TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR) TENDER NO. 24/06/FY26 CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR REGIONAL RESEARCH ON HARMFUL PRACTICES IN EAST AFRICA ETHIOPIA, KENYA, SOMALIA 4 views0 applications

1. Background

Plan International and Amref Health Africa are implementing regional initiatives aimed at preventing and responding to harmful practices affecting girls and young women across East Africa. The programme seeks to contribute to the elimination of harmful practices such as Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C), Child Early and Forced Marriage and Unions (CEFMU), and other harmful social and cultural practices through community-led, gender-transformative and rights-based approaches.

The programme operates in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia, while also strengthening regional policy dialogue and accountability mechanisms through collaboration with regional and continental bodies including the East African Community (EAC), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the African Union (AU), the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC), and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR). The programme contributes to regional and global commitments aimed at advancing gender equality and protecting the rights of girls and women, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), African Union Agenda 2063, the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol), and other regional frameworks aimed at eliminating harmful practices and promoting gender justice.

The need for strengthened evidence on harmful practices remains urgent. Despite ongoing efforts by governments, civil society organizations, development partners and communities, harmful practices continue to negatively affect the health, education, protection, dignity and overall wellbeing of girls and women. Persistent social norms, gender inequality, weak enforcement systems, cross-border dynamics, conflict, climate shocks, displacement, and limited access to services continue to sustain these practices in many contexts. These challenges are often amplified in fragile and conflict-affected settings, highlighting the importance of adopting a humanitarian-development-peace nexus perspective that recognizes the interconnected nature of protection, resilience and long-term social transformation.

Cross-border dynamics continue to play a significant role in the persistence of harmful practices, particularly in borderland and mobile population contexts where differences in legal frameworks, service availability and enforcement mechanisms may contribute to continued vulnerability. There is therefore a growing need for evidence that examines harmful practices not only within national boundaries but also across interconnected communities and cross-border systems.

To strengthen evidence generation, policy influence, programming design and accountability, Plan International intends to commission a regional research study documenting harmful practices across the target countries and selected cross-border areas. The research will generate robust evidence on the prevalence, drivers, manifestations, consequences, community perceptions, emerging trends, coping mechanisms, response systems and opportunities for prevention and transformation of harmful practices. Findings will support regional advocacy, programming, policy engagement and learning across the consortium and partner organizations, while contributing to broader regional efforts to accelerate progress towards the elimination of harmful practices.

Plan International will lead the recruitment, contracting, management and overall coordination of the consultancy process.

1. Purpose of the Research

The purpose of the research is to generate high-quality evidence and documentation on harmful practices affecting girls and young women across Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia, with particular attention to cross-border dynamics, mobility patterns, service delivery challenges and accountability mechanisms that influence the persistence of harmful practices across interconnected communities. The research is intended to inform programming, policy engagement, advocacy, learning and regional accountability mechanisms aimed at accelerating the elimination of harmful practices and advancing the rights and wellbeing of girls and young women.

The study will generate evidence that is methodologically rigorous, ethically sound, participatory and policy-relevant. Consultants will be expected to apply recognized evidence quality standards and a recognized Data Quality Assessment (DQA) framework to ensure the validity, reliability, integrity and utility of research findings. The study will also seek to build upon existing evidence and ongoing research initiatives in the region, ensuring complementarity and minimizing duplication while identifying critical knowledge gaps requiring further investigation.

The study seeks to deepen understanding of:

• The prevalence, manifestations, evolving nature and cross-border dimensions of harmful practices affecting girls and young women across Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and selected cross-border contexts.
• The underlying social, cultural, economic, political and gender-related drivers of harmful practices, including the influence of social norms, mobility, conflict, displacement and other contextual factors.
• The impacts of harmful practices on the health, wellbeing, protection, education, agency and socio-economic outcomes of girls and young women, as well as their families and communities.
• The effectiveness of existing prevention, protection and response mechanisms, including community-based, institutional, legal and cross-border systems designed to address harmful practices.
• Promising practices, policy and accountability gaps, and opportunities for strengthening programming, advocacy, regional coordination and collective action towards the elimination of harmful practices.

