Consultancies

Context and BackgroundSheDecides is a leading global political coalition standing up for bodily autonomy and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Launched in 2017 as a rapid-response campaign to the Trump-era Global Gag Rule, SheDecides has evolved into a global movement connecting Ministers, government officials, civil society leaders, youth advocates, service providers, and researchers across Africa, Asia, the Arab Region, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, and North America. Together we take action for the right to decide, at global decision making spaces.SheDecides requires an experienced Strategic Communications and Political Media Agency to deliver high-impact global advocacy communications, spotlight political leadership advancing SRHR, energise and connect our Champions and allies, and amplify our movement’s collective voice and impact throughout 2027 and beyond.Communications support throughout 2027 and beyond will centre on three key strategic moments:SheDecides+10: Marking ten years of the SheDecides movement - celebrating movement wins, spotlighting the critical leadership of Champions, and demonstrating political resilience in challenging times (focusing particularly on the first half of the year).Post-2030 Flagship Report: The design, launch, and global dissemination of a new report and campaign focused on keeping bodily autonomy and SRHR at the heart of the political agenda beyond the Sustainable Development Goals (focusing particularly on the second half of the year).Ongoing Communications & Movement Amplification: Year-round communications support to elevate SheDecides’ core calendar of high-level events e.g. Commission on the Status of Women, CPD, WHA, UN General Assembly, International Youth Day, International Safe Abortion Day. This includes strategic messaging, creative design, and digital execution to amplify movement action and impact throughout 2027 and 2028 (including annual reports and support in “making the case”).All contain elements of creative design, copywriting, media and multimedia execution.Scope of Work: WorkstreamsThe selected agency will work in close coordination with the SheDecides Support Unit to deliver strategic communications, media relations, creative storytelling, and political positioning across 5 main areas and workstreams:SheDecides+10 & Champion Spotlights: Develop creative media, video content, digital activations, and social media moments celebrating 10 years of SheDecides and its members, spotlighting movement achievements, national progress, and political leadership.High-Level Op-Ed Placement & Thought Leadership: Draft, write, and secure placements for op-eds (up to 5 per year) co-authored by Ministers, youth leaders, and Champions in major international and regional media outlets around key moments (eg, CSW, WHA, UNGA, Safe Abortion Day).Design and Comms support for Political Advocacy Events: Support the production of communications needs for high-level moments, including event banners, invitations, branded documents, and social graphics.Post-2030 Campaign & flagship Report: Design and execute a global campaign and launch package for a flagship report "A World Where SheDecides”, ensuring SRHR and bodily autonomy remain central to discussions on the post SDG framework.Brand Content and Resource Mobilisation: Develop brand content and creative activations that strengthen SheDecides’ positioning, articulate our impact, results, and unique value-add, and unify storytelling across channels. This includes producing narrative materials ("The Story of Us") designed to generate greater interest, engage new members, and inspire donor investment in SheDecides.Required Qualifications & ExpertiseThe ideal agency/consortium must demonstrate:1. Global Media Reach:Demonstrated capability to write and secure high-level op-eds and earn news coverage across international outlets.○ Portfolio of published op-eds and feature stories in tier-one international media outlets (eg The Guardian, Al Jazeera, TIME, Devex) within the past 2–3 years.○ Established active media relationships and pitching capabilities with journalists, editors, and producers covering health, gender, international affairs, human rights, and global development.○ Proven metrics or case studies demonstrating high audience reach, pickup, and engagement for past placed content.2. Creative, Design & Multimedia Production: Strong in-house capacity for digital storytelling, visual campaign design, video editing and report layout/publication design.○ Professional proficiency in design and video editing software (Adobe Creative Cloud suite: Premiere Pro, InDesign, Illustrator, Canva).○ Demonstrated ability to translate dense advocacy content into engaging digital storytelling formats, including social media assets, short-form video, and infographics.3. SRHR Content Expertise: Track record in communicating and generating greater understanding/ interest in sexual and reproductive health and rights, global health, gender equality, human rights, political advocacy, and feminist and social movement communications. Strong understanding of global policy and international development cooperation.○ Minimum of 5 years of professional experience communicating specifically on sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender equality, or feminist movement building.○ Track record of at least 5 years of producing sensitive, culturally nuanced, and rights-based content that aligns with feminist and social justice communications principles, as well as evidence of understanding rights-based language.4. Political & Strategic Communications: Demonstrated ability to engage political leaders, youth leaders, researchers, and civil society through strategic communications, alongside a proven track record of translating complex multilateral issues (UN processes, ODA, Feminist Foreign Policy, and post-2030 agendas) into accessible, high-impact communications.Budget and contact durationWe welcome applications working towards a budget of approx 150,000-175,000 USD per annum. The duration of the contract is 2 years (with a one-year break clause), with a particular focus on 2027 deliverables and support. The budget for 2028 may potentially be reduced in volume and scope, and subject to changes.How to applyWe are looking for agencies with minimum 5 years experience in strategic communications, and experience on working on issues related to SRHR, gender equality and human rights. Interested agencies are requested to submit a technical and financial proposal by Wednesday 18 November 2026 to Angie Windle (angie@shedecides.com). Proposals should be concise (maximum 12 pages or 12 presentation slides, excluding CVs and financial annexes) and must include:1. Agency Overview & Relevant Experience: ○ A brief agency profile highlighting at least 5 years experience in comms in global SRHR, gender equality, or feminist movement communications.