Consultant to Develop a Regional Advocacy Toolkit on the Age of Access

BACKGROUND  

Copper Rose Zambia (CRZ) is a youth-led and women-led organisation that exists to build a conducive environment for young people to thrive in all aspects of their lives. As a youth-led organisation, we are devoted to improving the lives of young Zambians, particularly adolescent girls and young women, by addressing the systemic barriers they face in healthcare, education, and economic empowerment. Since 2015, we have positively impacted over 600,000 young people across the country, and we are just beginning to realise our vision.  

CRZ, through the Advocacy for Meaningful Participation and Leadership in Youth SRHR (AMPLIFY) Health Project supported by the regional SRHR fund under Hivos Southern Africa, is implementing interventions aimed at strengthening youth-led advocacy and improving access to adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services. A key priority under this project is to accelerate coordinated regional advocacy efforts to influence the revision of restrictive Age of Access policies across the East and Southern Africa (ESA) region. These policies continue to limit adolescents’ independent access to essential SRHR services, including contraception, HIV testing, mental health support, and other critical health services. 

As part of this project, CRZ intends to develop a Regional Advocacy Toolkit that will guide stakeholders and partners in the ESA region in undertaking evidence-based and coordinated advocacy. The toolkit will be developed using existing research findings and policy briefs produced by partner organisations, ensuring alignment with ongoing regional efforts.  

OBJECTIVE OF THE ASSIGNMENT  

The objective of this consultancy is to develop a comprehensive, user-friendly, and evidence-based Regional Advocacy Toolkit to support coordinated advocacy for the revision of Age of Access policies for adolescent SRHR services in the ESA region in 15 working days. 

SCOPE OF WORK 

The Consultant will: 

  • Conduct a desk review of existing research findings, policy briefs, and advocacy materials developed by partner organisations; 
  • Synthesise evidence to highlight key barriers, opportunities, and policy gaps related to the Age of Access in the ESA region; 
  • Develop the structure and content of the Regional Advocacy Toolkit; 
  • Translate technical evidence into clear, accessible, and practical advocacy guidance; 
  • Develop key advocacy messages, policy asks, and engagement strategies for different stakeholders (e.g., policymakers, CSOs, youth advocates); 
  • Integrate cross-cutting themes such as youth participation, gender equality, human rights, and inclusion; 
  • Provide practical tools (e.g., advocacy planning templates, messaging guides, stakeholder mapping tools); 
  • Incorporate regional perspectives and ensure adaptability of the toolkit across different ESA country contexts; 
  • Participate in review and validation sessions with CRZ and key stakeholders; 
  • Revise and finalise the toolkit based on feedback received. 

KEY DELIVERABLES 

The Consultant is expected to deliver: 

Inception Report:  (within 3–5 days of contract signing) Methodology and work plan 

Draft Regional Advocacy Toolkit: Comprehensive draft incorporating evidence and practical tools 

Final Regional Advocacy Toolkit: Revised and validated version incorporating stakeholder feedback 

Executive Summary Brief: A concise summary of the toolkit tailored for policymakers and partners 

METHODOLOGY 

The consultancy will be conducted primarily through a desk review approach, utilising: 

  • Existing research findings 
  • Policy briefs 
  • Advocacy materials from partner organizations 

No primary data collection is required unless otherwise agreed with CRZ. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE 

The Consultant should have: 

  • Demonstrated experience in SRHR or policy advocacy 
  • Proven experience in developing advocacy toolkits, policy documents, or similar resources 
  • Strong analytical and writing skills, with the ability to synthesise complex information 
  • Familiarity with the ESA regional policy and advocacy landscape 
  • Experience working with youth-led or rights-based programs is an added advantage 

APPLICATION PROCESS  

Interested candidates should send their application by filling out this link by 30th May 2026. Kindly note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.