Development of Vision and Programme Document for Post Phase III for the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation

UNFPA and UNICEF have been implementing the Joint Programme on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): Accelerating Change since 2008. This Joint Programme addresses Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5.3, aiming to eliminate harmful practices that undermine gender equality by 2030. Working in partnership with governments, civil society, development partners and communities, the Joint Programme has made notable contributions to the ongoing process of eliminating FGM including by helping to increase knowledge on and transforming harmful social norms surrounding FGM, strengthening political commitment to eliminate the practice, facilitating community-led engagement, and contributing to improved access to appropriate and quality services for more than 2.3 million girls and women in 17 countries (Burkina Faso, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, GuineaBissau, Kenya, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Somalia, Sudan, Uganda and Yemen). For more on the Joint Programme on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation, see: UNFPA's website and UNICEF's website.

Universalia has been commissioned to support the Joint Programme Global Coordination Team in the development of a programme document for post Phase III of the Joint Programme. Initially, Universalia will compile relevant background information and evidence to inform programme design through document and literature review and work with the Joint Programme Global Coordination Team to develop a value proposition and Theory of Change (ToC) for Post Phase III. Universalia will then design, organize and facilitate consultation workshops with relevant Joint Programme stakeholders within UNFPA and UNICEF, as well as with key stakeholders outside of the two agencies to solicit their inputs on the development of the programme document. Finally, Universalia will develop the programme document for post-Phase III of the Joint Programme. This document will present a programme description, Theory of Change, proposed strategies/approaches and interventions, institutional framework, strategic partnerships, sustainability, budget, a risk matrix, and a programme results framework.

Data collection will include an online survey with 6 UNICEF/UNFPA Regional Offices and 34 Country Offices, 7 remotely conducted half-day workshops (3 workshops with Regional Offices, and 4 workshops for groups of UNFPA and UNICEF country offices), key informant interviews with external partners, and 2 one-day workshops with the Joint Programme Steering Committee. Deliverables include 3 Reports: (1) One Report for consultations with Regional Offices, (2) Country Offices and external stakeholders, and (3) one Report each for the two meetings with the Joint Programme Steering Committee.