TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR EVALUATING AND DEVELOPING RCSP STRATEGIC PLANS

1. Introduction

The mission statement of the Rwanda Civil Society Platform (RCSP) includes serving as a framework of discussions and dialogue on common challenges, exchange of information, mutual support and as a valid interlocutor between members and different partners of the National Non-Governmental Organizations. Effective dialogue on development challenges and alternative development solutions contributes to the attainment of RCSP’s vision of “a society where all people can peacefully enjoy and claim their human development rights”.

Similar Jobs in Rwanda
Learn more about Rwanda Civil Society Platform
Rwanda Civil Society Platform jobs in Rwanda

With the force of 12 umbrella member organizations with a diversity of expertise, the platform contributes to the well-being of the population by providing a forum for context analysis, dialogue, and information exchange among CSOs and the various stakeholders of the civil society sector in a manner that builds mutual respect and strengthens their voice to conduct sound evidence-based advocacy. 

In order to ensure the organization's continued growth and impact, there is a need to evaluate the effectiveness of the previous strategic plan (2019-2023) and develop a new strategic plan for the period 2024-2028.

2. Objective

The overall objective of this assignment is to critically evaluate the achievements and shortcomings of the previous strategic plan and develop a comprehensive new strategic plan that aligns with the organization's mission, adapts to changing contexts, and maximizes the RCSP's impact over the next five years

3. Scope of work

3.1. Evaluation of the previous strategic plan

1. Assess the extent to which the goals and objectives of the previous strategic plan were achieved;
2. Evaluate the relevance and appropriateness of the strategies and actions outlined in the previous plan;
3. Identify challenges, bottlenecks, and constraints faced during the implementation of the previous plan.

3.2. Environmental scan

1. Conduct an in-depth analysis of the current social, economic, political, and technological landscape to identify emerging trends and opportunities;
2. Review best practices and innovations within the CSO sector, both locally, regionally, and globally, that could inform the new strategic plan.

3.3. Stakeholder engagement

1. Engage with key stakeholders, including staff, board and members, donors, partners, and RGB/ Government to gather their insights, needs, and expectations;
2. Hold focus group discussions, interviews, and surveys to ensure a comprehensive understanding of stakeholder perspectives.

3.4. Strategic Planning

1. Formulate clear, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives for the next five years;
2. Propose strategic priorities and goals that align with the organization's mission and vision taking into account the findings from the environmental scan.

3.5 Strategy development

1. Design actionable strategies and initiatives to achieve each identified goal, incorporating lessons learned from the previous plan;
2. Define key performance indicators (KPIs) and monitoring mechanisms for tracking progress.

3.6 Resource allocation

1. Estimate the resources required for each strategic initiative, including financial, human, and technological resources;
2. Prioritize initiatives based on their potential impact and feasibility, considering the organization's available resources.

3.7 Implementation plan

1. Develop a detailed implementation plan that outlines the sequence of actions, responsible parties, timelines, and milestones;
2. Identify potential risks and mitigation strategies to ensure smooth execution.

3.8 Monitoring and evaluation

1. Design a framework for ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the new strategic plan's progress;
2. Define indicators to measure success and establish a process for periodic review and adjustments.

      4. Deliverables

1. Inception report defining the rationale of the assignment, clear methodological approaches to be used in evaluating and developing the concerned strategic plans
2. Comprehensive evaluation report of the previous strategic plan, including strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and lessons learned;
3. A new strategic plan document for 2024-2028, including vision, mission, objectives, strategies, action plan, resource allocation, and monitoring mechanisms.

      5. Duration of the assignment

The duration of the assignment is 40 days, with effect from the time of signing of the contract.

RCSP will provide overall guidance to the evaluation and development of the strategic plans. The successful candidate will work closely and regularly with Rwanda Civil Society Platform, its members and partners and will report to the RCSP Executive Secretary

      6. Skills and experience required

The consultant/Consulting firm competing for this assignment must be familiar with CSOs landscape with proven experience in consulting in this area. Particularly, the following will be taken into consideration.

• Master’s degree in Law, Social Sciences, International Development, public finance management or other related fields.
• Minimum of 5 years’ proven experience in research or consulting in developing policies and strategies for organizations/institutions
• Ability to work under minimum supervision while maintaining high level collaboration spirit.
• Experience working with civil society organizations and their partners

       7. How to apply

Interested and qualified bidders are advised to send both technical and financial proposals electronically to Rwanda Civil Society Platform, rwandacsplatform@gmail.com not later than 16^th September 2023