(Development of a Policy Brief on Youth Reproductive Health Policies in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI): Comparative Analysis with Global Standards

TERMS OF REFERENCE

(Development of a Policy Brief on Youth Reproductive Health Policies in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI): Comparative Analysis with Global Standards
In Collaboration with the Ministry of Health

Project: Masarouna/ Our pathway

Type of Consultancy: National

1. Background

Oxfam is an international confederation counting 22 organizations working together with partners and local communities in more than 90 countries.

Oxfam has been working in Iraq since the 1990s and its strategy is shaped around 3 pillars; 1) Gender Justice 2) Economic Justice 3) Climate Justice. Within each of these pillar’s interventions cover the following sectors: Women’s networks lead, facilitate policies, laws and practices for human rights, fostering fair economic opportunities and participation for productive, dignified lives, and local communities and institutions build resilient capacity to inclusively adapt to climate change.

Masarouna Project, a five-year regional program implemented in six MENA countries. It aims to mobilize the power of young people (aged 18-35) for collective action, supporting their initiatives to improve access to and respect for their reproductive health rights (RHR) through innovative pathways for change. The program strengthens youth engagement in civil society, equipping them to influence decision-makers and communities to promote better legislation and practices that support young people’s access to their RH. Additionally, it fosters civil society growth and builds new partnerships and alliances to advocate for RHR and amplify youth voices.

In the Kurdistan Region of Iraq young people face multiple challenges in accessing quality reproductive health information and services due to policy gaps, implementation barriers, and sociocultural norms. There is a critical need to review existing youth reproductive health policies and assess their alignment with international standards set by agencies such as WHO, UNFPA, and other global frameworks. To support informed advocacy and policy improvement, Oxfam seeks to commission a policy brief that delivers a concise, comparative analysis and proposes actionable recommendations.

2. Purpose of the Policy Brief

Oxfam is seeking a national consultant to develop a bilingual policy brief (in Kurdish and English) that examines existing Reproductive Health and Rights (RHR) policies in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). The brief should assess how current policies address accessibility, youth-friendliness, inclusivity, and implementation. It should also identify key gaps in both policy and practice, and provide clear, evidence-based recommendations for improvement, aligned with international policy standards, to enhance youth access to RHR services.

3. Scope of Work

The consultant will:

• Conduct a desk review of current global RHR policies, standards practices and KRI policies related to youth RHR. The RHR policies should cover (not limited to) Maternal health, information and education on RHR, protection from STIs, family planning, adolescent health, early/forced marriage, access to contraceptives, etc.
• Based on the desk review will conduct a thorough comparative analysis using a set of pre-agreed international standards to highlight the gaps in existing KRI RHR policies, standards and practices
• Engage with selected stakeholders (e.g., Ministry of Health, Directorates, and youth representatives) to collect date and later validate findings. The geographical scope will include Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Duhok.
• Draft and revise a policy brief (3–5 pages max) summarizing the analysis and recommendations.

4. Methodology

The consultant for the study will deploy a comprehensive methodology consisting of two phases a) Desk Review of the secondary data RHR data available this includes:

• Review relevant national and KRI-specific policy documents, strategic plans, and regulations.
• Review RH policies of the relevant context/countries for the comparative analysis of the policies, standards and applicable practices.
• Identify appropriate global standards and benchmarks (e.g., WHO’s “Global Standards for Quality Health-Care Services for Adolescents,” UNFPA’s youth RHR guidance).

B) the phase two includes primary data collection through:

• Conduct key informant interviews (KIIs) with stakeholders (Ministry of Health and health directorates) and also consultations with youth.

The result of the comparative analysis will then be validated by Ministry of Health before finalization.

Oxfam and the Masarouna team will provide support with technical direction and stakeholder access.

5. Deliverables

Deliverable

Deadline

1. Inception Report with comparison framework and work plan, methodology and tools for the primary data KIIs and consultation sessions.

5 July 2025

1. Desk review national KRI and international relevant RH policies, standards and practices and policy mapping summary

12 July 2025

1. Draft a high-impact policy brief using clear, simple, and persuasive language, with graphs or visuals as needed

5 August 2025

1. Finalize the Policy Brief incorporating feedback and validation from the Ministry of Health and Oxfam

15 August 2025

1. PowerPoint presentation summarizing the policy brief to Oxfam and key Stakeholders

15 August 2025

6. Timeframe

The assignment is expected to run from 1 July to 15 August 2025 (6 weeks).

7. Ethical Considerations

Do no harm. The consultant should be culturally sensitive, and he/she/they will ensure the application of the “do no harm” principle. The consultant will sign the Oxfam code of conduct and safeguarding policy. The consultant will acquire the consent of the key stakeholders and youth during the KIIs and consultation sessions complying with the Oxfam’s ethical standards.

Lastly, the service Provider shall not use or disclose to any person during or at any time after service provider’s engagement by Oxfam any information relating to Oxfam’s business and operations or any other matters which may come to Service Provider’s knowledge whilst providing the Services and which may reasonably be regarded as confidential (Confidential Information).

8. Consultant Profile

Oxfam is looking for a national consultant/consultancy firm who has:

• A background in public health, social policy, gender studies, or a related field.
• Strong experience of at least four years in policy analysis and brief writing.
• Proven understanding of youth reproductive health issues in KRI
• Familiarity with global standards and international frameworks in RHR.
• Fluency in English and Kurdish.

9. Payment Plan:

Description of Deliverables

Payment in %

1. Inception Report with comparison framework and work plan, methodology and tools for the primary data KIIs and consultation sessions.
2. Desk review national KRI and international relevant RH policies, standards and practices and policy mapping summary

40%

1. Draft a high-impact policy brief using clear, simple, and persuasive language, with graphs or visuals as needed.
2. Finalize the Policy Brief incorporating feedback and validation from the Ministry of Health and Oxfam
3. PowerPoint presentation summarizing the policy brief to Oxfam and key Stakeholders

60%