INVITATION FOR BID

*CONSULTANCY SERVICE FOR PRODUCTION OF A POLICY BRIEF AND ADVOCACY MATERIALS ON

A0-100 THE CASE FOR A LOCALLY MANAGED POOLED FUND IN ETHIOPIA”**

Background

CST Ethiopia represents the overseas development and humanitarian agencies of the Catholic Church from England and Wales (CAFOD), Scotland (SCIAF), and Ireland (Trócaire) in Ethiopia. The three agencies have over 40 years of experience in international development and humanitarian response and are each member of worldwide networks, including Caritas Internationalis. Currently, the three agencies jointly operate a single, integrated country programme in Ethiopia through the legal entity CST Ethiopia. CST Ethiopia is a partnership organization and works with local partners to deliver services for people in need especially on Humanitarian response, women Empowerment focusing on protection, livelihood enhancement and strengthening resilience of vulnerable and marginalized communities. CST Ethiopia is currently implementing the Local SPACE Project: Enhancing the Space, Participation, Accountability, Capacity and Engagement of Local and National Actors in Humanitarian Aid Delivery, in partnership with CCRDA. The project seeks to strengthen the leadership and institutional capacity of local and national actors (L/NAS) in the humanitarian system and to generate evidence-based advocacy that supports systemic change in line with global localization commitments.

As part of this initiative, CST Ethiopia intends to commission a consultancy to produce a high-quality, evidence-based policy brief and advocacy materials that articulate the case for establishing a locally managed pooled fund in Ethiopia, drawing on national, regional, and global lessons

Scope of the Work

The objective of this consultancy is to produce a concise, policy-oriented brief and supporting advocacy materials that inform and influence policy and financing decisions related to locally managed pooled funding in Ethiopia. The assignment will include, but not be limited to, the following key components:

• Research and Analysis:
  • Conduct a comprehensive desk review of humanitarian and development financing in Ethiopia, localization commitments, and existing pooled funding mechanisms.
  •  Analyse the Ethiopian policy, institutional, and donor landscape relevant to pooled funding and localization.
• Stakeholder Mapping and Consultation
  •  Map key stakeholders including government institutions, donors, UN agencies, international and national NGOs, coordination platforms, and pooled fund governance actors.
  •  Conduct key informant consultations, including with national and local NGOs, women-led and marginalized-group-led organizations.
•  Comparative and Good Practice Analysis
• Analyse comparable pooled fund models from other contexts.
•  Identify lessons learned, risks, safeguards, and success factors applicable to the Ethiopian context.
•  Development of Policy Brief and Advocacy Materials
• Draft a policy brief (approximately 6-8 pages) including key messages, problem analysis, rationale, design and governance options, risks and safeguards, and clear policy recommendations.
•  Develop advocacy messages, notes, and a summary slide deck to support policy engagement.
• Ensure content is written in clear, non-technical language suitable for senior decision-makers.

Validation and Finalization

• Present draft outputs to stakeholders for validation.
•  Incorporate feedback and finalize all deliverables for publication and advocacy use.
• The duration of the assignment is 30 days following contract signing.
• Qualifications and Experience Requirements
• An advanced degree in Development Studies, Public Policy, Humanitarian Studies or related fields
•  At least 7-10 years of experience in humanitarian or development sector including financing and policy analysis
•  Demonstrated expertise and knowledge in locally led development, pooled funding mechanisms
•  Proven experience producing policy briefs or advocacy publications,
•  Strong analytical and writing skills, and familiarity with the Ethiopian context.

Language Proficiency

•  Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required.
•  Knowledge of local languages or experience working with Ethiopian stakeholders is an advantage.

Application and Submission of document

Interested bidders should submit a complete set of bidding documents (finance and technical proposals in separate sealed and stamped envelopes prepared in English language). Bidders should submit a renewed license for the current year, VAT certificate (if applicable) and Taxpayer Identification number (TIN). Bidders who are not VAT-registered but hold a valid business license are also eligible to participate.

The documents can be submitted in person at CST Ethiopia’s Addis Ababa office located in Kirkos Sub city, Woreda 3, Kebele 4, Meskel flower, in front of St. Yared church, The deadline for submission is Tuesday 14 April 2026 at 5:00PM

Interested and eligible bidders may obtain further information and request the TOR through following email address: Eden.Belew@trocaire.org.

CST Ethiopia reserves the right to cancel this bid process, either in full or in part, at its discretion and without an obligation to give reasons for the cancellation. Submitting a bid does not guarantee that a contract will be awarded by the organisation.

CST Ethiopia is committed to safeguarding people within our programmes from exploitation and abuse and has specific policies on this commitment (including a Global Code of Conduct) which outlines the expected behaviour and the responsibility of all staff, consultants and other organizational representatives. More information on CST Ethiopia safeguarding policies available on Our www.Trócaire.org