[Hiring] RESEARCH STUDY ON FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION IN SOUTHERN AFRICA @Equality Now

Role Description

The primary objective of this joint research is to assess the scope, underlying drivers, and legal frameworks surrounding Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) within the SADC region. By providing comprehensive, representative, and evidence-based data on the current status of FGM in Southern Africa, this study aims to formulate definitive, context-specific policy and strategic recommendations to strengthen SADC initiatives and align with the Human and Social Development and Special Programmes (HSDSP) Committee’s directives toward eliminating FGM.

• Map the current status of FGM in Southern Africa by identifying geographic hotspots, cross-border trends and practices, and specific affected communities within the SADC region.
• Identify and analyze emerging and prevailing trends of FGM in Southern Africa.
• Identify and analyze existing national laws, regional instruments, and international commitments against FGM across SADC member states.
• Document progress made towards ending FGM and scalable best practices implemented by SADC member states.
• Develop proposals for SADC member states’ consideration to strengthen law and policies on FGM.
• Identify and evaluate the current and potential roles of key stakeholders in coordinating anti-FGM efforts in Southern Africa.
• Identify and evaluate the impact of FGM on the long-term SRHR behaviour and socio-economic integration of women in African society.

Qualifications

• An advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in Human Rights Law, Gender Studies, Public Health, Sociology, or a related social science field.
• Minimum of 7 years of demonstrable experience in conducting human rights research, with a specific focus on FGM, Gender-Based Violence (GBV) or Harmful Traditional Practices (HTPs) in Southern Africa.
• Deep familiarity with the SADC regional integration agenda, parliamentary processes, and the SADC PF structures.
• Excellent writing, analytical, drafting, and communication skills in English (working knowledge of French or Portuguese is a distinct advantage).

Requirements

• Develop and submit a concise inception report and plan that includes proposed methodology, work plan, data collection tools, layout, and division of topics for the research report.
• Conduct a comprehensive literature review of academic papers, NGO reports, SADC PF resolutions, and the specific HSDSP Committee report.
• Conduct key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) with various stakeholders.
• Synthesize qualitative and quantitative data to identify regional trends and legal loopholes.
• Draft a comprehensive research report and present findings at a validation workshop.
• Finalize the research based on feedback from technical teams and present the final report.

Benefits

• This consultancy is a home-based assignment with the potential for consultative meetings.
• The consultant will report to the SADC PF Secretary General and work closely with Equality Now staff.
• A total of 30 payable working days is allocated for completing the Research Report.
• The budget available for this consultancy is a total of USD 9000 at a daily rate of USD 300 per day.
• The consultant will be paid 50% of the consultancy fee upon signing the contract and the remaining 50% upon satisfactory completion of the assignment.

Deadline for Application

Interested candidates or firms should submit a technical proposal (detailing understanding of the TOR, methodology, and work plan), CVs of the research team, and two samples of similar previous work by 20 July 2026.