Job Description

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Review of three Women Centered Organization Strategy Review 

Date: 21.10.24

1. 1. Brief Overview

Trócaire is an Irish development agency that was established in 1973 by the Catholic Bishops of Ireland and whose work is inspired by Catholic Social teachings, with an overarching commitment to social justice. Trócaire works in 20 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Trócaire works in partnership with local organizations in developing countries and with the people in Ireland to tackle the root causes of poverty and injustice.

In Sierra Leone Trócaire was established in 1995 implementing programmes on governance, human rights, women’s empowerment, prevention, response to gender-based violence, sustainable livelihoods, climate change, peacebuilding, and humanitarian response. We work in partnership with several local Civil Society Organizations that directly implement projects in communities in Port Loko, Kambia, Karene, Bombali, Kono, Bo, Kenema, Western Area Rural and Urban districts. 

About the Work 

Trócaire Sierra Leone is implementing a Climate Change programme, with support from the Irish Aid. The programme expects to support the agency of communities to adapt to the impact of climate change, as well as strengthen new and existing coordinating bodies to increase the voice, agency and visibility of local advocates, communities, and individuals, particularly women and youth, in climate change and create new forums where appropriate. The programme, aligned with Sierra Leone’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP), also seeks to support community mainstreaming of climate change adaptation through supporting local management and governance initiatives and partnerships. The programme will introduce forest enterprise development practices to provide opportunities for forest-edge communities to diversify and strengthen the resilience of their production systems, improve livelihoods, ecosystem services, improved sectoral and public involvement, and enhanced capacities and awareness towards conservation through the set-up of community natural resource management committees. 

The Climate Change programme also focuses on women’s rights and empowerment, particularly with regards to climate change. Women within Sierra Leone, particularly rural women experiencing poverty, are disproportionately impacted by climate-induced shocks. Trócaire Sierra Leone believes in a localised approach, that places those most impacted by humanitarian crises at the centre of our work. Therefore, there is a need to engage local Women-Centred Organisations (WCOs) that focus on climate justice in our programmatic initiatives. 

Considering the role played by Climate Change (CC) WCOs and the challenges that prevent their meaningful participation in the climate change space, Trócaire Sierra Leone has conducted a mapping exercise to identify CC WCOs across Sierra Leone and has initially selected three to engage in project implementation. In line with Trócaire Capacity Strengthening Framework, Trócaire will be providing capacity strengthening support to the WCOs in the areas of project cycle management, financial, security and risk management and overall institutional capacity strengthening. 

For the scope of this consultancy, Trócaire Sierra Leone seeks the services of a qualified individual or consultancy firm to lead the review and updating the Strategic Plan to include fundraising, human resources and financial management for each WCO. 

2. Objectives of the assignment:

The overall goal of the consultancy would be to enhance the capacity and sustainability of the Women’s Centered Organisations (WCOs) by developing comprehensive Strategic Plans that incorporate vital components such as fundraising, human resources, and financial management.

The specific objectives for this consultancy could include:

1. Reviewing the existing Strategic Plans of the WCOs to assess their alignment with the organization’s goals and objectives.
2. Updating the Strategic Plans to include fundraising strategies that support the long-term financial sustainability of the WCOs.
3. Developing detailed human resources plans that address staffing needs, skill development, and organizational structure to support the WCOs’ growth and effectiveness.
4. Enhancing financial management components within the Strategic Plans to ensure transparency, accountability, and efficient use of resources within the WCOs.
5. Providing capacity building and training to key personnel within the WCOs to effectively implement and monitor the updated Strategic Plans.

3. Methodology  

• In collaboration with Trócaire, the consultant will develop Strategy Development workshop materials and use it to organise a workshop for WCO staff (and Board member where necessary) to commence the review process. 
• The consultant will commence the review process of the WCO Strategic Plans in close collaboration with the WCOs and Trócaire.
• Maintain close contact with Trócaire in the drafting and filmization of the Strategic Plan for each WCO.  

4. Proposed Activities  

5. Key Deliverables: 

• Inception report detailing budget and methodology.
• Strategy Development workshop materials developed.
• Submission of workshop report to Trócaire and WCOs.
• Final copy of the Strategic Plan for each WCO, signoff and approval by Trócaire and WCO.

Profile of the Consultant 

The consultant should have the following profile:  

• The consultant or consultancy firm should have a proven track record in developing strategic plans for non-profit organizations, specifically focusing on fundraising, human resources, and financial management.
• A strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by Women’s Centered Organizations (WCOs) within the non-profit sector, particularly in Sierra Leone.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing successful fundraising strategies for non-profit organizations, including grant writing, donor cultivation, and diversifying funding sources.
• Proficiency in developing human resources strategies that align with the organizational goals and promote staff development, retention, and overall capacity building. 
• Experience in providing training and capacity building for non-profit organizations to enable them to effectively implement and monitor strategic plans.
• Familiarity with gender-sensitive approaches and the importance of incorporating gender equality perspectives into organizational strategies and operations.
• Strong communication skills to engage effectively with stakeholders, facilitate workshops, and present complex information in a clear and accessible manner.
• Awareness and respect for the local context and cultural nuances of Sierra Leone, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups and stakeholders.

7. Working Modalities 

The entire consultancy is expected to last for 24 days including design and production of the Strategy Development workshop materials, presentation for review, delivering the workshop  and submission of the final copy of the Strategic Plan for each WCO, signoff and approval by Trócaire and WCO . The consultant is responsible for her/his own internal travels and medical insurance while performing this function. 

8. Consultancy Management 

In collaboration with the Climate Change Policy & Advocacy Manager, the Partnership and Localisation Manager will provide oversight responsibility for the consultancy management. 

9. Safeguarding 

All consultants who work for Trócaire will be required to sign and abide by Trócaire’s Safeguarding and Data Protection principles. Any instances of breach of Trócaire’s safeguarding and data protection policy by the consultant and his or her team members will result into the immediate cancellation of the contract between Trócaire and the consultant. In addition, any pictures taken of the participants by the consultant should be only after the consent of the project participant and signing of the Consent Form. 

10. Submission Guidelines 

Requirements:

• Technical Proposal – outlining your understanding of the TOR, the methodology that will be used in undertaking the assignment, work plan, and team composition, including CVs and 3 references for similar assignments. 
• Financial proposal (maximum 1 page) outlining all relevant costs, including consultant fees.
• At least 2-3 samples of previous work done in Sierra Leone.

APPLICATION

For expression of interest to undertake the consultancy should be submitted to: braima.sellu@trocaire.org copying Beatrice.Erete@trocaire.org and chernor.jalloh@trocaire.org. Deadline for Submitting the Expressions of Interest is by Friday 8th November 2024. For clarifications, please email Braima Sellu braima.sellu@trocaire.org

(Only shortlisted consultants will be contacted for an interview).