ABOUT RESTLESS DEVELOPMENT.

We know young people have the power to solve the challenges we face in our world, but they are being side-lined. We are the agency that works with young people so they can lead in solving those challenges. Whether that means supporting communities to end child marriage or prevent HIV, we work with young people to change their lives and the lives of people in their communities. Our programmes are genuinely life-changing, but we can’t do any of this without talented, creative individuals at every level of our organisation.

PURPOSE OF THE CONSULTANCY

The purpose of this toolkit is to provide guidance, resources, and practical tools to individuals and organisations committed to addressing the challenges of child labour, teen pregnancy, and early marriages, with a specific focus on empowering young people aged 10 to 18.

The toolkit offers comprehensive information and key concepts related to child labour, teen pregnancy, and early marriages. It provides a deeper understanding of the issues, including their causes, consequences, and the legal frameworks surrounding them. Additionally, the toolkit presents evidence-based strategies and best practices for preventing and addressing these challenges, offering guidance on designing interventions, creating safe and supportive environments, and promoting behavior change within communities.

Designed to empower young advocates, the toolkit offers tools, techniques, and approaches to enhance leadership, communication, and advocacy skills. It emphasises the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration and partnerships, providing guidance on engaging community leaders, parents, schools, and local organizations in efforts to combat child labour, teen pregnancy, and early marriages. It also suggests strategies for collaborating with government agencies, NGOs, and other relevant stakeholders.

The toolkit underscores the significance of monitoring and evaluating interventions to measure their impact and identify areas for improvement. It provides tools, indicators, and frameworks for tracking progress and assessing the effectiveness of programs. As a comprehensive resource hub, the toolkit compiles relevant publications, reports, research studies, and links to organizations and helplines offering support and services for affected individuals. It serves as a centralized repository of information and resources for stakeholders working in the field.

In essence, the purpose of this toolkit is to equip individuals and organisations with the necessary knowledge, strategies, and resources to effectively address child labour, teen pregnancy, and early marriages. By promoting awareness, empowering young people, and fostering collaboration, the toolkit aims to contribute to creating a society where every child is protected, educated, and given the opportunity to thrive.

BACKGROUND TO THE PROGRAMME

At the core of this program is an unwavering commitment to involving all stakeholders, especially children, in advocating for their rights and actively participating in program activities. Currently, the initiative operates in the Mumbi, Mwanjabantu, and Kalindawalo chiefdoms of Petauke district, with a primary focus on empowering young people aged 10 to 18. The objective is to enable them to advocate for and hold their communities accountable, specifically addressing issues related to child labour, teenage pregnancy, and early marriages.

The program is dedicated to addressing the pervasive issues of child labour, teen pregnancy, and early marriages within a specific geographical area or community. These challenges significantly hinder the well-being and development of children, particularly girls, obstructing their access to education, health, and future opportunities.

Child Labour: This involves the exploitation of children through any form of work that deprives them of their childhood, hinders regular school attendance, and inflicts mental, physical, social, or moral harm. This global issue sees children engaged in hazardous or exploitative work, denying them their rights to education, leisure, and protection.

Teen Pregnancy: Another critical concern affecting adolescents, particularly girls, leading to health risks and limiting their educational and economic prospects. Young mothers often face social stigma, discrimination, and reduced opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Early Marriages: Also known as child marriages or forced marriages, involve individuals marrying under the legal age of consent, typically before 18. This prevalent practice has severe consequences for the physical and mental well-being of young girls, perpetuating cycles of poverty, limiting educational opportunities, and increasing vulnerability to domestic violence and abuse.

To address these challenges, the program focuses on empowering young people aged 10 to 18 and engaging all relevant stakeholders, including community leaders, educators, parents, and local organizations. Through raising awareness, promoting behaviour change, and advocating for the rights and protection of children, the project aims to create an environment where every child can thrive, free from the risks of child labour, teen pregnancy, and early marriages. With a long-term vision spanning several years, the project ensures sustained efforts and lasting impact, targeting specific geographical areas or communities where these issues persist, considering the social, cultural, and economic factors contributing to their prevalence.

Collaboration with local and international organizations, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is crucial for the project’s success, leveraging resources, expertise, and networks. Partnerships facilitate comprehensive interventions, the sharing of best practices, and advocacy for policy changes that protect and promote the rights of children and adolescents. Central to the program is the development of a toolkit, serving as a comprehensive guide for stakeholders. The toolkit equips individuals and organisations with evidence-based strategies, resources, and practical tools to prevent and address child labour, teen pregnancy, and early marriages. Its goal is to empower stakeholders to create positive change, promote youth participation, and ensure the well-being and development of every child in the target area

OBJECTIVES: 

The consultant will develop a comprehensive toolkit to address and prevent child pregnancies, adolescent marriages, and child labour. The purpose of this toolkit is to equip young people working on the project and organisations with the necessary knowledge, strategies, policies, and resources to address child labour, teen pregnancy, and early marriages effectively. By promoting awareness, empowering young people, and fostering collaboration, the toolkit aims to contribute to creating a society where every child is protected, educated, and given the opportunity to thrive.

