Design of Strategy for Young Feminist Participation in the 12th AWID Forum for the Association for Women’s Rights in Development

Terms of Reference for Design of Strategy for Young Feminist Participation in the 12th AWID Forum for the Association for Women’s Rights in Development

Location: Flexible / Closing Date: Sunday, July 31, 2011

Objectives
The Association for Women’s Rights in Development (AWID) is seeking to engage a Consultant to develop a detailed strategy to promote the effective participation of young feminists at the next AWID Forum on Transforming Economic Power to Advance Women’s Rights and Justice to be held in Istanbul in April 2012.

Background
Since 2001, AWID has supported young women in their efforts to advance women's rights and has advocated for the inclusion and participation of young women in women’s rights organizations, debates and strategies so that their unique experiences and perspectives can contribute to strengthening women’s rights organizing.

The outcomes of the initiative are to:
• Young feminist initiatives in different regions are supported and adequately-resourced, contributing to the advancement of women’s rights
• Key donor and policy agendas adequately reflect the particular perspectives and needs of young women, and young women are active participants in the design of these agendas

At the last AWID International Forum, held in Cape Town in 2008, young women made up almost a third of all participants and were present across the Forum program in a range of diverse roles including plenary speakers and session organizers. Every day young feminists met as a caucus to discuss issues emerging from the Forum and throughout the four days, pink scarves were distributed to those engaging in multigenerational conversations. More information is available here: http://awid.org/Homepage/Forum/new-forum/Young-Feminist-Activism-and-Intergenerational-Relationship-Building

Scope of Work
The maximum period of the contract will be 30-35 working days over a period of three months (August - October 2010).
The Consultant will be required to:
• Examine the evaluation of the 2008 Forum to identify the strengths and weaknesses of young feminist participation.
• Develop a detailed and comprehensive strategy for young feminist participation at the 2012 AWID Forum;
• Prepare a complete implementation plan for the approved strategy, including a resource list and a draft budget estimate.

Deliverables
The Consultant will be required to present a final strategy, subject to approval by AWID, setting out:
• Goals of the proposed strategy;
• A detailed analysis of and proposals for the most strategic and effective participation of young feminists at the 2012 Forum
• An implementation plan, including a detailed resource list and estimated budget

Competencies
Eligible consultants must have the following competencies:
• Experience of activism with young women’s organizations or initiatives working for women’s rights in the global South and/or Central and Eastern Europe
• Proven experience of planning and implementing strategies led by or about young women in global or regional contexts to meet specific objectives
• Demonstrated experience of planning and implementing activities to foster the inclusion and participation of young women at large events.
• Familiarity with international, regional and local women’s rights, development, human rights and other key organizations and players related to women’s rights
• Familiarity with youth empowerment strategies and with basic characteristics of youth movements around the world
• Excellent command of English (oral and written). Spanish and/or French an asset.
• A collaborative working style, able to listen and learn from a range of actors as well as draw on strong influencing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work to a deadline and on budget

Applications
If you are 30 years old or less and have the experience and relevant qualifications to undertake this consultancy, please submit the following:
1. Cover letter (not to exceed one page) demonstrating how your experience relates to the above qualifications as well as your estimate of days required and compensation expectations
2. Your CV
3. Two references from past clients

Send completed applications by fax or email to:
Fax: +416 594 0330
E-mail: jobs@awid.org (please include YFA Consultant in the subject line)

No phone calls please. Only email and faxed applications will be accepted. The deadline is Sunday, July 31, 2011. We thank all who apply, but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. AWID encourages, promotes and supports diversity in all aspects of its work.