ToR for Assessment of Grievance Mechanisms and Multi-Actor Accountability Frameworks

Introduction and Background

EWLA is a non-profit association established in 1995 by Ethiopian women lawyers. It was re-registered as a local organization by the F.D.R.E Authority for Civil Society Organizations in 2019, in accordance with the Civil Society Organization Proclamation No. 1113/2019. Over the past 30 years, EWLA has focused on advocating for the protection of women’s rights and ensuring their full enjoyment of human and legal rights through three core programs: research and advocacy, public education and capacity building, and the provision of free legal aid. In recent years, the organization has expanded its mission to emphasize capacity building for female legal professionals, fostering collaboration among them and empowering them to advocate for the rights of marginalized women across the country.

Organizations working in social protection settings are required to maintain effective and survivor-centered grievance and reporting mechanisms. These mechanisms ensure that concerns particularly those related to misconduct, exploitation, abuse, rights violations, service delivery issues, or protection risks are safely reported, documented, investigated, and addressed.

This Terms of Reference (ToR) outlines the objectives, scope, and methodology for an independent assessment of our existing grievance mechanisms. The primary focus is to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the processes for documenting cases, conducting timely investigations, and ensuring appropriate, survivor-centered responses in Addis Ababa, Amhara & Somali regions.

Objectives of the Assessment

To identify opportunities to strengthen accountability mechanisms by enhancing the active involvement of state and non-state actors for the effective implementation of SRHR and SGBV-related laws and policies.

Specific objectives

• To map and analyze the current accountability landscape for SRHR and SGBV by identifying key state and non-state actors, their roles, responsibilities, and the quality of coordination between them.
• To identify systemic gaps and bottlenecks that hinder the effective implementation and enforcement of existing SRHR and SGBV-related laws, policies, and service delivery protocols
• To evaluate the effectiveness of existing grievance mechanisms in documenting cases and ensuring timely, survivor-centered investigations and responses for SGBV/SRHR violations.

Scope of Work

The consultant/assessment team will:

Technical and Geographical coverage

• Addis Ababa

Desk Review

• Review relevant organizational policies, SOPs, guidelines, and reporting tools.
• Review documentation of previous cases audits, evaluations, and lessons learned.
• Map national legal frameworks and referral pathways relevant to grievance and case management.

Field/Data Collection

• Conduct key informant interviews with staff (management, safeguarding focal points, case workers, M&E teams).
• Conduct focus group discussions (in a safe, ethical manner) with community members and service users.
• Assess reporting channels (hotlines, suggestion boxes, digital platforms, in-person reporting, etc.).
• Evaluate physical and procedural arrangements for confidentiality and data protection.
• Review case files and documentation practices (with strict confidentiality and data-sharing protocols).

Analysis

• Assess the functionality and survivor-friendliness of mechanisms (availability, accessibility, awareness, trust, confidentiality).
• Examine timeliness of responses, coordination between teams, and quality of investigations.
• Identify risks (e.g., data breaches, retaliation, under-reporting).
• Benchmark against international standards (e.g., IASC PSEA, safeguarding standards).

Accountability System Strength:

• State Actor Mapping & Engagement: Identify key government institutions (justice, health, social services) and assess their coordination and enforcement of relevant laws.
• Non-State Actor Mapping & Engagement: Identify the role of civil society, community leaders, and service providers in supporting survivors and advocating for accountability.
• Implementation Gaps: Analyze the disconnect between existing SRHR/SGBV laws/policies and their practical enforcement on the ground.

 

Methodology:

• Qualitative and Quantitative, Mixed-Methods (Hybrid), etc.

Key Deliverables

The consultant will produce:

1. Inception Report with methodology, tools, work plan, ethical safeguards.

2. Grievance Mechanism Assessment Report which consisting of progress report, Draft report & final report including, overview of existing mechanisms Strengths and gaps Case documentation and investigation review Survivor-centered response assessment Risk analysis

3. Recommendations and Action Plan for strengthening grievance mechanisms, case management, and organizational capacity.

4. PowerPoint Presentation A summary presentation of the final report for management and wider sharing. With the final report

 

Final Assessment Report:

The Final Assessment Report will be developed based on the findings collected throughout the assessment.

• Tentative,

Incorporating feedback from EWLA. The report shall not exceed 35 pages (excluding annexes) and must include:

• Executive Summary
  • Assessment Scope
  • Detailed methodology
  • Analysis of findings structured by the key objectives
  • Conclusion
  • Prioritized Recommendations and a Practical Action Plan with clear activities, responsible actors, time-frames, and resource implications.

Timeline

Ethical and Safeguarding Considerations:

The total period of the assessment/assignment is maximum of 28 days from the signing of the contract by both parties.

• Do No Harm is the paramount principle.
• Informed consent must be obtained from all participants.
• Absolute confidentiality and anonymity must be guaranteed and maintained, especially for survivors and complainants.
• The assessment team must have proven experience in trauma-informed approaches.

Qualifications and Expertise of the Consultant/Team

The ideal consultant or team will possess:

• Advanced degree in Law, Social Sciences, Human Rights, International Development, or a related field.
• Proven experience (minimum 7-10 years) in assessing or establishing accountability mechanisms, particularly in the humanitarian/development sector.
• Proven experience in safeguarding, protection, accountability to affected populations (AAP), or PSEA.
• Strong knowledge of international standards (CHS, Sphere, IASC PSEA Guidelines).
• Experience in conducting sensitive interviews and managing confidential data ethically.
• Strong background in qualitative research & excellent analytical, facilitation, and report-writing skills in English
• Cultural competence and experience working with vulnerable populations.
• Familiarity with the assessment location (AA, Amhara & Somali) is desirable.
• Expertise in grievance mechanism assessment and case management.

Application Process

Interested consultants/teams should submit:

• A technical proposal (max 10 pages) detailing their understanding of the ToR, proposed methodology, work plan, and ethical approach.
• A financial proposal with a detailed budget, including daily rates and all anticipated costs.
• CV(s) of the proposed team member(s), highlighting relevant experience.
• At least two references from similar assignments.
• A sample of a similar assessment report (redacted for confidentiality).