1. Objectives of the Research

To generate evidence on the prevalence, drivers, impacts and response mechanisms of harmful practices affecting girls and young women across Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and selected cross-border contexts in order to strengthen policy, programming, advocacy, learning and accountability efforts aimed at eliminating harmful practices.

3.2 Specific Objectives

The research shall seek to:

a) Assess the prevalence and manifestations of harmful practices

The research will assess the prevalence, manifestations and evolving nature of harmful practices affecting girls and young women, including Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C), Child Early and Forced Marriage and Unions (CEFMU), harmful rites of passage, gender-based violence linked to harmful social norms, emerging harmful practices, and the growing medicalization of FGM/C.

b) Analyse the drivers and root causes of harmful practices

The research will analyse the underlying social, cultural, economic, political and gender-related drivers of harmful practices, including harmful social norms, gender inequality, poverty, conflict, displacement, climate-related shocks, cross-border mobility, and barriers to accessing education and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) information and services.

c) Assess the impacts of harmful practices

The research will assess the impacts of harmful practices on the health, wellbeing, protection, education, agency and socio-economic outcomes of girls and young women, including implications for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), exposure to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), mental health and psychosocial wellbeing.

d) Examine prevention and response mechanisms

The research will examine the effectiveness of existing prevention, protection and response mechanisms, including community-led initiatives, survivor support systems, referral pathways, health and justice systems, and the engagement of boys, men, community champions, youth-led movements, religious leaders and traditional leaders in preventing harmful practices and supporting affected girls and young women.

e) Assess policy, legal and cross-border accountability frameworks

The research will assess the effectiveness of national legal and policy frameworks, regional commitments, and cross-border coordination and accountability mechanisms, including implementation gaps, enforcement challenges, service delivery gaps, referral pathways and opportunities for strengthening protection and accountability across interconnected communities.

f) Identify promising practices, evidence gaps and recommendations

The research will identify promising practices, gender-transformative and participatory approaches, youth-led and survivor-led interventions, evidence gaps, and strategic recommendations that can strengthen programming, policy implementation, regional coordination, learning, advocacy and collective action towards the elimination of harmful practices.

1. Key Research Questions

The consultant is expected to refine and expand the research questions during the inception phase. The questions below are indicative and may be further adapted based on the proposed methodology, literature review and stakeholder consultations.

Context and Prevalence

• What harmful practices are most prevalent in the target countries and selected cross-border contexts?
• What are the current and emerging trends in harmful practices affecting girls and young women?
• How do harmful practices manifest differently across countries, communities and population groups, including pastoralist, mobile, refugee and displaced populations?

Drivers and Social Norms

• What social, cultural, religious, economic and gender-related factors sustain harmful practices?
• How do household economic considerations, including bride price, dowry and other livelihood-related factors, influence harmful practices?
• How are harmful practices evolving over time, and what role do family, community and social structures play in sustaining or challenging them?

Impacts

• What are the impacts of harmful practices on the health, wellbeing, protection, education, agency and socio-economic outcomes of girls and young women?
• How do harmful practices affect access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) information and services?
• What are the implications of harmful practices for protection, safety and exposure to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV)?

Prevention and Response Mechanisms

• What prevention, protection and response mechanisms currently exist to address harmful practices?
• How effective are existing referral systems, survivor support services, health systems and justice mechanisms?
• What roles do community champions, religious leaders, traditional leaders, youth-led groups and survivor-led initiatives play in preventing harmful practices and social norm change?

Cross-Border Dynamics and Accountability

• What are the cross-border dimensions of harmful practices, and how do mobility patterns influence their persistence?
• What service delivery, referral and protection challenges exist across cross-border contexts?
• How effective are existing cross-border coordination, referral and accountability mechanisms in preventing and responding to harmful practices?

