hold a Master’s degree in Law, Political Science, Gender Studies, or related fields.
• Have 5+ years of experience on providing advocacy training.
• Demonstrate expertise in capacitating women’s rights, CSOs, and participatory training tools.
• Have strong English writing skills for material and report development.

Application Procedure

Qualified applicants must submit a Technical Proposal (8–12 pages) covering:

• Capacity Statement outlining relevant experience.
• Expression of Interest, demonstrating an understanding of the assignment.
• Training methodology and tools, with a detailed timeline.
• Team Composition, including key experts (attach CVs).
• Budget Proposal for both rounds of training.
• Reference Letters from similar training engagements.
• Submission of Technical & Financial Proposals in separate sealed envelopes.