Consultancy opportunity for Technical Assistance under the Ethiopia Hotspot

The Freedom Fund seeks to engage a consultant for a one-year period to work closely with its Ethiopia team and the Freedom Rising Program Technical Advisor to develop an adapted leadership curriculum and strengthen transformative leadership within the Ethiopia survivor-led coalition. This coalition—comprised of four core survivor-led organizations with a growing membership—aspire to play a central role in advancing the reintegration and empowerment of returnees and survivors of trafficking in Ethiopia. This consultancy is grounded in the belief that transformative leadership is key to sustaining and expanding the survivor movement. The primary objective is to foster survivor-led leadership that is inclusive, trauma-informed, value-driven, and capable of driving systemic change. As such, the consultant will focus on co-developing a tailored curriculum and delivering a capacity-strengthening process aimed at enhancing how survivors lead, collaborate, and might in the future work collectively to achieve common goals. Objectives of the assignment The consultancy aims to work with survivors of exploitation and strengthen their survivor-led leadership by co-creating a transformative leadership curriculum and supporting survivors in building inclusive, trauma-informed, and collaborative leadership practices. Scope of Work The selected consultant, in partnership with the Freedom Fund Ethiopia team and the Freedom Rising Program Technical Advisor, will lead a participatory, survivor-centered capacity-strengthening process focused on transformative leadership. This process will support the survivor leaders to deepen their leadership competencies, foster solidarity, and embed inclusive, trauma-informed practices that enhance collective action and sustainability. The consultancy will involve the following core components: Co-Design of a Transformative Leadership Curriculum Collaborate with the survivor-leaders from the coalition and the Freedom Fund’s technical advisor and team in Ethiopia to co-create a tailored leadership curriculum grounded in the Freedom Rising model and adapted to the Ethiopian context. Review and adapt the existing curriculum designed by Freedom Fund and contextualise it. Ensure the curriculum reflects the lived experiences, aspirations, and intersectional identities of survivors, integrating local values, language, and cultural nuances. Delivery of Capacity Strengthening Activities Facilitate a structured series of workshops and mentoring sessions to strengthen transformative leadership among leaders from the coalition. Topics will include: Non-hierarchical and participatory leadership models that promote shared ownership and collective accountability, including approaches that recognize diverse leadership experiences and promote equitable participation. Trauma-informed safeguarding and protection practices to ensure emotional safety, healing-centered engagement, and ethical leadership. Team-building and “sisterhood” activities that foster trust, emotional resilience, and a sense of collective identity among coalition members. Peer mentorship frameworks to support emerging leaders and enable experienced members to guide and nurture new survivor-led individuals and groups. Ongoing Mentorship Provide structured mentorship and coaching to coalition leaders to reinforce learning, offer tailored support, and address emerging challenges. Lead regular reflection sessions to review progress, surface learning, and adapt the approach based on feedback and evolving coalition dynamics. Strengthen the leaders’ ability to collaborate and engage new survivor leaders, and contribute to a broader coalition of members This consultancy represents a critical investment in strengthening survivor-led leadership in Ethiopia. Through a participatory and context-responsive approach, the consultant will help lay the foundation for a resilient, inclusive, and impactful survivor movement. Specific Deliverables Inception Report A detailed work plan outlining objectives, methodology, timeline, and engagement approach for the 12-month consultancy. Tailored Transformative Leadership Curriculum A context-specific, survivor-centered curriculum co-created through participatory workshops and listening sessions, few training sessions, incorporating themes like non-hierarchical leadership model, trauma-informed safeguarding or peer mentorship strategies will be developed in partnership with the Freedom Rising technical advisor. Facilitated Learning Sessions Delivery of a series of interactive, participatory workshops, covering the core elements of transformative leadership, including trust-building and “sisterhood” activities. Reflection and Learning Reports Briefs or summaries after each major workshop or activity, capturing key learnings, participant feedback, and proposed adaptations. Mid-point reflection report outlining progress, challenges, and recommendations for