Consultancy: Design and Pilot IPPF Humanitarian Feminist Leadership Training
Background
The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) is a global service provider and a leading advocate of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for all. In humanitarian contexts, Members are committed to deliver sexual and reproductive health care in Emergencies (SRHiE) to women, girls and marginalized communities. Today, over 40 members are implementing emergency programmes.
The humanitarian sector has historically been shaped by patriarchal norms, with leadership structures and decision-making processes largely dominated by men. This has often resulted in top-down, technocratic approaches that overlook the lived experiences, knowledge, and leadership potential of women and marginalized groups. The lack of gender-transformative frameworks has perpetuated inequalities within humanitarian responses, limiting their effectiveness and inclusivity. This training initiative is designed to challenge and transform these dynamics by cultivating a new generation of feminist humanitarian leaders. Grounded in IPPF’s Feminist Humanitarian Principles(1)the training will empower mid- to top-level humanitarian leaders in all their diversity(2) to dismantle patriarchal systems, advocate for inclusive and rights-based responses, and lead with empathy, equity, and accountability. It aims to shift power toward locally rooted, feminist-led leadership that is responsive to the diverse realities of crisis-affected communities.
In line with IPPF’s Humanitarian Feminist Principles and the evolving humanitarian architecture, IPPF seeks to strengthen the leadership capacity of mid- to top-level humanitarian leaders in all their diversity across its member associations (MAs) and youth representative. This training will support them to navigate and influence humanitarian systems, communicate on and advocate for SRHiE, and lead in their organization transformative, inclusive, and intersectional SRHiE responses in crisis settings putting the voices of women, girls and marginalized communities at the centre.
Scope
Objective
Develop and pilot a comprehensive, context-sensitive Humanitarian Feminist Leadership training toolkit that empowers mid-to top-level humanitarian leaders in all their diversity across IPPF Member Associations and youth representative.
Specific objectives
- Design a comprehensive, context-sensitive Humanitarian Feminist Leadership training toolkit.
- Pilot the training toolkit with a cohort of women, LGBTIQ+ and youth leaders from IPPF MAs at regional level region.
- Evaluate the pilot and provide recommendations for scale-up and institutionalization.
Deliverables
IPPF needs to develop and finalize the toolkit training by the end of February 2026.
Deliverable 1 – desk review
The consultants/firm should conduct a needs assessment (desk review and 10 to 15 key informant interviews) to identify gaps, contextual challenges, existing overlap and programmes for synergies and opportunities for feminist leadership in humanitarian settings. The consultants/firm will provide a no more than 10 pages report with the main results.
Deliverable 2 – Design of a training toolkit
Reflecting on results of the deliverable 1, the consultants/firm should design a modular training toolkit grounded in:
- IPPF’s Feminist Humanitarian Principles.
- Gender-transformative and intersectional approaches in humanitarian settings existing material and experiences.
- Localization and power-shifting response strategies in humanitarian settings existing material and experiences.
- SRH in emergencies and protection from SGBV existing material and experiences.
- Crisis leadership, communication, advocacy, and coordination existing material and experiences.
The training toolkit should include training materials, including facilitator guides, participant workbooks, case studies, and evaluation, and participant feedback tools.
To effectively evaluate the pilot training, the consultant must design a comprehensive evaluation framework that aligns with IPPF’s Feminist Humanitarian Principles. This framework should integrate both qualitative and quantitative methods to assess the training’s relevance, effectiveness, and potential for replication across regions. The consultant will begin by conducting a pre-training assessment, which includes baseline surveys to gauge participants’ existing knowledge, leadership experience, and expectations. Optional self-assessments on feminist leadership competencies and pre-interviews will help tailor the evaluation to the specific context of the Arab region.
During the training, the consultant will implement ongoing monitoring mechanisms to capture real-time feedback and engagement. This includes daily feedback forms or digital check-ins, as well as observation notes or session recordings depending on the training format (in-person or virtual). These tools will help evaluate the facilitation style, accessibility of materials, and overall delivery approach. After the training concludes, a post-training evaluation will be conducted through endline surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews to measure changes in knowledge, confidence, and leadership readiness. A debrief with trainers will also provide insights into participant engagement and delivery effectiveness.
Optionally, a follow-up phase 4–6 weeks after the training will assess how participants are applying their learning in real-world contexts. This may include a follow-up survey or virtual check-in, and recommendations for ongoing support such as mentorship or peer learning. Throughout the process, the consultant will develop and utilize tailored evaluation tools, including surveys, interview guides, observation checklists, and a standardized report template. The final deliverable will be a comprehensive evaluation report summarizing the methodology, key findings, participant feedback, and actionable recommendations for refining the curriculum and scaling it in all regions.
Deliverable 3 – Facilitation of pilot training and final report
The consultants/firm will pilot the Humanitarian Leadership Training toolkit with up to 5 MAs, through one in person training.
- Members of the Global Humanitarian Team will be trained during the workshops to ensure the transfer of materials and methodology.
- Pilot workshop report and final supporting materials (i.e., visual aids, contingency and forms or other if required, participant worksheets, list of materials if required).
- Document the lessons learned and provide a final report containing recommendations for adaptation and scaling up.
Timeframe
This work is to be completed within October 1 2025 to 31 March 2026, based on the technical proposal and budget feasibility.
Deliverable
Timeline
Inception report with work plan and methodology
Week 2
Needs assessment summary
Week 6
Draft training curriculum and materials
Week 8
Pilot training delivery
Week 10–12
Final report with evaluation and recommendations
Week 18
Required Qualifications
- Proven expertise in feminist leadership, gender-transformative programming, and humanitarian responses.
- Demonstrated experience in curriculum/training toolkits development and adult learning methodologies.
- Knowledge of SRH in emergencies, SGBV, and intersectionality.
- Experience working in or with local organizations in the Arab region a plus.
- Excellent facilitation, communication, and report-writing skills.
- Fluency in English; Arabic is a strong asset
Fees
Professional fees must be quoted in USD or GBP. Please indicate daily rate and number of days’ work, as part of your financial proposal, for each objective and deliverables. Fees should exclude VAT. Where indicated VAT should be shown separately and indicated separately on invoices.
(1) chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.ippf.org/sites/default/files/2024-05/ippf_feminist_humanitarian_principles_240524.pdf
(2) According to the IPPFs Humanitarian Feminist Principles, we should focus particularly on enabling participation of adult and young women, LGBTQI+ individuals, women with disabilities, and ethnic minorities.
How to apply
Application process
Firms, organizations, individuals interested in this consultancy with demonstrable experience in an outlined skill set, should provide:
- A technical proposal and a work plan for achieving the objectives, including approach to completing the assignment, activities to be developed and deliverables as described in these Terms of Reference. This should also include the team composition and management for the assignment and timeframe. (Maximum of 10 pages).
- A cover letter (no more than two pages) outlining their experience against the requirements listed above, including examples of previous work in relation to the Terms of Reference.
- CVs of team members proposed to work on the assignment. (Maximum 2 pages for each CV).
- Financial proposal. Fees must be quoted in USD or GBP. Please indicate daily rate and number of days’ work, as part of your financial proposal. Fees should exclude VAT. Where indicated VAT should be shown separately and indicated separately on invoices.
- Selected firms, organizations or consultants will be interviewed by the RO and programmatic team.
Please submit your application to HAnnadorai@ippf.org with the subject “Consultancy – Feminist Humanitarian Leadership training toolkit”. The deadline for submission is 15 September 2025.
