Job Description

1. Background
Child marriage remains a critical issue in Zimbabwe, with approximately 34% of girls married before the age of 18. Despite recent legislative reforms, including the enactment of the Marriages Act (Chapter 5:17), the practice persists due to a combination of socio-economic pressures, cultural and religious beliefs and gaps in the implementation and enforcement of existing laws.
At the regional level, instruments such as the SADC Model Law on Eradicating Child Marriage and Protecting Children Already in Marriage offer comprehensive guidance to member states on aligning national laws with international standards, particularly around setting 18 as the minimum legal age of marriage and establishing protective and remedial frameworks.
Women and Law in Southern Africa (WLSA) Zimbabwe has contributed significantly to the national discourse on this issue through its research, including:
• An Analysis of the Laws and Policies in Place for Protection and Support of Victims/Survivors of Child Marriages in Zimbabwe - A Case Study of Epworth, Harare
• A policy brief titled Imperative Legal, Policy and Institutional Reforms for Enhanced Support and Protection of Child Marriage Victims and Survivors
These resources have informed national dialogues, including engagements with institutions such as the Law Society of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Gender Commission.
To build on these efforts, WLSA Zimbabwe seeks to activate a National Working Group on Child Marriages. This multi-sectoral platform will coordinate and monitor national and subnational efforts to reduce child marriage and provide support for survivors.

Duties and Responsibilities

2. Objective of the Consultancy
The overall objective of this consultancy is to develop a comprehensive Workplan, Terms of Reference (ToRs), and Operational Framework for the National Working Group on Child Marriages. The consultancy will support the activation of this forum, ensuring it is well-positioned to:
• Coordinate multi-sectoral responses
• Address gaps in prevention and survivor support
• Strengthen implementation of the Marriages Act
• Align with regional and international best practices

3. Scope of Work and Specific Tasks
The Consultant will undertake the following:
• Develop a Workplan / ToRs / Operational Framework for the National Working Group on Child Marriages
• Conduct a legal and policy audit of Zimbabwe’s national framework, focusing particularly on the Marriages Act, to identify implementation gaps
• Review international and regional instruments, such as the SADC Model Law, to benchmark best practices and compliance
• Recommend legal and policy reforms, drawing on previous research and national stakeholder engagements
• Facilitate stakeholder consultations, including with government ministries, CSOs, survivors, traditional and religious leaders and legal practitioners
• Draft the Workplan/ToRs for the Working Group, incorporating feedback from stakeholders
• Present findings and the draft framework at a validation meeting for review and endorsement

4. Deliverables
The Consultant is expected to produce the following outputs:
1. Analytical Report that includes:
• Legal and policy gaps on child marriage
• Analysis of compliance with international/regional standards
• Challenges faced by child marriage survivors
• Summary of stakeholder consultations
• Actionable recommendations for reform and coordination
2. Workplan / Terms of Reference / Operational Framework defining:
• The mandate and objectives of the Working Group
• Roles and responsibilities of members
• Governance and coordination mechanisms
• Monitoring and evaluation strategies
3. Presentation summarizing key findings and the proposed framework for delivery at a stakeholder validation meeting

Qualifications and Experience

5. Required Qualifications and Experience
The ideal consultant should possess the following:
• Postgraduate degree in Law, Gender Studies, Human Rights, Development Studies, or related fields
• At least 5 years’ experience in legal or policy research, preferably on child rights, gender equality, or access to justice
• In-depth understanding of Zimbabwean legislation, and international/regional frameworks on child marriage and human rights
• Demonstrated experience in:
I. Drafting legal or policy frameworks
II. Multi-stakeholder engagement and consultation
III. Producing analytical reports and strategic documents
• Excellent writing, presentation and facilitation skills

How to Apply

6. Application Process
Interested applicants are required to submit the following:
• A cover letter outlining relevant qualifications and approach to this assignment
• An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Samples of previous work, such as reports, policy briefs, or ToRs developed
• A proposed workplan and budget, indicating professional fees and timeline

Application Deadline: 22 August 2025
Email Submissions to: [email protected]