Consultant Kids Alive Zambia

CALL FOR CONSULTANCY

Terms of Reference for the formative studies – the Isaiah Project

1. Background

As part of the Kids Alive Zambia (KAZ) 2021 to 2023 strategy, we plan to establish a well-equipped and technically empowered center called the “Isaiah centre” that will provide support to girls who are victims of abuse, particularly sexual abuse. This center will be designed to provide the services needed for children that have endured the unfortunate pain of sexual abuse. This is going to include medical assessment, providing therapy and investigations support in partnership with the Zambia Police as well as providing a safe environment for tele-submission of criminal evidence by the child, away from the intimidating and traumatizing courtroom. State of the art video conferencing facilities will be installed with appropriate working areas for therapists and investigators.

We wish to identify emerging issues through research to inform future policy and programme decisions. The consultancy assignment is mainly on research and dissemination support linked to the overall Kids Alive global goal of pursuing justice and rights and mapped particularly to two priority areas in the KAZ strategic plan of 2021. These include work on the Spring of Life Children’s Project (prison babies) and the Street Kids project.

2. Justification

This assignment is necessary in order to identify deeper issues around child sexual abuse. The findings will be evidence for program work and serve as baseline information.

The study will serve money and help achieve greater impact as the implementers will be guided by the key areas that need intervention the most and which areas are more likely to yield to the change we pursue.

3. Purposes and Research questions;

The purpose of this consultancy is to support evidence-based policy influence with the aim to improve access to justice and protection of children in contact with the law through two feasibility studies on child justice with particular bias to child sexual abuse and providing support through therapy to abused children.

The assignment aims at responding to the following questions:

What legal systems and processes exist when reporting sexual abuse cases? What are the barriers and levers to reporting these sexual abuse cases?
Do the Zambia Police and the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) have appropriate skills and facilities to facilitate investigations and prosecution of suspects?
What challenges do children (victims of sexual abuse) go through when submitting their evidence in court?
How do abused children conquer their traumas?
What is the role of the church in Child protection and child injustice in Zambia?
What are the capacity gaps in government line ministries and NGOs in planning and development of national justice policies?
How adequate or inadequate are laws that aim to protect children in Zambia?
How well implemented are existing child protection laws?
How do we harmonize the disconnect, between statutory laws and customary laws on child sexual abuse?

4. Tasks to be completed

This assignment has two general objectives. In light of this, we will hire two (2) independent consultants who will each work with one objective respectively. As you bid please indicate which objective you will work with.

Objective 1

Identify gaps in the legal framework, systems, processes and legislation on child sexual abuse for girls (in families, street, church, schools), review a recent child justice legislation in Zambia and provide guidance on initiatives aimed at improving child justice in Zambia.

Expected Deliverables

Bearing in mind the research questions outlined above, the consultant is expected to

Submit a document on the analysis of the Legal framework, systems, processes on child sexual abuse in Zambia, highlighting initiatives aimed at improving child justice in Zambia.
Submit a document reviewing a recent child justice legislation in Zambia, in particular, establish the effectiveness of this legislation in the context of customary laws and practices.
In consultation with KAZ Country Director, present the findings of the study to judges, prosecutors, lawyers, police, Inspectors, and other key stakeholders.
Present the final report to KAZ management
Objective 2.

Conduct trauma informed organizational care assessment in Zambia and review an integrated trauma informed care action plan for KAZ including actions for immediate implementation for the two proposed projects, the Isaiah project and the Lilato Ray of Hope- (Street Kids Program

Expected Deliverables

Case stories of child victims (from families, the street, and the church, school) of sexual abuse highlighting what their needs are.
Document highlighting the assessment of provision for trauma informed care in the country
Guidelines for implementing trauma informed care at KAZ
Present the key findings of the study to KAZ and its partners
Submit final document to KAZ management

5. Qualification or Specialized Knowledge/Experience Required

Master’s degree in law/Social work/Psychology/Social sciences and development studies or any relevant discipline. PHD will be an added advantage.
Minimum 10 years of professional work experience in justice for children programming, with demonstrable understanding and experience in the application of legislation for children and child protection as it relates to effective identification, assessment and response mechanisms for children including child witnesses, child victims, children in conflict with the law and children requiring legal protection.
Excellent knowledge of International Conventions, Protocols and Guidance with regards to justice for children and able to demonstrate previous work experience in the application of a child rights based approach incorporating the principles of the CRC and other relevant UN conventions
Solid experience conducting research in child sexual abuse studies
Proven expertise and work record in capacity development and policy formulation and analysis in the area of justice for children
Solid understanding of child sexual violence
Excellent analytical and conceptual abilities
Excellent writing skills
Strong communication, advocacy and negotiation skills
Excellent knowledge of English

Knowledge of Russian or Uzbek language an advantage
Computer skills, including internet navigation, and various office applications.

Please Note: a consultant can only bid for one objective

Character Requirements

• A committed Christian with a personal faith in Jesus Christ and a heart for serving orphans and vulnerable children.
• An established Christian with ability to share the gospel and use the word of God to strengthen and give inspiration to children and families.
• Full alignment with the driving mission/vision/core values of Kids Alive International, the Bible, Christian theology, statement of faith, and practice as stated on our website at www.kidsalive.org/meet-kidsalive/about/what-we-believe/ and www.kidsalive.org/meet-kids-alive/about/
• A commitment to champion and contribute towards the KA organizational culture.
• Consistent commitment to open and honest communication, demonstrating respect for all.
• Commitment to child protection and vulnerable safeguarding protocols
• Integrity and strong character confirmed by employment and personal references.
• Successful completion of a criminal background check.