Consultancy To Facilitate CSO Network Learning & Strategy Reflection Workshop

Oxfam is a global movement of people who are fighting inequality to end poverty and injustice. Across regions, from the local to the global, we work with people to bring change that lasts.

PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT
 

The IP2 Project places a strong emphasis on learning, accountability, and continuous improvement through its project evaluations, seeking to generate knowledge and insights that inform future programming and contribute to positive social change in the region.

As the project is concluded its implementation by early 2025, The IP2 Project requires an experienced consultant to support the design and facilitation of upcoming CSO Network Learning and Strategy Reflection Workshop. The consultant will closely work with Partnership & Networking Coordinator and support from Project manager to design the workshop flow and prepare report after the workshop.

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

The Inclusion Project Phase 2 (IP2) contributes to sustainable development within the Greater Mekong Sub-region by promoting inclusive and sustainable governance of the region’s major rivers, especially the Mekong and Salween. The project builds on the achievements and lessons of the first phase of the Inclusion Project (IP1), which was delivered by Oxfam from 2014 – 2020. 

Oxfam- deliver IP2 project through supporting communities and civil society partners in Thailand, Myanmar, Lao PDR, Cambodia and Vietnam and regionally to engage and influence governments, inter-governmental bodies and the private sector in water and energy planning and development.

The project is funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

The Inclusion project has three main components as the following: 

• Outcome 1. Social Inclusion, Gender Equity and Women’s Leadership: Women leaders and representatives of marginalized social groups are playing leadership roles in influencing national and regional state and non-state actors in WRG and energy policy and planning processes.
• Outcome 2. Civil Society Engagement and Networking: Riverine communities and civil society actors are engaging with and influencing national and regional WRG and RE policy and planning processes and promoting the interests and rights of vulnerable social groups.
• Outcome 3. Government and the Private Sector: Target government and private sector actors at the national and regional levels increasingly comply with international standards and best practices and engage with and include the perspectives of civil society in hydropower and RE policies and plans.

Why does reflecting and analyzing the effectiveness and influence of CSO network matter?

Networking at all levels and in most activities is probably the most overused and ambiguous term in the development sector and certainly in Oxfam’s strategies. Interaction is essential for cooperation, coordination and learning and the restrictions on the usual ways of networking during the pandemic illustrated there are many effective ways to network. The focus on capacity building of partners during the pandemic was a good adaptive response but the post-pandemic, program has a choice to consider what networks, and which platforms will be most effective for which purpose. Pre-pandemic, community-to-community learning was an important tool and the program should re-consider what to include again-particularly between as well as within projects.

Networks/Platforms are good mechanisms throughout the program for creating solidarity and community protection (safety in numbers) in a challenging, sensitive environment and they can be an exciting space to co-create and learn. As a result of cooperation in the program, academic platforms are developing between universities, community network, women right organizations/feminist network that might continue beyond project requirements.

Networks and platforms have remained country and specific project based (to some extent in their comfort zone) and there will be a need to proactively create opportunities for regional and cross border linkages, so members experience the benefits of networking regionally and are prepared to invest the time needed to network. There is not clear if the networks who working in the context of Natural Resource Governance want to adapt and change to the new contexts and challenges e.g., sustainable energy, climate change, younger demographics or whether their priorities are compromised because of funding.

SCOPE OT THIS CONSULTANCY

To achieve the above objectives mentioned, we are looking for an experienced consultant to help in designing this regional learning/reflection and strategizing what future network and coalition look like and facilitate 2.5 -days workshop physically. The consultant will support the process of designing workshop proceeding flow, facilitate 2.5-day workshop and prepare workshop report.

WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES

1. To review, reflect and relearn on how the networks, coalitions and alliance building and joint influence approach could be or still be effective in the context where the region is shrinking and space for CSO influencing is restricted.
2. To analyze how the benefit of working as a network/coalition could build:

• A louder, more credible voice
• Expanded access to decision makers and wider policy influencing space 
•  Mutual organizational advantage through skill sharing and broadened exposure to each other’s practices
•  Lessened risk through unity of voice, rather than advocacy from a lone organization.

3. Define effective strategy/intervention where the CSO network can still influence this challenging political space in the issue of GEDSI, Water and climate justice. and set the future programing together.

DELIVERABLES

The consultant will be underlined by Inclusion Project Manager and need to work closely with Partnership & Networking Coordinator for IP2 to ensure the process and timeline are aligned. 

BUDGET CONFIRMATION

The total budget is a maximum of USD 5,175 including TAX/WHT.

Oxfam will be responsible for 15% withholding tax for resident taxpayers or 14% withholding tax for non-resident taxpayers to the Cambodian Government from the respective net fee.

The total consultancy days for this assignment will be 07.5 working days over the period from 28 November –15 December 2024.  The consultant is expected to deliver the following outputs:

Payment term/method

The payment will be made after the consultant has completed any delivery and submitted the invoice. Payment will be made via bank transfer. 

Oxfam will reimburse reasonable related travel costs based on submitted receipts, such as transportation, accommodation, etc.

Key Qualifications and Skills

The successful company or individual will be required to have:

•     Demonstrated strong experience in facilitating and convening CSO national and regional network workshop in the region.

•     Demonstrable experience of leading and designing CSO national and regional networks consultation process within the Mekong countries context.

•     Demonstrable experience of working with international level / national level knowledge strong analytical skills within the CSO networks in water governance, gender, and inclusive development.

•     Excellent writing and verbal communication skills in English and ability to write concise, readable and analytical strategic documents.

Key Attributes

•     Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to cultural differences and gender issues, as well as the commitment to equal opportunities.

•     Ability to demonstrate an openness and willingness to learn about the application of gender/gender mainstreaming, women’s rights, and diversity for all aspects of development work.

•     Commitment to Oxfam’s safeguarding policies to ensure all people who come into contact with Oxfam are as safe as possible.

Others

• Eager and required to adhere to Oxfam’s principles and values as well as the promotion of gender justice and women's rights. 
• Understanding of and commitment to adhere to equity, diversity, gender, child safety and staff health and wellbeing principles.
• Oxfam is strongly encouraged women, People with Disability (PwD), and individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply

ONLY SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED!

The details of the application process can be accessed here:

https://oxfam.box.com/s/x4rtf2apngh67ehra2mb44b6vske2ff1