Policy, Learning and Opportunities

• To what extent are existing legal and policy frameworks being implemented and enforced?
• What is the key accountability, coordination and resource gaps that limit progress towards the elimination of harmful practices?
• What role do digital platforms and social media play in either perpetuating or challenging harmful social norms?
• What promising practices, innovations and opportunities exist for strengthening policy, programming, advocacy, regional coordination and collective action to eliminate harmful practices?

1. Methodology

The consultant is expected to propose a robust mixed-methods research design that will generate high-quality evidence on harmful practices across the target countries and selected cross-border contexts. The study should combine quantitative and qualitative approaches and include a comprehensive review of relevant literature, policies, legal frameworks, programme documentation and existing evidence. The consultant is expected to demonstrate how the proposed methodology will complement ongoing and planned research initiatives while addressing key evidence gaps.

Given the complexity of harmful practices and the diversity of contexts covered by the study, the methodology should be participatory, gender-responsive and culturally appropriate. It should ensure the meaningful engagement of girls and young women while also incorporating the perspectives of boys and men, community champions, traditional and religious leaders, service providers, policy actors and other relevant stakeholders. The research approach should be informed by feminist principles and place the experiences and voices of affected populations at the centre of the inquiry.

Particular attention should be given to understanding cross-border dynamics, mobility patterns, referral pathways, service delivery systems and accountability mechanisms. The methodology should also be appropriate for engaging pastoralist, mobile, refugee and internally displaced populations where relevant. The consultant shall ensure that all research processes adhere to the highest standards of ethics, safeguarding, inclusion and data protection. Research tools and processes should be adapted as necessary to local languages and contexts, and should promote the safe and meaningful participation of adolescents and young people through age-appropriate approaches and informed consent and assent procedures.

The proposal should clearly describe:

• The proposed research design and rationale
• Sampling strategy and participant selection approach
• Data collection and analysis methods
• Data quality assurance, management and protection procedures;
• Ethical and safeguarding considerations;
• Approaches for cross-border research and stakeholder engagement; and
• Risk assessment and mitigation measures.

1. Key Stakeholders

The research is expected to engage a diverse range of stakeholders whose experiences, perspectives, responsibilities and influence are critical to understanding, preventing and responding to harmful practices across the region. Stakeholders will contribute to evidence generation, validation of findings, identification of gaps and opportunities, and the development of recommendations for strengthening prevention, protection, accountability and social norm change efforts.

The study should ensure the meaningful participation of rights holders, duty bearers and key influencers, with particular emphasis on amplifying the voices and experiences of girls and young women, survivors and marginalized populations. Stakeholder engagement should be inclusive, culturally sensitive and appropriate to the different contexts covered by the research, including cross-border, pastoralist, mobile, refugee and internally displaced populations where relevant.

Key stakeholders may include, but are not limited to:

Rights Holders

• Girls and young women
• Boys and young men
• Survivors of harmful practices
• Adolescents and youth groups

Families and Community Influencers

• Parents and caregivers
• Community champions
• Traditional leaders
• Religious leaders
• Community leaders

Civil Society and Community-Based Actors

• Youth-led organizations
• Women-led organizations
• Civil society organizations
• Grassroots and community-based organizations

Service Providers and Institutions

• Health workers
• Teachers and education stakeholders
• Social service providers
• Protection and justice actors

Government and Regional Actors

• National and local government institutions
• Regional and cross-border coordination bodies
• Development partners and donor agencies

The consultant is expected to identify and engage relevant stakeholders as appropriate to the study objectives, methodology and country contexts.

1. Ethics and Safeguarding

The consultant shall adhere to Plan International safeguarding policies, internationally recognized ethical research standards, child protection protocols, and all applicable national ethical requirements within the study countries. The research shall be designed and implemented in a manner that prioritizes the dignity, rights, safety and wellbeing of all participants, particularly children, adolescents, survivors and other vulnerable populations.

