Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU) is a leading indigenous non-governmental organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of all Ugandans, with a particular focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). RHU has been at the forefront of providing comprehensive SRHR services and advocating for policies that support access to these essential services for over 30 years. The organization works through a network of health facilities and community-based programs across the country.

RHU is seeking to engage a qualified consultant to conduct a critical study assessing the impact of funding cuts and restrictive policies on access to sexual and reproductive health and rights services and outcomes in Uganda. This research is crucial for informing RHU's advocacy strategies and programmatic interventions to mitigate the negative effects and ensure continued access to vital SRHR services for vulnerable populations.

Background

Uganda's SRHR landscape is complex, influenced by various socio-economic factors, policy environments, and donor funding dynamics. Recent global and national shifts have led to significant funding cuts for SRHR programs and the introduction of restrictive policies in some areas, posing a threat to the progress made in improving SRHR outcomes. This consultancy aims to provide evidence-based insights into these challenges.

Objectives

The primary objective of this consultancy is to conduct a comprehensive study on how funding cuts and restrictive policies affect access to sexual and reproductive health and rights services and outcomes in Uganda. Specific objectives include:

• To identify and analyze the specific funding cuts affecting SRHR services and programs in Uganda.
• To document and assess the impact of restrictive policies on the availability, accessibility, affordability, and quality of SRHR services.
• To examine the consequences of these challenges on key SRHR outcomes, including maternal health, family planning uptake, adolescent sexual health, and prevention of gender-based violence.
• To provide evidence-based recommendations for RHU and other stakeholders to address the identified challenges and strengthen SRHR service delivery and advocacy efforts.

Scope of Work

The consultant will be expected to undertake the following activities:

• Conduct a thorough literature review on SRHR funding and policy landscape in Uganda.
• Develop a detailed research methodology, including data collection tools (e.g., surveys, key informant interviews, focus group discussions).
• Collect and analyze primary and secondary data from relevant stakeholders, including government officials, healthcare providers, civil society organizations, and beneficiaries.
• Prepare a comprehensive research report detailing findings, conclusions, and actionable recommendations.
• Present the findings to RHU and key stakeholders.

Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidate or firm should possess:

• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in Public Health, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Gender Studies, or a related field.
• Proven experience (minimum 5 years) in conducting research on SRHR, health policy, or related development issues in Uganda or similar contexts.
• Strong understanding of the SRHR landscape in Uganda, including policy frameworks and funding mechanisms.
• Demonstrated experience in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and data analysis.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.

• Conduct a study on how funding cuts and restrictive policies affect access to sexual and reproductive health and rights services and outcomes in Uganda.
• Identify and analyze specific funding cuts affecting SRHR services and programs in Uganda.
• Document and assess the impact of restrictive policies on the availability, accessibility, affordability, and quality of SRHR services.
• Examine the consequences of these challenges on key SRHR outcomes, including maternal health, family planning uptake, adolescent sexual health, and prevention of gender-based violence.
• Provide evidence-based recommendations for RHU and other stakeholders to address the identified challenges and strengthen SRHR service delivery and advocacy efforts.
• Conduct a thorough literature review on SRHR funding and policy landscape in Uganda.
• Develop a detailed research methodology, including data collection tools (e.g., surveys, key informant interviews, focus group discussions).
• Collect and analyze primary and secondary data from relevant stakeholders, including government officials, healthcare providers, civil society organizations, and beneficiaries.
• Prepare a comprehensive research report detailing findings, conclusions, and actionable recommendations.
• Present the findings to RHU and key stakeholders.

• Research methodologies
• Data analysis
• Report writing
• Communication skills
• SRHR knowledge
• Policy analysis
• Project management

• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in Public Health, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Gender Studies, or a related field.
• Proven experience (minimum 5 years) in conducting research on SRHR, health policy, or related development issues in Uganda or similar contexts.
• Strong understanding of the SRHR landscape in Uganda, including policy frameworks and funding mechanisms.
• Demonstrated experience in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and data analysis.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.