Employment of consultant (ToR) for Partners’ Capacity Assessment

Cheshire Ethiopia – Liliane Fonds Program

1. Background

Cheshire Ethiopia (CE) is a pioneer non-governmental Disability and Development organization registered as Local Civil Society Organization committed to the provision of rehabilitation services to PwDs in Ethiopia since 1962. The organization has a long-standing commitment to supporting and empowering persons with disabilities through rehabilitation, inclusive education, livelihood, and child empowerment programs.

Cheshire Ethiopia implements its programs in collaboration with the Liliane Fonds (LF), an international foundation that promotes inclusion, equity, and empowerment of children and young people with disabilities. Currently, CE coordinates and supports 15 local partner organizations-Seven based in Addis Ababa and eight located in different regions of the country implementing LF-supported programs across Ethiopia.

To strengthen program quality, ensure effective delivery, and enhance accountability, Cheshire Ethiopia, in collaboration with the Liliane Fonds, seeks to engage a qualified consultant to conduct a Partners’ Capacity Assessment. The assessment will help identify partner organizations’ institutional, programmatic, and financial management capacities, as well as areas needing improvement for more effective and sustainable program implementation.

2. Objective of the Assignment

The overall objective of this consultancy is to assess the organizational capacity of partner organizations implementing Liliane Fonds-supported programs under the coordination of Cheshire Ethiopia, and to recommend capacity development strategies.

Specific objectives include:

• To assess the organizational, governance, and human resource management systems of partner organizations.
• To evaluate financial management, accountability, and reporting practices.
• To review program management, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) capacity.
• To identify capacity strengths, weaknesses, and training needs.
• To propose practical recommendations and capacity development plans for each partner organization.

3. Scope of Work

The consultant or consulting firm will be responsible for:

• Conducting desk reviews of existing partnership documents, project reports, and relevant policies.
• Using the Liliane Fonds Partner Capacity Assessment Framework (or a similar standardized tool) to collect and analyze data.
• Undertaking field visits to selected partner organizations.
• Holding key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) with partner staff and management.
• Preparing individual and consolidated capacity assessment reports.
• Presenting findings and recommendations in a validation workshop with Cheshire Ethiopia and Liliane Fonds representatives.

4. Methodology

The assessment process should be participatory, practical, and evidence-based. The consultant is expected to propose a robust methodology that includes:

• Desk review and document analysis.
• Field assessments (on-site visits).
• Stakeholder interviews and participatory discussions.
• Data analysis and synthesis using both qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Presentation of draft findings for validation before finalization.

Cheshire Ethiopia encourages the use of interactive and inclusive approaches that engage partner staff at all levels to ensure ownership of the process and outcomes.

5. Expected Deliverables

The consultant will be required to provide the following deliverables:

1. Inception Report outlining the methodology, work plans, and tools to be used.
2. Draft Capacity Assessment Report for review and feedback.
3. Final Assessment Report incorporating feedback and including capacity development plans for each partner.
4. Validation Workshop Presentation summarizing key findings and recommendations.

6. Duration of the Assignment

The consultancy is expected to take place over a period of 30 working days within one month, starting from the signing of the agreement. The consultant will work closely with Cheshire Ethiopia’s Program Department and the Liliane Fonds program teams throughout the assignment.

7. Consultant Qualifications

The consultant (individual or firm) should possess the following qualifications and experience:

• Master’s Degree in Organizational Development, Management, Development Studies, or related social sciences.
• Proven experience in conducting institutional and organizational capacity assessments for NGOs or similar institutions.
• Demonstrated understanding of disability inclusion, child development, and rights-based programming.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and report-writing skills.
• Prior experience working with international donor-funded programs, preferably those related to child empowerment or disability inclusion.

8. Deliverables and Reporting

The consultant will report to the designated person form Cheshire Ethiopia and work in close coordination with the Team.
All deliverables must be submitted in English, in both electronic and hard copy formats.

Payment Schedule

Payment will be made in three installments based on satisfactory completion of deliverables:

9. Safeguarding

Cheshire Ethiopia is committed to safeguarding the communities we serve, our staff, partners, and all individuals who come into contact with our work. The consultant is expected to:

• Prevent harm, abuse, or exploitation in all aspects of the consultancy.
• Report any safeguarding concerns or incidents promptly through Cheshire Ethiopia’s reporting mechanisms.
• Comply fully with Cheshire Ethiopia’s and Liliane Fonds’ safeguarding policies and practices.