Terms of Reference (ToR)
Consultant to Develop Concern ECHO ERC Proposal – HIP’26
1. Background
Concern Worldwide seeks to engage a qualified and experienced consultant to lead the development of a high-quality Enhanced Response Capacity (ERC) proposal under DG ECHO’s Strategic Priorities and Policy Support HIP 2026. The ERC funding stream aims to strengthen humanitarian systems, improve preparedness, support anticipatory action, and reinforce resilience in fragile and conflict‑affected contexts.
Building on Concern’s existing global and country‑level experience, the consultancy will focus particularly on the following priority: actions reinforcing disaster preparedness, anticipatory action, and climate and environmental resilience, and building stronger systems through preparedness with particular attention to urban contexts in secondary cities.
For this specific priority, DG ECHO prioritises innovative preparedness actions that strengthen local systems, especially in urban contexts where population density, governance complexity, climate risks, and dynamic conflict patterns require multi‑risk and multisector approaches. Actions should build on and reinforce existing local capacities, integrate local knowledge and leadership (including engagement with authorities and the private sector), avoid parallel structures, and contribute to the humanitarian–development–peace (HDP) nexus.
2. Purpose of the Consultancy
The consultancy aims to design and deliver the proposal in consultation with technical and country programme teams, ensuring a competitive, high‑quality ERC proposal. The proposal must align with DG ECHO guidance and demonstrate clear added value, evidence‑based innovation, and potential for scale, while avoiding duplication of interventions funded under DG ECHO’s geographical HIPs.
3. Specific Tasks to Be Performed
Inception and Document Review
- Conduct an inception meeting with Concern Head Office and the broader application team, including country team focal points and partners across various time zones.
- Review all applicable ECHO 2026 guidance, HIP technical annexes, thematic notes, and examples of previously awarded ERC projects.
- Review lessons from Concern’s HIP’25 proposal, including donor feedback.
- Propose an initial concept note or outline Theory of Change (ToC) for review by Concern.
Multi‑Country Coordination and Analysis
- Lead structured engagement with Concern country programmes and relevant partners to collect and harmonise inputs.
- Facilitate cross‑country workshops to design a harmonised project.
- Ensure representation of diverse partners, countries, and technical perspectives.
- Consolidate inputs into a coherent project concept across countries.
Proposal Design and Drafting
- Develop a full Theory of Change and Logic of Intervention aligned with ERC priorities.
- Draft all Single Form proposal sections, including needs analysis, problem statement, intervention strategy, and risk analysis.
- Integrate core DG ECHO requirements on disaster preparedness, anticipatory action, climate and environmental resilience, system strengthening, local leadership, evidence‑based design, and innovation.
- Produce supporting annexes as required by Concern and the donor.
Learning, Evidence and Added Value
- Identify replicable, scalable, and innovative elements in selected Concern pilot countries.
- Propose mechanisms for regional coordination, anticipatory triggers, localised preparedness, and system‑wide capacity strengthening.
- Ensure integration of evidence from global research, Concern experience, and external evaluations.
Internal Consultation and Revision
- Present draft sections to Concern Head Office for feedback.
- Integrate comments and ensure coherence across narrative, annexes, and budget logic.
- Ensure the final offline Single Form is formatted to DG ECHO standards and ready for submission before the deadline.
4. Expected Deliverables
- Inception note and proposed workplan.
- Logframe, narrative proposal (Single Form), budget annexes, workplan, and required supporting documents; provide input to the budget and related materials as needed.
- Final ERC proposal package ready for submission by 29 April.
5. Coordination and Supervision
The consultant will work closely with the Strategy, Advocacy and Learning Directorate (SAL), the International Programmes Directorate (IPD), and the Institutional Funding Support Unit (IFSU) at Concern Head Office, as well as relevant country colleagues. Regular check‑ins will ensure timely problem‑solving and alignment.
6. Duty Location
The consultancy may be conducted remotely.
7. Timeframe
The consultancy will run until 30th April, with an estimated 15 days Level of Effort (LoE).
8. Required Expertise and Qualifications
- Proven track record of successfully writing ECHO HIP applications, with strong knowledge of ECHO’s Single Form and requirements.
- Strong familiarity with anticipatory action, disaster preparedness, and climate resilience, as well as ECHO policies, guidelines, and key indicators.
- Experience coordinating multi‑country programme design processes.
- Excellent English writing ability and analytical skills.
- Strong understanding of DG ECHO systems, Single Form, and compliance requirements.
- Ability to meet tight deadlines under pressure.
9. Payment
Payment will be processed upon completion of the deliverables outlined above. The consultant will be required to complete the new supplier form, comply with Concern’s guidelines for consultants, and submit an invoice for payment. Payment may be made in one or two instalments.
10. Application Process
Applicants should submit:
- CV
- Daily rate inclusive of all costs
- One‑page profile explaining suitability for the consultancy
Applications should be sent via email to [email protected] by Monday, 6th April 2026 (close of business).
11. Note on Safeguarding
Concern has an organisational Code of Conduct and associated policies, including the Programme Participant Protection Policy, Child Safeguarding Policy, and Anti‑Trafficking in Persons Policy. These policies aim to protect programme participants from exploitation and define the standards of behaviour expected of Concern staff, consultants, visitors, and partners.
Any candidate offered a consultancy opportunity will be expected to sign the Concern Code of Conduct and associated policies as part of their contract. Engagement as a consultant is subject to vetting checks, which may include criminal background checks.
12. Note on Data Protection and Intellectual Property
Throughout the consultancy, the consultant will take all necessary measures to protect and safeguard personal data and minimise the risk of attributing findings to specific individuals. During the inception phase, the consultant will liaise with the Protection and Safeguarding Unit to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place.
All tools, documents, and training materials developed will remain the intellectual property of Concern. These may only be shared with third parties with Concern’s consent.