The consultant shall ensure that all participants are engaged voluntarily and that appropriate informed consent and assent procedures are applied throughout the study. Research approaches should be age-appropriate, culturally sensitive and designed to support the safe and meaningful participation of adolescents and young people. The study shall be guided by the principles of confidentiality, anonymity, survivor-centred engagement and “do no harm.” Particular attention shall be given to the management of sensitive disclosures, trauma-informed approaches, and the prevention of any unintended harm that may arise through participation in the research process. Appropriate referral pathways and response mechanisms shall be established and communicated for any safeguarding, protection or wellbeing concerns identified during the study.

The consultant shall be responsible for obtaining all required national ethical approvals and research permits in accordance with applicable country requirements. In addition, the study shall comply with Plan International’s internal ethics and safeguarding review processes and any other consortium requirements prior to the commencement of field activities. Appropriate measures shall be implemented to ensure data protection, confidentiality and information security throughout the research lifecycle. The consultant shall establish clear protocols for the collection, storage, transfer, analysis and disposal of data and ensure that all information is managed in accordance with applicable legal, ethical and organizational requirements.

Prior to commencement of fieldwork, the consultant shall conduct a safeguarding and ethical risk assessment and implement appropriate mitigation measures for all stages of the research.

1. Deliverables

The consultant shall be responsible for producing the following deliverables:

Deliverable

Description

1. Inception Report

Detailed inception report outlining the proposed methodology, sampling approach, stakeholder engagement strategy, workplan, data collection tools, ethical considerations, and quality assurance measures. The inception report should also include a review of existing and planned studies to identify evidence gaps and ensure complementarity with ongoing research initiatives.

1. Literature and Policy Review

Synthesis of relevant literature, policies, legal frameworks, regional commitments, programme documentation and existing evidence related to harmful practices.

1. Data Collection Tools

Final quantitative and qualitative data collection instruments, including all relevant protocols, consent and assent forms, and translation requirements where applicable.

1. Cleaned Datasets

Organized, anonymized and well-documented quantitative and qualitative datasets submitted in agreed formats.

1. Draft Research Report

Comprehensive draft report presenting methodology, findings, analysis, conclusions and preliminary recommendations for review and validation.

1. Validation Workshop Materials

Presentation materials and supporting documentation for stakeholder validation processes at national and/or regional level, as agreed.

1. Final Research Report

Final revised report incorporating feedback from validation processes and providing evidence-based conclusions and recommendations.

1. Country Briefs

Concise country-specific summaries highlighting key findings, contextual insights and recommendations for Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia.

1. Regional Synthesis Brief

Summary of cross-country and cross-border findings, emerging trends, lessons learned and opportunities for regional collaboration and accountability.

1. Policy Brief

Policy-oriented brief highlighting key findings and recommendations for decision-makers, regional bodies and development partners.

1. Dissemination and Knowledge Products

PowerPoint presentations, executive summaries and other communication materials required to support dissemination, learning and utilization of findings.

1. Presentation of Findings

Presentation of findings to Plan International, Amref Health Africa, consortium partners and other agreed stakeholders during dissemination and utilization processes.

All deliverables shall be submitted in English and in electronic formats agreed with Plan International. The consultant shall be responsible for addressing comments received from Plan International, Amref Health Africa and other designated reviewers before final approval of deliverables.

1. Timeline

The assignment is expected to be implemented between April and November 2026. The indicative timeline is presented below and may be refined during inception in consultation with Plan International and consortium partners.

