COVAW Terms of Reference: Consultancy for Development of TFGBV Guidelines & SOPs Under MASS Programme

Background of the Organization The Coalition on Violence Against Women (COVAW) is a Kenyan women’s rights non-profit organization established in 1995 to address the silence surrounding violence against women and girls (VAWG). Guided by its vision of a society where women and girls enjoy equal rights, freedoms, and thrive in safe spaces, COVAW works across four core areas: increasing access to justice for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), promoting women’s economic empowerment, and fostering women’s leadership and participation in decision-making. Through evidence-based advocacy, policy engagement, and direct service delivery, COVAW deliberately addresses harmful norms, attitudes, laws, and practices that affect the safety and well-being of women and girls. With funding from UNFPA Kenya, COVAW has been onboarded as an Implementing Partner to implement various components of the Making All Spaces Safe (MASS) Programme (2024–2027). The programme is designed to address the growing challenge of Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) by strengthening national systems, embedding TFGBV responses into existing GBV case management and referral mechanisms, and advancing survivor-centered laws and policies. In Kenya, the programme is being implemented in Nairobi, Kisumu, and Mombasa, with a strong emphasis on participatory processes, multi-stakeholder engagement, and alignment with national frameworks on gender equality and GBV. Background of the Project and Rationale Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) has rapidly emerged as a pressing challenge in Kenya, with far-reaching impacts on the rights, safety, and participation of women and girls in digital and offline spaces. Acts such as online harassment, image-based abuse, cyberstalking, impersonation, and doxing have become widespread, undermining survivors’ dignity, well-being, and ability to fully benefit from digital technologies. Recent national studies and assessments confirm that women are disproportionately affected, face unique barriers to reporting, and often lack access to survivor-centered remedies and coordinated responses. Kenya has experienced a marked rise in TFGBV, with multiple studies confirming its prevalence and far-reaching impacts. A 2024 rapid study on TFGBV in tertiary institutions conducted by the Collaborative Centre for Gender and Development (CCGD), the University of Nairobi WEE Hub, and supported by UNFPA revealed that almost 90% of young adults had encountered TFGBV, with female students being disproportionately targeted through online defamation (30.4%) and the non-consensual distribution of intimate content (24.4%). Similarly, the 2024 Gender Survey on TFGBV in Kenya commissioned under the MASS Programme found that 73% of women in Kenya had experienced cyber violence, and that women are 27 times more likely than men to face harassment online. Men were more likely to encounter cyberbullying or trolling, while women faced severe forms such as threats, doxing, sexual harassment, and stalking. The 2025 MASS Programme Baseline Study reinforced these findings, showing that 31% of respondents reported experiencing TFGBV in their lifetime, but only 10% had reported their cases to authorities. Low awareness of TFGBV as a form of “real” violence, lack of trust in law enforcement, and limited survivor-centered services contribute to this underreporting. The study also highlighted that only 48% of respondents felt safe online, and that awareness of laws and digital safety standards remains critically low. The impacts on survivors are severe and multi-dimensional, ranging from psychological trauma, depression, and fear; to social isolation, reputational harm, and stigma; to economic exclusion and reduced participation in public or political spaces. At the institutional level, Kenya faces critical gaps: TFGBV is not recognized or addressed as a form of GBV. Existing laws (e.g., the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, the Data Protection Act, and the Sexual Offences Act) address some manifestations of TFGBV but fail to offer comprehensive protections and are not gender-sensitive. Survivor-centered services remain fragmented, underfunded, and poorly coordinated. Reporting rates remain low due to distrust in authorities and prevalence of victim-blaming responses, creating a chilling effect for survivors seeking justice. To address critical gaps in prevention and response by embedding TFGBV into Kenya’s case management and referral mechanisms in a manner that is sustainable, survivor-centered, and legally sound. To support the national policy reform agenda by providing evidence-based tools and frameworks that align with constitutional principles of equality, dignity, and freedom from violence, as well as Kenya’s commitments under international and regional human rights instruments. The rationale for this consultancy is therefore two-fold: