Consultant

BackgroundFarm Radio International (FRI) has been implementing the iHEARD project in collaboration with a consortium of partner organizations in Malawi. As the project comes to a close, FRI wishes to assess the effectiveness of partnerships and consortium approaches in the project, identify lessons learned, and strengthen processes for future collaborations about youth-focused sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) in Malawi and elsewhere.Main objective of the assignmentThis consultancy will provide an independent summative evaluation of the partnership model used,focusing on:● The value and challenges of leadership in running a consortium.● Partner perspectives on what worked well and what could have been improved.● Motivations for partners to collaborate.● Recommendations focusing on partnership modalities, for example a how-to-guide on due diligence processes, and opportunities to enhance them.Specific objectivesThe consultancy has two specific objectives:Objective 1: Evaluate the partnership and consortium approach used during the design and implementation of iHEARD project● Identify strengths, weaknesses, and lessons learned from partnership and consortium pillar management.● Document partner organizations’ experiences, motivations, and expectations.● Provide actionable recommendations to strengthen partnership approaches in future projects.Objective 2: Review partnership modalities and tools used with partners● Assess existing due diligence (DD) processes used with iHEARD partners.● Identify gaps and areas for improvement.Docusign Envelope ID: E4A57F13-3B0A-4283-A1AE-7442A3C3D1E8● Provide practical recommendations and tools/templates for enhancement of due diligence processes.Scope of WorkThe consultant will be expected to:1. Desk ReviewReview relevant project documents (program development documents), post-award documents such as consortium agreements with funders, Memorandum of Understanding between lead entities, intermediary agreements and contracts with sub-partners, partnership frameworks, and due diligence procedures.2. Key Informant Interviews (KIIs)Conduct interviews with staff from FRI, consortium partners, and key stakeholder groups.3. In-Person Experience Capitalization WorkshopFacilitate a reflective workshop with consortium partners to discuss: -What has worked well in this partnership model - - -What could have been done differently or better in managing partnerships.What motivates organizations to partner.Organize and facilitate an inclusive discussion with broader stakeholders (e.g., consortium members, external actors if relevant) to validate findings and generate collective recommendations.4. Due Diligence Review○ Assess FRI’s current due diligence systems, policies, and practices.○ Benchmark against best practices in the sector.○ Develop a how-to-guide (recommendations and practical tools/templates) to strengthenDD processes.5. Final Report & Tools○ Draft and finalize a comprehensive evaluation report with findings, analysis, andrecommendations.○ Provide practical tools/templates for improved due diligence.Deliverables● Inception report with methodology and workplan.● Summary of KIIs and workshop proceedings.● Facilitation of in-person communication pillar experience capitalisation workshops - First Weekof April 2026.● Draft evaluation report covering both objectives.● Final evaluation report (max 25 pages, plus annexes).Docusign Envelope ID: E4A57F13-3B0A-4283-A1AE-7442A3C3D1E8● A how-to-guide on conducting due diligence containing practical tools/templates for improveddue diligence (checklists, partner assessment forms, etc.).TimelineThe consultancy is expected to take place over [6 weeks/1.5 months], tentatively from 9th March 2026to 17th April 2026.Consultant Profile● Proven experience in grant management, organisational management, partnershipmanagement and consortium operations in the development/humanitarian sector.● Strong facilitation skills for workshops and participatory processes.● Knowledge of organizational due diligence and risk management practices.● Excellent analytical and writing skills.● Experience working in multi-partner, multi-country projects is an asset.Reporting & ManagementThe consultant will report to Julie Langelier, Head of Projects. FRI will provide relevant projectdocuments, facilitate introductions to stakeholders, and support logistical arrangements for workshops.HOW TO APPLYHow to applyTo submit your application, send the following to [email protected] by 23rd February 2026.● A brief technical proposal outlining understanding of the assignment, methodology, and workplan.● CV highlighting relevant experience.● Financial proposal.● Two references from previous similar assignments.Only those firms/individuals selected for the next stage will be contacted. No phone calls please.