Open call: Department of Arts consultant in Malawi

The successful candidate will review relevant policies, guidelines, and legal instruments, and assess the legal frameworks governing arts associations in the context of gender mainstreaming.

The project was made possible by a grant from UNESCO’s International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) to implement a project aimed at mainstreaming gender equality in Malawi’s cultural and creative sector. It seeks to develop institutional and individual capacities for promoting gender equality in the culture and arts sector in Malawi.

It is envisaged that through various activities, the project will enhance women's active participation in the sector.

Objectives of the consultancy:

• To map the cultural and creative sector in Malawi, identifying key stakeholders, opportunities, and challenges for women creatives.
• To assess and/or review the legal instruments of arts associations in the country and their alignment with gender equality principles.
• To identify gaps and document good practices in the governance of artist associations in terms of gender equality and gender mainstreaming.
• To document the number of women creatives affiliated to or independent from artists associations.

The consultant will be expected to:

• Conduct a comprehensive mapping of Malawi’s cultural and creative sector, identifying key players, institutions, and stakeholders.
• Review legal instruments governing arts associations in Malawi to assess their effectiveness in promoting gender equality.
• To identify and document gaps, opportunities and good practices in gender equality and gender mainstreaming in the governance and operations of artist associations.
• To review the constitutions of artist associations to make provisions for the establishment of gender desk officers in executive committees.
• To develop the skeleton terms of reference for gender desk officers in artist associations.

The consultant will be expected to provide the following deliverables:

• Inception Report: Outlining the methodology, work plan, and key stakeholders to be engaged.
• Creative sector mapping report: A comprehensive document detailing key players, opportunities, and challenges within the sector.
• Reviewed constitutions of artist associations: Revised constitutions of artist associations, with clear provisions for promoting gender equality, establishment of gender desk offices and their terms of reference.
• Final report: A consolidated document incorporating all findings, analyses, and actionable recommendations for strengthening gender mainstreaming in the sector.
• Duration and timeline The consultancy is expected to be completed within six (6) weeks from the date of contract signing. A detailed work plan will be agreed upon with the Department of Arts at the inception phase.

Qualifications and experience

The ideal consultant should possess the following qualifications and experience:

• A postgraduate degree in Cultural Studies, Gender Studies, Law, Public Policy, or a related field.
• Proven experience in policy analysis, legal reviews, and sector mapping, preferably in the cultural and creative industries.
• Strong understanding of gender mainstreaming principles and experience in conducting gender assessments.
• Knowledge of Malawi’s cultural and creative sector, including relevant stakeholders and legal frameworks.
• Excellent analytical, research, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to engage effectively with stakeholders, including government institutions, civil society, and arts associations.

Application process

• Interested individuals or firms are invited to submit the following:
• A cover letter detailing their suitability for the assignment.
• A detailed CV highlighting relevant experience.
• A technical proposal outlining the approach and methodology.
• A financial proposal with a breakdown of costs.

Applications should be submitted to the Department of Arts via email at arts.malawigovernment@gmail.com and cc humphrey.mpondaminga@local.gov.mw before 21 March 2025.

Reporting and supervision

• The consultant will report to the Department of Arts and work closely with designated officials and stakeholders throughout the assignment.

Payment terms

Payments will be made in instalments based on the completion of agreed deliverables, as follows:

• 30% upon approval of the inception report.
• 40% upon submission of the draft reports.
• 30% upon submission and approval of the final report.