Terms of Reference (ToR)

Title: 

Consultancy To Strengthen National And Regional Sexual And Reproductive Health And Rights (SRHR) Advocacy Coalitions And Engagement With Coalitions In Adjacent Health And Development Sectors 

Location: 

Nairobi, Kenya or Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (with travel across East and Southern Africa)

Duration: 

18-24 months, full-time 

Reporting to: 

Senior VP, Program Strategy & Growth

Background

About PAI

PAI is a nonprofit, civil society organization based in Washington, D.C. Founded almost 60 years ago, we work to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for all people through U.S. and global advocacy, partnerships with multisectoral institutions and the funding of community-based organizations across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. PAI envisions a world where all people can fully realize their SRHR to achieve health equity, economic well-being, and gender equality.

PAI advocates on the global stage and works with policymakers in Washington, D.C., to drive supportive and expansive U.S. foreign aid and policy for sexual and reproductive health care. We also provide flexible funding and strategic and technical advocacy support to community-based, women-led, youth-led and youth-focused organizations in over 30 countries so local advocates can advance sexual and reproductive health investment and policy priorities in their own countries and communities.

 In support of our mission to strengthen civil society and drive policy reforms across East and Southern Africa, PAI seeks a full-time Nairobi- or Addis Ababa-based consultant to lead efforts to strengthen national and regional SRHR coalitions. This includes technical support to increase public financing for SRHR and foster alignment and engagement with adjacent health and development sectors (e.g., universal health coverage, gender equality, HIV, climate resilience, agriculture, education, nutrition).

Objectives of the Consultancy

• To strengthen engagement of national SRHR organizations and coalitions in regional and global fora.
• To increase the advocacy capacity of coalitions with a focus on public financing for SRHR services and commodities and cross-sectoral alignment.
• To deepen engagement between SRHR coalitions and civil society working on adjacent health and development issues.
• To foster collaboration with key regional initiatives and mechanisms.
• To represent PAI in national and regional SRHR and multisectoral advocacy forums.

Scope of Work and Responsibilities

The consultant will:

a. Coalition and Network Strengthening

• Map and analyze the landscape of SRHR and allied civil society coalitions across East and Southern Africa.
• Facilitate the strategic engagement of PAI and national SRHR civil society organizations/coalitions in adjacent health and development spaces, including development of common messages and advocacy asks.
• Support effective communications, coordination platforms, leadership development, and joint advocacy planning within coalitions.

b. Capacity Strengthening and Strategic Alignment

• Identify capacity needs and provide targeted technical support to coalition members, particularly in SRHR budget advocacy, evidence-based policymaking, accountability, and linkages between SRHR and adjacent health and development sectors.
• Support development or refinement of advocacy strategies focused on increasing domestic financing for SRHR, accountability to ICPD+30, PMNCH, FP2030, AU, and related commitments.
• Promote greater coalition engagement with CSOs in adjacent sectors, such as health financing, HIV/AIDS, youth and gender equality, education, agriculture, nutrition, and climate justice, to foster integrated advocacy and resource mobilization.

c. Public Financing and Policy Engagement

• Provide analysis and technical assistance on SRHR budget tracking, public finance management, health commodity financing, and health financing reforms.
• Support coalitions in engaging with ministries of health, environment, agriculture, education, finance, and planning to influence budget cycles and policy decisions.
• Facilitate linkages with parliamentary health, agriculture, environment, planning, and related committees, oversight bodies, and development partners.

d. Engagement with multisectoral and multi-lateral mechanisms in region

• Liaise with the key regional mechanisms as identified by PAI. Serve as a bridge between PAI-supported coalitions and key regional initiatives, ensuring synergy and sharing of tools, resources, and data.

Identify collaboration opportunities with other initiatives as prioritized by PAI. 

Representation and Advocacy Engagement

• Represent PAI and its coalition partners in key national and regional forums, technical working groups, and advocacy platforms.
• Promote visibility and credibility of civil society voices in policy discussions and multistakeholder dialogues.
• Support regional knowledge exchange and learning among PAI partners and broader civil society.

f. Monitoring, Learning, and Documentation

• Submit data and insights through established platforms and support case studies, success stories, and evidence generation efforts for SRHR advocacy impact.

Deliverables

• Inception report and 18-month workplan
• Mapping report of SRHR and cross-sectoral coalitions in the region
• At least 6 coalition-building and strategy workshops
• At least 4 cross-sectoral collaboration initiatives or joint advocacy activities
• 8–10 SRHR financing tools, briefs, or evidence products co-created with partners and PAI staff
• Representation in at least 6 regional or national advocacy forums
• Representation/engagement in other regional or national meetings to advance PAI’s mission
• Engagement in opportunities for business development on an as needed basis
• Quarterly progress reports and final consultancy report with recommendations

Qualifications and Experience

• Advanced degree in public health, international development, gender studies, political science, public policy, or a related field
• Minimum 7–10 years of experience in advocacy, coalition-building, and civil society strengthening in East and Southern Africa at a regional level and in more than one country.
• Deep knowledge of SRHR, public financing, health commodity financing, and regional health/development policy frameworks
• Experience engaging with civil society in across multiple sectors, including health, youth, gender, and development
• Familiarity with key regional multilateral and domestic processes to advance SRMNCH+N Excellent facilitation, strategic communication, and policy analysis skills
• Proven ability to represent organizations in regional and high-level policy spaces
• Fluency in English required; French, Portuguese, or relevant local languages are an asset
• Must be based in and legally authorized to work in Nairobi, Kenya or Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Supervision and Reporting

The consultant will report to PAI’s Sr. VP for Program Strategy & Growth and coordinate closely with program staff, in-country partners, and regional coalitions.

Application Process Requirements

Applicants should submit:

• Cover letter stating the consultant’s approach and how their experience prepares them for this role. Curriculum Vitae
• Two references from similar assignments
• This is a full-time consultancy and consultant must agree to providing services solely to PAI (exclusivity clause)
• Monthly rate 

 Deadline for applications: August 31, 2025