Activity

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

TOR Development and Internal Consultations

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TOR Review, Revision and Finalization

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Advertisement and Recruitment of Consultant

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Consultant Selection and Contracting

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Inception Meetings, Literature Review and Stakeholder Mapping

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Submission and Approval of Inception Report

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Tool Development, Translation, Adaptation and Ethics Approvals

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Field Data Collection

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Data Cleaning and Analysis

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Draft Research Report Development

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Validation of Findings and Stakeholder Review

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Finalization of Research Report and Knowledge Products

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Dissemination and Utilisation of Findings

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The timeline includes provision for TOR development and review, literature review, stakeholder mapping, ethical approval processes, translation and adaptation of research tools where required, validation of findings, and dissemination of results to support learning, policy engagement and utilization of findings.

1. Management and Coordination

Plan International will serve as the lead agency for the consultancy and will be responsible for the overall management, coordination and quality assurance of the assignment. Working closely with Amref Health Africa and other consortium partners, Plan International will facilitate access to relevant stakeholders, provide technical guidance, coordinate review and validation processes, and ensure alignment of the study with programme objectives and regional priorities.

Specifically, Plan International will:

• Lead the recruitment, contracting and management of the consultancy;
• Provide technical oversight and quality assurance throughout the research process;
• Facilitate engagement with country offices, consortium partners and key stakeholders;
• Support access to relevant documentation, data sources and programme information where appropriate;
• Coordinate the review and approval of key deliverables;
• Facilitate validation, dissemination and utilization of findings; and
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, ethical and contractual requirements.

The consultant will be responsible for the overall design and implementation of the study, including methodology development, data collection, analysis, reporting and presentation of findings. The consultant will work closely with designated focal points from Plan International, Amref Health Africa and participating country teams throughout the assignment.

The consultant shall provide regular progress updates and participate in agreed coordination, review and feedback meetings during the course of the assignment.

1. Required Qualifications

The lead consultant or consulting firm should demonstrate the following qualifications and experience:

Academic Qualifications

• An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or higher) in Social Sciences, Gender Studies, Public Health, Development Studies, Anthropology, Sociology, Human Rights, Law, Research Methods, or a related field.

Technical Expertise

• Demonstrated expertise in research related to harmful practices, gender equality, child protection, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), and the rights of girls and young women.
• Proven experience conducting research, evaluations or studies on Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C), Child Early and Forced Marriage and Unions (CEFMU), harmful social norms, or related protection issues.
• Strong understanding of gender-transformative, survivor-centred, child-centred and rights-based approaches.

Regional and Contextual Experience

• Demonstrated experience conducting multi-country and/or regional research assignments within East Africa.
• Strong understanding of the social, cultural, political and legal contexts influencing harmful practices in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and cross-border settings.
• Experience working with diverse populations, including adolescents, youth, pastoralist communities, refugees, internally displaced populations and other vulnerable groups, will be an added advantage.

Research and Analytical Capacity

• Strong quantitative and qualitative research skills, including the design and implementation of mixed-methods studies.
• Experience applying participatory and inclusive research approaches that meaningfully engage girls, young women and affected communities.
• Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality analytical reports, policy briefs and knowledge products for diverse audiences.

Ethics and Safeguarding

• Demonstrated experience conducting ethical research involving children, adolescents and vulnerable populations.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, informed consent and assent procedures, confidentiality requirements and data protection principles.

Language and Team Composition

• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Knowledge of relevant local languages within the study countries will be an added advantage.
• Consulting firms are encouraged to propose multidisciplinary, gender-balanced teams that include researchers with relevant local and regional expertise.

References and Track Record

• Evidence of successfully completed assignments of similar scope and complexity.
• At least three references from recent clients for comparable research assignments.

1. Proposal Submission Requirements

Interested consultants or consulting firms should submit the following:

1. Technical Proposal

A technical proposal demonstrating a clear understanding of the assignment, the research context, and the objectives of the study. The proposal should outline the consultant’s approach to delivering the assignment and demonstrate how the proposed work will contribute to evidence generation, learning and policy influence on harmful practices.