strengthening impact. Final Synthesis Report A comprehensive report that includes: Summary of activities delivered and tools developed Impact assessment based on participant feedback and outcomes Lessons learned and strategic recommendations for sustaining and/or scaling transformative leadership within the survivor-led movement The format of the final report can be agreed upon with the Freedom Fund team. Qualifications and Experience The Freedom Fund seeks an experienced, thoughtful, and committed consultant with a track record of working alongside grassroots movements, particularly survivor-led and women-led groups. The successful candidate will demonstrate a deep commitment to transformative leadership, participatory practice, and trauma-informed methodologies that reflect the lived experiences of survivors. Essential Experience and Skills (to be demonstrated in the proposal): Transformative Leadership & Facilitation Background in designing and facilitating participatory, non-hierarchical leadership development processes. Demonstrated experience in trauma-informed and survivor-centered capacity strengthening. Ability to create inclusive, reflective, and empowering learning spaces for grassroots leaders. Curriculum Development & Co-Creation Proven ability to collaboratively design leadership development tools, curricula, or learning materials that center community and survivor voices. Experience localizing global frameworks to national contexts, particularly within social justice or movement-building settings. Contextual Understanding & Movement Engagement In-depth knowledge of Ethiopia’s socio-political context, with sensitivity to the structural barriers faced by women, migrants, and survivors of trafficking. Established relationships or experience working with community-based organizations, survivor-led initiatives, or women’s rights movements in Ethiopia. Mentoring & Peer Learning Skilled in supporting the emergence of new grassroots leaders. Ability to support group facilitation, collective reflection, and organizational development. Language & Communication Excellent written and spoken communication in both English and Amharic. Ability to convey complex or sensitive ideas in accessible, empowering language for diverse audiences. Desirable experience with Survivors and Safer Migration Initiatives Proven experience working directly with survivors of exploitation, trafficking, or forced labor, with a strong understanding of ethical engagement and safeguarding. Knowledge of or involvement in safer migration programs and survivor reintegration initiatives, ideally within the Horn of Africa or similar contexts. Demonstrated ability to support survivor-led organizing and elevate grassroots voices in migration-related advocacy and leadership work. Personal Attributes Deeply respectful and power-aware, with a strong commitment to equity, survivor leadership, and creating safe, inclusive environments. Skilled in building trusted relationships across differences, facilitating meaningful participation, and fostering shared ownership. Self-driven and adaptable, able to navigate complexity with clarity and care. Creative, solution-oriented, and detail-conscious—able to balance strategic vision with effective execution. Based in Ethiopia and available to travel to Addis Ababa and potentially other program sites as needed.

Proposal format Interested consultants are requested to submit: - An expression of interest detailing their interpretation of the TOR and work schedule - A detailed budget in USD for proposed costs including all taxes liable to be paid - A capability statement demonstrating how the consultant meet the required qualifications and competencies - Copies of Curriculum Vitae (CVs). - Two references (including one from your last client/employer). - N/B: The entire bid should be a MAXIMUM OF SEVEN (7) pages including the budget. If you believe you are the right candidate to deliver this work, we encourage you to apply — even if you do not meet every listed qualification. We are looking for a consultant with the right experience and approach to successfully carry out this assignment. Please submit your application in English, in accordance with the bid requirements, by submitting your proposal to [email protected]. The closing date for this submission is the 20th of August 2025. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to submit modifications or make a short presentation for the final selection. Your proposal will be scored to the following main criteria - Relevant experience, contextual understanding, and applicable technical skills (including, but not limited to, subject matter expertise and practical experience aligned with the scope of work) - Quality and relevance of the proposal (including understanding of the issue, clarity of approach, and potential to achieve impact) - Value for money (considering the proposed budget in relation to the potential quality and impact of the work, rather than cost alone)