By situating TFGBV within Kenya’s GBV prevention and response architecture, the consultancy will not only strengthen institutional accountability and service delivery but also contribute to broader systemic reforms that ensure women and girls can safely participate in all aspects of digital and social life. Purpose of the Consultancy A. Purpose The overall purpose of this consultancy is to support the Coalition on Violence Against Women (COVAW) in advancing Kenya’s response to Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) under the Making All Spaces Safe (MASS) Programme. Specifically, the consultancy will lead the development of Guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to integrate TFGBV into existing case management and referral systems, ensuring that survivors can access coordinated, survivor-centered, and effective support services. B. Objectives The consultancy aims to: Review best practices in the region or globally on integration of TFGBV into GBV case management systems. Undertake a contextual review of Kenya’s legal, policy and programmatic frameworks to identify entry points for integration of TFGBV into GBV case management systems. Develop Guidelines for the integration of TFGBV into case management systems and referral pathways, ensuring alignment with national GBV frameworks and survivor-centered principles. Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to integrate TFGBV into existing case management systems and referral mechanisms and operationalize the guidelines across multiple sectors, including justice, health, psychosocial support, education, social services, and technology actors. C. Expected Results By the end of the consultancy: The TFGBV Guidelines and SOPs will have been validated and embedded into Kenya’s GBV prevention and response systems. Duty bearers and service providers will have clear, actionable protocols for supporting survivors of TFGBV in a coordinated and survivor-centered manner. The outputs will provide a policy and operational foundation for anchoring TFGBV within national frameworks, thereby strengthening accountability, prevention, and protection efforts. Survivors of TFGBV will be better positioned to access timely and effective support services, reducing barriers to justice and care. Scope of Work/Specific Tasks The consultant will be expected to undertake the following tasks in close collaboration with COVAW, UNFPA, and relevant stakeholders: Inception Phase Hold an inception meeting with COVAW and UNFPA Kenya to agree on scope, methodology, timelines, and roles. Prepare an Inception Report detailing the work plan, methodology, data collection tools, and proposed structure of the Guidelines and SOPs. Contextual and Desk Review Conduct a literature and desk review of existing legal, policy, and programmatic frameworks addressing GBV and TFGBV in Kenya. Identify gaps, opportunities, and good practices from both national and regional experiences to inform the drafting process. Prepare a synthesis report summarizing key findings and recommendations for integration of TFGBV into case management and referral systems. Stakeholder Consultations Facilitate participatory consultations with key stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society, women’s rights groups, technology sector actors, and GBV service providers in Nairobi, Kisumu, and Mombasa. Collect, analyze, and incorporate stakeholder feedback, including from COVAW and UNFPA Kenya, into revised drafts of the Guidelines and SOPs. Development of Draft TFGBV Guidelines Draft comprehensive Guidelines to integrate TFGBV into existing GBV case management systems. Ensure the Guidelines are aligned with survivor-centered approaches and responsive to Kenya’s policy and legal frameworks. Address roles of duty bearers across justice, health, social services, psychosocial, education, ICT/security, and community service sectors. Development of Draft TFGBV Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) Translate the Guidelines into operational SOPs, outlining step-by-step procedures for prevention, reporting, referral, case management, and survivor support. Ensure SOPs include provisions for confidentiality, data protection, survivor safety, and inter-agency coordination. Develop localization and translation versions to ensure accessibility in Kenya’s diverse contexts. Stakeholder Validation Facilitate participatory validation with key stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society, women’s rights groups, technology sector actors, and GBV service providers in Nairobi, Kisumu, and Mombasa. Collect, analyze, and incorporate validation feedback from the stakeholders and UNFPA Kenya into revised drafts of the Guidelines and SOPs and secure consensus and endorsement of the tools. Finalization and Reporting Produce the final TFGBV Guidelines and SOPs, fully incorporating validated inputs and localized adaptations. Submit a Final Consultancy Report summarizing the process, methodology, stakeholder engagement, challenges, and