Terms of Reference (ToR) for Disability Inclusive Digital Advocacy Toolkit Preparation

1. Background

The Ethiopian Center for Disability and Development (ECDD) is dedicated to promoting disability-inclusive development in Ethiopia. As a non-governmental, non-profit organization established in 2005, ECDD works to advance the rights and opportunities of persons with disabilities through policy advocacy and mainstreaming disability inclusion in service delivery, development programs, and humanitarian actions in partnership with other organizations. Re-registered in 2019 under the new Civil Societies Proclamation № 1113/2019, ECDD is dedicated to fostering an inclusive Ethiopia where persons with disabilities exercise their human rights and have access to mainstream services and opportunities on an equal basis with others.

Currently, ECDD is implementing the Harnessing AI project in partnership with the Leprosy Mission International Ethiopia (TLMIE), with funding from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The project aims to enable 30 plus CSOs/OPDs deploy AI-driven, disability-inclusive digital advocacy and AI-enhanced MELA system to track reach and impact of policy advocacy.

Two major problems triggered the project implementation: the difficulty many CSOs/OPDs in the disability movement face in fully harnessing digital tools – such as AI – for inclusive advocacy, and their inability to fully utilize digital MELA frameworks to track the effectiveness of digital advocacy efforts in influencing policy. These gaps have resulted in the exclusion of persons with disabilities and persons affected by leprosy from digital discourse and have left advocacy endeavors unmeasured.

Objectives of the Toolkit Preparation

The overall objective is to develop a practical and accessible toolkit for CSOs/OPDs on how to use AI to create inclusive content (social media, websites, videos, campaigns etc.) and deploy AI-driven MELA system for disability inclusive policy advocacy.

Specific Objectives:

• To equip CSOs/OPDs with practical and accessible toolkit to guide their digital advocacy efforts with AI tools
• To enhance the AI driven MELA frameworks of the CSOs/OPDs guided by the toolkit
• To create smooth pathway of peer learning and mentorship among the CSOs/OPDs in adopting AI driven disability inclusive policy advocacy guided by the toolkit 

3. Scope of Work

The toolkit developer will:

• Conduct a brief assessment to be familiarized with the project context and current CSOs/OPDs digital advocacy trend
• Prepare /adopt toolkit outline
• Develop a practical and accessible toolkit for CSOs/OPDs on how to use AI to create inclusive content (social media, websites, videos, campaigns etc.) and deploy AI-driven MELA system for disability inclusive policy advocacy.
• Two hours orientation to the project personnel on utilization of the toolkit throughout the project implementation

4. Expected Deliverables

1. Current CSOs/OPDs digital advocacy toolkit utilization assessment
2. Preparation of the toolkit
3. Customized orientation and guidance materials (slides, videos, demonstration, handouts, etc.).
4. Two hours orientation to the project personnel on utilization of the toolkit throughout the project implementation

5. Duration and Timeline

• Duration: 20 working days for the toolkit preparation on signing of the agreement.

6. Reporting Line

The toolkit developer will report to the deputy program director and Harnessing AI project coordinator and will work in close collaboration with the program director, MEL director and executive director.

Required Qualifications

• Proven experience in AI and digital tools and toolkits and related materials preparation
• Experience working in the development/humanitarian sector.
• Familiarity with disability inclusion and mainstreaming concepts
• Exposure in working with CSOs/OPDs in the disability movement
• High level track record on digital assignments, especially the AI world
• Experience working in multicultural settings and with marginalized groups, particularly persons with disabilities.
• Copy of renewed Registration Certificate,
• Valid Business License for the sector
• Education background of the expert who will sign the contract for the assignment.
• Sample (s) Work
• Testimonies of Relevant Work Experience
• Work plan
• Other relevant supporting documents

Application Process

Interested candidates/toolkit developers should submit:

• A brief proposal (max 5 pages) outlining the content and work plan.
• Financial proposal (budget breakdown).
• CV(s) of the toolkit developer manpower involved.
• At least two references from similar assignments.

Selection Criteria

The Technical and Financial Proposals will account for 70% and 30% respectively of the selection criteria, broken down as follows: