Partners Mapping Process of Oxfam’s Reproductive Health Digital Platform

1. Background

With an emphasis on reproductive health topics, Oxfam Iraq aims to create a comprehensive and engaging digital platform. The purpose of this platform is to improve young people’s access to scientific and evidence-based information related to reproductive health. To be more accessible and meet the needs of Iraqi youth, the site will offer content in Arabic, Kurdish, and English.

At the final stage of the project, Oxfam hopes to transfer ownership of the platform to a local partner in order to ensure its sustainability. It is believed that taking this action is essential to maintaining platform management and continuity. And to that end, Oxfam is seeking a consultant to identify the potential partner for handling the digital platform.

1. Purpose of the Assignment

The purpose of this Terms of Reference (TOR) document is to establish an agreement with a consultant to support identifying and assessing potential partners for the reproductive health digital platform. The consultant is expected to conduct a comprehensive assessment to identify a potential strategic and like-minded organisation to whom the platform can be handed over.

1. Objective

To achieve the objective of partner mapping exercise, the consultant is required to deliver a final report to the Oxfam project team consisting, of a list of potential organisations with experience of operating websites on social development issues and programmes. This should include a comprehensive analysis and identification of the selected potential partners highlighting their strengths, relevancy, areas of improvement, and capacity, additionally, outline best practices for approaching and collaborating with the chosen partner.

1. Methodology

The proposed methodology for the consultant is to follow the steps below to fulfil the assignment:

• Assessment of the Platform

Assess and analyse the platform to have a clear understanding of its vision and purpose through reviewing any relevant documents and consultation meetings with the project team at Oxfam.

• Partners Mapping

Identify key partners including but not limited to healthcare facilities, reproductive health advocacy groups, government agencies, educational institutions, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

• Data Collection and Analysis

Collect qualitative and quantitative data on each potential partner with the aim of analysing and assessing their suitability to handover the platform to.

• Partner Classification

Classify partners based on their level of interest and influence. Develop a comprehensive partner map that visually represents the relationships and dynamics and how compatible they are with the platform’s mission and vision. Additionally, assess their capacity and areas of improvement detailed plan of support and enrolment needed.

• Engagement Strategy Development

Develop tailored strategies for engaging with the potential partners to foster meaningful and safe interaction before and in the transitioning phase to ensure sustainable engagement.

• Finding Reporting and Presentation

Prepare a detailed report that includes the partners map and analysis to represent the findings to the project team and key decision-makers at Oxfam.

1. Deliverables

• A clear workplan identifying each milestone of the assignment clearly.
• Final report that includes the analysis document listing all identified partners with the description of each. As well as a complete comparison of their area of expertise, interests, influence, and impact. And an engagement strategy outlining partner engagement strategies, and communication.
• Final Presentation of partners map and analysis of the findings to the project team and key decision-makers at Oxfam.

1. Payment

Payment to the consultant will be disbursed in three instalments. The first instalment will be issued upon signing the agreement. The second instalment will be provided upon the certification or utilization of 75% of the funds from the previous instalments. The final instalment will be released upon the satisfactory completion of the services.

1. Timeline

The partner mapping process is expected to follow the timeline of a month and a half period maximum from the contracting date. The preferred implementation period is August to October 2024

1. Knowledge and Experience

The following key technical requirements will be taken into consideration when assessing consultants’ technical competencies:

• University degree in relevant fields, including development studies, journalism, or other relevant fields.
• The consultant should have proven previous experience in conducting similar assignments in Iraq/ or MENA.
• Excellent knowledge of the context of reproductive health in Iraq and the challenges facing the country’s communities.
• The presence of the consultant in the field to implement the assessment and data collection.
• Excellent communication and writing skills in English. Kurdish and Arabic are desirable.
• The consultant team should include members who can cover the required deliverables staring from data collection to report and strategy development.