STOPAIDS is currently running a strategic review and renewal process that will result in a new five-year strategy (2021 -2025). In light of the ‘build back better’ initiative and the growing momentum of the anti-racism movement, which has particular relevance for the development sector, STOPAIDS seeks to create an anti-oppression framework as a central part of our new strategy that guides its implementation. The anti-oppression framework would be comprised of a set of principles, practices and policies to be applied across the organisation. These would serve to ensure that in identifying (1) the areas we work on (2) what we are advocating for within those areas and (3) how we do that work, we are actively challenging structures and practices that cause and maintain oppression and we are pushing for alternative approaches and models of power, finance and the management of knowledge that hold equity and empowerment at their core.
We envisage this framework being based on a critical theory perspective to encourage continuous self-reflective assessment of our work and organisational identity in order to reveal structures and practices of power, name them, dismantle them and co-create alternatives. We hope that this will help us to build from a clear historical analysis of oppression and mainstream lenses of race, gender identity, sexual identity, class, religion, physical and mental ability and intersectionality throughout our work and how we go about that work. From this foundation we want to develop an honest profile of our role and value-add as an NGO operating in a high-income country campaigning to ensure the right to health can be realised by all. We believe this can only be sustainably achieved if the journey toward this goal holds the same values that this goal espouses – equity and empowerment – at its centre. We therefore see it as essential to work in close coalition with the most marginalised in our global community and ensure that our work is driven by their priorities and strategies and our collective values.
Role of consultant The consultant will lead the development, in partnership with the STOPAIDS team, of an anti-oppression framework that will be used to shape the organisation’s vision, mission and approach. Practically we want the framework to give us:
· A set of principles, practices and processes that will help us identify, dismantle and rebuild (as described above) on three broad planes 1) the individual – what do we need to consider and be conscious of as an organisation working in a high-income country 2) cultural – what do we need to think about in terms of the language we use and the civil society networks we’re part of and the role we play within those networks and 3) structural – how can we effectively dismantle and rebuild the systems and institutions that maintain inequity and oppression. These practices could include, for example:
o A sequenced process for how we plan our advocacy strategies that includes a mapping and consultation with partners in low- and middle-income countries and a root structural analysis of an issue to determine where we position our advocacy and inform our goals and objectives.
o An anti-oppression checklist for any strategy, policy document, event or meeting we are planning or contributing to which ensures we are actively identifying and inversing exploitation, dominance, paternalism and demonisation.
o Regular team reviews to assess how we are doing; and space(s) to share readings, pod-casts, learnings on how an anti-oppression agenda can be better achieved.
Key Deliverables · A word-processed report (possibly with diagrams) that clearly sets out the anti-oppression framework on its principle and practical levels and includes a set of tools that can be used by the team.
· A Powerpoint presentation that summarises how the framework should be operationalised within our new strategy.
· A monitoring and evaluative approach for the framework, which takes stock and builds from our current M&E tool kit.
· A dissemination plan for how we share this work with broader civil society and create opportunities for co-creation and learnings.
Timeline of work STOPAIDS plans to launch its new strategy in the summer of 2021 so ideally this project would begin in mid-April and be finalised by late April.
· Early/Mid-April – initial discussion with STOPAIDS team and our strategy consultant; literary review of internal documents (thought-papers, strategy survey answers); mapping of similar initiatives in the sector
· Mid-April – delivering of draft anti-oppression framework and staff workshop to gather feedback.
· 23rd April – delivery of final anti-oppression framework and presentation to staff team
Time involved To be agreed but we estimate up to 8 days of work.
How to apply
Expressions of Interest No more the 4 pages outlining approach, the budget required and evidence of experience of this kind of work. The C.V of the consultant and names of two referees can be attached additionally.
Expressions of interest should be emailed to Advocacy Manager Saoirse Fitzpatrick [email protected] by 5pm on 6th April.
People living with or affected by HIV, from Black, Asian or minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds or from other minoritized groups and people based in low- and middle- income countries are particularly encouraged to apply and/or get in touch with any queries about the role – please email [email protected]
STOPAIDS is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive positive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, HIV status, national origin, genetics, disability, or age.
We are open to considering applications from joint applicants who would deliver the consultancy together. This consultancy is suitable for flexible working and work patterns, including arrangements such as non-standard working hours and working from home.
Interviews will be held on Thursday 8th April.
