Consultancy – Youth-related Reproductive Health Policy Analysis within the KRI – Engaging with the Ministry of Health Research At Oxfam GB

Background

Oxfam is an international confederation counting 22 organizations working together with partners and local communities in more than 90 countries.

Oxfam has been working in Iraq since the 1990s with both an expanding and contracting presence. At present, Oxfam works through four offices across the country.

Oxfam in Iraq’s strategy is shaped around 3 key pillars 1) Humanitarian response 2) Governance and 3) Equality. Within each of these pillar’s interventions cover the following sectors: Emergency Food Security and Vulnerable Livelihoods, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Justice between men and women and Protection, and Local Humanitarian Leadership.

Purpose of the Research

The research will provide a comprehensive assessment of the current regulations, legal frameworks and policies that govern RHR in KRI and how youth-friendly they are in terms of access and suitability to their needs. The assessment will include identifying needs, gaps, and opportunities. It will further assess young people’s access to quality RHR in KRI and identify barriers affecting their ability to fully exercise their rights from different aspects, including legal, economic, and social. It will also examine gaps in young people’s knowledge and awareness of existing policies and regulations that grant access to their rights, as well as the impact of social norms on their ability to access these services.

The research will further provide recommendations for policy and legal reforms to promote youth-friendly policies. The research shall consider the below points.

• Overview of the demographic profile of youth in KRI. Role of the Ministry of Health in shaping these policies.
• Analys existing policies, legislations, and legal frameworks that governs provision on RHR services in KRI.
• Identification of gaps or inconsistencies in current policies.
• Identify areas for future research on youth reproductive health.

Scope of the Research

The focus of the research will be on analyzing youth reproductive polices in Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) and access their affectedness. The analysis will cover policies and regulations implemented, with a focus on current practices and emerging trends. The research will utilize both qualitative and quantitative data, including surveys, interviews, and policy documents. This research aims to inform policy improvements and enhance reproductive health outcomes for youth in the KRI.

Proposed research question:

To what extent do the current legal frameworks, policies, and regulations governing Reproductive Health Rights (RHR) in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) meet the needs of young people, and how well-informed are the young people about these policies? Furthermore, what gaps or barriers impact their ability to access and benefit of a quality RHR services.

Methodology:

The methodology will include:

A literature review (desk review). The consultant will propose the scope and depth of such review as background to the research, considering the subject matter of the research while considering the restrictions in the timeframe (see hereafter). The consultant is encouraged to redefine the research questions based on the preliminary findings of the desk review.

(Preliminary mapping of the key stakeholders who will be part of the data collection process. This will include but not limited to young people, stakeholders from ministry of health, health specialists, policymakers, Young People, and members of the general public. (This will be supported by Masarouna Iraq team)

Primary data collection – both quantitative and qualitative. The consultant is encouraged to propose specific research methods, explaining how these will inform the research.

Other methods upon needs.

Deliverables

1. Literature review: Draft and final literature review.
2. Mapping exercise of the existing policies and regulations related to RH of youth.
3. Final research outline based on the preliminary findings sourced from the literature review.
4. Preliminary mapping of key stakeholders who will be part of the data collection process
5. Tools for data collection: Draft and final primary data collection tools.
6. Data: Primary data collection
7. Analysis: Draft and final analysis included in a research report.
8. Final report: Draft and final report; to be completed no later than the end of December
9. Final presentation of the findings and recommendations of the research with selected audience to be confirmed in light of the results of the research in the presence of a targeted audience

Timeframe

The research may take two months to complete. A suggested timeframe would be:

1. Inception phase: Early November
2. Data Collection Phase: Mid- November
3. Reporting and Feedback Phase: Early December
4. Final version and Presentation: End of December

Ethical requirements, safeguarding and confidentiality

Do no harm. The consultant will adopt a gender-sensitive approach, inclusive of all participants, culturally sensitive and participatory, they will ensure the application of the “do no harm” principle.

RH is considered a sensitive topic in the region; the consultant should respect the privacy and confidentiality of stakeholders participating in the data collection process.

The consultant shall respect the Oxfam code of conduct and the guidance regarding safe programming.

Lastly, the service Provider shall not use or disclose to any person during or at any time after service provider’s engagement by Oxfam any information relating to Oxfam’s business and operations or any other matters which may come to Service Provider’s knowledge whilst providing the Services and which may reasonably be regarded as confidential (Confidential Information).

Supervision and management

The Masarouna team will provide technical and practical supervision to the consultant/ consultant team.

Budget

The consultant budget should include, but is not limited to, all projected costs for the assignment among them:

1. The rates per day per individual in the teams with indicative LOE.
2. The costs of translation of materials for the training (if needed).
3. Per cost category (e.g. daily fees)
4. Per Phase/Deliverables.

The consultant will be responsible to cover the following costs:

Transportation & accommodation for the consultant to travel to the country (Iraq) (if not in- country).

Transportation & accommodation for the consultant and participants while in the country.

The venue, meals, and other needs for the implementation of the programme.

Qualifications

Competences and qualifications of the consultant – whether an individual, team, or firm, should demonstrate the following minimum requirements:

• Educational background: educational background in gender or feminist studies, social or political sciences, or similar, relevant fields;
• Overall expertise and experience, demonstrated through lists of similar assignments, projects or activities, lists of publications, samples of reports,
  • Solid experience in research in a relevant field;
  • Direct experience of research and/or programming work in the Middle East, preferably in Iraq or in a similar context;
  • Demonstrated capacity in both quantitative and qualitative research
• Other skills and commitments:
  • Fluency in English, Kurdish and Arabic is desirable;
  • Ability to travel to KRI;
  • Familiarity with Oxfam’s mission; adherence to the organizational code of conduct and safe programming principles.