○ 2–3 relevant case studies demonstrating past success across the five workstreams within international advocacy and multilateral settings. 2. Proposed Approach & Methodology: ○ Top-line campaign ideas featuring 2–3 high-level concepts, activations, or creative angles to bring the report "A World where SheDecides" to life (keeping SRHR on the post 2030 agenda) detailing how it will effectively reach decision-makers and champions. 3. Account Management & Team Structure: ○ Proposed staffing structure, including short bio summaries for key personnel 4. Financial Proposal: ○ An itemised budget broken down by quarter and deliverable across 2027.DatesSheDecides Agency tender documents launched – Thursday 29 OctoberSubmission deadline – Wednesday 18 November, applications close at 17.00 GMT.Interviews and presentation to SheDecides – Week of 30 November Start working with SheDecides – 5 February or sooner  If you are selected for an interview, we request that the team members working on the SheDecides account be the ones to attend. We welcome an internationally diverse representation of applicants, with English as a primary working language. Please contact Angie Windle if you have any questions – angie@shedecides.com 

BackgroundSheDecides is a global political movement driving action for a world where every woman, girl and young person, in all their diversity, can decide what to do with their body, life and future. Since 2017, SheDecides has championed bodily autonomy and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), mobilising support across Africa, Asia, the Arab Region, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe and North America.The movement brings together Champions from across sectors, including governments, civil society, youth groups, research institutions, media, arts and philanthropy. It is supported by the SheDecides Support Unit (SDSU), an autonomous secretariat hosted by the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF). The SDSU amplifies political action, connects leading SRHR organisations and creates opportunities for Champions and allies to speak out and act.Opportunity SheDecides seeks a senior expert on monitoring, evaluation, learning, strategic analysis and reporting, particularly in relation to advocacy, policy influence, international development and collective action. The consultancy comprises 3 workstreams over an estimated 45 work days, including:Development of the 2026 and 2027 Annual Results Reports.Development of a Ten-Year Impact Summary Brief covering 2017–2026.An independent evaluation of the SheDecides Strategic Plan 2022–2027.Together, these workstreams will strengthen accountability, communicate the movement’s achievements and generate learning to inform SheDecides’ future direction and work towards 2030. As SheDecides approaches its tenth anniversary in 2027, the independent evaluation will reflect on the SheDecides movements’ contribution to SRHR and global political action over the past decade, and independently evaluate the implementation of its Strategic Plan 2022–2027.Duration and TimelineThe consultancy is expected to require approximately 45 working days, delivered remotely between December 2026 and February 2028. For full details, please download the Terms of Reference below.Applicants should propose a realistic allocation of time across the three workstreams, taking account of the different deadlines, available evidence, consultation requirements and revision rounds. The final workplan will be agreed with SDSU during inception.Application ProcessInterested consultants should email their application to Muriel Kahane (muriel@shedecides.com), using the subject line “MEL Consultancy – SheDecides”.Applications must include all of the following:Cover letter: Outlining the applicant’s suitability for the assignment.CV: Highlighting relevant professional experience, qualifications and previous assignments.Technical proposal: Maximum 4 pages, outlining the proposed methodology, approach to the three workstreams, indicative allocation of 45 working days and plan for meeting the deliverable deadlines.Evaluation and report-writing samples: Two relevant examples of previous work, ideally including at least one independent evaluation and one results, impact or learning report. Samples should demonstrate analytical quality and evidence-based writing. Redacted extracts or summaries may be provided where confidentiality applies.Professional references: Contact details for two referees who can speak to the applicant’s evaluation, analytical and report-writing experience. At least one should ideally be a previous client or commissioning organization.Financial proposal: Proposed daily consultancy rate in USD and estimated total fee based on 45 working days, identifying any anticipated additional costs, if applicable. Indicate if the fee is inclusive of VAT or other applicable fees.Application deadline: 20 November 2026.Applications will be assessed on relevant expertise, analytical and writing quality, proposed methodology, references, availability and value for money. She Decides welcome an internationally diverse representation of applications from agencies and individual consultants, with English as a primary working language.Applications that do not include all requested documents may not be considered.Please download the Terms of Reference below for full details of the opportunity, workstreams, deliverables timeline and desirable experience.

