Terms of Reference for the Development of the National Plan of Action for Child Rights and Business (2025 – 2030)

Government of Malawi
TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NATIONAL PLAN OF ACTION FOR CHILD RIGHTS AND BUSINESS (2025 – 2030)

TITLE: TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NATIONAL PLAN OF ACTION FOR CHILD RIGHTS AND BUSINESS (2025 – 2030)

DURATION 60 days

REPORTING TO: Director of Planning and Research – Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare

BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Malawi is advancing its economy and expanding its private sector activity, hence the impact of business on children, both positive and negative, is becoming increasingly evident and pressing. Children are affected by business operations in multiple ways: as consumers, young workers, children of employees, and as members of communities impacted by corporate practices. Some businesses expose children to child labour, harmful advertising, environmental degradation, and displacement caused by large-scale land use and to some extent natural disasters. Yet, despite being deeply affected, children remain among the most invisible and underrepresented groups in business decision-making processes. Their perspectives are rarely taken into account in planning, policy, or corporate accountability frameworks and even monitoring of the impact of the business operations.

The need for a more structured and coordinated approach to address these issues is therefore urgent. Malawi has committed to several international and regional human rights instruments, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC), and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These obligations require the State not only to protect children from harm but also to ensure that all sectors including businesses respect, support and fulfil children’s rights. Despite the availability of such guidance, Malawi currently lacks a national mechanism to systematically engage the private sector and other stakeholders on Child Rights and Business issues. The country also does not have a National Action Plan (NAP) on Child Rights and Business to guide the integration of child rights into business plans, policies, practices and assessment of the impact. This gap limits coordination, accountability, and alignment with Malawi’s child protection commitments, while also missing opportunities for the private sector to contribute meaningfully to children’s well-being.

It is against this background that the Government of Malawi (GoM) seeks to develop the National Action Plan on Child Rights and Business.

RATIONALE

Following the growing recognition of the critical role that the private sector plays in advancing or hindering children’s rights, Malawi continues to strengthen its child protection systems and promote inclusive development. Businesses, both large and small, directly and indirectly impact children through employment practices, environmental footprints, natural disasters, marketing strategies, supply chains, and the delivery of goods and services. While the private sector holds significant potential to support child development and well-being, this potential needs to be guided by clear plans, policies, standards, accountability mechanisms, and monitoring and evaluation.

Currently, Malawi does not have a dedicated national framework that systematically integrates child rights considerations into business practices. In light of this gap, and in alignment with international and regional instruments, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, UN Committee on the Rights of the Child General Comment No. 16, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child there is an urgent need to develop a National Action Plan on Child Rights and Business.

The NAP will address the Capacity/Knowledge gap on Child Rights and business, in order to enable businesses operate with full consideration of their impact on children wellbeing, improve coordination between government and business entities, mainstream children rights in environmental and social impact assessments for projects and strengthen child sensitive corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ethical labor practices to prevent child exploitation.

OBJECTIVE OF THE ASSIGNMENT
The overall objective of the assignment is to develop a National Action Plan on Child Rights and Business for Malawi through a participatory, evidence-based process that is aligned with national priorities, regional and international standards in Child Rights and Business.

SCOPE OF WORK

1. A situational analysis on Child Rights and Business on relevant international, regional and national legal frameworks including Legislations, policies, strategies, plans and reports through a desk study;
2. Consultations with key stakeholders at national, district and community levels to identify key problems, issues, practices, stakeholders, and interventions on Child Rights and Business;
3. Prioritize issues and design strategic objectives and thematic interventions that address and respond to key issues on child rights and business in liaison with the Child Rights and Business Technical Committee (CRBTC);
4. Develop a costed NAP on Child Rights and Business with a Specific Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timebound (SMART) result matrix, implementation plan, resource mobilization, communication plans and coordination framework; and
5. In liaison with the CRBTC validate the NAP on Child Rights and Business.
6. Finalize and submit the NAP

DELIVERABLES

1. An Inception Report that details understanding, suggested methodology and approach for the assignment, work plan with realistic time frame, and data collection tools;
2. A process report that documents key issues from consultations as well as situation analysis (desk review);
3. Draft National Action Plan on Child Rights and Business that is costed with a result matrix, advocacy, resource mobilization and implementation plan, and coordination framework;
4. Validated draft National Action Plan on Child Rights and Business (2025-2030) incorporates feedback from task team; (both word and power point);
5. Submit soft and hard copy of the NAP, power point presentation of the NAP and Process report

EXPERIENCE

1. Education and expertise: A Master’s degree and strong educational background in a relevant field such as social sciences, law, developmental studies, international development, public health, gender studies, or human rights is valuable. Specialized knowledge and expertise in child rights, child protection, gender equality, and related areas are important for effectively addressing the issue.
2. Experience: A minimum of five (5) years relevant experience in strategy or NAP development on child rights programming at national level. Experience in strategy development, program design, implementation, and evaluation related to child rights and business is highly required.
3. Knowledge of child rights and international frameworks: A solid understanding of child rights, international human rights frameworks, and relevant conventions such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child, African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, UN General Comment No. 16 as well as national policies and the legal framework is essential. Familiarity with global, regional and national initiatives and strategies to promote child rights and business is also valuable.
4. Analytical and research skills: The consultant should possess strong analytical skills to assess the legal and policy frameworks, identify gaps in existing policies and interventions, and develop evidence-based solutions. Proficiency in conducting research, data analysis, and synthesizing information from various sources is important for informed decision-making and NAP development.
5. Stakeholder engagement and collaboration: Child right and business is an emerging and complex issue that requires collaboration among various stakeholders, including government social service workforce, development partners (DPs), Non-Governmental Organization (NGOs), business community, community leaders, academic & research institutions, religious institutions, and civil society organizations as well as the children themselves. Excellent communication, negotiation, and facilitation skills are necessary to engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders to develop effective NAP.
6. Advocacy and policy expertise: Knowledge of advocacy techniques, policy analysis, and engagement with policymakers is valuable in developing comprehensive strategies and influencing policy reforms at local, national, and international levels. Familiarity with legal frameworks, national policies, and international
   commitments related to child rights and business is important.
7. Monitoring and evaluation: Competence in designing child rights programs and strategies monitoring and evaluating frameworks c is crucial. Experience in developing indicators, data collection methods, and evaluation frameworks is beneficial.
8. Language and communication skills: Fluency in English and Chichewa languages, both written and verbal, knowledge of other local languages i.e. Yao, Tumbuka is advantageous for effective communication with stakeholders in different regions. Strong writing skills are important for preparing reports, proposals, and advocacy materials.
9. Commitment and passion: Demonstrate a genuine dedication to child rights, child rights and business gender equality, and social justice is essential.

SCHEDULE OF PAYMENT

METHOD OF APPLICATION
Interested candidates must send a Technical and Financial proposal to the address below not later than Monday, 11th August 2025. The Technical Proposal should not be more than five (5) pages long and should clearly outline how the candidate will approach the assignment and ensure that the task is completed within the defined timeline. The Financial Proposal should detail the Consultancy fee and all other costs associated with the delivery of the assignment.

The Secretary for Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare,
Capital Hill,
Private Bag 330, Capital City,
Lilongwe 3.
Attention: The Acting Director of Child Affairs