The MAMA Network is seeking an experienced Advocacy Strategy Consultant to support the finalisation and implementation of its advocacy strategy on Self-Managed Abortion (SMA) policy and law reform across Sub-Saharan Africa.

This consultancy will support MAMA in strengthening its regional advocacy work while equipping member organisations with the tools, knowledge, and practical skills needed to advance advocacy efforts in their national contexts.

📄 Read the full Terms of Reference here

About the MAMA Network

The MAMA Network is a regional network of organisations across Sub-Saharan Africa committed to advancing access to self-managed abortion (SMA).

Self-managed abortion with pills has been recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a safe and effective method of terminating pregnancy when supported by accurate information and quality-assured medications. However, restrictive laws, stigma, and systemic barriers to reproductive healthcare continue to limit access to safe abortion information and services across the region.

MAMA works to address these barriers by:

• Supporting community-based access to self-managed abortion
• Strengthening access to accurate information and knowledge on SMA
• Supporting activists and organisations engaged in accompaniment and community education
• Advocating for legal and policy reforms that protect and expand abortion access

A central goal of the network is to eliminate legal and policy barriers that restrict access to abortion, including the criminalisation of individuals who self-manage abortions or support others in doing so.

Purpose of the Consultancy

The consultant will support MAMA in finalising and operationalising its Advocacy Strategy for self-managed abortion policy and law reform.

The consultancy has two primary objectives:

• Provide technical expertise to refine and finalise the MAMA Advocacy Strategy
• Strengthen the capacity of MAMA member organisations to implement the strategy within their national and regional contexts

This work will help ensure that MAMA’s advocacy efforts are strategic, coordinated, and responsive to the diverse policy environments in which members operate.

Key Responsibilities

The consultant will undertake the following core tasks:

Advocacy Strategy Development

• Review and refine the draft MAMA Advocacy Strategy
• Strengthen the strategy’s theory of change and policy objectives
• Conduct contextual analysis of the SMA legal and policy environments across member countries
• Refine stakeholder mapping and advocacy messaging frameworks

Capacity Strengthening

• Design and deliver Advocacy in Practice training for MAMA members
• Support members to develop national advocacy strategies aligned with the regional strategy
• Provide guidance on practical advocacy approaches and tools

Advocacy Tools and Resources

• Develop audience-specific key message guides
• Produce advocacy tools such as policy briefs and fact sheets
• Compile an advocacy toolkit for use by MAMA members

Strategic Advisory Support

• Provide guidance on coalition building and advocacy partnerships
• Advise on engagement with regional and international advocacy platforms
• Support strategies to monitor and respond to opposition narratives

Full details of the scope of work are available in the Terms of Reference.

Duration

This consultancy is expected to run for approximately six (6) months from the date of contract signature.

The consultant will work primarily remotely, with possible travel for consultations, workshops, or regional advocacy engagements. Travel costs will be covered by MAMA in accordance with its travel policy.

Required Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have:

• An advanced degree in law, public health, public policy, political science, human rights, gender studies, or a related field
• At least 8 years of experience in advocacy for policy and legal reform, particularly in the field of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR)
• Demonstrated experience developing advocacy strategies, campaigns, or toolkits for civil society organisations or networks
• Strong knowledge of abortion law and policy landscapes in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Proven experience delivering advocacy training or capacity strengthening initiatives
• Excellent analytical and writing skills in English

Working proficiency in French and/or Portuguese is considered an asset.

Candidates should demonstrate a strong commitment to reproductive rights, gender equality, and social justice.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following:

• A cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining their suitability for the assignment
• A current CV
• Three professional references
• A sample advocacy strategy, toolkit, or similar deliverable

Applications should be sent to:

📧 coordinator@mamanetwork.org

Deadline for applications: 23 March 2026

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.