Consultant - Developing Localization Strategy – Sudan INGO Forum

This Assignment is contingent to Funding Scope of Work for Consultant Project/Consultancy Title: Localization Consultant – Sudan INGO Forum Project Location(s): Remote with engagement in Sudan (and potential regional travel as required) Background: Sudan is facing one of the most severe humanitarian crises globally, with millions in need of assistance. The Sudan INGO Forum represents over 80 international NGOs and plays a central role in coordination, advocacy, and representation. As outlined in the Sudan INGO Forum 2026–2027 Workplan, a key priority is strengthening localisation by improving collaboration with national and local NGOs, women-led organizations, civil society actors, and mutual aid groups. This includes developing a localisation strategy, improving partnership practices, and supporting more equitable and locally led humanitarian action. Objective: To operationalize the Sudan INGO Forum’s localization priorities by developing a practical localisation strategy, establishing coordination mechanisms, and deliver practical tools, guidance, and processes that enhance cooperation/partnerships between INGOs and national actors/NNGOs, support more inclusive in building ToRs/Tools for the engagement with national NGOs, women-led organizations, civil society actors, and local humanitarian networks. Consultant Responsibilities: The Consultant will: Conduct stakeholder consultations and key informant discussions to inform localisation priorities, provide technical review of existing partnership practices and coordination approaches for NNGOs, support identification of operational barriers affecting equitable partnerships/ collaboration between INGOs and NNGOs - Engage with NNGO Forum leadership to identify priorities, gaps, and opportunities for collaboration. Establish and support a Localization Working Group (including ToR, structure, and workplan) Lead the co-creation of a Sudan INGO Forum Localization Strategy aligned with Objective 4 Conduct mapping of national NGOs, local actors, and networks (including geographic and thematic analysis) and support in documenting stakeholder feedback and consultation outcomes to inform strategy development Design and facilitate peer learning events and roundtables on localisation in practice Develop practical guidance and tools on equitable partnerships and collaboration models Establish structured feedback mechanisms for national partners Support exploration and recommendations for due diligence harmonization among Forum members Facilitate dialogue and experience sharing between INGOs, NNGOs, and donors on localisation priorities Support in challenges analysis and opportunities related to localization. Provide recommendation to strengthen participation of local actors/NNGOs in humanitarian decision-making processes Consultant Deliverables: The Consultant will provide: Inception report outlining methodology, timeline, and stakeholder engagement plan Mapping of national and local actors networks across Sudan Established Localisation Working Group with agreed ToR and workplan Sudan INGO Forum Localisation Strategy (co-developed with stakeholders) At least 2–3 peer learning / dialogue events delivered Learning briefs capturing key insights and practical recommendations Framework for partner feedback mechanism Recommendations and options paper on due diligence harmonization Final report summarizing achievements, challenges, and next steps Timeframe / Schedule: July/August 2026 – October/November 2026 (80 days) The Consultant will report to: Sudan INGO Forum Director and Steering Committee The Consultant will work closely with: INGO Forum Secretariat, Steering Committee, NNGO Forum leadership, Forum members, ICVA, and relevant donors Required Experience & Skills: Minimum 7–10 years of experience in humanitarian coordination, localisation, or partnerships Strong understanding of localisation policy and practice Experience working with national NGOs and civil society organizations Demonstrated facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills Experience producing practical tools, strategies, and guidance documents Ability to work in complex and politically sensitive environments Desired : Experience in Sudan or similar contexts Familiarity with INGO Forum structures Experience with donor engagement on localization Team Engagement and Effectiveness Achieving our mission starts with how we build our team and collaborate. 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