SCOPE OF WORK: 

The consultant will develop a comprehensive toolkit to address and prevent child pregnancies, adolescent marriages, and child labour. The objectives of the consultancy include:

Conducting a thorough review of existing literature, research, and best practices in the field of child protection, reproductive health, and labor rights.
Identifying key interventions, policies, and programs that have successfully addressed these issues and contributed to positive outcomes.
Developing practical tools, guidelines, and training materials for young people, stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, community organizations, educators, healthcare professionals, and social workers.
Ensuring the toolkit incorporates a rights-based and gender-sensitive approach, considering the specific vulnerabilities and challenges faced by girls and boys.
Creating a user-friendly, accessible, and adaptable toolkit that can be customized to different contexts and utilized by a wide range of stakeholders.

DELIVERABLES: 

Deliverable 1: Hard copy Toolkit: A small handbook using illustrations/cartoons and simple youthful language to show and explain child marriage, child labor, and adolescent pregnancy effects and policies and laws in Zambia speaking against and protecting children from Child marriages, adolescent pregnancy, and child labor and other SRHR policies and strategies related to it. Though primarily targeted at explaining the above to young people, the toolkit should also share information about a range of support available for young people regarding SRHR, especially that which is related to adolescent pregnancy; day-to-day issues such as health legal matters, processes, roles, and responsibilities of duty bearers (such as nurses, doctors, etc.) as well as formal and informal support from people and organizations/communities.

The toolkit should have the following specifics:

• Interactive in nature – illustrative, cartoon format with an inclusion of games/puzzles, questions.
• Written in English Language.
• A5 glossy print (12 pages printed back to back in Restless Development Brand).
• 1000 copies in full color.

Deliverable 2: Soft-copy Toolkit: The soft copy toolkit should be one that can easily be on the Restless Development website and other implementing partners. It should also be able to be shared on social media and other platforms. The consultant shall endeavor to deliver on the following emanating from the two items listed above:

• Electronic Version on DVD/CD format (3 copies).
• Downloadable edition for the website.
• The actual version worked on (Adobe Indesign, Corel draw version, etc.)

CONSULTANT REQUIREMENTS

Successful Consultant:

• Will lead the design of the toolkit.
• Will develop a detailed work plan, timeline, and budget for the delivery of the two outputs stated above to be approved by Restless Development before work commences.
• Will deliver the agreed outputs in line with the approved budget and adhere to the financial policies and procedures of Restless Development.
• Will, when requested, participate in regular meetings with Restless Development to provide updates on how the work is progressing and share any challenges being faced.
• As per the agreed timeline, will share drafts of the policy toolkit in good time for feedback from Restless Development and will respond to such feedback accordingly.
• Will share three hard copies of the policy toolkit along with soft copies through email; in case of any discrepancy, the hard copy will be considered as final.
• Will use English as the language of communication in the toolkit, providing a platform for ease of translation into the local language at an appropriate time.

ASSIGNMENT LOCATION:

Petauke, Eastern Province

BUDGET & PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Restless Development will make available a maximum budget of K85,000 to the successful consultant for the successful completion of the deliverables outlined in Section 4.

The successful consultant shall be expected to design a work plan and corresponding budget to be appended to this ToR and approved by Restless Development before work commences.

The consultant will issue an invoice to Restless Development following the delivery of the outputs to Restless Development’s expected level of rigor and quality, in line with the following payment schedule:

• 50% of the total budget at the start of the consultancy.
• 25% of the total budget on the submission of the first draft of the toolkit.
• Balance payment following the completion of, and approval by Restless Development, of all agreed deliverables.

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST SUBMISSION:

Interested consultants are invited to submit their proposals, including a detailed work plan, methodology, budget, and CV/resume, to Restless Development via email at zambiajobs@restlessdevelopment.org. Consultants must list three referees who can attest to the consultant’s experience and expertise related to this organization and TORs.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY: 

All outputs and deliverables produced as part of this assignment remain the joint intellectual property of Restless Development, the implementing partners, and the consultant must only be reproduced or used with consent, recognition, and agreed terminology.

The successful consultant warrants that any materials produced under the terms of this assignment will not infringe in whole or in part on any copyright or other intellectual property right of any other person.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

All interested persons are invited to submit full proposals, which include the budget, and references of previous work done. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a presentation on previous works done and also a draft of intended work for Restless Development based on the requirements listed above.

All proposals, questions, and clarifications must be addressed to: zambiajobs@restlessdevelopment.org

Follow this Link to download the Consultancy Terms of Reference for more details about the assignment

If you encounter any challenges downloading the Terms of reference you can request for it.

First round interviews are scheduled to take place on a date to be advised.

Restless Development is an Equal Opportunities employer and seeks to recruit, retain and develop staff from all sectors of the community and will ensure that no applicant or staff member receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, sexual orientation, marital status, social status, caste, race, ethnic origin, religious belief, age, HIV status, disability, or any other factor that cannot be shown to be relevant to performance.