1. Background IPPF is a global healthcare provider and a leading advocate of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for all. Led by a courageous and determined group of women, IPPF was founded in 1952 at the Third International Planned Parenthood Conference. Today, we are a movement of Member Associations (MAs) and Collaborative Partners (CPs) (henceforth referred to collectively as ‘Affiliates’) with a presence in over 146 countries. Our work is wide-ranging, including comprehensive sexuality education, provision of contraception, safe abortion, and maternal care and responding to humanitarian crises. We pride ourselves on being local through our members and global through our network. At the heart of our mission is the provision of – and advocacy in support of – integrated healthcare to anyone who needs it regardless of race, gender, sex, income, or how remote their location is.  IPPF’s Strategy 2028, Come Together commits the Federation to feminist, rights-based action across four strategic pillars. Gender equality and inclusion run across the strategy rather than sitting within a single pillar. This is reflected in the Move the Sexuality Agenda pillar, which commits to shifting harmful social and gender norms and growing societal support for gender equality, and in the Nurture our Federation, which calls on to “walk the talk” by embodying feminist and inclusive values in its own structures, culture and ways of working. The strategy places people at the centre of care with a commitment to extending person-centred care to more people in more places.   This commitment to gender equality and inclusion is tracked through Strategy 2028 Results Framework Indicator 6: Shifts in perception and attitudes in relation to gender equality and inclusion across the Federation and the communities we serve. Indicator 6 is deliberately broad in scope, spanning internal Federation culture and practice (Secretariat, and Affiliates) as well as external, community-facing shifts in norms, attitudes, and service delivery. To date, IPPF holds a range of evidence relevant to this indicator, generated through distinct MA surveys, programme evaluations, service-delivery data, and internal policy processes, but this evidence has not yet been brought together into a single account of what is known and where the gaps sit.  In 2024, IPPF commissioned the first Indicator 6 study. It used a qualitative, participatory approach with four Member Associations across Africa, Latin America, the Arab World and South Asia regions and Secretariat stakeholders, reaching 55 participants through group sessions, key informant interviews and validation workshops. Because the Strategy was at an early stage of implementation, the study focused on learning rather than impact and was designed to lay the groundwork for later rounds. This consultancy is the second round of Indicator 6 research. It will build on the 2024 findings and recommendations and, where possible, establish measures that later rounds can track through to 2028. It will also better engage Affiliates and external stakeholders throughout. The Gender Steering Group, with support from the Performance, Learning & Impact (PLI) team, is commissioning a consultancy to consolidate this evidence base, design a coherent Indicator 6 measurement approach, and implement that approach to deliver the second round of Indicator 6 evidence. Members of the Gender Steering Group have surfaced a set of research and learning questions that directly inform the review’s scope, the methodology, and the resulting research (see Section 4).2. Objective of the Consultancy The primary objective of this consultancy is to conduct a macro review of existing evidence across the Federation relevant to Indicator 6, and to implement a review to measure shifts in perceptions and attitudes on gender equality and inclusion. The consultant(s) will work across three phases: Phase 1: Macro review and evidence mapping (existing Affiliate data, programme evaluations, service-delivery data, internal policy and culture evidence) Phase 2: Coordination with the Gender Steering Group, methodology refinement, and finalisation of data collection tools Phase 3: Implementation of the review based on the finalised methodology and delivery of the Indicator 6 second-round findings Applicants should propose their methodology for answering the proposed research questions (Section 4) as part of their technical proposal (see Section 10); this proposed methodology is a key selection criterion. Once selected, the consultant(s) will refine this methodology in light of the macro review findings and Gender Steering Group input before proceeding to implementation. The scope of work below therefore covers the macro review, methodology refinement, and full implementation through to final reporting. 3. Scope of Work The consultant(s) will carry out the following activities: Phase 1: Macro Review and Evidence Mapping Review the 2024 Indicator 6 final report, including its research questions, findings, limitations, and recommendations, and set out where this round repeats, extends, or departs from it.  Review existing IPPF evidence relevant to Indicator 6, including Gender Self Assessment results, programme and MEL evaluations, service-delivery data on SGBV response, CSE, and SRH, internal culture and policy documentation (e.g. gender and gender-related/safeguarding policies), and any prior gender attitude or KAP-type surveys. Map this evidence against the two dimensions of Indicator 6: (a) internal Federation practice and culture, and (b) external, community-facing shifts in norms and service delivery- wider, social level changes that happen outside of the Federation affect how the communities we serve behave and access/experience services.  