CIVICUS seeks a Consultant for an On-site Evaluation of a Regional Partner in Sub-Saharan Africa (Open to all African experts): Apply by 08 April 2025

CIVICUS Consultant: Regional Support Mechanism Implementing Partner’s Capacity Assessment

CIVICUS is seeking a consultant to undertake a comprehensive on-site evaluation of a selected regional partner in Sub-Saharan Africa. The assessment will cover programmatic, operational, and financial aspects, with a focus on evaluating the partner’s financial systems and grant management capabilities. The evaluation aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the partner’s capacity to effectively manage and implement the regional initiative to support civil society actors.

Consultant Position Details
Location: South Africa (Preference for experts based in South Africa, but open to experts from all African countries)
Proficiency in English: Required (both written and spoken)

Deadline for Applications: 08 April 2025, 11:59 PM SAST

Objectives of the Assessment

The primary objective of this pre-grant assessment is to evaluate the structure, operational capacity, financial management, and programmatic impact of OpenUp and Civic Tech Innovation Network (CTIN) as identified regional partners.

The assessment will determine whether the regional partner has the necessary systems, capacity, and resources to meet operational, financial, and programmatic standards for successful implementation of the regional support mechanism grant award.

The key areas of focus will include:

1. Programmatic and Operational Capacity: Evaluating the partner’s ability to implement support mechanisms effectively.
2. Financial Management: Assessing the partner’s financial management systems in relation to CIVICUS’s standards and requirements.
3. Sub-Granting Processes: Evaluating the partner’s policies, procedures, and practices regarding sub-granting, including selecting, assessing, and monitoring grantees.

Scope of the Assessment

The assessment will cover the following areas:

1. Management and Organization:
   • Assessing governance structure, compliance, policies, and organizational alignment with DDI’s objectives.
2. Financial and Procurement Management:
   • Evaluating accounting and procurement policies, procedures, and current practices.
3. Risk Management:
   • Identifying key risks, assessing risk mitigation measures, and identifying gaps.
4. Human Resources and Payroll:
   • Assessing staff capacity and experience for implementing outputs and achieving expected outcomes.
5. Monitoring and Evaluation:
   • Reviewing the M&E framework and resources for reporting and evaluating progress.
6. Sub-Granting:
   • Reviewing sub-granting policies, selection procedures, and follow-up practices. Conduct interviews with sub-grantees and review financial setups.
7. Audit Analysis and Compliance:
   • Reviewing audit reports, management letters, and whether previous audit findings have been addressed.
8. Forwarding of Funds:
   • Assessing financial and forex regulations for transferring funds and the associated risks.
9. Programming:
   • Reviewing organizational capacity for programming, outreach, and engagement with local civil society actors in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Methodology and Reporting Framework

The assessment will adopt a mixed-methods approach, using both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. The methodology will include the following:

1. Interviews:
   Conducting interviews with management, key personnel, and selected sub-grantees.
2. Document Review:
   Reviewing organizational policies, financial documents, and other relevant materials.
3. Evidence Examination:
   Examining relevant supporting documentation, including reports, audits, and financial records.

The reporting framework will include:

• Introduction to the partner organization and the assessment’s objectives.
• Methodology used, including tools and approach.
• Executive Summary of key findings, weaknesses, and recommendations.
• Detailed Assessment based on methodology with identified strengths, weaknesses, and recommendations.
• Conclusion and summary of findings.

Deliverables

1. Workplan and Methodology:
   The consultant will submit a detailed workplan, methodology, and timeline within one week for approval before the field visit.
2. Draft Report:
   A draft report will be submitted to CIVICUS for quality assurance before sharing with the partner organization.
3. Final Report:
   The final report, including recommendations and a risk matrix, will be submitted after incorporating feedback.
4. Meeting Summary:
   A summary of all meetings and interactions conducted during the assessment.

Qualifications and Experience

• A degree in Social Sciences, International Relations, Political Science, or a related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in conducting institutional assessments for large non-profits.
• Familiarity with the political and digital landscape of Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to convey complex findings clearly.
• Proven experience in financial, human resource, and risk management evaluations.
• Fluency in English (both written and spoken).

Application Procedure

Interested candidates should submit the following documents to [email protected]:

1. Cover Letter (1-2 pages) outlining your interest and suitability for the consultancy.
2. High-Level Proposal (max 5 pages) detailing your approach to the assessment, including methodology, timeline, and fee structure (Travel expenses, if required, will be covered by CIVICUS and do not need to be reflected in the budget).
3. Current CV highlighting relevant experience, qualifications, and language proficiency.

Application Deadline: 08 April 2025.

See full TOR here

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring company. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding