Consultancy: National Guidelines for Integrating MHPSS into the Pre-Trial Diversion Programme

PROJECT HOPE - National Framework Initiative
TERMS OF REFERENCE (ToR) - SHORT TERM CONSULTANCY SERVICES: DRAFTING NATIONAL GUIDELINES FOR THE INTEGRATION OF MENTAL HEALTH AND PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT (MHPSS) INTO THE PRE-TRIAL DIVERSION PROGRAMME IN ZIMBABWE

Background and Context: The Government of Zimbabwe introduced the Pre-Trial Diversion (PTD) Programme in 2013 to promote restorative justice for children in conflict with the law through diversion from formal judicial processes. The programme has since expanded to more than 30 districts. Evidence highlights the need to systematically integrate Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) into diversion services. Through Project HOPE (Holistic Outreach for Pre-Trial Diversion Engagement), implemented in partnership with UNICEF, REPSSI is supporting the Government of Zimbabwe to strengthen the national PTD system through the development of National Guidelines for the Integration of MHPSS into the Pre-Trial Diversion Programme. REPSSI seeks to engage an experienced consultant to lead the development of these National Guidelines.

Purpose of the Consultancy: To develop comprehensive National Guidelines that provide a standardized framework for integrating MHPSS into all stages of the Pre-Trial Diversion Programme, providing practical guidance for government ministries, justice sector institutions, social service providers, implementing partners and practitioners to deliver coordinated, trauma-informed, child-centered, gender-responsive and equity-focused diversion services.

Scope of Work and Key Tasks:

• Comprehensive Desk Review of national policies, legislation, standards and technical guidance relating to child justice, child protection and MHPSS (including the National PTD Guidelines, the National Guideline for Providing MHPSS for Children and Youth, and REPSSI resources: Tree of Life, Hero Book, Psychosocial Skills for Young Persons, and The JOL dialogue framework).
• Stakeholder Consultations with the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs (MoJLPA), the Department of Social Development (DSD), Judicial Service Commission, National Prosecuting Authority, Zimbabwe Republic Police, diversion practitioners and social workers, and REPSSI leadership.
• Drafting of the Guidelines covering: principles for integrating MHPSS into PTD; training and capacity building; trauma-informed service delivery standards; roles and responsibilities; referral pathways; case management; risk assessment and psychosocial screening; family strengthening; community reintegration; gender-responsive approaches; disability inclusion; child safeguarding; and a monitoring and reporting framework.
• Validation and Refinement of the draft guideline with stakeholder feedback.
• Production of Final Outputs: a publication-ready guideline, a PowerPoint summary, and a stakeholder consultation and validation report.

Deliverables and Timeline (strict 3-week / 21-day level of effort):

• Deliverable 1 - Inception Report & Tools (desk review, methodology, data collection protocols and consultation schedules): End of Day 4.
• Deliverable 2 - Draft Integration Guideline for technical review: End of Day 12.
• Deliverable 3 - Final publication-ready National Guideline Document: End of Day 21.

Required Skills and Qualifications (senior Individual Consultants only):

• Advanced University Degree (master's or higher) in Psychology, Clinical Social Work, Social Policy, International Development, or a related behavioral science or development policy domain.
• At least 8 years of experience drafting statutory national policies, national SOPs or strategic guidelines within child protection or criminal justice sectors.
• Profound operational exposure to child justice frameworks, child-led social practice, and trauma-informed mental health systems within Southern Africa (ideally Zimbabwe).
• Exceptional consultative capacity, bridging communications between high-level judicial officials, social workers, and grassroots development partners.
• Experience in academia or policy drafting is an added advantage.

The consultant will operate under the direct supervision of the REPSSI Country Programmes Manager, with accountability to the National PTD Steering Committee co-chaired by MoJLPA and DSD. Payment terms will be disclosed and agreed with the consultant engaged.

Application Process: Interested consultants should submit a Technical Proposal (methodology and workplan), a Financial Proposal, and an updated CV with professional referees and evidence of similar work completed. The above documents should be sent as ONE CONSOLIDATED PDF to [email protected]. Closing Date: 13 July 2026.

The successful candidate will be required to adhere to REPSSI's values and Code of Conduct, PSEA Policy, and Child and Adults at Risk Safeguarding and Protection Policy. REPSSI will conduct reference and background checks, including police clearance. Persons with disabilities and qualified women are encouraged to apply.