Job Description

TERMS OF REFEREN CE

Trócaire Sierra Leone invites Expression of Interest for the provision of Governance and  Leadership Training for Partner Board Members.  

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 and response to gender-based violence,  sustainable livelihoods, climate change, peacebuilding, and humanitarian response. With the  Localisation and Partnership approach, Trócaire works 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.  

More information about Trócaire can be found on our website at http://www.trocaire.org/ 2. About the Work  

Trócaire has a portfolio of 17 local civil society partners implementing projects funded by Irish  Aid, USAID, and the EU over the years, through the Trócaire Partnership Capacity Assessment  and Support (PCAS) framework, these partners conducted a comprehensive self-assessment  of their capacity and developed action plans to address gaps identified. Since then, the  partners have received a series of tailored support to enhance their institutional/financial  management/programmatic capacities, with the aim of improving their organizational  resilience. While progress has been seen in various areas, it is important to shift the focus and  have strategic engagement with the partner Board member to enhance the quality of the  overall oversight to the partners.  

Trócaire Sierra Leone is therefore proposing an innovative approach to engage with and  strengthen partners’ governance management by focusing on capacity strengthening of  board members to promote good governance, oversight, enhancing compliance and overall  growth of the organisation. This initiative supports Trócaire’s commitment to partner capacity  strengthening through a comprehensive assessment of institutional structures, financial  systems, and project delivery capabilities, in line with Capacity Strengthening Framework. It  also aligns with Trócaire Sierra Leone’s long-term vision for enhancing partner capacity.  Drawing from successful experiences in other Trócaire country offices like Rwanda, where  governance and management structures have been significantly strengthened through

governance and leadership training and mentorship, Trócaire Sierra Leone plans to embark  on capacity strengthening of partner board members on governance and leadership. 

The purpose of this Request for Expression of Interest is to solicit the services of a consultancy  firm (or an individual consultant) to adapt training manual, conduct trainings and coaching for  Trócaire partners’ Board members (including Executive Directors who are ex-officio Board  Members) on Governance and Leadership based on the capacity needs expressed by partners. 

Objectives of the assignment: 

The overall aim of this comprehensive capacity strengthening approach is to empower  partner Board members to provide effective oversight and leadership, ultimately enhancing  the overall performance and resilience of partner organizations.  

3.1 Specific objectives include:  

• Adapt Trócaire global training manual for the board members on Leadership and  Governance developed by Trócaire Rwanda to align with Sierra Leone context. 
• Conduct training sessions for board members focusing on Leadership and Governance  skills. 
• Provide one month of one-on-one coaching and mentorship to support the  development of board members. 
• Organize a learning and experience sharing forum for board members to share insights  and best practices.  
• In collaboration with the consultant and Trócaire, the Board members arrange and  carryout a field monitoring visit to partner project sites to enhance understanding and  knowledge. 

3.2 Specific Outcomes:  

Outcome 1: A detailed and user-friendly training manual adapted that covers essential topics  such as leadership principles, governance best practices, board roles and responsibilities,  decision-making processes, conflict resolution strategies, and ethical considerations.

Outcome 2: Increased knowledge and understanding among board members about effective  leadership and governance practices, improved decision-making processes, enhanced  communication and collaboration skills, and a shared commitment to upholding  organizational values and mission. 

Outcome 3: One-to-one support and guidance for board members to enhance their  leadership skills, strategic thinking abilities, conflict resolution capabilities, communication  effectiveness, and overall performance in fulfilling their governance responsibilities within the  organization. 

Outcome 4: Opportunities for board members to exchange knowledge, experiences, and best  practices with their peers, fostering a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and  innovation within the board. This can lead to the adoption of new approaches, improved 

decision-making, and strengthened relationships among board members. Outcome 5: Opportunity for board members to witness firsthand the impact of their  organization’s work on the ground, increased awareness of community needs and challenges,  a deeper enhanced relationships with project stakeholders, and informed decision-making.  

3. Methodology  

• Conduct a structural and capacity gap analysis on board functions for Trocaire national  NGO partners in Sierra Leone 
• In collaboration with Trócaire, the consultant will review and adapt the Trócaire global  Leadership and Governance Manual and other related materials to address the  identified gaps.  
• Using the training and capacity support materials adapted, deliver training to Trócaire  Partner Board members on Leadership and Governance. 
• Develop and implement a coaching and mentoring plan for selected participants after  the training.  
• The Consultant will also support reciprocal learning and mentoring across  organizations from the more experience board members. 

4. Timeframe for completion: 

The consultancy intended to be completed in three phases as follows:  Phase 1: From November 10th to December 23rd, 2024. 

• Hiring of a local Consultant or Consultancy firm to adapt the training manual on Board  Governance and Leadership developed by Trócaire Rwanda to align with Sierra Leone  context. 
• Training Needs assessment of partner Board members, analysis, desk review and tool  development.  

Phase 2: From January 6th to 28th of February 2025.  

1. a) Training of Board members on Leadership and Governance  
2. b) One-month coaching session for Board members  
3. c) Site monitoring visit by board members 

Phase 3: 1st to 31st of March 2025  

1. a) Learning and experience sharing organise a validation, learning and experience  sharing workshop for board members 
2. b) Submission of final consultancy report. (Note, Trócaire and the Consultant will agree  on the reporting format/template at the inception stage of the consultancy) 
3. Proposed Activities 

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6. Key Deliverables:  

• Inception report detailing budget and methodology. 
• Training materials (including power point format), and coaching plan and strategy • Submission of the final training materials, and coaching plan and strategy to Trócaire  based on feedback. 

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• Delivering the training & coaching to partners  
• Final consultancy report  

7. Profile of the Consultant  

The consultant should have the following profile:  

Interested registered consulting firms or individual Consultants should demonstrate relevant  experience in the following areas: 

• Participatory training methodologies.  
• Strong understanding of the NGO Sector, Board/Governance structures and their roles  and responsibilities.  
• Understanding of CSO/NGO legal framework in Sierra Loene.  
• Roles of NGOs/CSOs in Sierra Leone. 
• Overview of relevant corporate governance frameworks. 
• Strong background and experience of working on similar project is an advantage
• Knowledge of governance and leadership principles  
• Good command of English with ability to present and moderate discussions. 
• Proven Strong analytical and writing skills 
• Meeting within agreed deadlines while producing high quality work output. 

8. Working Modalities  

The consultancy firm or individual is responsible for their own internal travels and medical  insurance while performing this function. Trócaire has no responsibility for any cost incurred  by candidates while applying for this consultancy.  

9. Consultancy Management  

In collaboration with the Country Leadership Team, the Partnership and Localisation Manager  will provide primary oversight responsibility for the consultancy management.  

10. 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.  

11. Submission Guidelines  

12.1 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 contact details for 3 references for similar assignments. 

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• Financial proposal (maximum 1 page) outlining all relevant costs, including consultant  fees. 
• Proven experience in delivering governance and leadership training/coaching for  NGOs.  
• At least 3 certificates of good completion of services for similar work with international  organizations, donor organizations or government agencies delivered in the last 2  years. 
• Willing to submit a sample of most recent similar work with international  organizations upon request. The sample will be returned to the consultant after  review.  

12.2 APPLICATION 

For expression of interest to undertake the consultancy should be submitted to:  tenders_sle@trocaire.org deadline for Submitting the Expressions of Interest is by 5:00 pm  on Friday 27th November 2024.  

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