(ToR) Preparation of a Training Manual and Minimum Training Program for Investigating Police and Prosecutors in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Cases

Background

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a pervasive human rights violation that undermines the safety, dignity, health, and social well-being of survivors, disproportionately affecting women and girls. It erodes trust in institutions, perpetuates inequality, and obstructs justice and development.

Although Ethiopia has made legal and policy commitments to prevent and respond to GBV, the justice sector continues to face significant challenges. These include inconsistent application of laws, lack of survivor-centered approaches, insufficient trauma-informed practices, and gaps in evidence collection and case handling.

Police investigators and prosecutors are frontline actors in the fight against GBV. Their ability to investigate and prosecute cases effectively is central to accountability, deterrence, and justice. However, the absence of standardized training materials and structured programs results in fragmented responses, poor case outcomes, and, in some cases, secondary victimization of survivors.

To bridge this gap, the Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association, in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), and the Addis Ababa Police Commission, seeks to engage a consultant firm or consortium team with mandatory expertise in the investigation and prosecution of GBV cases. The team will prepare a Training Manual and a Minimum Training Program to standardize and strengthen the capacity of investigators and prosecutors across Ethiopia.

2. Objectives

Overall Objective

To develop a comprehensive Training Manual and Minimum Training Program that will enhance the knowledge, skills, and practices of investigating police and prosecutors in handling GBV cases, consistent with Ethiopian law and international standards.

 

Specific Objectives

1. Provide investigators and prosecutors with practical tools, methods, and approaches to effectively handle GBV cases.
2. Introduce trauma-informed, survivor-centered methods that respect dignity, confidentiality, and safety.
3. Develop modules on investigation and prosecution of GBV cases, aligned with Ethiopian and international legal frameworks.
4. Establish a Minimum Training Program with standardized competencies to ensure consistency in training nationwide.
5. Strengthen inter-agency collaboration between law enforcement, prosecution, health, and social services to ensure a holistic response.

3. Scope of Work

The consultant firm/team will:

• Conduct stakeholder consultations with MoJ, Addis Ababa Police Commission, prosecutors’ offices, one-stop centers (OSCs), and civil society organizations (CSOs).
• Develop a Training Manual with modules on:
  • GBV concepts, root causes, and impacts.
  • International and Ethiopian GBV legal frameworks.
  • Survivor-centered investigation and evidence handling.
  • Trauma-informed interviewing and case management.
  • Prosecution strategies, courtroom practices, and victim/witness protection.
  • Ethics, confidentiality, and safeguarding survivor rights.
  • Inter-agency coordination and referral pathways.
• Design a Minimum Training Program: establish a competency framework, curriculum outline, learning objectives, and delivery methods.
• Prepare practical training materials, such as case studies, role plays, simulation exercises, and checklists.
• Pilot the program with a group of investigators and prosecutors to test relevance and effectiveness.
• Revise and finalize the manual and training package based on feedback from the pilot.

4. Deliverables

1. Inception Report outlining methodology, work plan, and draft structure.
2. Draft Training Manual (trainer’s guide and participant handbook).
3. Draft Minimum Training Program (competency framework and curriculum).
4. Pilot Training Report summarizing results, feedback, and recommendations.
5. Final Training Manual and Minimum Training Program, ready for rollout.

5. Timeline

The assignment will be completed within 8 weeks, as follows:

• Weeks 1–2: Stakeholder consultations and inception report.
• Weeks 3–5: Drafting of manual and training program.
• Week 6: Pilot training and collection of feedback.
• Weeks 7–8: Finalization of deliverables and submission.

6. Mandatory Qualifications and Team Composition

The assignment will be carried out by one consultant firm or consortium team. The team must include:

• Lead Legal/GBV Expert (Team Leader) – with extensive experience in GBV legal frameworks, justice sector reform, and training design.
• Experienced Investigator (Police Professional) – with proven expertise in investigating GBV-related crimes.
• Training/Capacity Building Specialist – with strong background in adult learning methodologies, training curriculum development, and facilitation.

Minimum Requirements:

• Advanced degrees in Law, Human Rights, Criminology, Gender Studies, or related fields.
• At least 7 years of professional experience in GBV investigation, prosecution, or justice sector reform.
• Demonstrated experience in developing training manuals and curricula for justice professionals.
• Proven knowledge of Ethiopian GBV laws and international instruments (e.g., CEDAW, Maputo Protocol, AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls).
• Experience facilitating pilot trainings and adapting materials based on feedback.