TOR for the Development of Lobby and Advocacy Guidelines for the Strengthening Ophthalmic Care Project

Job Description

Background:

Cheshire Ethiopia is a non-governmental organization that works to promote the rights of people with disabilities in Ethiopia. The organization is currently implementing the Strengthening Ophthalmic Care Project, which aims to improve access to quality eye care services in the country. The project targets persons with disabilities, particularly those with visual impairments, and aims to increase their access to eye care services and reduce the burden of preventable blindness in the country.The project also aimsto strengthen the capacity of health workers, and increase awareness among communities about the importance of eye health.

 Cheshire Ethiopia is seeking the services of experienced consultants to develop two parallel guidelines; one for ‘lobby and advocacy’ guideline to Strengthening Ophthalmic Care and the other ‘community awareness raising’ guidelinethat will be used to engage communities on the importance of eye health.

Scope of Work:

• The consultantis expected to develop two parallel guidelines.
• One is a lobby and advocacy guideline for Strengthening Ophthalmic Care which will focus on creating a roadmap for Cheshire Ethiopia and its partners to engage with relevant stakeholders and advocate for improved eye care services for persons with disabilities.
• The consultant will also be responsible for developing community awareness raising guideline that will be used to engage communities on the importance of eye health. The guidelines development process is expected to be in a way involving all potential informing stakeholders including the Ministry of Health and Regional Health Bureaus, relevant sectors offices, universities, CSOs working in the area and others.

 The specific objectives are as follows:

• Conduct a desk review of existing materials related to community awareness raising on eye health and policies, strategies and legislations relevant for inclusive eye care services.
• Conduct key informant interviews and focus group discussions to understand the current situation, challenges and opportunities to inform awareness and advocacy initiative necessary for promoting inclusive eye health services
• Develop a comprehensive guideline for community awareness raising on eye health that includes strategies, messages, and recommended sets of activities that are culturally appropriate and responsive to the local context.
• Develop a comprehensive guideline for advocacy and lobby to strengthen ophthalmic care in the country

 Methodology:

• The consultant will use a participatory approach to develop the community awareness raising and advocacy and lobby guidelines. The following methodologies are assumed to be deployed least;
• Desk review of existing materials related to community awareness raising on eye health.
• Conducting key informant interviews and focus group discussions with relevant stakeholders.
• Developing and testing awareness raising messages and activities with community members and volunteers.

Deliverables:

• The consultant will be expected to deliver the following:
• An inception report including the outlines of the two parallel guidelines after consultation with the Cheshire Ethiopia core team.
• A comprehensive guideline for community awareness raising on eye health that includes strategies, messages, and activities that are culturally appropriate and responsive to the local context.
• A comprehensive lobby and advocacy guidelines document that outlines the strategies, key messages, and tools that Cheshire Ethiopia and its partners can use to advocate for improved eye care services especially targeting persons with disabilities.
• A presentation of the guidelines and toolkit including identified workable awareness creation strategies, key messages and activities as organized by Cheshire Ethiopiato Cheshire Ethiopia staff and stakeholders.

 Timeline:

• The consultancy is expected to take place over a period of six weeks. The consultant will be expected to deliver the final report and toolkit no later than six weeks from the date of contract signing.

Job Requirement

Requirements:

• The consultant should demonstrate the following qualifications and experience:
• A consultant that have legal certificate of related consultancy that owns trade license, Tin and VAT number
• A degree in public health, public policy, advocacy, or a related field.
• Experience in developing and implementing advocacy and lobbying strategies in the health sector.
• Experience in developing community-based health programs, with a focus on awareness raising.
• A proven track record of working with civil society organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders to promote health policy and practice.
• Excellent communication and writing skills in English.