Grant Management Partner (GMP) for GBV prevention in schools

Terms of Reference (TOR): GRANT MANAGEMENT PARTNER (GMP) FOR GBV in Schools Project

1. Background

The GBVF Response Fund, in line with its mandate to mobilise resources and catalyse multi-sectoral action to end gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), has identified GBV in Schools as a priority legacy initiative.

South Africa continues to experience alarmingly high levels of violence against women and children (VAW/VAC), with increasing incidence within educational settings. Schools present a critical entry point for prevention, early intervention, and social norm transformation.

This project seeks to address the intersecting forms of violence affecting learners, including bullying, intimate partner violence (IPV), emotional abuse, technology-facilitated GBV, abuse of power by educators, and statutory rape. It further aims to strengthen accountability systems, psychosocial support, and multi-sectoral coordination.

2. Purpose of the Project

To design and implement a comprehensive, evidence-based school programme that prevents and responds to violence against children (VAC) and GBV, aligned with the GBVF National Strategic Plan (NSP) and Department of Basic Education (DBE) frameworks.

3. Objectives

The project aims to:

1. Strengthen school safety systems and GBV/VAC response mechanisms.
2. Promote positive gender norms, healthy relationships, and social-emotional learning.

• Improve caregiving environments through evidence-based parenting programmes.

1. Build capacity of educators, School Management Teams (SMTs), and School Governing Bodies (SGBs).
2. Enhance access to psychosocial support, care, and justice services.
3. Generate evidence and learning to inform policy and scale-up.

• Enhance and strengthen localised coordinated implementation of gender ecosystem in the communities/regions that account for the large majority of the prevalence.

4. Scope of Work

The proposed scope of work will include:

The project will adopt a multi-layered, ecosystem approach addressing key drivers of GBV and VAC:

4.1 Parenting and Caregiving

1. Address intersections between VAW and VAC through gender-transformative parenting programmes

1. Scale evidence-based gender-transformative models leveraging existing platforms such as the South African Parenting Implementers Network (SAPPIN), Violence Prevention Forum (VPF), among others.
   • Adolescent Relationships and Sexual Violence
2. Address IPV in adolescent relationships and sexual violence, including statutory rape.
3. Target the transitional phase between primary and secondary schooling

• Leverage programmes such as school-based clubs (e.g. Rise Clubs).

4.3 Peer Violence and School Environment

1. Address bullying, peer violence, and emerging school-based gangsterism
2. Promote safe and inclusive school environments

4.4 Mental Health and Psychosocial Support

1. Integrate mental health as both a driver and consequence of GBV.
2. Strengthen referral pathways and response support systems.

4.5 Pilot and Evidence Generation

1. Implement a pilot in selected schools to test integrated interventions
2. Conduct impact assessment (including baseline, mid-term and end of project evaluations) of curriculum and complementary programmes.

• Contribute to regional and global learning agendas (e.g. Africa Shared Research Agenda – ASRA).

4. 6 Systems Strengthening
5. Strengthen coordination between schools, CBOs, and government systems
6. Support institutionalisation of effective models within DBE, other government departments and the GBVF ecosystem
7. Key Roles, Responsibilities and Deliverables for the GMP:
8. Develop an inception report (methodology, workplan, budget)
9. Design and implement a deep intervention model, including hotspot targeting

• Lead the development and management of a multi-component RFP process

1. Select, onboard, and manage CBO partners
2. Provide technical leadership and programme oversight
3. Lead monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and learning (MERL)

• Produce knowledge products (case studies, policy briefs, learning papers).
• Convene and support the Stakeholder Advisory Group.

1. Lead the announcement of an RFP for community-based organisations (CBOs) as well as screen and select a shortlist of successful CBOs.
2. Lead onboarding, management, oversight and reporting for CBOs.
3. Performance monitoring and reporting set against MERL

• Manage reporting requirements-technical and financial reports, portfolio risk management.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as part of a consortium that brings together a diverse mix of skills and expertise.

6. Proposed Timeframe

The project will run over 3.5 years (August 2026 – July 2030):

1. Inception Phase: August – October 2026
2. Roll-out and Implementation Phase: November 2026 – November 2029

• Close-out Phase: December 2029 – February 2030

2030. A final comprehensive report is due on 31^st March 2030.

Requirements

Section	Required
7. Required Expertise	The GMP must demonstrate: i. Proven experience in GBV and VAC prevention and response within education settings. ii. Expertise in programme design, implementation, and evaluation of evidence‑based interventions. iii. Demonstrated understanding of DBE frameworks (CSTL, NSSF, Life Orientation, ISHP). iv. Experience in partnership management and coordination with government and civil society.
8. Reporting	All reports will be submitted to the GBVF Response Fund Programmes Manager in line with the agreed schedule to be included in the contract. Regular coordination meetings with Management, the Stakeholder Advisory Group and the Board will ensure alignment and accountability.
9. Ethics And Safeguarding	The evaluation must adhere to ethical and safeguarding standards for GBV research, including: 1. Adherence to GBVF Response Fund Safeguarding Policy. 2. Do No Harm principles. 3. Informed consent. 4. Confidentiality and anonymity. 5. Survivor‑centred and trauma‑informed approaches. 6. Safe referral pathways where needed. 7. Compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
10. Budget and Proposal Submission	Applicants must submit the following: i. A technical proposal detailing their understanding of the assignment, proposed methodology, workplan, and deliverables. ii. A detailed budget, including professional fees, logistics, and administrative costs. iii. CVs of key personnel and organisational profile. iv. Past performance references from at least two donors and/or consortia related agreements.

11. Submission Details

Submission Details
Date of Posting:	6 May 2026
Contact Person:	Zama Ndzumo
Email Address:	[email protected] and/ [email protected]
Submission Deadline:	29 May 2026, 17:00
Submission Method:	Email submission
Subject Line:	GBV in Schools Flagship Project
Late Submissions:	Proposals received after the deadline will not be considered.