1. Proposed Methodology

A detailed methodology describing:

• The proposed research design and rationale;
• Data collection and analysis approaches;
• Strategies for examining cross-border dynamics and diverse population groups;
• Approaches to stakeholder engagement and participation;
• Ethical, safeguarding and data protection considerations; and
• Quality assurance measures.

1. Workplan and Timeline

A detailed workplan outlining key activities, milestones, deliverables and timelines for completion of the assignment.

1. Financial Proposal

A detailed financial proposal, including a breakdown of professional fees, travel costs, fieldwork expenses and any other anticipated costs associated with the assignment.

1. Team Composition and Curriculum Vitae

Curriculum vitae (CVs) of the lead consultant and all proposed team members, highlighting relevant qualifications, technical expertise and experience related to harmful practices, gender equality, child protection, SRHR, SGBV and regional research.

1. Evidence of Similar Assignments

At least three examples of similar assignments completed within the last five years, including descriptions of the assignment, client, scope of work and the consultant’s role.

1. References

Contact details of at least three professional referees or client references for comparable assignments.

1. Administrative Requirements

• Company profile or registration documents (for firms);
• Tax compliance documentation, where applicable; and
• Any other documentation required under the procurement notice.

Only shortlisted consultants or firms will be contacted. Plan International reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal and is not bound to award the assignment to the lowest-cost bidder.

13. Evaluation Criteria and Scoring Matrix

Criteria

Description

Weight (%)

Technical Expertise & Experience

Demonstrated expertise in harmful practices research, gender equality, child protection, SRHR, SGBV, and multi-country/regional assignments. Evidence of similar assignments completed in the last five years.

25%

Methodology & Approach

Quality, rigor, and appropriateness of the proposed research design, data collection methods, analysis plan, and cross-border engagement strategy. Alignment with TOR objectives and evidence gaps.

25%

Safeguarding & Ethics

Clear safeguarding protocols, ethical considerations, informed consent/assent procedures, confidentiality measures, and compliance with Plan International’s safeguarding standards.

15%

Team Composition & Capacity

Qualifications, experience, and diversity of the proposed team. Inclusion of local expertise and gender balance.

10%

Workplan & Timeline

Feasibility and clarity of the proposed workplan, milestones, and ability to deliver within the April–November 2026 timeframe.

10%

Financial Proposal

Cost-effectiveness, transparency of budget breakdown, and value for money.

15%

14. Ownership and Confidentiality

All data, information, reports, datasets, tools, materials and other outputs generated through this assignment shall remain the property of Plan International and consortium partners. The consultant shall not publish, reproduce, distribute or otherwise use any project-related information, findings or materials without prior written authorization from Plan International.

The consultant shall maintain the highest standards of confidentiality throughout the assignment and shall ensure that all information obtained during the course of the study is used solely for the purposes of this consultancy. Appropriate measures shall be implemented to protect the privacy, confidentiality and security of participants and research data, including compliance with applicable data protection requirements and ethical standards.

The consultant shall ensure that all data collected during the study are securely stored, managed and transferred, and that any personally identifiable information is appropriately protected and anonymized prior to reporting or dissemination. Confidentiality obligations shall remain in effect beyond the completion of the assignment.

15.Application Process

Interested consultants and consulting firms are invited to submit their applications electronically with the subject line: “Consultancy Services for Regional Research on Harmful Practices in East Africa”

• Applications should include all documents specified under the Proposal Submission Requirements section and must be submitted by the deadline indicated in the procurement notice.
• Incomplete applications or applications received after the stated deadline may not be considered.
• Plan International reserves the right to request additional information or clarification from applicants during the evaluation process and is not obligated to award the consultancy to any applicant.
• Only shortlisted consultants or firms will be contacted.

16. Submission Requirements

• Technical proposal
  • Financial proposal
  • CV
  • Samples of regional/multi-country programme designs
  • References

How to apply

How to apply:

Email submission: [email protected]

Submit by Wednesday 15th July 2026 at 12 noon EAT