Terms of Reference: Consultant, Advocacy Research
Organization: Adeso : African
Development Solutions
Reporting to: Communications &
Advocacy Manager
Program/ Duty Station: Nairobi
Duration: Up to 15 days
Starting Date: 15th November 2013
Organizational Context
Adeso,
formerly known as Horn Relief, is an expanding and vibrant African based
international development and humanitarian organization.
At Adeso,
we work with African communities who are yet to realize their full potential;
working inside these communities to create environments in which Africans can
thrive. Our belief that economic, social and environmental security is the
bedrock of a healthy community drives the nature and intent of our programming.
We work to
prevent and overcome situations that adversely affect community well-being by:
reinvigorating the economy, developing skills for life and work, providing
humanitarian aid, and influencing policy.
For the
past 20 years we have strengthened rural livelihoods through environmental
awareness, training, technology transfer and innovative humanitarian projects
in pursuit of a peaceful, self-reliant, and greener future.
At present,
Adeso has programs in Somalia, Kenya and South Sudan.
Adeso is an
exciting and dynamic organization experiencing managed rapid growth.
It offers
sound employment conditions with opportunities for personal growth and
development.
Consultancy Summary
There is
growing discussion, and debate, around the respective roles to be played by
Southern NGOs and international NGOs in the international system.
Should the
former be seen as the primary actors and responders, with the latter providing
support as required and requested?
After all,
as Glenda Cooper explained in a DexEx article in October 2013, “now, most
poverty is in big and rapidly growing economies which, by and large, have their
own vibrant and growing NGO communities.”
[https://www.devex.com/en/news/reinventing-the-international-ngo/79392]
There is
little doubt that Southern NGOs have grown in number in recent decades, as has
their capacity to deliver humanitarian and development assistance, as well as
hold their governments to account.
But has
this translated into Southern NGOs having a stronger voice in international
forums, and an increased ability to coordinate their efforts to carry out joint
advocacy and lobbying? Is this something Southern NGOs even want or should be
aiming towards?
As a
Southern-based NGO, Adeso is interested in mapping the current state of
Southern NGOs (for the purposes of this assignment, the consultant is asked to
only look at NGOs with their headquarters in the global South and that have
operations in at least two different countries), with an eye on identifying
what networks or alliances, if any, exists between such NGOs.
Objectives of the Assignment
The
consultant will map the current state of Southern NGOs and existing networks or
alliances.
The
consultant will also analyze what demand there would be for an alliance of Southern
NGOs, i.e. one whose membership would be limited to NGOs headquartered in the
global South, and which would act as a convener and voice for this community,
mobilizing members around shared agendas, and allowing for the sharing of
information and practices.
The overall
objective of the assignment would be to determine whether there is evidence of
a need for such a Southern-based alliance, and assess the viability and use of
this kind of alliance in coordinating responses, conducting shared advocacy,
and sharing lessons learned.
The
assignment is also expected to lead to the formulation of specific
recommendations on what such an alliance should look like (in terms of vision,
mission and goals), and how it could be developed.
Scope of Work
The consultant will be
expected to:
- Create a map of existing large Southern NGOs (defined here as NGOs that have their headquarters in the South and are operational in at least two countries). The mapping should include the NGOs’ history, structure, mission and vision, scope, composition of the board of directors, etc.;
- Analyze the functions of these Southern NGOs (are they focusing on service delivery vs. campaigning, are they holding governments to account) etc.;
- Map existing networks and/or alliances between these Southern NGOs;
- Assess demand for increased networks and/or alliances;
- Provide specific recommendations on how such an alliance of Southern NGOs should look (in terms of vision, mission and goals), and how it could be developed.
Consultancy Period
The consultancy
should require no more than 15 days.
Methodology
- Desk-review research on Southern NGOs, looking at history, structure, mission and vision, scope and composition of the board of directors;
- Desk-review research of existing networks/alliances between Southern NGOs;
- Attend Commonwealth People’s Forum 2013 in Sri Lanka from November 10-14th to meet with Southern NGOs, carry out interviews and build contact database;
- Key informant interviews (remote) with 10-15 Southern NGOs.
Deliverables
- Initial work plan and proposal for the assignment outlining the proposed methodology and process of data collection and analysis;
- List of proposed interviewees and draft interview guide;
- Draft report for feedback and comments of Adeso;
- A final report in English not exceeding a length of 20 pages. The list of NGOs, networks and alliances that have been mapped should be provided as Annexes to the report;
- Summary version of the final report to be shared with project communities.
Skills and Qualifications
- Post graduate degree in a social science field (political science, sociology, anthropology, etc.);
- Experience working with or for non-governmental organizations;
- Policy and advocacy experience essential;
- At least five years of experience in conducting research;
- Familiarity with development and humanitarian issues;
- Good knowledge and experience in designing and implementing research projects;
- Creative thinking and ability to take initiative;
- Cultural awareness and sensitivity to gender issues;
- Excellent command of oral and written English;
Application Process
This is a
challenging opportunity for a dedicated and highly motivated professional.
If you
would like to join this dynamic team, please submit your application to
consultancy@adesoafrica.org, quoting the position in the email subject matter,
by November 6th 2013.
Each
application should be addressed to the Human Resources Manager and include the
following:
- An updated CV (maximum 3 pages), including daily fee;
- An application letter which should include remuneration requirements (daily rate) and contact information for three work-related referees.
Applications
not including all of the above information will not be reviewed.
Only
short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Adeso is an
equal opportunity employer.
Website: www.adesoafrica.org