Identify what is already measurable from existing data sources versus what would require new data collection. Assess progress on the recommendations made in the 2024 study. Identify comparable indicator frameworks and standardised measures used elsewhere in the sector for tracking gender-attitude and norm change, and assess their applicability to IPPF’s federated structure. Consult with IPPF PLI team members and relevant regional office Affiliate focal points to gather inputs and identify relevant documentation and data holders. Produce a consolidated evidence map and gap analysis. Phase 2: Gender Steering Group Coordination and Methodology Refinement Coordinate closely with the Gender Steering Group throughout the consultancy; the Group’s initial research questions (Section 4) should shape both the evidence review and the methodology proposed in the consultant’s technical proposal. Present macro review findings to the Gender Steering Group for validation and to surface additional evidence sources or perspectives. Refine the methodology proposed at application stage in light of the macro review findings and Gender Steering Group feedback, including recommended data collection approaches, standardised measures or indices for gender-equitable attitudes (and use of existing organisational assessment data, e.g., the Gender Assessment Toolkit), disaggregation (e.g. by Affiliate, region, Secretariat), sampling across Affiliates, and sequencing with existing MEL and Centres of Excellence (CoE) work. Finalise data collection instruments and tools required for implementation (e.g. survey instruments, interview/focus group guides, coding frameworks), and secure PLI and Gender Steering Group sign-off before proceeding to Phase 3. Phase 3: Implementation and Reporting Carry out the finalised methodology, including leading or coordinating data collection across the agreed sample of Affiliates and Secretariat stakeholders (e.g. survey administration, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, or extraction and analysis of existing/routine data, as applicable). For budget purposes, we anticipate sampling at least four Affiliates across varying geographies/contexts. It is anticipated that these engagements will be remote/desk-based; budget should not be allocated to travel at this time but may be considered at a later date if necessary. Revisiting some or all of the 2024 Affiliates would allow comparison overtime, while including new Affiliates would widen coverage. Proposed approaches should be justified, but will be sense-checked with regional IPPF staff.   Clean, code, and analyse the resulting data, applying the standardised measures agreed in Phase 2. Answer the Research Questions, drawing on the Gender Steering Group’s proposed research questions (Section 4) and/or questions that have been refined or developed as a result of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 outputs, comparing findings with the 2024 study where the data allows, and clearly note any questions that remain only partially answerable and why. Produce the second-round Indicator 6 evidence base, disaggregated as agreed, alongside a documented dataset and codebook that IPPF can reuse for future rounds. Present final findings to the Gender Steering Group and PLI team, and incorporate feedback into the final report. Produce a final report presenting the macro review findings, evidence gap analysis, methodology, results, and recommendations for future measurement rounds. 4. Key Research and Learning Questions The following questions were identified by the Gender Steering Group and should directly inform the methodology proposed in the consultant’s technical proposal (Section 10), the scope of the macro review, and the data collection and analysis carried out in Phase 3. Applicants should address how their proposed methodology would answer these questions, and note where a question may only be partially answerable and why. Questions may be further refined upon award.  This round should also address the overarching Results Framework question for Indicator 6, which the 2024 study did not directly answer: How have knowledge, attitudes, and practices around gender, including gender identities, roles, and norms, changed over the course of the Strategy? How has IPPF’s Strategy contributed to these changes? Defining and Conceptualising shifts What does it mean for IPPF to experience shifts in perception and attitudes related to gender equality and inclusion? What does “inclusion” mean in this context? What types of interventions achieve demonstrated shifts in perceptions and attitudes on gender equality and inclusion? How do these interventions achieve these shifts? Measurement How can we measure shifts in perception and attitudes related to gender equality and inclusion for the Secretariat and Affiliates? Can changes in service delivery on SGBV, CSE, and SRH be counted as shifts? If so, what existing data can be used to demonstrate this? Internal Culture and Practice How are we, as a Federation (Secretariat and Affiliates), embodying values related to gender equality and inclusion in practice?  To what extent do the policies that IPPF has in place related to gender equality and inclusion translate into practice? To what extent have the recommendations from the 2024 Indicator 6 study been taken up, and with what effect? Federation and Community Perspectives To what extent do stakeholders believe gender equality and inclusion are valued across IPPF? Do Affiliates provide equitable and inclusive services to the communities they serve? 