Consultancy Opportunity: Data Mining, Analysis, and Production of Human Impact Stories on women’s health for Policy Reform Advocacy
Consultancy, Research Jobs
- Expires 25 Aug 2025
- Harare
- Full Time
Job Description
Background
Women and Law in Southern Africa Zimbabwe (WLSA) is implementing the Enhancing Gender Responsiveness in Health Law and Policy in Zimbabwe (EGRHPZ) project. This initiative aims to improve access to maternal health rights for women and girls by advocating for gender-sensitive reforms in Zimbabwe’s health laws, policies, and practices. Despite significant health challenges, including a maternal mortality rate estimated between 363 and 462 per 100,000 live births, WLSA seeks to influence policy through data-driven advocacy and stakeholder engagement.
WLSA’s project employs a multifaceted approach, leveraging legal analysis, data collection, and collaborative advocacy strategies to promote health equity. The overall goal is to empower women and girls to advocate for their rights actively and engage in public forums, thereby fostering a collective movement for gender-sensitive health policy reforms.
Purpose of the Assignment
The consultancy aims to lead a comprehensive review of existing data on women’s health, focusing specifically on maternal health, sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), abortion, and access to services. To achieve this, the consultancy will follow a structured methodological approach that includes the following key components:
1. Data Identification and Collection:
o Types of Data: The consultancy will identify quantitative data (such as health statistics, service utilization rates, and demographic information) and qualitative data (including personal narratives, stakeholder interviews, and case studies) related to women's health issues.
o Sources: Data will be mined from a variety of reputable sources, including government health reports, academic studies, NGO publications, health service provider records, and international health organizations. This multi-source approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of the current landscape of women’s health.
2. Data Mining and Analysis:
o The consultancy will employ advanced data mining techniques to extract relevant information from the identified sources. This will involve analyzing patterns, trends, and gaps in the data concerning women’s health rights.
o A mixed-methods approach will be utilized, combining both quantitative analysis (e.g., statistical evaluations) and qualitative analysis (e.g., thematic analysis of narratives) to provide a well-rounded perspective.
3. Story Collection:
o The consultancy will engage in the collection of personal stories and experiences from women and girls regarding their health rights. This will involve conducting interviews, focus groups, and surveys to capture diverse voices and perspectives.
o Special attention will be given to underrepresented groups to ensure inclusivity and a comprehensive understanding of the barriers faced in accessing health services.
4. Production of Impactful Narratives:
o The data and stories collected will be synthesized into compelling narratives that highlight the challenges and triumphs of women in relation to their health rights. These narratives will be designed to resonate with a wide audience, including policymakers, stakeholders, and the general public.
o The consultancy will ensure that these narratives present a clear gendered perspective, emphasizing the specific needs and rights of women.
5. Use of Data and Narratives:
o The outputs, including reports, infographics, and narrative stories, will be utilized for public education campaigns aimed at raising awareness about women’s health issues.
o The narratives will serve as powerful tools for stakeholder engagement, facilitating dialogues with policymakers and advocating for necessary legal and policy reforms.
o The consultancy will also provide recommendations based on the findings, guiding stakeholders on effective strategies to address identified gaps and improve health services for women.
Duties and Responsibilities
Objectives
The consultancy will contribute to the following objectives:
• Collaborate with the WLSA MEAL specialist to systematically mine and analyze existing data related to sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), maternal health, and abortion from a gender justice perspective. This will include identifying key indicators and trends that highlight disparities in access and outcomes.
• Collect and document human impact stories through in-depth interviews and testimonials from cervical and breast cancer patients and survivors. These stories will focus on their medical access challenges and the broader impact of the disease on their health, families, communities, and caregivers.
• The stories will be transformed into multimedia formats, such as documentaries or podcasts, to effectively convey personal experiences and systemic issues.
• Create advocacy-ready multimedia materials based on the collected stories. This will include:
a) Documentaries that showcase individual journeys, highlighting access challenges and support systems.
b) Podcasts featuring discussions with survivors, healthcare providers, and experts, providing insights on the importance of policy reform.
• Specify that these materials will be used for educational purposes, raising awareness among policymakers, healthcare providers, and the public about the urgent need for improved health services.
• Compile findings into engaging formats, including:
a) Video presentations that combine personal stories with statistical data.
b) Thematic briefs summarizing key insights and recommendations for policy changes.
c) Infographics that visually represent data on health access challenges faced by women.
• Ensure that all materials are designed for use in policy forums and advocacy campaigns, promoting informed discussions and driving legislative action.
Scope of Work
The consultant will be expected to:
1. Conduct interviews, testimonies, and focus group discussions with various stakeholders, including women, adolescent girls, survivors of violence, disabled women, healthcare workers, and legislators.
2. Apply a gender justice and intersectional lens to analyze and synthesize findings from collected data and stories.
3. Create 10–15 compelling human interest stories in written and multimedia formats.
4. Organize and package these stories into video human impact stories, thematic advocacy briefs, and campaign-ready presentations for effective dissemination and advocacy.
Deliverables
• Inception Report detailing methodology, workplan, and ethical guidelines
• Data Mining and Analysis Summary
• 10–15 Human Impact Stories in various formats (written, video, infographic)
• 3–5 Thematic Advocacy Briefs
• Final Advocacy Presentation/Slide Deck
Qualifications and Experience
Required Expertise and Qualifications
• A relevant degree in journalism, videography, communications, public health, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in storytelling within human rights or health contexts, particularly related to women's issues.
• Strong understanding of gender justice, intersectionality, and feminist principles.
• Proven ability to produce advocacy-ready materials, including briefs, videos, and infographics.
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with a knack for creating engaging multimedia content.
• Familiarity with the Zimbabwean policy landscape and its implications for women's health is highly desirable.
• Experience working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including community members, organizations, and government entities.
How to Apply
Application Process
Interested candidates are invited to submit:
• A technical proposal outlining their approach and methodology.
• A financial proposal detailing the budget for the assignment.
• CV(s) of the consultant(s) or team members.
• Samples of previous work on budget analysis or public engagement.
Submission Deadline
Applications should be sent to procurement315@gmail.com by 25 August 2025
