TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR TECHNICAL REVIEW OF THE CONCEPT NOTES

INTRODUCTION

FCS is an independent Tanzanian Not-For-Profit Development Organization that is anchored in Tanzanian civil society serving as a catalytic support mechanism for the Civil Society sector in Tanzania. Since its inception, FCS has contributed immensely to the capacity strengthening of the civil society sector in Tanzania thereby () directly enabling CSOs and citizens to become key driving forces for positively influencing democratic governance in Tanzania and better quality of life for all.

FCS has adopted a new strategy, the 2022-2026 Strategy that wants to see “Empowered, resilient and responsible citizens realize social-economic justice and improved quality of life”. This will be achieved by “contributing to sustainable and inclusive development in Tanzania through strengthening capabilities, sharing resources, and strategic partnerships with CSOs, community groups as well as other development actors. In case you need more information, you can visit our website through: www.thefoundation.or.tz

RATIONALE AND SCOPE OF THE CONSULTANCY WORK

The purpose of the technical review process is to assist FCS to identify potential organizations that FCS may work with subject to their success in the subsequent selection process. FCS expects the consultant to form an independent and objective opinion on the capacity of the project proposals from organizations that have expressed their interest to work with FCS. The consultant shall use the FCS online concept assessment tool to establish conclusions on the organizations that are appropriate to be selected for the pre-award assessment stage.

GENERAL ASSESSMENT / TECHNICAL REVIEW CRITERIA

The consultant will be guided by the overriding principle governing the selection of any project for funding by the Foundation. That is, the project activities must result in demonstrable (direct or indirect) benefits to citizens of the selected regions in the country. Other general principle includes;

  • The extent to which the proposed project activities are in line with FCS Strategic Plan and priorities.
  • The extent to which the proposed project interventions are measurable and will contribute to increased efficiency, transparency, accountability, effectiveness and responsiveness of Government.
  • Social soundness (e.g., representation, degree of community involvement in project activities identification, development and implementation)
  • The extent to which the project is addressing the problem in a local context with supporting data /evidence.

SPECIFICALLY, THE CONSULTANT SHALL DO THE FOLLOWING

The consultant shall assess each application using the five criteria as shown below, details of which can be found in the screening tool (see annexe 1)

Criterion 1: Preliminary information and general assessment,

Criterion 2: Problem statement and justification

Criterion 3: Partner relevant experience

Criterion 4: Assessment of project hierarchy

Criterion 5: Assessment of Key stakeholders,

Criterion 6: budgeting

METHODOLOGY

The consultant shall use the following approach:

  • Orient oneself with the FCS Governance, Youth & Disability Inclusion Programme annexed to this TOR
  • Orient oneself to the FCS concept note screening tool
  • Conduct a review of the project proposals/ applications and other supplementary documents of the subgrants applicants.
  • Deploy the FCS screening tool for each organization that applied for a grant through the FCS portal

Due to the number of organizations which are subjected to this process (about 840 organizations) and the duration assigned to this screening process (10 days), the consultant is expected to mobilize enough qualified human resources to perform the task who are not part of the proposals submitted for independent assessment.

The consultant shall be open to deploying additional methodologies necessary to derive to the appropriate conclusion on the suitability of the sub-grant applicant. Where this happens, the consultant shall also present to FCS the areas of assessment that need to be added to the Pre-Award Assessment tool.

EXPECTED DELIVERABLES

In accordance with the requirements and timeframes outlined in these terms of reference, the consultant shall produce;

  1. Complete technical review tools for each organization with clear reasons for ratings.
  2. Summarize screening results stating reasons for a specific recommendation/ grade given to each application.
  3. Present summary report of the review concept notes to FCS

TIMEFRAME OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The assignment will be undertaken in a span of 10 days; from 14th to 24th June 2022. The number of days includes report writing.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

General criteria

  • Broad knowledge of the Tanzania Civil Society Organizations
  • Experience in project design, management, theories of change, logical frameworks, outcome mapping, etc. with demonstrated practical development or use of such tools and approaches.
  • Good understanding of the national socio-political and economic contexts as well as the national and local level civil society environment
  • Good understanding of national governance issues and strong familiarity with various stakeholders.
  • Knowledge of and experience in policy advocacy programmes.
  • Ability to effectively communicate in English and Kiswahili both oral and written

Sector Specific Experience

  • The potential candidate/ firm must confirm to have a team of experts with more than 4 years experience in the below sectors;
  • Experience with gender, youth and disability inclusion in programming (Specifically in GBV, VAC & WLR, Youth Economic Empowerment & Disability Rights)
  • Experience in Social Accountability Monitoring and Public Expenditure Tracking System in Tanzania
  • Experience in Peace Maintenance and social cohesion projects in Tanzania

SUBMISSION OF THE PROPOSALS

Interested candidates are required to submit:

i)Technical proposal with details on the proposed strategy, rationale and the work plan in conducting the assignment as well as

ii) CV of the team members to be involved in this assignment.

iii)The applicant should also include a financial proposal to be evaluated simultaneously with the technical proposal.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

All submitted applications will be assessed in the following weights.

  • Methodology —30%
  • Team Leader qualification & experiences –25%
  • Other key expert qualifications –25%
  • Financial Proposal—20%

Proposals should be submitted to:

Chairperson – FCS Procurement Committee, by 10th June 2022 by 16.30 PM through email to: procurement@thefoundation.or.tz

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