Consultancy Work-Country Strategic Plan Development

Terms of Reference (TOR)

Country Strategic Plan Development

Consultancy Work

1. Background

Action against Hunger (ACF) is a global humanitarian and development network founded in 1979 with a vision of ending world hunger. We have a vast global reach and operate as an international network comprised of four independent operational Headquarters in France, Spain, India, and the United States and four enabling business lines in Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy. We work in over 55 countries around the world, prioritizing life-saving Emergency Nutrition assistance, strengthening health and nutrition sector coordination and learning systems, and facilitating adoption of Humanitarian-Development-Peace triple nexus approaches through integration of innovative immediate and long-term responses, by working with a wide spectrum of stakeholders at local, national and global levels.

We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 24 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a global nonprofit that works across 50 countries, our 8,300 dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.

Action Against Hunger has been operational in Ethiopia since 1984 responding to both chronic and acute needs through Nutrition Specific and Nutrition Sensitive multisectoral programs (Nutrition, Health, Food Security & Livelihood, WASH and Protection). During 2024/25 Fiscal year, Ethiopia Mission managed over $59 million grants under Emergency, Resilience, development, Advocacy and Research funding portfolios. Currently employs 458 fixed term National staffs based in 8 Operational field offices which are strategically geo- positioned across six (6) regions (Tigray, Amhara, Oromia, Gambella, BGR Somali and recently expanding to Afar Region). We reach 3,086,641 direct beneficiaries affected by natural and man-made disasters through integrated multisector interventions during 2024 budget year. We have active programs in 15 Zones, 46 Woredas and 4 Refugee Camps in 6 regions of Ethiopia. Our main donors in Ethiopia are USG (USAID/BHA and PRM), ECHO, Sida, NORAD, France (CDCS and CIAA), Italy (AICS), Canada (GAC), Germany (GFFO and giz) UNOCHA/EHF, UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP as well as other private donors (MCC, EDESIA, Fidnam International Charity Foundation and Band-Aid/UK).

2. Objectives

Main objectives of the consultancy work will be as follows.

• To develop a comprehensive Country Strategic Plan that aligns with the strategic objectives of Action Against Hunger. (ISP-4: 2026-2030)
• To Identify Strength, weakness of Internal capacities and Analyze Opportunities and threats in the External Environment
• To identify key areas of intervention and prioritize actions to address hunger and malnutrition in Ethiopia.
• To ensure the strategic plan is evidence-based and incorporates input from stakeholders.

3. Scope of Work

Specific tasks and deliverables expected from the consultant Includes but not limited to:

• Conduct a situational analysis of hunger and malnutrition in Ethiopia.
• Review existing Action Against Hunger Policies, Programs, and Strategies against local, national, and global Nutrition and food security needs and priorities and commitments (including alignment with major donors, SDG partners and Research and Innovation trends)
• Conduct Systemic Review of thematic/Program Function areas as outlined in the requirement section of the annex-1 [Internal SWOT analysis: -Strength and Weakness]
• Conduct systemic Review in Core Operational Capacity of ACF-Ethiopia Mission using SWOT tools and Function Specific tools/Standard capacity checklists considering improved effectiveness and efficiency to achieve Strategic goals.
• Facilitate Country level Review/reflection sessions and synthesize lessons from ISP3/CSP3 Planning and implementation (2021-2025).
• Review localization and the humanitarian system Reset Agendas in line with Action Against Hungers Charter of Principles and Partnership policy.
• Engage with ACF Ethiopia national and regional/local stakeholders through interviews, surveys, and workshops consolidate their views for CSP4 input.
• Draft strategic plan and present to SMT and compile feedback.
• Finalize the strategic plan based on feedback.

