Consultant for Institutional Capacity Strengthening (Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) & Organizational Systems) at Concern on Climate Change for the Community Initiative

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Consultant for Institutional Capacity Strengthening (Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) & Organizational Systems)

 

Project Title:	Promoting Local Response Capacity (PLRCAP) – Nigeria
Engagement Type	Individual Consultancy
Contracting Organization	Concern on Climate Change for the Community Initiative (FOURCi)
Funding Partner	NORCAP
Geographic Coverage	Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe (BAY States), Nigeria
Assignment Duration:	11 March 2026 – 22 April 2026
Level of Effort	Approximately 20–25 working days within the assignment period

 

 

1. Background and Context 

NORCAP, part of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), is a global provider of expertise to humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding sectors, with a strong focus on strengthening local and national capacities.

Under the Promoting Local Response Capacity (PLRCAP) project in Nigeria, NORCAP provides Flexible Mini Grants (FMGs) to local organizations to enhance institutional capacity and improve program delivery.

Concern on Climate Change for the Community Initiative (FOURCi), a Nigerian non-governmental organization operating in the BAY states, has received an FMG to strengthen its internal systems, including MERL frameworks, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and operational tools.

To support the effective implementation of these activities, FOURCi seeks to recruit a qualified consultant to provide technical expertise in institutional capacity strengthening.

 

2. Activity Overview

This consultancy is part of the Flexible Mini Grant (FMG) under the PLRCAP project, aimed at strengthening FOURCi’s institutional capacity. The assignment will focus on enhancing MERL systems, developing and operationalizing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and designing practical tools and templates to improve program delivery.

The consultant will adopt a participatory and capacity-focused approach, combining technical system development with staff training, coaching, and mentoring to ensure sustainability and practical application across FOURCi’s operations in the BAY states.

 

3 Purpose of the Assignment

The purpose of this consultancy is to strengthen FOURCi’s institutional systems through the development, revision, and operationalization of MERL frameworks, SOPs, and program management tools, while building staff capacity to ensure sustainability and compliance with international standards.

 

4. Objectives of the Assignment

The consultant will:

1. Review and strengthen FOURCi’s MERL system in line with international best practices.
2. Develop or update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for key organizational functions.
3. Design, test, and finalize tools/templates for program implementation and reporting.
4. Build staff capacity through structured training, coaching, and mentoring.
5. Ensure alignment with donor compliance requirements, safeguarding standards, and accountability frameworks.

 

5. Scope of Work

The consultancy will cover:

• Institutional assessment of existing systems (MERL, SOPs, tools).
• Development and revision of frameworks, policies, and tools.
• Facilitation of workshops and training sessions.
• Coaching and mentoring of staff for practical application.
• Documentation and reporting of all activities and outputs.

 

6. Detailed Tasks and Responsibilities

The consultant will undertake the following:

6.1 Inception Phase

• Conduct a rapid organizational capacity assessment.
• Review existing MERL frameworks, SOPs, and tools.
• Develop an inception report with methodology, workplan, and timelines.

6.2 Systems Strengthening

• Update and finalize MERL framework (including indicators, data flows, reporting structure).
• Develop/revise SOPs covering key operational and programmatic areas.
• Design practical tools/templates (data collection tools, reporting formats, tracking systems).

6.3 Capacity Building

• Facilitate workshops for staff on MERL systems and SOPs.
• Conduct coaching and mentoring sessions to support adoption and use of tools.
• Support pilot testing of tools and refine based on feedback.

6.4 Documentation and Reporting

• Document all activities with required Means of Verification (attendance sheets, photos, reports).
• Produce workshop reports and coaching reports.
• Submit a comprehensive final consultant report with recommendations.

 

7. Expected Deliverables

 

Deliverable	Description	Timeline (15 Working Days)
Inception Report	MERL system assessment, methodology, detailed workplan, and initial findings	9-Apr-26
Draft MERL Framework	Draft Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) framework with tools for validation	15-Apr-26
Draft SOPs	Draft Standard Operating Procedures for review and validation	16-Apr-26
Final MERL Framework	Finalized MERL framework incorporating feedback and implementation guidance	22-Apr-26
Final SOPs	Finalized SOPs incorporating stakeholder feedback	22-Apr-26
Tools and Templates	Designed, tested, and finalized tools/templates for program implementation and monitoring	29-Apr-26

 

8. Duration and Level of Effort

• Total duration: 3 weeks
• Level of effort: Approximately 15 working days within the assignment period

 

9. Duty Station / Location

• Primary locations: Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States
• Some activities may be conducted remotely where feasible

10. Reporting and Supervision

• The consultant will report directly to FOURCi Project Lead/Management
• Technical oversight will be provided by NORCAP PLRCAP team
• Deliverables will be reviewed and approved by FOURCi and NORCAP

11. Required Qualifications and Experience

• Advanced degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, or related field
• Minimum 9 years of relevant experience in:
  • MERL systems development
  • Organizational capacity strengthening
  • SOP and tool development
• Proven experience with NGOs in humanitarian or development context
• Strong facilitation and capacity-building experience
• Excellent analytical and report writing skills

 

12. Core Competencies

• Strong commitment to humanitarian principles
• High level of integrity and professionalism
• Strong communication and facilitation skills
• Results-oriented and detail-focused
• Cultural sensitivity and inclusiveness

 

13. Child Safeguarding and Code of Conduct

The consultant must adhere to FOURCi and NRC safeguarding policies, including zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA), and must report any safeguarding concerns within 24 hours.

 

14. Data Protection and Confidentiality

• Ensure secure handling of all organizational and program data
• Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information
• Comply with applicable data protection standards

 

15. Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP)

• Integrate accountability mechanisms into MERL systems
• Promote feedback and complaint response mechanisms
• Ensure transparency and participation where relevant

16. Ethical Considerations

• Adhere to “Do No Harm” principles
• Respect local cultural norms and community dynamics
• Avoid conflicts of interest
• Immediately report any fraud, corruption, or misconduct

17. Payment Terms and Conditions

• Payments will be milestone-based and linked to deliverables
• Final payment subject to satisfactory completion and approval of all outputs