HelpAge International seeks a Consultant-Development of Strategic Framework: Apply by 13 May 2025

Consultancy: Development of Strategic Framework
Organization: HelpAge International
Closing Date: 13 May 2025

Background

HelpAge International, a UK-registered charity, is a leading global network advocating for the rights of older people. Working with 199 partners across 95 countries, HelpAge strives to ensure older people can live dignified, healthy, active, and secure lives by challenging discrimination and poverty. The organization operates through a Global Team with staff across the world, supporting the implementation of its Strategy 2030.

A recent Mid-Term Review (MTR) of the Strategy 2030 revealed that the organization’s current strategic planning capabilities are inadequate for achieving its long-term goals. A key finding was the absence of a cohesive Strategic Framework beneath the Strategy 2030 that clearly defines and prioritizes strategic goals. This gap has resulted in fragmented efforts, overburdened teams, and inconsistent organizational impact.

In response, HelpAge developed a draft Strategic Framework, approved by the Board in March 2025, aimed at providing more coherence, focus, and accountability in the organization’s efforts. The draft Framework integrates several recent strands of strategic work, including the humanitarian, advocacy, and network strategies, into a unified and actionable plan.

The need for a cohesive framework has been underscored by both external and internal analysis, highlighting the importance of prioritizing core activities and optimizing resource allocation for greater impact. To move this framework from a draft to measurable organizational change, HelpAge is now beginning a structured process to develop key strategic tools that will guide decision-making, track progress, and ensure alignment across the organization.

Objectives

The goal is to operationalize the Strategic Framework through the development of the following key elements:

1. Theory of Change (ToC): Articulate how HelpAge’s strategic priorities and interventions lead to the intended impact.
2. Strategic Roadmap: Outline how the framework will be implemented from 2025 to 2030, with clearly defined phases and timelines.
3. Milestones: Define annual and medium-term targets aligned with strategic goals.
4. Dashboard: Create a real-time tracking system to monitor progress, integrate performance-based planning, and hold stakeholders accountable.
5. Annual Business Planning Process: Design an annual planning and reporting process that embeds the framework into HelpAge’s organizational culture.

Scope of Work

The selected consultant(s) will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Review Existing Materials: Assess the Draft Strategic Framework, Strategy 2030, current planning and reporting tools, and any ongoing strategic revisions.
• Consultation with Key Stakeholders: Engage with:
  • Strategy Working Group
  • Executive Leadership Group
  • Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) teams
  • Network members and external partners
  • Similar network organizations to benchmark impact measurement practices
  • Core donors
• Development and Delivery:
  • Theory of Change: Refine the overall Theory of Change for HelpAge, ensuring it aligns with the broader goals of Strategy 2030.
  • Strategic Roadmap: Create a detailed roadmap identifying key actions, responsibilities, dependencies, and timelines through 2030.
  • Milestones: Design measurable milestones to guide phased implementation and enable annual reviews.
  • Dashboard: Collaborate with the MEL team to co-design a dashboard prototype that can be integrated into existing systems (Salesforce or DevResults).
  • Annual Planning Recommendations: Provide guidance on integrating the framework into the annual planning and reporting processes from the fiscal year 2026/27.

Timeline (Early June to Mid-September 2025)

• Inception & Planning: Early June
• Document Review & Consultations: Mid-June
• Draft ToC, Roadmap & Milestones: Late June
• Dashboard Co-Design: July
• Validation Workshops: August
• Final Deliverables & Handover: Mid-September

Oversight

The process will be overseen by the Strategy Working Group, which includes two Board members and senior staff. The lead consultant will report directly to the Director of Global Impact, collaborating closely with the Transformation Lead to ensure alignment with organizational priorities.

Consultant Profile

The ideal consultant(s) will have:

• Proven experience in strategy development, Theory of Change design, and performance management.
• In-depth understanding of International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs), humanitarian/development sectors, and network-based models.
• Expertise in measuring advocacy priorities and locally-led action.
• Knowledge of impact measurement for network development and engagement.
• Experience in designing dashboards and facilitating cross-functional strategic processes.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills.

Safeguarding

HelpAge International is committed to creating a safe and respectful work environment. We take safeguarding responsibilities seriously and will take appropriate action against any form of misconduct. Criminal record checks will be conducted as necessary for all involved in this project.

Diversity & Inclusion

HelpAge International fosters a diverse and inclusive work environment that reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage diverse voices, identities, and experiences, promoting inclusive behavior across our organization, irrespective of gender, race, nationality, disability, or other identity factors.

How to Apply

Interested consultants are invited to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) that includes the following:

1. Technical Proposal (Maximum 3 pages):
   • Brief explanation of the consultant’s experience, especially relevant past work.
   • Profile of consultants involved in the project and samples of previous similar work.
2. Financial Proposal:
   • A breakdown of costs for services rendered, including professional fees and any additional costs.

Please send your application to [email protected] by the closing date (13 May 2025) with the email subject: Consultancy: Strategic Framework Development.

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