4. Methodology

The consultant should use standard approaches and methods to achieve objectives. This must involve:

• Desk research and literature review.
• Field visits and data collection.
• Stakeholder consultations and participatory workshops.
• Analysis and synthesis of findings.
• Root cause or bottle-neck problem analysis (PARETO Model)
• Objective tree development (LFA Approach)
• Evaluating alternative strategies and prioritizing high evidence interventions (Strategy evaluation grid/matrix]
• Comparison between similar organizations
• Where possible, application of data models and simulative techniques for recommended solutions/ approaches to visualize cause and effect across the strategy parameters.
• Application of Cost/ benefit metrics in areas required (e.g Cost per treated malnourished child, Cost per enhanced resilience score, Cost per Improved living Standard/living condition, Cost per Increased coverage of selected intervention in geographics setting/like Woreda).
• Adapting Country Performance/Result Management framework for CSP-4

5. Deliverables

List of expected deliverables include:

• Inception report outlining the work plan and methodology.
• SWOT and PESTEL analysis Report Presentation to Extended Country SMT [Refer the annex for areas that need to be covered in SWOT analysis]
  • Thematic Function: SWOT ANALSIS [SECTORS: NUT, HEALTH, WASH, FSL, PGMHPSS, ERP/DRM, Advocacy, Research]
  • Cross-thematic Function [Operation]: MEAL, Grant Management & Partnership, Business development, GR and Communication, Internal Audit and Risk Management
  • Support Function: HR, Logistics and Finance
• Organize dynamic and Interactive Problem tree analysis and Objective tree validation session (Internal and external stakeholders)
• Produce a Draft strategic plan. (Includes Resource Mobilization/Financing strategy, Determination of Resource need and Investment Plan as outlined in the Annex-1 section)
• Final strategic plan. [refer the Annex below for the requirement of the CSP]
• Submit Reportage [Process Report]: CS Planning process/sequences – tools- Synthesis and analysis of the intermediate outputs of the process; events and participants involved- as outlined in the scope sections of this TOR and specification under the annex section. (a learning document for future similar exercises and reference for the id term CSP review)
• Presentation of Final Country Strategic Plan for key internal and stakeholders

6. Timeline

• The proposed consultancy work is expected to take 45-60 calendar days. The Consultant expected to develop and submit a work schedule for major milestones and deliverables outlined in the TOR.
• The consultant will dedicate the assignment on a full-time workday schedule during the consultancy period.
• Progress in deliverables will be assessed based on time spent directly on the consultancy work.
• The consultant should submit the above request work schedule based on 48hrs a work-week days except in weeks affected by National holidays.

6.1 Reporting line and Communications

• The selected Consultant will directly Report to the Country Director.
• Key deliverables and Final CS Plan and Report will be Validated by the Country Director
• The Selected Consultant will have day today direct engagement with PDQ Director through the course of the consultancy work.
• Contractual matters of the Consultancy are directly managed by The Logistics department, agreement focal point, that will be indicated on the consultancy service agreement.
• The consultant should inform, advise, and consult Country SMT members throughout Strategy planning process to ensure leveled understanding, coherence and complementarity of the plan across functions.

Budget

Budget outline for consultancy work: Payment Milestones

#	Key milestones	Progress %	Payment in USD	Remark
1	Inception report outlining the work plan and methodology.	15%
2	Desk research and literature review.	10%
3	Field visits and data collection	10%
4	Stakeholder consultations and participatory workshops.	10%
5	Analysis and synthesis of findings (Including documentation of CSP process)	10%
6	Draft strategic plan.	20%
7	Presentation of findings and recommendations	5%
8	Final strategic plan submission	20%
	Total cost estimate	100%

7. Evaluation Criteria

Applicants Proposal evaluation includes the following generic criteria and Evaluation weight. The tender evaluation committee might adjust the criteria based on the pool of applicants or market situation.

• Relevant experience and qualifications (20%).
• Understanding of the scope of work. (15%)
• Proposed methodology and work plan (25%).
• Cost-effectiveness (40%).

Qualifications

Qualifications and experience required for the consultant include:

• Advanced degrees in relevant fields (Leadership and Management, development studies, Social and Economics science, public health, and Nutrition).
• Proven experience in strategic planning and policy development in Similar Organization and sector.
• Familiarity with the humanitarian and development context in Ethiopia.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Familiar with System development, Quality Improvement and Application of Digital Management Information systems and technologies

Annex: Outline and specification (requirement) for the Strategic Plan document and Processes.

