CONDUCT SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH ON THE EFFECTS OF BARRIERS IN CURRENT ABORTION LAW

By The Inspirer.

1.0 About the Project

The Great Lakes Initiative for Human Rights and Development (GLIHD) is a locally registered non-government organization committed to promoting and protecting human rights and advancing social justice across Rwanda and the Great Lakes region.

With a strong track record of impactful advocacy and policy influence, GLIHD has been at the forefront of championing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) through evidence-based approaches and multi-stakeholder engagement. In its continued efforts to advance SRHR, the Great Lakes Initiative for Human Rights and Development (GLIHD) is currently implementing a two-year project titled “Elevating Reproductive Health and Rights through Harnessing Access to Safe Abortion”, with support from Health Development Initiative (HDI).

This project seeks to advance reproductive health and rights, including access to contraceptives and abortion services in Rwanda, by advocating for law changes and fostering a supportive environment. The overall objective of this project is to actively contribute to the advancement of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in Rwanda by strategically leveraging Public Interest Litigation (PIL) as an impactful means of legal advocacy.

1.2 About the Assignment

GLIHD seeks to engage the services of a competent consultant or consulting firm to conduct scientific research on the effects of barriers in Rwanda’s current abortion law. The research will focus on the lived experiences of women and girls affected by restrictive abortion policies and assess the potential of telemedicine as an alternative approach to improving access to safe abortion services.

This research aims to provide evidence-based recommendations to inform legal reforms and advocacy strategies, contributing to enhanced reproductive rights and healthcare access.

1.3 Objectives of the Assignment

The specific objectives of this assignment are:
• To analyze the legal and policy barriers limiting access to safe abortion services in Rwanda.
• To document the experiences of women and girls who have been affected by restrictive abortion laws.
• To assess the potential impact of telemedicine in improving access to safe abortion services in Rwanda.
• To provide recommendations for policy and legal reforms that can enhance access to safe abortion services.

1.4 Expected Deliverables

The consultant is expected to deliver the following:

i. Inception Report: Presenting the consultant understand, a detailed methodology work plan, methodology, and ethical considerations for the study.
ii. Securing and approval of the research protocol by an accredited ethical review board.
iii. Data Collection Report: Findings from field research, including qualitative and quantitative data on the impact of abortion law barriers.
iv. Draft Research Report: Comprehensive analysis of findings, including case studies and policy implications.
v. Validation Workshop: A stakeholder engagement session to review and validate research findings.
vi. Final Report & Policy Brief: A finalized research report with policy recommendations, along with a concise policy brief for advocacy purposes.

1.5 Key Tasks to be Accomplished by the Consultant

The consultant will be responsible for carrying out the following key tasks:

• Conduct a comprehensive literature review on abortion laws, policies, and their impact in Rwanda.
• Design research methodology, including qualitative and quantitative data collection approaches.
• Obtain ethical approval and develop a study protocol.
• Collect data from sampled districts, including interviews with affected women and key stakeholders.
• Analyze research findings and draft a report with policy recommendations.
• Organize and facilitate a validation workshop to discuss findings with key stakeholders.
• Finalize the research report and develop a policy brief to inform advocacy efforts.

1.6 Duration of the Assignment

This assignment is expected to be completed within a 2-months timeframe.
Activity
Timeline
Inception Report Submission
Within 1 week from contract signing
Ethical Approval & Study Protocol
Within 1 weeks from contract signing
Data Collection
2 weeks from protocol approval
Draft Report Submission
2 weeks after data collection concludes
Validation Workshop
Within 1 week of draft report submission
Final Report & Policy Brief
Within 1 week after the validation workshop

1.7 Qualifications of the Desired

Consultant/Consulting Firm
Interested consultants or consulting firms should meet the following qualifications:

• A relevant degree in Law, Public Health, Health Policy, Medicine, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in the health sector, with proven expertise in health-related research, data collection, analysis, and policy development.
• Experience working with international and local health organizations, NGOs, or government bodies in the health sector.
• Proficiency in both qualitative and quantitative research methods, including data collection, analysis, and evaluation.
• Familiarity with health data management systems and relevant software (e.g., SPSS, STATA, R, or specific health-related platforms).
• Strong ability to interpret health data, draw actionable insights, and translate them into policy recommendations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly present findings to diverse stakeholders, including health professionals, policymakers, and community members.
• Proven track record of successfully conducting health assessments, evaluations, or studies, including reporting and dissemination.

1.8 Application Process

Interested and qualified consultants or firms should submit their technical and financial proposals, including a detailed work plan, methodology, and relevant experience, to GLIHD office KN 123ST, NYARUGENGE, RUGUNGA not later than 6th December 2024 at 17h00 local time. The submission should include:
• A financial proposal with a breakdown of costs.
• CVs of the consultant(s) highlighting relevant qualifications and experience.

1.9 Selection Criteria

The selection of the consultant will be based on the following criteria:
• Demonstrated expertise in health research, policy analysis, and legal advocacy.
• Proven experience in conducting qualitative and quantitative research on SRHR.
• Understanding of Rwanda’s legal and health policy framework regarding abortion and reproductive rights.
• Cost-effectiveness of the financial proposal.
• Availability and ability to complete the assignment within the given timeframe.

1.10 Contact Information

For any inquiries related to this Terms of Reference, please contact GLIHD via email at glihd.org@gmail.com.

Done in Kigali,
19th November 2024

Dr. Tom MULISA

Executive Director
GLIHD