Consultancy: Development of the SIHA Network 2025 Annual Report

Location: Anywhere

Organization: Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA)

Deadline: 4 February 2025

Job Description

Introduction

The Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) Network is committed to advancing women’s rights and strengthening feminist movements across the region. To effectively communicate its impact, learning, and strategic direction, SIHA seeks to develop a comprehensive 2025 Annual Report that provides an overview and in-depth analysis of the programmes and interventions implemented across the Greater Horn of Africa in diverse contexts and thematic areas. The Annual Report will showcase SIHA’s achievements, document key outcomes and lessons, and highlight the organization’s contribution to gender equality, justice, and women’s leadership. It will serve as a key accountability, advocacy, and communications tool for SIHA’s members, partners, donors, and other stakeholders.

Background of the Assignment

SIHA is seeking a dynamic and highly skilled individual consultant to serve as Report Writer for the development of its 2025 Annual Report. SIHA has produced a range of annual project reports, donor reports, and advocacy knowledge products throughout the year, which will serve as the primary source materials for this assignment.

The consultant will be responsible for reviewing and synthesizing these documents into a cohesive, well-structured, and accessible Annual Report that clearly communicates SIHA’s activities, achievements, strategic priorities, and regional impact in 2025. Under the supervision of the Regional Programmes Manager and the Regional Director, and in close collaboration with the Advocacy and Research team and the Regional Secretariat, the consultant will draft and finalize the 2025 Annual Report within the agreed timeframe. The consultant will liaise closely with this team to ensure accuracy, consistency, and alignment with organizational messaging and values.

Objectives of the Consultancy

The objectives of this consultancy are to:

Review SIHA’s 2025 project reports, donor reports, advocacy materials, and other relevant documentation to extract key information and insights.
Synthesize and organize this content into a unified, engaging, and logically structured Annual Report.
Collaborate with regional and country-level staff to draft the Annual Report based on a provided outline and agreed structure.
Highlight SIHA’s strategic achievements and impact, with particular emphasis on significant outcomes, progress toward organizational goals, and regional influence.
Produce a comprehensive Annual Report that clearly captures SIHA’s key activities, achievements, objectives, and strategic direction during 2025.

Scope of Work for the Consultant

The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

Reviewing all relevant 2025 programme, donor, and advocacy reports provided by SIHA.
Developing a clear narrative that connects activities, outcomes, and impact across countries and thematic areas.
Drafting the first edited version of the 2025 Annual Report in line with SIHA’s voice, values, and communications standards.
Incorporating feedback from SIHA staff and management to finalize the report.
Ensuring the final document is clear, coherent, concise, and suitable for diverse internal and external audiences.

Deliverables

The consultant is expected to deliver:

First Edited Draft of the 2025 Annual Report
Final Edited Draft of the 2025 Annual Report, incorporating all feedback from SIHA

Activity and Timeline

Activity	Timeline
First Edited Draft Submission	21 working days from the date of receiving source documents
Review and feedback by SIHA	As scheduled
Final Draft Submission	7 working days after receipt of consolidated comments

Specific dates will be confirmed upon contract signing

Profile of the Consultant and Qualifications

The ideal consultant should have:

A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, Journalism, or a related field. A master’s degree or additional professional training in editing, publishing, or communications is an advantage.
At least five (5) years of professional experience in writing and editing complex documents, including annual reports, strategic documents, research publications, and advocacy materials.
Demonstrated experience in report writing, with strong ability to synthesize and present complex information clearly and effectively.
Proven experience in research and documentation related to women’s rights, gender equality, social justice, or international development.
Strong understanding of advocacy and communications, including alignment of narrative content with organizational strategy and public positioning.
Experience working with non-profit organizations, women’s rights movements, or development actors.
Ability to work in multi-stakeholder environments and integrate feedback while maintaining a coherent editorial voice.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word and document management tools, including Track Changes and version control.

Key Skills

Excellent writing and editing skills with strong attention to detail.
Strong command of grammar, style, and clarity.
Ability to structure content logically and improve flow and readability.
Strong analytical skills to identify key messages, trends, and impact.

Personal Attributes

High level of professionalism and commitment to quality.
Strong time management skills and ability to meet deadlines.
Proactive, responsive, and collaborative.
Culturally sensitive and comfortable working with diverse teams.

Duration

The consultancy is expected to take place over a four-week period, with specific dates to be agreed upon. This period will include time for drafting, internal review, and revisions by SIHA Network.