Female Students Network (FSN) is seeking a consultant to develop a comprehensive, practical and user-friendly Advocacy Toolkit to strengthen and institutionalise its advocacy model.
The toolkit will build on FSN’s work in gender equality, prevention of sexual harassment and gender-based violence (SGBV), Technology Facilitated SGBV (TFGBV), and promotion of female student leadership across tertiary institutions.
It will guide female students, Advocacy Teams, young women leaders and other stakeholders in designing and implementing coordinated, evidence-based and rights-driven advocacy initiatives.
Job Summary
- Employer: Female Students Network (FSN)
- Job Type: Contract
- Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
- Category: Project Management
- Closing Date: 2026-10-05
Key Responsibilities
- Review existing FSN advocacy initiatives, research outputs, policy engagement efforts and programme tools.
- Conduct participatory consultations with female students, student leaders, alumni, stakeholders and institutional partners.
- Develop an Advocacy Toolkit reflecting FSN’s feminist and rights-based approach.
- Develop strategies for preventing and responding to sexual harassment and GBV in tertiary institutions.
- Cover policy analysis, influencing and institutional engagement.
- Integrate communication, storytelling and digital advocacy approaches.
- Include stakeholder mapping, alliance building and movement strengthening.
- Address safeguarding, ethics, confidentiality and professional boundaries.
- Incorporate disability inclusion and intersectional approaches.
- Develop practical advocacy planning, campaign design, messaging and stakeholder engagement tools.
- Develop Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) frameworks.
- Develop risk management and safeguarding checklists.
- Facilitate a stakeholder validation workshop.
- Finalise the toolkit in accessible digital and print-ready formats.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in Social Work, Development Studies, Gender Studies, Public Policy, Education or a related field.
- At least 5-7 years of relevant experience developing advocacy tools, frameworks or policy influence strategies, preferably in gender equality.
- Demonstrated experience working with student-led movements, feminist organisations or civil society organisations.
- Strong understanding of feminist, gender-transformative and rights-based approaches.
- Knowledge of safeguarding and disability inclusion.
- Proven experience developing practical toolkits, training manuals or knowledge products for diverse audiences.
- Strong facilitation, analytical and strategic communication skills.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
How to Apply
Apply by email: admin@femalestudentsnetwork.org
About the Company
The Female Students Network (FSN) is a Zimbabwe-based nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the rights and educational opportunities of female students in tertiary institutions across the country. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Harare, FSN operates primarily within Zimbabwe's universities and colleges, working to address gender-based violence, sexual harassment, and barriers to women's academic success. The organization engages in policy advocacy, peer education, and capacity-building programs that equip young women with leadership skills and knowledge of their rights. FSN collaborates with Zimbabwean government ministries, higher education institutions, and international partners to create safer, more inclusive learning environments for female students throughout the nation.
Empowering female students through advocacy and leadership development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or education do I need to become an Advocacy Toolkit Development Consultant in Zimbabwe?
Most employers require a degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Law, or Communications, plus 3-5 years of experience in advocacy or project management. Certifications in monitoring and evaluation or gender mainstreaming from institutions like UZ or MSU are highly valued. Practical experience with NGOs or civil society organizations often matters more than formal credentials alone.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of this role?
You will research advocacy best practices, draft toolkits and training manuals, facilitate stakeholder consultations, and coordinate with FSN members and partners. Expect to manage timelines, conduct field visits to colleges, and revise materials based on user feedback. Reporting to donors and documenting lessons learned are also regular tasks.
How does contract work culture differ from permanent employment in Zimbabwe's NGO sector?
Contract roles like this one typically run 6-12 months with fixed deliverables rather than open-ended duties. You may lack job security and traditional benefits, but daily rates are often negotiable and flexible working arrangements are common. Always clarify renewal terms and payment schedules upfront, as delays are frequent in the sector.
What career progression paths exist after working as an Advocacy Toolkit Consultant?
Successful consultants often advance to Programme Manager, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, or Policy Advisor roles within local or international NGOs. Some transition to full-time advocacy positions with organizations like UN Women, ActionAid, or regional bodies. Building a strong portfolio of published toolkits opens doors to regional consultancy work across Southern Africa.
What benefits should I expect or negotiate for in a contract role with a Zimbabwean NGO?
Contract positions rarely include medical aid or pension contributions, so negotiate for transport allowances, airtime, and per diems for field travel. Request clarity on tax withholding and insist on written contracts specifying payment terms. Some NGOs offer professional development funds—ask if training or conference attendance can be included.
How do I apply and what do Zimbabwean employers like FSN look for in applications?
Submit a tailored CV highlighting toolkit development experience, sample written work, and references from previous NGO contracts. Employers prioritize demonstrated understanding of gender issues in education, familiarity with Zimbabwe's tertiary sector, and ability to work with minimal supervision. Follow up by phone or email, as personal initiative is valued in local hiring culture.
