CIVICUS is looking for a Consultancy: Innovation and Sustainability for the duration of 6 months.
Consultancy Opportunity: Innovation and Sustainability Fundraising Expert
Category: Consultancies and Service Requirements
Application Deadline: Rolling basis – first review on 9 May 2025
Contract Duration: Six months (May–November 2025)
Workload: Approx. 30 hours per week
Location: Remote (Global)
About CIVICUS
CIVICUS is a global alliance of more than 15,000 members across 175 countries working together to strengthen citizen action and expand civic and democratic space. Headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, CIVICUS focuses on amplifying excluded voices, particularly from the Global South, and advancing collective action for social justice and accountability.
Our 2022–2027 Strategic Plan is grounded in the belief that meaningful change occurs through collaborative effort. This plan is designed to address growing threats to civic freedoms while strengthening civil society through sustainable and innovative strategies. The alliance’s approach centres on five key objectives:
- Producing timely and insightful analysis on civil society and civic space.
- Leading targeted advocacy to protect and expand democratic freedoms.
- Building responsive ecosystems for activists and organizations facing risk.
- Enhancing public narratives and discourses around civic space.
- Enabling affected groups and movements to build and exercise counter-power.
About the Consultancy
CIVICUS is seeking a dynamic and experienced fundraising consultant to support the Innovation and Sustainability workstream within our strategic framework. This consultancy focuses on advancing diversified resourcing models, forming strategic funding partnerships, and exploring alternative funding approaches—such as digital giving platforms—to ensure long-term financial sustainability.
This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned fundraising and innovation strategist who can identify, secure, and sustain diverse funding streams. The consultant will work closely with the CIVICUS leadership team and relevant departments to deliver on the alliance’s resourcing priorities and contribute to broader organisational resilience.
Consultancy Objectives and Scope
The selected consultant will be responsible for:
- Exploring and securing new partnerships with funders aligned with CIVICUS’s mission and goals.
- Strengthening relationships with existing donors and partners.
- Implementing key fundraising priorities outlined in the costed strategy of the 2022–2027 Strategic Plan.
- Supporting the design and testing of alternative funding models, including individual giving through digital platforms.
- Working closely with relevant teams to align resource mobilisation with innovation and sustainability goals.
- Responding flexibly to emerging organisational needs related to sustainability, partnership development, and innovation.
Required Qualifications and Experience
CIVICUS is seeking a consultant with the following expertise and attributes:
- Proven track record in fundraising, including donor engagement, proposal development, and reporting.
- Deep understanding of the rights-based and social justice funding landscape.
- Strong networks with funders and donors across the Global North and South.
- Knowledge of innovative digital fundraising strategies and tools, including experience with platforms for individual giving.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong facilitation skills in online, in-person, and hybrid formats.
- Demonstrated ability to work with diverse cultures and across global, dispersed teams.
- Experience supporting civil society organisations and grassroots movements, especially those led by or representing marginalised communities.
Consultancy Timeframe and Commitment
The consultancy is expected to run from May to November 2025, with an average workload of 30 hours per week. The consultant must be flexible and responsive to organisational needs as they evolve throughout the consultancy period.
Budget and Remuneration
Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive financial proposal, including:
- A detailed project fee structure.
- Any anticipated material or incidental costs.
- A concise budget narrative explaining cost estimates.
All financial information must be stated in USD, unless the applicant is based in South Africa, in which case quotes should be in ZAR.
Application Instructions
To apply, interested candidates should submit a single PDF document (max. 5 pages) that includes the following:
- Introduction: A statement of interest and motivation for applying.
- Approach: An outline of how you would address the consultancy objectives, including a high-level work plan and clear indicators for success.
- Experience and References: A current CV and summary of relevant experiences, including examples or testimonials from similar projects.
- Budget: A detailed cost proposal, as outlined above.
Note: CVs can be included as an annex and will not count toward the 5-page limit.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the first batch will be considered on 9 May 2025. All submissions must be received by 14 May 2025 for full consideration.
Apply: Submit your expression of interest, CV, proposed remuneration, and start date here.
For additional information please click here.
