Introduction

Persons with Disabilities constitute about 15 per cent or 30 million people out of Nigeria’s approximately 200 million population. Irrespective of this population, the political and socio-economic rights of Persons with Disabilities are not safeguarded. For example, Nigeria’s political and electoral processes remain highly inaccessible to Persons with Disabilities, making it difficult or impossible for them to participate in public life and benefit from government policies and interventions. Socially, disability is still regrettably situated as a curse in many parts of Nigeria. Based on ignorance, Persons with Disabilities attract stigma and pity in line with the charity model of disability. On the governance/economic front, Persons with Disabilities' access to education, quality healthcare, social amenities, loans, etc remains abysmal despite growing government awareness and action to address their needs.

Nigeria ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and enacted the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act in 2018. While these legal frameworks hold great promise, their implementation remains limited

The Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) is a disability-focused organisation committed to promoting the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs) across all spheres of life through advocacy, research, and training. Currently, IFA, alongside the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), and with funding support from the Government of Finland and technical support from CBM Global – Disability Inclusion, is implementing the Rights in Action (RIA) Project. This initiative aims to strengthen organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) in Nigeria and promote a barrier-free society where the rights and dignity of PWDs are fully respected and upheld.

A core objective of the project is to empower under-represented groups within the disability community by building their capacity to effectively advocate for and demand the realisation of their rights from government institutions.

Objective of the consultant’s assignment

• IFA seeks to engage a qualified consultant to conduct a Political, Economy and Gender Analysis, focusing on Abuja and Lagos states.
• To examine the root causes of discrimination against persons with disabilities (PWDs); assess the legal and socio-political context; analyse power relations and stakeholder dynamics; and evaluate the roles of both formal and informal actors. The consultant will also identify key opportunities for advocacy, as well as strategies for the effective implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act in Abuja and Lagos States. (While the analysis will address all categories of PWDs, the consultant is expected to place special emphasis on underrepresented groups, particularly persons who are Deaf and those with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities).

Scope of work and Deliverables

The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks to develop a Stakeholder analysis in the target states

• Conduct a contextual analysis on discrimination against PWDs, focusing on underrepresented groups. With special focus on Deaf, Psychosocial, and Intellectual disabilities
• Identify perpetrators and victims of discrimination, power dynamics, and structural/inclusion barriers
• Analyse the political and policy environment, particularly regarding the implementation of the Disability Act
• Conduct a gender analysis highlighting specific challenges faced by women and girls with disabilities.
• Map key stakeholders (formal and informal), their interests, influence, and alignment.
• Profile at least five PWDs (particularly persons who are Deaf and those with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities) within each target state who have experienced discrimination.
• Propose recommendations and strategies for enhancing disability-inclusive legal reform and policy implementation

Methodology

• Desk review of existing reports, laws, and policy documents.
• Development of research tools (interview and focus group discussion guides).
• Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with OPDs, CSOs, policymakers, and PWDs.
• Stakeholder mapping and power analysis.
• Gender lens applied throughout all components of the research.

PLACE AND PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The assignment will take place over 30 working days in August 2025, across Abuja and Lagos. The final deliverables are expected by the first week of September 2025.

CONSULTANT’S PROFILE

Degree in Social Sciences, Political Science, Gender Studies, Development Studies, or related fields. Minimum 7 years of experience conducting political economy and/or gender analysis. Solid understanding of disability rights frameworks (CRPD, Nigeria Disability Act). Experience working with underrepresented groups and OPDs. Strong communication, analytical, and report writing skills.

Final Deliverables

At the conclusion of the assignment, the consultant shall submit the following to IFA:

Final Political Economy and Gender Analysis Report

• Comprehensive report covering methodology, findings, stakeholder mapping, gender analysis, challenges, opportunities, and strategic recommendations.
• Disaggregated data and analysis by state, gender, and disability type.
• Annexes including tools used (questionnaires, KII guides, etc.), list of stakeholders engaged, and referenced documents.
• Simplified infographics and factsheets on the findings and recommendations from the study

Stakeholder Mapping Matrix

• Narrative overview of key actors, their roles, levels of influence, and positions related to the implementation of the Disability Act.

Case Profiles/Stories

• At least five anonymised profiles of persons with disabilities from underrepresented groups in the target states who have experienced discrimination. These profiles will serve as evidence and support for advocacy efforts.

Validation Meeting Presentation

• Facilitate a presentation of the report and engage stakeholders in a feedback and validation session organised by IFA.
• Incorporate feedback into the final report where applicable.

Policy Paper Development

Develop and present a concise, evidence-based policy paper highlighting priority issues for stakeholder engagement. The brief should be tailored to influence targeted decision-makers and support follow-up advocacy actions

CODE OF CONDUCT

The final deliverables shall remain the intellectual property of IFA, CBM, and JONAPWD. The consultant is not permitted to disseminate any aspect or content of the subject matter of this contract without the knowledge and expressed written consent of IFA.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Interested consultants should submit the following to recruitment@inclusivefriends.org by July 28, 2025, with the subject "Application - PEGA Consultant, Rights in Action."

• Cover letter and expression of interest
• Technical and financial proposal
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Samples of similar previous work

IFA Inclusion Statement: IFA is committed to promoting the full inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities, without discrimination. All staff, volunteers, interns, consultants, vendors and beneficiaries shall uphold this principle regardless of belief, gender, background, disability type and work to ensure dignity, respect, and equal opportunity for all.

Zero-tolerance for Sexual Exploitation, Abuse (SEA) Statement: IFA upholds a zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation, abuse (SEA), and child abuse in any form. Any consultant, beneficiary, vendor, contractor, or other party associated with this agreement found to be in violation of this policy will result in the immediate termination of this agreement. Such actions may also lead to further legal or regulatory actions in accordance with applicable laws