The International Civil Society Centre is Seeking a Consultant – Apply Before 23 March 2026 @Unknown

The International Civil Society Centre is seeking a consultant to develop a white paper on alternative financing and localisation for civil society organisations (CSOs). This consultancy provides an opportunity to influence sector-wide strategies and support CSOs in adapting to evolving financial and operational challenges.

The assignment is remote, part-time or freelance, and is expected to take place between April and May 2026. The consultancy is supported by a multidisciplinary Working Group comprised of seven civil society and academic experts.

Background

In 2025, the Centre engaged with key stakeholders to understand how financial and political crises were impacting civil society. Traditional donor-driven models are under strain, highlighting the need for CSOs to explore:

• Alternative financing models
• Localisation strategies

The goal is to enhance financial resilience, strengthen local leadership, and foster more equitable development systems. The white paper will consolidate insights, provide actionable guidance, and influence donors and policymakers toward inclusive, locally driven, and sustainable models.

Purpose and Scope

The consultant will support the Working Group in producing a white paper that:

• Explores innovative civil society business models
• Highlights alternative financing approaches for organisational sustainability
• Enhances CSOs’ capacity to mobilise resources and diversify income streams
• Provides guidance on local capacity-building, private sector engagement, and co-created funding mechanisms

The publication will be approximately 15–20 pages, including an introduction, methodology, and recommendations, and will be disseminated across convenings and sector resources.

Objectives of the Consultancy

The research will aim to:

• Centralise innovative localisation and alternative financing models, including pooled funds, local impact investment, and public-private partnerships
• Identify practical strategies for local CSOs to adapt to new funding contexts
• Support diversification of income streams through social enterprises, endowment funds, and private sector partnerships
• Explore co-creation of national funding mechanisms with governments

Consultant Responsibilities

The consultant will be responsible for:

• Drafting a concept note and methodological approach
• Conducting literature reviews and background research on alternative financing and localisation
• Gathering sector insights and data through interactive methods
• Developing and finalising a print-ready white paper incorporating Working Group feedback
• Ensuring accuracy, cohesiveness, and clarity of content

The consultant will report regularly to the Centre and the Working Group throughout the assignment.

Working Group Responsibilities

The Working Group will:

• Conduct stakeholder and initiative mapping
• Review draft iterations and provide feedback
• Share sector best practices and lessons learned
• Support dissemination and advocacy efforts for the white paper

Deliverables and Timeline

Deliverable	Due Date	Responsibility
Draft concept note and methodology	10 April	Consultant
Research synthesis and data collection	17 April	Consultant with Working Group support
Draft white paper	27 April	Consultant in collaboration with Working Group and Centre
Review and feedback rounds	6 May	Consultant with two feedback rounds from Working Group and Centre
Final paper	12 May	Consultant with final revision and Working Group approval

Qualifications and Experience

The ideal consultant will have:

• Expertise in civil society financing and business models
• Experience with innovative or hybrid models, including social enterprises or investment-oriented approaches
• Knowledge of power shift and localisation in the CSO sector
• Strong research, writing, and editing skills in English
• Ability to summarise complex concepts clearly
• Experience collaborating with international and national CSOs
• High cross-cultural awareness and emotional intelligence
• Ability to self-manage, meet deadlines, and respond promptly to Centre staff

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit:

• CV(s)
• Cover letter demonstrating relevant experience
• Examples of comparable work
• Itemised financial proposal in EUR

The consultancy budget is €10,000–12,000. Applications are due by 23 March 2026 (COB). Early applications are encouraged. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a virtual interview.

For questions, contact Myriam Ciza Gambini at mcgambini@icscentre.org.

About the International Civil Society Centre

The International Civil Society Centre is owned and supported by 16 international civil society organisations. The Centre strengthens civil society’s collective power through shared learning, convening, resource development, and sector insights. It aims to help organisations remain effective, resilient, and capable of supporting vulnerable communities worldwide.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization seeking for a consultant. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.