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Terms of Reference

ToR
Terms of Reference for Consultancy on fundraising mapping for SRHR programming in East Africa
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Background

Fundraising in the NGO sector is an ongoing challenge, particularly in the context of shrinking civic space for SRHR organizations. Decrease in personal giving means organizations are seeking to strengthen relations with existing donors while also diversifying funding channels- increasing competition further. The pandemic shifted the priorities of donors, with many focusing on immediate needs such as healthcare and food security. In the post-pandemic world, those priorities may not have shifted back. Thus, the partner organizations of DFPA in Uganda, Kenya, and Ethiopia, face significant hurdles in securing stable funding solutions. Factors contributing to this challenge include political restrictions, limited financial resources, and changing donor priorities. Therefore, understanding the landscape of fundraising opportunities becomes crucial for sustaining SRHR programs.

One notable shift in donor priorities is a move towards direct engagement with actors in the global majority. This localization agenda has implications for partner organizations. While it aims to empower local actors, it also means that the complexity of requirements is often pushed to these partners. Unfortunately, many of these local organizations lack the bandwidth to engage directly with donors and fully comprehend the intricacies of guidelines and expectations. The burden of navigating complex funding processes falls squarely on their shoulders.

Fundraising is a resource-intensive endeavor, demanding time, expertise, and strategic planning. Overcoming these challenges requires concerted efforts and a holistic approach to securing sustainable funding for SRHR programs. Strengthening fundraising skills within the organization ensures its resilience in the face of external shocks. When staff members

are adept at fundraising, they can adapt swiftly to changing circumstances, explore diverse funding sources, and maintain program continuity. By enhancing fundraising abilities, organizations can diversify their funding base. This reduces dependency on specific donors and minimizes the impact if any one donor withdraws support.

Doing more with less is a challenge in the international work of organizations like DFPA, supporting long term social change processes, space and voice for civil society and the communities they work with in partner countries while working with a targeted/limited reach, where economy of scale is not available. Thus, sustainable funding is essential for long-term program success. By strengthening fundraising abilities, organizations can secure multi-year grants, invest in capacity building, and plan for the future.

Purpose

The purpose of this consultancy is twofold:

1. Mapping fundraising opportunities and donors for SRHR programmes in the East African region. The consultant will assist in identifying and understanding various international donors, corporate/private foundations, bilateral and multilateral agencies, UN bodies, trusts, and other institutional donors. The goal is to develop a new funding pipeline and secure sustainable funding streams for DFPA’s partner organizations SRHR programming in East Africa.

2. Capacity Strengthening for Partners: Additionally, the consultant will provide ongoing support to partner organizations in Uganda, Kenya and Ethiopia by assisting them in application writing and navigating the fundraising processes. Fundraising expertise enables organizations to plan strategically. They can identify emerging trends, anticipate funding shifts, and apply innovative approaches.

Objectives of the consultancy

The consultancy aims to achieve the following objectives:

  1. Conduct a comprehensive mapping of fundraising opportunities specific to SRHR programs in East Africa.
  2. Strengthen the fundraising capacities of partner organizations, supporting them to secure and diversify sustainable funding.

Activities

The activities for this consultancy will be aligned with the purpose and objectives outlined above. Key activities include:

1: Mapping Fundraising Opportunities:

  • Identify potential donors, both international and local, who have an interest in SRHR
  • Analyze existing funding streams and explore new avenues
  • Assess the suitability of different donors based on their alignment with SRHR goals
  • Draft donor mapping matrix as well as proposed and justified prioritization/shortlisting of 10-15 donors for further profiling

2: Capacity Building for Partners:

The process of developing funding applications is collaborative. It involves close communication with partner organizations, understanding their context, and building their capacity to engage in successful fundraising.

  • Provide training sessions or workshops on effective fundraising strategies.
  • Offer guidance on proposal writing, donor engagement, and reporting.
  • Collaborate with partner organizations to enhance their fundraising skills.
  • Support partner organizations to review draft proposals. Revise and refine the proposals based on feedback, ensuring clarity, coherence, and alignment with donor guidelines.

Approach

The consultant will adopt a participatory approach, engaging with DFPA staff, partner organizations, and relevant stakeholders. This will involve:

  • Online orientation with key DFPA staff
  • Desk Research: Reviewing existing documents, reports, and donor databases.
  • Interviews with DFPA partners: To understand the needs for fundraising support.
  • Collaborative workshops: Preparing and facilitating workshops to share insights and strengthen capacity.
  • Application support: Closely following up on fundraising processes of partners by providing guidance, support, coaching and reviewing of applications.

Deliverables

The consultant will provide the following deliverables:

1. Fundraising Mapping Report: A comprehensive report detailing identified fundraising opportunities, donor profiles, and recommendations. The report should include:

  • An overview of potential donors (both international and local)
  • Detailed profiles of key donors, including their funding history, priorities, and preferences
  • An analysis of existing funding streams
  • Recommendations for diversifying funding sources
  • Strategies for engaging with specific donors
  • A roadmap for implementing the fundraising strategy

2. Workshop/coaching sessions:

  • Conduct capacity strengthening workshops or coaching sessions focused on practical skills and individual needs of each partner organization in relation to fundraising.

3. Finalized Applications: Support in preparing high-quality funding applications for DFPA partner organizations.

  • Activity report on the support, training and workshops organized with the partners with the aim of strengthening fundraising capacity

Timing of consultancy

The consultancy should be completed by the third quarter of 2025. The online orientation is expected by August 2024, but flexibility on the specific date may be required.

Reporting

The consultant will report directly to the International Director, Kristine Mærkedahl Jensen. Regular progress updates and reporting will be required throughout the consultancy period.

Competences and qualifications of consultant

The Consultant should have the following competences and experience:

  • Demonstrated experience in resource mobilization/fundraising, supporting international corporate, bi-/multi-lateral and/or foundation fundraising, donor scoping and/or supporting development of fundraising strategies within the international development sector, with interest in SRHR
  • Experience conducting research and synthesizing information; strong analytical and strategic thinking skills with the ability to conceptualize, articulate and debate relevant issues
  • Demonstrable understanding of IPPF’s/DFPA’s mandate
  • Excellent communication skills and in report-writing and fluency in English are required
  • Priority will be given to a consultant placed in East Africa

Liaison of Consultant

The Consultant will liaise with International Director, Kristine Mærkedahl Jensen.

Budget

The budget for this consultancy will be determined through discussions with the selected consultant. It will be based on the proposed work plan, deliverables, and the consultant’s expertise.