Background:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster and hardship, in more than 40 countries worldwide, we partner to put bold solutions into action, helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities now and for the future. Mercy Corps has worked in Jordan since 2003 to implement a variety of programs funded by global public institutions, as well as private donors, to meet the urgent needs of vulnerable populations, build cohesive and civically engaged communities, and increase inclusive economic opportunities. Mercy Corps’ current portfolio in Jordan focuses on three domains: resilient individuals, strong communities and governance, and environmentally sustainable and inclusive economic growth. Mercy Corps integrates cross-cutting themes of youth, gender equality and empowerment, governance, natural resource management, and technology.
Purpose / Project Description:
Tawazon - Promoting the Voice and Leadership of Women Activity is a five-year USAID funded program that will create transformational changes in gender relations at the family, community, and national levels to enhance gender equality and advance women’s leadership in Jordan. This will be achieved through 1) strengthening the enabling environment and institutional capacity and addressing structural barriers for women to fully exercise their rights, express their agency, and freely lead and participate in society without restrictions; 2) partnering with local stakeholders to counter prevailing prohibitive social norms that perpetuate gender inequality, undermine women’s agency to exercise their rights, and prevent transformative change in gender relations; and 3) advancing the inclusive and transparent leadership and decision-making participation of girls and women.
Consultancy Background and Rationale:
Over the past years, to enhance the enforcement of gender-equitable laws, Tawazon conducted a comprehensive mapping of existing legislation to identify areas where improvements and effective interventions are most needed. Tawazon has initiated this work to support JNCW’s mandate to advance the status of women in Jordan. This legislative review, guided by women's empowerment legal expert, pinpointed legislative priorities across economic empowerment, political empowerment, and social protection sectors. As a result of this review, more than 150 discriminatory legal items were identified, and eight key legal priorities were selected to maximize the impact of national efforts, time, and resources in bringing about positive change in Jordan. The work on developing the National Legislative Agenda, based on this legislative review, has commenced by JNCW and it is planned to be launched in December 2024. Additionally, to effectively advocate and mobilize resources around these priorities, civil society organizations (CSOs) have been engaged. During FY24, an advocacy training manual was developed and selected candidates from these CSOs have been trained on using this manual, enabling them to launch advocacy campaigns supporting the recommendations of the legislative review report. Tawazon has also provided financial resources to five civil society organizations to plan and implement advocacy campaigns to support the LA priorities and five more are expected to receive grants for the same purpose in FY25. Moreover, Tawazon will support JNCW in developing a communication plan to educate the public about the key priorities and support efforts to advocate for legislative reforms. This comprehensive approach will significantly advance women's empowerment in Jordan by laying the foundations for sustainable actions towards strengthening the legal framework.
Consultancy Objectives
Since the first version of the legislative review report was developed and submitted to JNCW, several legislative developments have taken place. New by-laws were issued as well as amendments by the Council of Ministers. This necessitates a revision of the legislative review report to ensure it captures these changes to better inform the Legislative Agenda. Therefore, this consultancy objectives are as follows:
- To review and update the “Legislative Review Report” to inform the finalization of the Legislative Agenda.
- To advise on Tawazon’s and JNCW’s advocacy activities and research towards endorsement of the LA’s priorities.
Consultant Activities:
- Review and revise the “Legislative Review Report” in light of recent legislative updates.
- Facilitate meetings focusing on the recommendations of the “Legislative Review Report” and enforcement legal needs in close coordination with JNCW.
- Support JNCW in the finalization of the Legislative Agenda.
- Advise on the design and content of the promotional materials to be produced to spread awareness and communicate the priorities of the Legislative Agenda.
- Prepare a summary of the Legislative Review Report.
- Provide guidance to the advocacy campaigns to be designed and implemented by Tawazon sub-grantees.
- Provide guidance to the research projects to be designed and implemented by Tawazon sub-grantees.
Consultant Deliverables:
1. Revised “Legislative Review Report” including most recent legislative updates as well as any relevant input gathered by the consultant. Prepare an executive summary and promotional material content.
2. Input provided to JNCW to inform the finalization of the Legislative Agenda.
3. Guidance provided to JNCW and Tawazon’s sub-grantees’ advocacy activities including content of messages, approach, opportunities, and appropriate timeframe.
4. Assessment of institutional challenges leading to inconsistent application of selected egalitarian legislation. The assessment should recommend interventions for capacity enhancement of selected institutions.
5. Input provided to the scope of work of research grant RfA and review subgrantees research methodologies and reports and provide feedback.
6. Identify linkages to the National Social Behavior Change Strategy and propose content and target audience.
7. Final assignment report