5. Deliverables and Timeline Deliverables must be completed by the end of June 2027. A complete list of deliverables and suggested timeline can be found in the table in the detailed Terms of Reference which you can download below.  6. Required Qualifications and Experience Technical Expertise Strong experience conducting evidence reviews, evidence synthesis, or landscape/mapping studies, on gender, social norms, and SRHR-related topics. Demonstrated understanding of gender equality and inclusion measurement, including familiarity with standardised gender-attitude, KAP, or social-norms measurement approaches. Experience designing measurement or evaluation methodologies for federated, multi-country, or multi-stakeholder organisations. Demonstrated ability to both design and implement a research methodology end to end, including leading or coordinating multi-country data collection (surveys, interviews, and/or focus groups) and conducting the resulting quantitative and/or qualitative analysis. Consultancy and Analytical Skills Proven ability to synthesise diverse and fragmented evidence into a clear, actionable evidence map. Strong skills in research design, including translating open-ended learning questions into an answerable and feasible methodology. Ability to propose practical, resource-appropriate measurement options and clearly communicate trade-offs between them. Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and produce high-quality outputs with limited supervision. Sector and Organisational Experience Experience working with federated organisations, INGOs, or multi-country programmes (experience with IPPF or SRHR organisations is an asset). Familiarity with gender-transformative, feminist, and rights-based approaches to organisational culture and service delivery. Understanding of the practical and ethical considerations in measuring attitude and norm change across diverse contexts. Communication and Facilitation Skills Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; additional languages (particularly French, Spanish, or Arabic) are an advantage. Strong facilitation skills, including experience presenting findings to and gathering input from technical steering groups or committees. Availability to engage with geographically dispersed teams across different time zones. The consultant will have a demonstrated commitment to SRHR, gender equality, and inclusive, rights-based approaches to research and measurement. 7. Reporting & Coordination Performance, Learning & Impact team – Overall project management and vendor coordination; primary point of contact for the consultancy. Gender Steering Group – Overall technical leadership; provide the research and learning questions guiding the review; review and validate interim findings and the proposed methodology. Consultant(s) – Delivery of all outputs, including the evidence review, gap analysis, methodology design, data collection and analysis, and final report. 8. Budget & Payment Structure The budget for this consultancy is $20,000. Payment will be made in tranches linked to milestone deliverables, as agreed in the final workplan.9. Confidentiality & Data Protection The consultant must comply with IPPF’s Data Protection Policy. No raw data, internal documentation, or consultation outputs will be stored or shared externally without prior written consent from IPPF. All materials developed under this consultancy remain the intellectual property of IPPF. 10. Proposal Submission Requirements Interested consultants should submit the items below to Morgan Brown: mbrown@ippf.org with the subject line "Proposal for Gender Indicator Study" by Sunday, 22 November 2026 at 11:59 PM GMT. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by 1 December. The desired start date for this consultancy is 7 December. Proposals will be assessed based on technical expertise and relevant past work experience, feasibility of the proposed methodology, value for money, and demonstrated ability to complete the work within the specified timeframe.  Technical Proposal (5 pages maximum) Contact information: Include your name, address, and contact information.  Relevant experience: Describe relevant projects and contextual knowledge. Methodology: Outline the proposed approach to the macro review and a proposed methodology for answering the Gender Steering Group’s research questions (Section 4), building on the existing Indicator 6 evidence base, including proposed data collection approach(es), standardised measures or indices, sampling considerations across Affiliates, and an indicative timeline. This proposed methodology will be a key criterion in consultant selection.  Approach: Outline the proposed approach to managing this consultancy, roles and responsibilities of the team member(s), and a workplan. Include risks and mitigation strategies.   Annexes CV(s) of the lead consultant and any team members, no longer than three pages each. Two samples of relevant previous work (e.g. evidence reviews, gender/social norms measurement studies, or evaluation reports). Contact details of two professional references. Financial Proposal The budget for this consultancy is USD $20,000. The financial proposal should include a detailed line-item budget as shown below. Payments will align with deliverables, as agreed at contract signing. Please see suggested financial proposal format in the full Terms of Reference downloadable below.