Strategic Review Consultancy

Job description

Strategic Review Consultancy

for Cecily’s Fund Zambia

Call for Proposals and Terms of Reference (TOR)

Summary

1.       Cecily’s Fund (UK) is commissioning a consultancy to undertake a strategic review of its work in Zambia, with the objective of developing a forward strategy for the new Cecily’s Fund Zambia (CFZ). This will guide CFZ’s future direction, clarify its relationship with Cecily’s Fund UK (CFUK), and ensure alignment with stakeholder needs and sector realities including fundraising constraints and opportunities.

Background

2.       CFUK trustees have now decided to establish Cecily’s Fund (Zambia) (CFZ) as a Company Limited by Guarantee and Public Benefit Organisation in Zambia to carry its work forward. In its support CFUK will continue to raise funds and report to donors.

3.       The two organisations share the same charitable purposes: to advance education and to relieve poverty, sickness and distress of vulnerable children and young people in Zambia. (CFUK’s purpose specifies in Africa rather than Zambia but CFUK has never envisaged extending beyond Zambia).

4.       Cecily’s Fund (UK) was established in the UK in 1998 in memory of the young Cecily Eastwood who was working as a volunteer with AIDS orphans in the Copperbelt when she died in a road accident in 1997.  Its original mission was to enable Zambian children orphaned by the AIDS pandemic to access education. Since then over 50,000 orphaned or vulnerable children (OVCs) have been supported through school.

5.       CFUK’s mission has broadened slightly and is currently – to enable such children and young people to access education, to support them to succeed at school, to prepare them for life after school and to increase community support for their education.

6.       It works with Zambian NGO partners with whom it has long established relationships and with whom it devises and implements its programmes. It raises funds in the UK and, through affiliates, in Switzerland and the US.

Objectives of the Review

         i.              To review the existing operations, programmes, and organisational structures of CFUK in Zambia.

       ii.              To consult with key stakeholders, including board members of CFZ and CFUK, programme staff, partners, beneficiaries, and relevant external parties.

     iii.              To assess population needs and the current state of the education sector in Zambia, drawing on available evidence and stakeholder perspectives.

     iv.              To recommend a future strategy for CFZ. This should accord with CFZ’s charitable objects (see above) and the CFUK mission as more broadly defined (see above). This strategy should include clear priorities, operational approaches, and mechanisms for monitoring and reporting.

        v.              To advise on the optimal working relationship and governance arrangements between CFZ and CFUK to ensure clarity of roles and effective collaboration.

Scope of Work

         i.              Review strategic and operational documents, programme reports, and relevant data from Cecily’s Fund UK.

       ii.              Conduct interviews and/or focus groups with stakeholders in Zambia and the UK, ensuring representation across relevant groups.

     iii.              Analyse the education sector in Zambia, mapping needs, gaps, and opportunities for CFZ’s intervention.

     iv.              Draft a forward-looking strategy for CFZ, including:

        v.              Strategic goals and objectives

     vi.              Recommended programme areas and approaches

   vii.              Governance and oversight structures

 viii.              Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting mechanisms

     ix.              Guidance on CFZ’s relationship with CFUK

        x.              Present findings and recommendations to the boards of CFZ and CFUK, incorporating their feedback into the final strategy document.

Deliverables

         i.              “Emerging findings” – a draft strategy document for Cecily’s Fund Zambia, with supporting evidence and rationale. If endorsed by the two boards this will be the basis for immediate fundraising and alliance building in Zambia and internationally.

       ii.              A summary of stakeholder consultations and key findings.

     iii.              Recommendations for the relationship and collaboration between CFZ and CFUK.

     iv.              A final strategy document, reflecting feedback from both boards.

Timeline

7.       The consultancy is expected to commence by April 2026, to produce the emerging findings by the end of June and to conclude by the end of September 2026. The total input required is anticipated to be up to 20 days.

Reporting and Oversight

8.       The consultant will report to the boards of Cecily’s Fund Zambia and Cecily’s Fund UK, with regular check-ins and updates. Cheryl Hooper (CF consultant, former Director) and Monda Konayuma (CF Representative in Zambia) will provide additional support and input as required.

Budget

9.       The consultancy fee is budgeted at up to 300 USD per day plus tax. Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed subject to prior approval. Additional costs may be considered for stakeholder meetings and travel, with careful oversight of expenditure.

10.  The agreed fee will be payable in three tranches:

a.       10% on agreement on a proposed programme of work

b.      50% on submission of the Emerging Findings.

c.       40% on submission of the final report

Required Experience and Skills

·       Proven track record in strategic planning, organisational development, or consultancy within the charity or education sector.

·       Strong understanding of the Zambian education context and stakeholder landscape.

·       Excellent facilitation, communication, and analytical skills.

·       Experience working with boards and cross-national organisations.

Application Process

11.  Interested consultants should submit a CV, cover letter (which should propose referees), and brief methodology by email to chair@cecilysfund.org by midnight on Wednesday 8 April 2026.

12.  Selection will be based on relevant experience, approach, and value for money.