Research & Opportunity Mapping – Multilateral Institutions

Research Background

Globally Plan International works with UN agencies, regional development banks and multilateral organisations, through a wide range of cooperation models. Currently the approach to multilateral agency funding remains fragmented across the federation. Aside from the European Union, a global account management process remains in its infancy and National Organisations work with country offices based on a number of factors from incentives, technical support and on-going relationships.

Plan International UK (PIUK) is keen to accelerate our work with multilaterals in order to further grow our income and diversify our donor base. With DFID putting 40% of their funding through multilateral agencies from 2011 to 2016 and a new global Britain the likelihood has increased of DFID putting more funding into multilaterals in years to come.

PIUK have conducted internal research regarding how we might progress in acquiring further multilateral grants, we acknowledge that this is an area and we could more effectively capitalise on.

Objectives

PIUK is seeking a consultant to conduct a review of the opportunities with Multilaterals. The ultimate product of the consultancy will be a concise 10-15 page overview of where the market currently stands and where opportunities exist for PIUK’s future engagement with multilateral organisations specifically with a focus on UNICEF, UNHCR, UNDP, WFP and FAO, but not limited to these agencies.

Content and Deliverables

The main output is a 10-15 page report (with limited annexes as appropriate),which includes:

• Which donors are funding what in the UK, US and globally – with a focus on the above donors and funding activities in PIUK’s areas of expertise.
• Understanding the above donor’s current programming, engagement and operating trends within different geographical contexts.
• A mapping of the specific thematic areas within these donors that are best suited for PIUK’s mandate and where there is the greatest potential to potentially bid for future opportunities.
• Recommendations on where PIUK should start with to achieve some quick wins and longer-term wins.
• What size grants/contracts can PIUK can realistically expect to secure in 12, 24 and 36 months.
• What investments might PIUK need to make to achieve the above.
• What are the recent success stories from similar sized charities within the UK market with relevant donors.
• Recommendations on how to maximise internal resources in PIUK to better leverage multilateral opportunities.
• Work with and engaged the Plan family more broadly to identify and utilise any pre-existing research in this thematic area so that we do not ‘reinvent the wheel’

The consultant will annex, in their report, a list of contacts the consultant made / key individuals and organisations they spoke to, in order to inform their thinking and recommendations.

The Consultant will also present their findings to PIUK’s Programme Development Team (a small slide deck or verbal presentation of the report is fine), upon completion of their report. Following receipt of the report, the Board will then make decisions on if and how to further grow Plan’s work in the Multinational’s market.

Proposed methodology

The consultant will undertake a desk-based review to scope the market. Drawing on the consultant’s own connections also speak with key stakeholders from within PIUK and possibly further afield, and donors where possible, to supplement this scoping.

Consultant’s Qualifications

The consultant is expected to have skills, experience and good understanding of the Multilateral donor market and direct experience with at least two of the donors mentioned here. The consultant is also expected to have experience in international development programming and strong commercial awareness.

Submission Guidelines & Timeline

Submission of proposals should be made by email to: catherine.belfield-haines@plan-uk.org

The proposals should include the following:

· Topline research framework/plan and a timeline based on the ToRs (maximum 3 pages)

· Your proposed daily fee in GBP (highlighting any VAT)

· Your CV (maximum 3 pages)

· An example of a similar report produced (or valid hyperlinks to online published papers or reports).

Deadline for applications - 10^th October 2017

· Selection will take place immediately and consultants will be notified by 13^rd of October 2017

· Consultant to commence assignment – As soon as possible, preferably by 23^rd October 2017 (please make it know if you are available before this date).

· Final Report submission – 24^th November 2017, first draft by 17^th November.

· Presentation to the team between 27^th– 29^th November 2017

· Assignment completion - 29^th November 2017

We expect the consultancy to require a maximum of 20 days of work over the period of 23^rd October – 29^th November 2017.

The consultant should be available for the above dates. Consultants are encouraged to apply early, as we will review applications on a rolling basis and possibly select ahead of the deadline if the ideal candidate applies.

Payment milestones:

· 30% upon approval of the draft submission

· 70% upon approval of the final submission

Please label subject lines “**Research & Opportunity mapping – Multilateral Institutions**”