Job Description

Introduction

Founded in 2006, Sonke is a women’s rights organisation rooted in feminist principles. We use a rights-based and gender-transformative approach to prevent gender-based violence (GBV) and advance human rights. Our vision is a poverty-free world where women, children, men, and gender non-conforming individuals enjoy equitable, caring, healthy, and fulfilling relationships that strengthen gender-just and democratic societies.

To realise this vision, Sonke works to build the capacity of governments, civil society, and citizens to advance gender justice and women’s rights, prevent GBV, and reduce the spread and impact of HIV and AIDS. Through this work, we contribute to social justice and the eradication of poverty.

Background and context

South Africa continues to face persistently high levels of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). Despite the adoption of progressive laws and policies, implementation has been hampered by weak coordination, limited funding, and inadequate accountability mechanisms.

In 2020, government adopted the National Strategic Plan on GBVF (NSP GBVF 2020–2030) as a ten-year blueprint for a coordinated, multi-sectoral response. The National Council on GBVF was identified as the central coordinating body to drive implementation, oversight, and accountability.

To formalise its role, the National Council on GBVF Act (Act 9 of 2024) was passed. However, its operationalisation has faced delays, and concerns remain around:

• Adequate civil society representation in Council structures.
• The effectiveness of coordination mechanisms across government and other stakeholders.
• The strength of accountability and oversight provisions.

A systematic review is therefore required to assess whether the Act is fit for purpose and to provide recommendations for strengthening its implementation.

Description of the project

This consultancy forms part of Sonke’s project, “Building Inclusive Systems of Accountability and Prevention to Address Gender-Based Violence and Harmful Norms in South Africa”, implemented with support from UN Women.

The project seeks to strengthen state accountability and community mobilisation to address GBVF by:

• Conducting a comprehensive review of the National Council on GBVF Act.
• Developing a scorecard to identify achievements, shortcomings, and recommendations for effective implementation of the Act.
• Disseminating findings through advocacy, digital campaigns, and stakeholder engagement.
• Supporting community-level norm change initiatives with traditional leaders, religious leaders, and men and boys.

By combining national policy advocacy with local-level mobilisation, the project aims to ensure that South Africa’s GBVF response is inclusive, coordinated, and survivor-centred

Purpose of the consultancy

Sonke Gender Justice seeks to engage a qualified consultant to:

1. Conduct a comprehensive review of the National Council on GBVF Act.
2. Develop a scorecard assessing achievements, gaps, and priority areas for reform with a focus on, among other issues: a) Civil society inclusion and representation.Effectiveness of coordination mechanisms. b)Accountability and oversight provisions
3. Provide recommendations to strengthen the implementation of the Act in line with the NSP GBVF.
4. Produce a policy analysis report and a professionally designed scorecard for dissemination.

Expected deliverables

The consultant will deliver:

• Inception Report (methodology, work plan, analytical framework).
• Draft Review Report of the Act.
• Draft Scorecard highlighting achievements, shortcomings, and recommendations.
• Final Report and Scorecard (professionally designed, ready for print and digital dissemination).

Duration of the assignment

The assignment is expected to take 15 days and will be conducted in the period October to November 2025. Sonke will facilitate periodic check-ins to ensure timely delivery and completion of the assignment.

Qualifications of the consultant and evaluation team 

• Postgraduate degree in Law, Public Policy, Gender Studies, or a related field.
• Proven expertise in policy/legal analysis and development of monitoring or scorecard tools.
• Strong knowledge of South Africa’s GBVF policy and legal frameworks, including the NSP GBVF.
• Experience engaging civil society, government, and oversight institutions.
• Excellent research, analytical, and writing skills.
• Ability to produce high-quality, accessible outputs (reports and advocacy tools).

Application process

• CV highlighting relevant experience.
• Technical proposal detailing methodology for the review process and development of the score card as well as a work plan.
• Financial proposal with daily rate and total estimated cost.

Applications should be sent to mpiwa@genderjustice.org.za copying motshidisi@genderjustice.org.za  by 17:00 SAST on 17 October 2025 with the subject line: Consultancy – Review of National Council on GBVF Act.

Sonke appreciates the interest of all applicants. Please note that due to time limitations, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Sonke Gender Justice recognizes the importance of safeguarding and is committed to ensuring it manages any form of risk to ensure that project participants, staff, associates and partners are safe from harm.

For more details visit Sonke Gender Justice website: https://shorturl.at/Am6oe

Employment Status

Project Base

Educational Requirements

Postgraduate degree

Experience Requirements

Any

Job Location

South Africa