1. Section-1 Basic Formatting requirement and Preface Contents

1.1 Text Formatting requirements:

• Font type: Latho
• Font Color: [ (Section Title: Dark green; good contrast), (body text: standard black), (Header: Blue-Good Contrast)]
• Font Size: [Section title: 14) (Body text: 10), (Level 1 Heading: 12), (Level 2: 11)]
• Bold Fonts: Level one headers and Section Titles)
• Line spacing: (body text: 1.15)
• Paragraph spacing: (After: 8pt)
• Paragraph alignment: Justified
• Page size and margin: Normal A4: 1 inch margin spacing in all sides.
• Page layout: Portrait [Vertical] except for major tables/matrix
• Indentation: for direct quotes more than two sentences
• Square bullets for lists- single tab spacing.
• Table and picture captions: Italics font (10, centered, top)

1.2 Cover page:

• Graphic design; Strategic framework
• ACF-ET Geographic Presence Map
• Background Sector activity Pictures with resolution not less 600 pixel per inch square
• ACF logo, tagline, and Color plates (Per ACF Visual Identity Guideline)

1.3 Mission Statement (Dedicated Page)

• ACF Vision statement
• Mission Statement
• Country Strategic intent (Goal for 2026-20230)
• Core Values
• Charter of Principles/declaration
• Global ACF network Governance structure [Network Map]
• Brief History of ACF [1 paragraph]

1.4 Table of Contents

• Level1 and level 2 headings
• Table and figure indices

1.5 List of Acronyms

1.6 Operation definition of key terms

1.7 Executive Summary

One pager: concise summary of following areas

• Key findings/summary of the SWOT analysis
• Strategic Objective and initiatives (Pillars) for 2026-2030
• Key growth and Performance targets (KPI: thematic, cross thematic and Nonthematic sectors growth and performance targets)
• Key enablers (Operational model, Fundraising, Partnership, Networking, Communication, Research, Innovation, Advocacy and Risk management)
• Estimated resources need/ Investment Plan (Indicate potential Sources of Revenue)

1. Section-2- SWOT Analysis

1. External Environment: Opportunities and threats/Risks

1.1 SSA and Country humanitarian and development aid trend Analysis

1.2 Country Socio Economic Context Analysis

1.3 Country Multisectoral Nutrition Security Policy and Program Analysis

1.4 Country Legal, Political and Security environment Analysis

1.5 Strategic and Operational Stakeholders Analysis

1.6 Summary of Opportunities and threats/Risk in external Environments (Summary Table)

• Apply PESTEL or SWOT Analysis grid.
• Stakeholder Mapping Grid

2.0 Internal Environment: Strength and Weakness

2.1 Geo-Positioning:

• Strategic Geo-positioning of operational assets- Alignment with Purpose [Base offices, warehouses, Fleet Resources, ICT installations]

2.2 Technical area/program

• Program technical framework [design, thematic Policy, and Guidelines: Relevance, alignment, Nutrition Led-Integration/multisectoral approach)
• HDP-Nexus and Resilience programing Capacity
• Short, medium- and long-term Plans
• Thematic Costing Standards/guidelines
• Program Quality framework: PCQMT-CHS-QBM
• Program delivery: effectiveness and efficiency metrics.
• Crisis Response Capacity (Surge Cap-Resource Prepositioning-EWS, RRM-SOP)
• Result management (RBM), Reporting and KM (MEAL Framework)
• Capacity and competence of thematic staff (Onboarding, training, coaching/mentorship scheme)
• Research, evidence generation, Innovation and Advocacy work.
• Cross cutting themes:
  • Climate change adaptation and Risk mitigation Framework
  • Protection and Gender Mainstreaming across sectors
  • Accountability systems (Community engagement, information sharing, feedback and complaints gathering and responding mechanisms)

2.3 Human resources:

• Staffing/organizing Structure, HR Policy, and Procedure
• Talent acquisition, retention, capacity building and compensation schemes
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (HR related to Gender Minimum Standards)
• Staff Performance Management: Efficiency metrics
• Personnel related Risk Management Policy and Practice

