
Concern Worldwide
1. Introduction
The Malawi Irish Consortium on Gender-Based Violence (MICGBV), set up in 2014 has diverse membership, representing humanitarian, development, human rights, advocacy, and gender-focused organisations. MICGBV comprises six (6) member organisations: ActionAid Malawi, Concern Worldwide, Irish Rule of Law, Oxfam in Malawi, Self-Help Africa and Trócaire with support from the Irish Embassy in Malawi. Concern Worldwide serves as the Chair, whilst Irish Rule of Law is the Vice-Chair organisation. A formal Secretariat for the Consortium was set up in 2022 and is led by a Secretariat Coordinator.
MICGBV is committed to promoting evidence-based programming on gender equality and gender-based violence (GBV). It supports the Government of Malawi, particularly the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, as well as other key stakeholders, in addressing GBV through shared learning, joint programming, advocacy, and research.
2. Background, Context and Rationale
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) remains a critical public health and human rights issue in Malawi, disproportionately affecting women and girls across all social sectors. Timely, quality and accessible service provision spanning police victim support units, health clinics, courts, social welfare, and traditional gatekeepers is vital for effective prevention, response, and survivor support. However, challenges in service availability, distance and travel time, and geographical coverage limits access of the services to survivors, particularly in rural areas.
The Malawi Irish Consortium on Gender-Based Violence (MICGBV), has been actively implementing GBV-related interventions in the districts of Mzimba, Mchinji, Balaka, Phalombe and Nsanje to mention but a few. Despite significant investment in GBV response, a lack of comprehensive data on the geographical distribution and accessibility of services impedes evidence-based advocacy and policymaking.
The proposed study seeks to apply Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping to identify and visualize the availability, distribution and accessibility of GBV-related services at the Traditional Authority (TA) level in the five districts. The aim is to fill critical data gaps and inform strategic improvements in service delivery and resource allocation at national and district level.
3. Objectives of the Study
The main objective is to map and assess the availability and accessibility of GBV-related services in Mzimba, Mchinji, Balaka, Phalombe and Nsanje districts to inform policy and improve service delivery. Specifically, the objectives are:
- To identify and geolocate key GBV service providers (police victim support units, health clinics, courts, social welfare offices and community gatekeepers) within the catchment areas of Traditional Authorities of Mzimba, Mchinji, Balaka, Phalombe and Nsanje districts.
- To assess population distribution and travel time to the nearest GBV service provider using GIS tools.
- To determine service gaps and overlaps within and between TAs in relation to population density and geographic barriers.
- To generate policy-relevant maps and visualizations that support evidence-based advocacy and programming at district and TA levels.
This study represents a strategic opportunity to bridge the knowledge gap in GBV service provision through innovative use of GIS technology. By aligning data with the lived realities of communities, the MICGBV can drive impactful change in service delivery and support a more responsive, equitable GBV prevention and response framework in Malawi. The following are the intended outcomes of the study:
- A comprehensive geospatial database of GBV service providers at TA level across the five study districts.
- Maps illustrating the availability and accessibility of GBV services, including travel time and coverage gaps.
- District and TA-specific policy briefs with recommendations to improve equitable access to GBV services.
- Strengthened capacity of MICGBV member organizations in using GIS tools for planning and advocacy.
- Enhanced coordination between stakeholders involved in GBV prevention and response.
4. Approach and Methodology
- Data Collection: Field mapping and stakeholder consultations to identify service points, community gatekeepers, population and boundary data.
- GIS Analysis: Use of spatial data to quantify travel times and delineate realistic catchment areas based on road networks, topography, and modes of transport.
- Validation: Ground-truthing with local actors and service users to ensure accuracy of service location and accessibility data.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaboration with district councils, local NGOs, and community representatives to ensure contextual relevance and uptake of findings.
5. Outputs and Deliverables
The consultant will be expected to produce the following outputs:
- An inception report detailing the methodology, sampling approach, data sources, tools work plan and timeline.
- Geospatial Database: A well-structured GIS database of GBV service providers at Traditional Authority level across the five target districts, incorporating coordinates, service attributes, and population overlays.
- High-quality maps showing availability and accessibility of GBV services, including travel time analyses and identification of service gaps or overlaps.
- A comprehensive report summarizing key findings, methodological approach, analyses, and preliminary recommendations, to be presented for feedback.
- A policy brief highlighting key findings and tailored recommendations for local authorities and partners in all districts
- A PowerPoint presentation and an infographic summarizing the key results and recommendations for dissemination at stakeholder meetings.
6. Timelines
The consultancy is expected to be completed within a period of 20 working days from the date of signing of the contract. A detailed work plan will be agreed upon during the inception phase.
7. Reporting
The consultant will administratively report to the MICGBV Secretariat Coordinator. Deliverables will be reviewed by a committee of consortium members specifically chosen for this assignment. The MICGBV Chair and Country Director of Concern Worldwide will be responsible for signing off and approval of the final outputs.
8. Qualifications of the Consultant
Interested candidates should have the following:
- Master’s degree in GIS, Geography, Statistics, Public Health, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or other relevant field with demonstrated expertise in GIS and spatial analysis.
- At least 5 years of proven experience in conducting GIS-based studies or spatial mapping, preferably in Malawi or similar contexts. This includes experience in data collection, spatial modelling, and producing high-quality geospatial outputs for decision-making.
- Strong analytical skills in interpreting spatial data in relation to demographic, health, or social service access.
- Strong knowledge of gender-based violence, advocacy and policy frameworks in Malawi and internationally.
- Excellent communication, report writing and presentation skills
9. Evaluation Criteria
The following will be the technical evaluation scoring criteria:
- Qualification of Team Leader (Relevant qualification, skills and experience) – 10%
- Team Combination and Skillsets (Composition of team and its complementarity) – 10%
- Experience of the consultant in conducting similar or related assignments – 30%
- Study Methodology (Clear and robust methodology) – 30%
- Quality of executive summary reports submitted for similar work – 10%
- Professional references/work completion certificates of previous similar work – 10%
10. Application Procedure
Interested applicants are invited to apply for this consultancy by submitting the following:
- A cover letter expressing their interest for this consultancy
- A technical proposal responding to the terms of reference and outlining the proposed methodology and work plan.
- A financial proposal in Malawi Kwacha valid for at least 60 days
- A portfolio with at least three samples of recent similar work.
- Three professional referees including their full name as well as email and telephone contacts
- Detailed and up to date CVs of the Core Team: Specify the role of each core team member in this assignment, their qualifications & most recent & relevant experience
- Compliance requirements:
- Copy of Company Registration Certificate (if bidding as a company/organisation)
- Copy of National ID/Passport for individual bidders
- Copy of Tax Compliance Certificate for all bidders
Interested bidders should submit the requirements outlined above to malawi.logs@concern.net with the subject of the email as MICGBV/IG820/R-004074 by close of business on 5th August 2025. Bids submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.
Concern’s Purchasing Policy, Terms & Conditions are available at www.concern.net/about/supplies
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