Background

Oxfam is a global movement dedicated to fighting inequality to end poverty and injustice. Through collaboration with local partners and communities, Oxfam works to empower individuals, challenge discriminatory systems, and promote human rights and social justice.

Under the Ireland's Civil Society Partnership (ICSP) for a Better World Programme (2023–2027), funded by Irish Aid, Oxfam in Zambia is implementing the Improved Socio-Economic Status for Women, Youths, and Marginalized Groups Project in partnership with Nutri-Aid Trust Zambia (NAT), Women for Change (WFC), and Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA). The project operates in Namwala and Gwembe Districts (Southern Province) and Mongu and Kaoma Districts (Western Province), targeting 15,600 individuals from vulnerable households.

The project seeks to address inequalities and barriers affecting women, youth, and marginalised groups, particularly around access to productive resources, economic opportunities, and participation in decision-making.

Purpose of the Consultancy

The consultancy aims to conduct a comprehensive gender analysis in the ICSP target districts to identify, assess, and provide actionable recommendations on key gender issues, inequalities, and power dynamics affecting women, men, youth, and marginalized groups. It will focus on understanding socio-cultural, economic, and political factors influencing women's empowerment and participation in livelihoods and governance.

Objectives of the Study

Overall Objective: To strengthen gender-responsive programming and inform interventions promoting gender equality and women's economic empowerment in the ICSP project areas.

Specific Objectives:

• Assess gender relations, roles, and access to productive resources.
• Analyse decision-making patterns at household, community, and institutional levels.
• Identify barriers limiting women's participation in economic and leadership spaces.
• Examine gendered impacts of climate change and livelihood systems.
• Review local governance and institutional frameworks for promoting gender equality.
• Provide evidence-based recommendations to strengthen program design and advocacy.

Scope of Work

The analysis will cover Namwala, Gwembe, Mongu, and Kaoma Districts, focusing on themes such as gender roles, access to productive resources, decision-making, financial inclusion, gender-based violence, unpaid care work, and policy/institutional frameworks affecting gender equality.

Deliverables

• Inception Report – outlining methodology, tools, and sampling (within 5 days).
• Draft Gender Analysis Report – with findings and recommendations (5 days after fieldwork).
• Validation Workshop – presentation of findings for feedback.
• Final Report – integrating inputs and structured by theme and district.

Duration and Timeline

The assignment is expected to run for approximately 15 days from commissioning to submission of the final report.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Advanced degree in Gender Studies, Sociology, Development Studies, or related field.
• At least 7 years' experience in gender analysis or women's empowerment research.
• Proven experience with gender-responsive programming in agriculture, livelihoods, or governance.
• Familiarity with Zambia's gender policy context, especially in Southern and Western Provinces.
• Strong analytical, facilitation, and report writing skills.
• Understanding of Oxfam's feminist principles and participatory approaches.

Ethical Considerations

The consultant must adhere to Oxfam's Safeguarding Policy, Code of Conduct, and ethical research standards. Data collection must ensure confidentiality, informed consent, and sensitivity to gender and GBV concerns.

• Conduct a comprehensive gender analysis in the ICSP target districts
• Identify, assess, and provide actionable recommendations on key gender issues, inequalities, and power dynamics
• Focus on understanding socio-cultural, economic, and political factors influencing women's empowerment and participation in livelihoods and governance
• Assess gender relations, roles, and access to productive resources
• Analyse decision-making patterns at household, community, and institutional levels
• Identify barriers limiting women's participation in economic and leadership spaces
• Examine gendered impacts of climate change and livelihood systems
• Review local governance and institutional frameworks for promoting gender equality
• Provide evidence-based recommendations to strengthen program design and advocacy
• Prepare inception report outlining methodology, tools, and sampling
• Draft gender analysis report with findings and recommendations
• Conduct validation workshop presentation of findings
• Submit final report integrating inputs and structured by theme and district

• Strong analytical skills
• Facilitation skills
• Report writing skills
• Understanding of Oxfam's feminist principles and participatory approaches

• Advanced degree in Gender Studies, Sociology, Development Studies, or related field