2.4 Resource Mobilization:

• RM cycle management: Business Development (Positioning, Capture, Proposal development), Implementation and Closeouts
• Grant Management: Policy, SOP, Award Management System (Award Phase Management: pre-award-Startup-Implementation-Reporting-Closeout: Post award phase)
• Partnership and localization: Policy/ Practice, partner identification, teaming, SGA management, Partner mentoring and capacity building
• Donor Communication and Compliance Mechanism [change management]

2.5 Finance, Audit and Risk management

• Finance Policy, Manuals, Accounting system.
• Country Core Cost Estimation: Costing Norms/standards [Benchmarks]
• Internal control and compliance Mechanisms
• Transaction processing and payment systems [Manual, automated/electronic]
• Scheme of financial expenditure authorization and delegation
• Cash flow-> Cash receipts/collection and treasury forecast and management.
• Donor Fund utilization Monitoring [BFU/BR Monitoring/Reporting)
• Financial risk management [Internal Audit]
• Compliance with donors and regulatory rules/ requirement [Tax, Audit, Xr)

2.6 Logistics, ICT and Security

• Supply chain/procurement guidelines [kit logs]
• Sourcing strategies: Framework sourcing strategies
• Purchasing thresholds and Procedures
• Supplier, Market and Product identification and information Management
• Country Procurement and Supply Plan
• Inventory accounting and management [Include IKD administration]
• Fleet planning and administration.
• ICT-Network administration, automation and cyber–security related Risk Mitigation
• Operational Safety and Access management procedure and practice
• Security Contingency Plan and National SSOP

2.7 Government communication, reporting and public relations.

• Government stakeholder engagement/consultation in Program Planning, review, and Evaluation Course
• Securing local and national government authorities’ approval of planned projects, programs, and consortium formation
• Development and submission of regulatory/statuary/ based Plans and Reports
• Administrative Compliance: CSO rules and obligations related to INGO operation.
• Enhancing Organizational acceptance and preference by Government/public stakeholders including ACF brand promotion and communication Activities

2.8 Organizational governance and Administration:

• Country Governance structure/SMT
• SMT TOR [Scope of the SMT, members of the SMT, decision rules, and business conduct, frequency of meeting, Channels for disclosure of SMT decision/minute]
• Technical Leadership [technical Committee]
• Crisis/Emergency Management Committee
• Senior Leadership Performance Management
• Country Accountability Mechanism
• Country Growth strategy and Investment Framework

2.8: Summary of Internal strength and Weakness

1. Section -3: Root Problem/cause analysis

3.1 Problem Analysis/ Root cause analysis: Malnutrition/Undernutrition

• Based on the context analysis information- develop a problem tree [root cause analysis]
• Apply ACFs LINK-NCA approach.
• The process should be a multistakeholder interactive and expert facilitated session.

3.2 Develop Objective tree and compose SMART Objective statements.

3.3 Outline Strategic Pillars- Major initiatives to achieve the country strategic Objectives.

1. Section -4- Result framework (KPI)

4.1 Deduct Result framework from the above objective tree.

• Apply Log frame approach [LFA: 4×4]
• Set key performance targets for indicators [KPI]
• Identify Assumption and Risks for the Country SO
• Conduct Risk Identification and Evaluation (5×5 Risk Evaluation matrix)
• Outline Risk mitigation measures/Plan and indicate Residual risk level (RMP)

4.2 Develop Work Plan (2026-2030) for key milestones [target, place, time resource need, Responsible person, and Accountable/lead person)

1. Section -5 Estimate Financing Need and outline financing strategy

5.1 Estimate Resource Need [Capital, material, HR, and Others]

5.2 Develop Investment Plan from 2026-2030 (Indicate Source of revenue and investment per sector, per year from 2026-230)

5.3 Draft Cashflow for Capital and Operating expenses for the strategic period (Annualized Income and expenses Forecast)

1. Section 6: Country Strategic Plan validation, Rollout/cascading/communication timeline [Gnat chart]