Terms of Reference

Rapid Response Support Ecosystem Landscape Assessment

The Building Responses Together (BRT) network aims to enhance collaboration and connections among rapid response mechanisms to provide more effective and holistic support for human rights defenders, activists and local organizations in an increasingly hostile environment with growing threats and closure of civic space.   To advance this mission, a comprehensive landscape assessment will be conducted to map the current Rapid Response (RR) ecosystem, understand gaps and needs, identify best practices, and provide actionable recommendations for stakeholders. This assessment will inform strategic decisions by BRT members, donors, and civic actors, enabling a more effective and sustainable support ecosystem.

Objective of the consultancy: To conduct a focused and actionable landscape assessment of the RR support ecosystem, providing key insights into its current state, needs, gaps, and opportunities for improvement.

Scope of Work: The consultant will be responsible for:

1.      Designing and administering two targeted surveys:

a.      One for RR organizations (BRT members and beyond).

b.      One for a sample of grantee partners supported by RR organizations.

2.      Collecting, analyzing, and synthesizing data to:

a.      Visualize the state of the RR ecosystem (e.g., characteristics, coverage, financial flows, strategies).

b.      Identify gaps, constraints, best practices, and funding/resource realities.

c.       Highlight insights specific to BRT members and their grantee partners.

3.      Developing user-friendly outputs, including:

a.      Diagrams and infographics for data visualization.

b.      A succinct trends analysis.

c.       Clear, actionable recommendations for RR support providers and donors.

4.      Ensuring data confidentiality, anonymity, and compliance with ethical data handling practices.

5.      Providing regular updates to the Steering Committee (SG) and Advisory Group (AG) for feedback and validation of key deliverables.

Expected deliverables:

1.      Survey tools: Finalized questionnaires for RR organizations and grantee partners.

2.      Preliminary report: Initial findings and data visualizations for review by the BRT SG and AG.

3.      Final report:

a.      A comprehensive analysis, including trends, gaps, and recommendations.

b.      Infographics and visualizations for clarity and engagement.

c.       Methodological note outlining the survey process, sample size, analytical process used, and limitations.

4.      Presentation deck: Key findings and recommendations summarized for dissemination.

Timeline: The consultancy is expected to be completed over a maximum period of three months starting early March 2025.

Qualifications and experience:

·       Proven experience in conducting landscape assessments or similar research projects related to CSO resourcing.

·       Strong understanding of the RR support ecosystem or related fields (e.g., human rights, civic space, donor funding).

·       Demonstrated expertise in data collection, analysis, and visualization.

·       Excellent writing and presentation skills, with the ability to produce user-friendly reports.

·       Commitment to ethical data handling and confidentiality.

Application Process: Interested consultants are invited to submit the following:

1.      A brief proposal (maximum 3 pages) outlining:

a.      Understanding of the assignment.

b.      Proposed approach and methodology.

c.       Work plan and timeline.

2.      Updated CV, highlighting relevant experience.

3.      A financial proposal, inclusive of all taxes and expenses.

4.      Two samples of relevant previous work.

Submission Deadline: Applications should be submitted by 20 February 2025. You may also contact us at mawethu.nkosana@civicus.or for any questions or queries.

We appreciate and consider each application submitted. However, given the large volume of applications received, we find it impossible to respond to each applicant immediately. If you are shortlisted, you will hear from us within three weeks, and we will let you know the next steps. We will also update all applicants once the consultancy has been filled.  CIVICUS reserves the right to withdraw from any of our adverts at any time.

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