JOB DETAILS:

Specific Objectives.

• •  Assess the community’s awareness of GBV and evaluate their capacity to recognize, prevent, and respond to gender-based violence (GBV)
  •  Evaluate the community's prior knowledge of the SASA! Together methodology, its relevance, and the expected outcomes of its implementation in the context of the target communities.
  •  Map existing service support structures within the communities, assessing their relevance and potential to support the successful implementation of the SASA! Together methodology.
  • Scope of the assessment

Geographical Scope

The baseline assessment will be conducted in selected communities across the six targeted project districts—Yumbe, Koboko, Terego, Maracha, Nebbi, and Pakwach—where SASA! Together will be implemented. It will ensure representation of diverse population groups, particularly adolescents (especially girls), young people, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable or marginalized populations.

Thematic Scope

The assessment will explore several thematic areas including community knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and practices related to gender-based violence (GBV), gender equality, and power dynamics. It will also examine community perceptions and readiness for social norm transformation, levels of awareness and understanding of the SASA! Together methodology, and barriers and enablers to GBV prevention and response at the community level.

Stakeholder Engagement

Stakeholder engagement will be central to the assessment, involving a broad spectrum of actors such as community members, local leaders, community activists, youth and women’s groups, service providers (health, protection, and legal), and representatives of persons with disabilities. Their perspectives will provide critical insights into the contextual factors that may influence the implementation of SASA! Together.

Service Mapping

In addition, the assessment will include a mapping of existing GBV and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) service providers, community support structures, and referral pathways. This will help determine their alignment with the SASA! Together approach and identify opportunities for strengthening coordination and service integration to support sustainable GBV prevention and response.

Responsibility of the Consultant

• •  Develop an inception report in consultation with the PROTECT SRHR project team, clearly outlining the assessment objectives, methodology (including tools and sampling), workplan, and timelines specific to the SASA! Together baseline assessment.
  • Recruit, train, and supervise a competent field assessment team with experience in gender, GBV, SRHR, and disability inclusion.
  • Conduct a desk review of relevant literature, including existing SASA! Together documentation, GBV/SRHR assessments, and contextual studies from the target districts.
  • Lead the design and implementation of primary data collection using both qualitative and quantitative methods, ensuring the participation of key stakeholders including adolescents, youth, persons with disabilities, service providers, and community leaders.
  • Analyze and interpret data to generate evidence on community knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and practices around power, gender equality, GBV, and readiness for SASA! Together implementation.
  • Ensure high standards of data quality, confidentiality, and ethical conduct throughout the assessment process, in line with IRC and donor requirements.
  • Provide actionable recommendations that inform the customization of SASA! Together activities and community engagement strategies.
  • Facilitate a validation workshop with stakeholders to present preliminary findings, gather feedback, and strengthen the relevance and utility of the final report.
  • Maintain continuous coordination and communication with the IRC project focal point throughout the assignment.
  • Sign and adhere to the IRC Uganda Safeguarding Policy and uphold ethical standards in all interactions with communities and stakeholders.
  • Develop and share the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the SASA! Together baseline assessment, clearly outlining the purpose, objectives, scope, methodology, and expected deliverables.
  •  Provide the consultant with relevant background documents, existing data, project materials, and access to the SASA! Together framework and associated tools.
  • Facilitate introductions and coordination with key stakeholders in the six target districts, including district officials, community leaders, service providers, youth groups, women’s groups, and representatives of persons with disabilities.
  • Review and provide timely feedback on the consultant’s inception report, assessment tools, draft findings, and final report to ensure quality and alignment with project goals.
  • Provide oversight and support throughout the assignment, including feedback on the consultant’s performance and adherence to safeguarding and ethical standards.

Approve the final study design, methodology, and data collection tools prior to field deployment

Expected Deliverables

Inception Report

•            A    detailed report outlining the assessment methodology, sampling strategy, tools, and workplan
•          It will also include ethical considerations and the timeline for the assessment.

Baseline Assessment Report

•            A comprehensive report that presents data analysis, key findings, and actionable recommendations on GBV, power dynamics, and SASA! Together readiness. This will inform the design and implementation of the project.

Presentation of Key Finding

•           A  PowerPoint presentation (20–30 slides) summarizing key insights, trends, and recommendations from the baseline. This will be used in workshops and dissemination meetings.

Clean and Anonymized Datase

•           A  complete dataset of collected data (both qualitative and quantitative), cleaned, anonymized, and submitted in a usable format. The dataset will be accompanied by a codebook for clarity and reference.

Stakeholder Validation Repor

•           A  report summarizing feedback from the stakeholder validation workshop, including how feedback was integrated into the final report. This will ensure alignment with community needs and stakeholder expectations
•  Lessons Learned and Recommendations

•           A document capturing key lessons learned during the baseline assessment process.
•           It will include practical recommendations to enhance SASA! Together’s implementation and future assessments.

Data Collection Tools

•           Copies of the finalized data collection tools (surveys, interview guides) used during the baseline assessment. Tools will be submitted in digital and editable formats for future reference.

Assignment Duration

The consultant will be reimbursed for up to 33 working days. This includes all relevant field work, one day validation workshop, and finalization and submission of an acceptable final report of the study.

Standards For Professional Conduct.

The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct.  These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability.  In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we value diversity at our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request reasonable accommodation.

Deadline for receiving applications is June 27,2025
Minimum Qualifications:

• Education & Experience: Master's degree in Social Sciences, Public Health, Gender Studies, or related field; at least 5 years of experience in conducting baseline assessments, research, or evaluations in GBV and SRHR.
• Technical Expertise: Proven proficiency in qualitative and quantitative research methods, data analysis, and reporting; experience with the SASA! Together methodology or similar community mobilization approaches.
• Context Knowledge: Strong understanding of the socio-cultural and political context of Uganda, particularly regarding GBV, SRHR, and gender equality; prior experience working in the West Nile region is a plus.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Demonstrated ability to engage diverse stakeholders, including local communities, NGOs, government officials, and service providers; experience facilitating workshops and validation sessions.
• Ethical Standards & Language Skills: Commitment to ethical research practices and safeguarding standards; proficiency in English, with knowledge of local languages spoken in the target districts as an advantage.