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
