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TOR: REVIEW AND REDESIGN OF THE WOMEN SCHOOL OF LEADERSHIP (WSOL) CURRICULUM

Fairtrade Africa

Published

24 Sept 2026

Country: KenyaOrganization: Fairtrade AfricaClosing date: 15 Oct 2026BackgroundFairtrade Africa (FTA) represents Fairtrade-certified producers and workers across 29 countries. Since 2016, its Women School of Leadership (WSOL) has been a flagship, experience-based (non-academic) gender programme, delivered by trained facilitators and Trainers of Trainers who cascade learning to wider groups. Over nine years it has trained 536+ participants directly across West Africa, Kenya, Malawi and Ethiopia, with cascading reaching over 25,952 people across 258 communities.RationaleA 2026 Mid-Term Evaluation of the NORAD-funded Kenya WSOL project shows the programme has opened women's voices without yet fully shifting power: strong participation and confidence gains, but leadership uptake, decision-making influence, and verifiable skills outcomes lag behind targets. Combined with a changed operating environment (climate shocks, digital gaps, safeguarding standards, mental health needs) and distinct lessons from Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana and Malawi, FTA is commissioning a comprehensive review and redesign of the WSOL model — not only its curriculum.Scope of the AssignmentThe assignment covers the WSOL as a leadership development system, spanning six components:Curriculum and learning journey (the 10 WSOL themes)Facilitator development and certification (currently no formal accreditation)Cascading approaches to wider groups of women and menMentorship and alumni engagementLeadership pathways for graduates within SPOs and HLOsMechanisms for sustainability and institutional ownershipThe consultant will also independently assess whether the programme name remains appropriate across all contexts, including HLO settings.Key ObjectivesDiagnose the current WSOL model, including cascading ratios and leadership barriersRedesign the model into two tailored tracks (SPO and HLO), integrating climate resilience, digital financial literacy, GBV/safeguarding and mental wellnessStrengthen the learning architecture (sequencing, core/optional content, practice projects, graduation criteria)Develop implementation-ready facilitator and participant materials for low-literacy, low-connectivity settingsStrengthen MEL for transformative, largely qualitative outcomesStrengthen the organisational enabling environment for women's leadershipPilot, validate and finalise the redesigned programme in at least two country contexts (one SPO, one HLO)Timeline and TravelThe assignment runs approximately 15 weeks across five phases: Inception and Diagnostic (Wks 1–2), Participatory Consultations and Co-Creation (Wks 3–6), Model Redesign (Wks 7–12), Piloting and Validation (Wks 12–13), and Finalisation and Handover (Wks 14–15). In-person travel, accompanied by the FTA Gender Coordinator, is required to Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire and Kenya (Naivasha); Ethiopia and other contexts are consulted virtually.Consultant ProfileAdvanced degree in Gender Studies, Adult Education, Development Studies or related field7+ years designing gender-transformative, participatory curricula for low-literacy adultsExperience with cascading/ToT models and facilitator certification in agricultural or cooperative contextsStrong participatory research track record (FGDs, KIIs, storytelling) with women and marginalised groupsExperience developing qualitative MEL frameworks for transformative outcomesWorking knowledge of French desirable (Côte d'Ivoire); Portuguese an advantageHow to applySubmit a technical proposal, financial proposal, CV(s), two samples of relevant work, and three references to procurement@fairtradeafrica.net by 15 October 2026, 12 Noon EAT, with subject line "REVIEW AND REDESIGN OF THE WOMEN SCHOOL OF LEADERSHIP CURRICULUM".The full ToR sets out six required proposal sections and the technical evaluation weighting (bidders must score 75% to proceed to financial evaluation).Note: This is an abridged summary. The full Terms of Reference is available at: Fairtrade Africa — OpportunitiesN/B: Only shortlisted firms will be contacted.