lessons learned. Provide COVAW with both editable and print-ready versions of the Guidelines, SOPs, and supporting documents for national dissemination. Duration The consultancy is anticipated to run for 1 month from the contract's signing date, with timelines to be agreed upon in the inception phase. Expected Deliverables The consultant is expected to produce the following deliverables within the agreed timelines. Payments will be linked to the satisfactory submission and acceptance of each deliverable.The selected consultant should deliver the following via a shared drive: Inception report that includes the work plan, methodology and tools to be used Synthesis report Final guideline document and SOP Translated and localized versions of the documents Final consultancy report and recommendation Skills and Qualifications The consultant (individual or firm) is expected to demonstrate the following qualifications, expertise and competencies: Academic Qualifications Advanced degree in Law, Gender Studies, Social Sciences, Public Policy, Human Rights, or related field. Specialized training in gender-based violence (GBV), technology-facilitated violence, or policy development will be an added advantage. Professional Experience Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive experience in research, policy development, and programme implementation in the field of gender equality, GBV, or related areas. Demonstrated expertise in law and policy reform processes, preferably in relation to GBV/TFGBV or human rights. Proven track record in developing guideline documents, SOPs, or regulatory frameworks, ideally in the Kenyan or East African context. Strong experience in multi-stakeholder consultation processes, including government institutions, civil society, and community actors. Familiarity with Kenya’s legal, policy, and institutional frameworks on GBV and digital safety. Technical Competencies Excellent understanding of survivor-centered and rights-based approaches in addressing GBV/TFGBV. Ability to apply participatory and inclusive methodologies in data collection, analysis, and validation. Strong legal and policy drafting skills, including the ability to translate technical content into clear, actionable guidelines and SOPs. Solid knowledge of domestic, regional and international human rights frameworks relevant to GBV and digital safety (e.g., Maputo Protocol, CEDAW, Beijing Platform for Action, SDG 5 and SDG 16). Other Skills and Attributes Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Kiswahili. Strong analytical, organizational, and facilitation skills. High levels of integrity, professionalism, and ability to maintain confidentiality. Ability to deliver high-quality outputs under tight timelines and with minimal supervision.

Application Process Interested consultants (individuals or firms) are invited to submit their applications via email to [email protected] by 15th October, 2025, with the subject line: “Application – Consultancy for Development of TFGBV Guidelines and SOPs” The application package should include: 1. Technical Proposal – outlining the consultant’s understanding of the assignment, proposed methodology, work plan, and relevant experience. 2. Financial Proposal – (inclusive of all costs) in MS Excel in Kenya Shillings. 3. Curriculum Vitae / Company Profile – highlighting relevant qualifications and experience in relation to GBV/TFGBV, policy development, and participatory research. 4. Samples of Similar Work – at least two recent examples of consultancy assignments or publications relevant to GBV, TFGBV, or policy/SOP development. 5. References – contact details of at least two professional referees. 6. Only complete applications received by the stated deadline will be considered. Shortlisted applicants may be contacted for an interview or requested to clarify elements of their submission. Administrative Issues / Other Notes 1. The consultant’s financial proposal should be all-inclusive, covering professional fees, applicable taxes, communication, and any other related expenses. COVAW will not be responsible for additional costs outside the agreed budget. 2. COVAW will cater for the Conference Facility and Transportation of the Participants. 3. If travel is required for stakeholder consultations or validation workshops, the costs should be clearly included in the financial proposal and should cater for their own transportation to Kisumu and Mombasa if stationed in Nairobi. All travel will be by economy class, and per diem rates should not exceed applicable national standards. 4. All documents, tools, and materials produced under this consultancy shall remain the property of COVAW and UNFPA. 5. The consultant shall maintain strict confidentiality of all information and data, and discussions encountered during the assignment. 6. COVAW reserves the right to amend, postpone, or cancel this consultancy process at any stage. Submission of an application does not constitute any form of commitment or obligation on the part of COVAW.