CONSULTANCY TO DEVELOP THE CIVIL SOCIETY FOR POVERTY REDUCTION (CSPR) STRATEGIC PLAN (2027–2031)

Job description

Scope of Work

The consultant/consulting firm will be responsible for the following tasks:

Conduct a desk level review of the current strategy 2022-2026 and document key lessons to support forward planning
Designing the Strategic Planning Process

ü Propose a clear, sequenced, and participatory process for developing the Strategic Plan, including timelines and stakeholder engagement strategies.

Context and Organisational Analysis

ü Conduct a comprehensive analysis of the external environment (political, economic, social, environmental, technological, and funding landscape) relevant to CSPR’s work.

ü Review internal organisational capacities, governance arrangements, programming approaches, and institutional strengths and gaps.

Stakeholder Engagement and Facilitation

ü Facilitate consultative meetings, workshops with:

·      CSPR Secretariat staff;

·      Board members;

·      Member organizations.

·      Key external stakeholders including civil society and selected communities/ community actors, donor and partner organizations, selected foreign missions, government stakeholders, academia and private sector

ü Ensure inclusive participation, reflecting gender, disability, and diversity considerations.

Documentation

ü Document and synthesize outcomes of all consultations, workshops, and engagements.

Strategic Framework Development

ü Propose an overarching strategic framework, including:

·      Vision, mission, and core values;

·      Strategic priorities and objectives;

·      Theory of Change

·      Integrated  themes

Drafting of the Strategic Plan

ü Prepare a draft Strategic Plan (2027–2031) that includes:

·      Strategic objectives and results framework;

·      Implementation considerations;

·      Linkages to resource mobilisation, partnerships, and organisational development;

·      Monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) framework.

·      Clear organizational structure and organogram

·      Strategic plan budget

Validation and Approval Support

ü Present the draft Strategic Plan to CSPR Senior Management, Staff, and the Board for validation.

ü Incorporate feedback and revisions arising from validation processes.

Final Documentation

ü Produce a final Strategic Plan and a comprehensive report detailing the strategic planning process, key findings, and recommendations for implementation.

Key Deliverables

The consultant/consulting firm will deliver the following outputs:

An Inception Report outlining understanding of the assignment, proposed methodology, work plan, and timelines;
A Context and Organisational Analysis Report;
A Draft CSPR Strategic Plan (2027–2031), including a detailed Theory of Change, logical framework (Master log frame) , M and E plan and Master 5 year budget
A Final CSPR Strategic Plan (2027–2031) incorporating stakeholder feedback.
A Final Process Report summarizing methodology, consultations, findings, and recommendations.

Methodology

The consultant/consulting firm shall propose a methodology that is:

Participatory and inclusive;
Rights-based and people-centred;
Gender-responsive and sensitive to power relations;
Aligned with good practice in civil society organisational development.

The proposed methodology will form part of the assessment criteria during selection.

Timeframe

The consultancy is expected to be undertaken over a period of 30 working days, staggered between  1st March  and  30th June 2026.

A detailed work plan will be agreed upon at inception.

Qualifications and Experience

The consultant/consulting firm should meet the following minimum requirements:

Advanced academic qualifications (Master’s or PhD) in Organisational Development, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Public Policy, Strategic Management, or related fields;
At least 5 years of proven experience in developing strategic plans for civil society organisations, NGOs, or networks;
Strong understanding of civil society, governance, social justice, and development programming, preferably within the Zambian or Southern African context;
Demonstrated expertise in facilitating participatory and inclusive strategic planning processes;
Experience integrating Theory of Change, results-based management, and MEAL frameworks;
Excellent analytical, facilitation, and report-writing skills;
Fluency in English is required.

Management and Reporting

The consultant/consulting firm will report to the Executive Director of CSPR and work closely with the Senior Management Team and relevant staff.

Application Procedure

Interested consultants (individuals or firms) are invited to submit:

1.     A cover letter demonstrating suitability for the assignment;

2.     A technical proposal outlining understanding of the TOR and proposed methodology;

3.     Curriculum Vitae of the consultant or consulting team;

4.     Evidence of previous similar assignments, including contactable references;

5.     A financial proposal indicating professional fees and costs.

Applications should be submitted to hr@csprzambia.org and copied to recruitments.procurements@csprzambia.org clearly marked: “Consultancy to Develop the CSPR Strategic Plan (2027–2031)” by February 15th , close of business ,