Caritas Internationalis (CI), the Confederation of 162 Caritas organisations and 7 Regional Secretariats worldwide working on emergency relief and integral human development, is undertaking the first phase (2024-25) review of the implementation of the Caritas Internationalis Strategic Framework (SF) 2024-30.

Caritas has taken an inclusive and highly participatory process to develop the Caritas Internationalis Strategic Framework 2024-2030, with inputs and participation across the Caritas Confederation, comprising the General Secretariat, seven Regional Secretariats and 162 Member Organisations across the globe.

Caritas Internationalis is looking for a consultant (a team of consultants) to conduct the first review of its Global Strategic Framework (2024-2030).

The Strategic Framework is a guiding framework for all Member Organisations and Regional Secretariats of Caritas Internationalis to address current challenges and reach joint strategic objectives, making an impact and bringing change as a whole Confederation. The SF includes five strategic orientations: Caritas at the heart of the Church (SO1); Reduce risk, save lives and rebuild communities (SO2); Promote sustainable integral human development and care for creation (SO3); Increase the effectiveness of the Caritas Confederation (SO4); Build global solidarity (SO5).

The assignment is aimed at assessing the working structures set up to facilitate and coordinate the CI SF implementation by the Confederation members, while further identifying and documenting achievements to date against the 22 strategic objectives of the 5 strategic orientations, 8 shared commitments and current MEAL system. Moreover, it will evaluate first results in the implementation of strategic objectives against developed MEAL indicators.

Purpose and Objectives

The review will be a first external assessment focusing on the launch phase of the CI Strategic Framework 2024-2030 (SF) and how conducive it has been towards the implementation of the Strategic Framework to date. The launch phase includes the period of time starting from January 2024 till July 2025 during which the working structure for the implementation of the SF was developed, MEAL system identified and the first progress on its implementation has become evident. The purpose of this assignment is to answer the key questions of inquiry, stated in section 9 in this ToR, relevant to the SF launch which includes the first phase of implementation, follow-up and coordination of the SF. The assignment is aimed at assessing the working structures set up to facilitate and coordinate the CI SF implementation by the Confederation members, while further identifying and documenting achievements to date against the 22 strategic objectives of the 5 strategic orientations, 8 shared commitments and current MEAL system.

As such, the assignment will identify, map, and assess the adoption, and level of SF implementation to date, visible across the seven regions of the Caritas Confederation. Additionally, the assignment will also conduct an informed and critical review of the CI working structures set up to contribute to the realisation of the SF and document key learnings from the implementation of the SF among member organisations and regional offices to date.

The launch phase of the Strategic Framework (January 2024 – July 2025) was intended to: 1) establish a working structure which is responsible for strategic (Committees) and operational (Working and Task groups) implementation of the Strategic Framework; 2) develop a MEAL system for monitoring SF implementation; and 3) achieve first results in the implementation of strategic objectives against developed MEAL indicators.

The assignment will produce answers to the review questions in this ToR and produce key recommendations on how to improve the working structure and its effectiveness, the MEAL system and to better reach the identified Strategic objectives going forward. Recommendations should be utilization-focused and contextually informed, based on evidence on what works, and why, and validated by representatives of the Confederation.

The key objectives of this Review are:

• Determine the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, and coherence of the 22 objectives specified in the Strategic Framework and the shared commitments, in the light of information on the work conducted or potential achievements so far by the Confederation members across regions, and with the changing environment.
• Assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the working structures (Committees, Commissions, Working and Task Groups) to contribute to the SF implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and learning, and the MEAL system.
• Assess the level of ownership of the Strategic Framework by its members and Regional Secretariats and the effectiveness of the Strategic Framework as a Confederation tool for aligning and coordinating the efforts of the Confederation towards reaching common objectives.
• Document key learning, potential best practices and innovative approaches from the launch of the CI SF work done towards its realization.
• Propose actionable, utilization-focused recommendations on how to improve the value-added by the SF to Confederation members, including how its working structures lead, monitor, follow up and engage with the Confederation in the implementation of the SF.

The findings and conclusions of the first assessment will be used for learning about the Confederation’s implementation of the strategic objectives and shared commitments.

Reporting Requirements and deliverables

1. Kick off meeting to discuss preliminary methods, tools, approaches, timeline, deliverables etc.
2. A draft Inception Report (subject to approval) to be submitted by the end of June 2025
3. Final inception report – to be submitted by 15 July 2025
4. A draft Review report (max 20-30 pages excluding annexes) – to be submitted by 1 October 2025
5. A validation seminar with key stakeholders, based on the preliminary findings, conclusions and co-creation of recommendations based on the Draft Review report – mid October 2025
6. Final Review Report including validated findings, conclusions and co-created recommendations – to be submitted by 24 October 2025. The report (max 30 pages plus annexes) shall address all the assessment questions and cover the objectives of the assignment, where useful details by regions are illustrated with concrete examples
7. A summary report (5 pages) highlighting the main findings for the Representative Council (CI governance)
8. Three (or a mix of) case studies (1 page each), infographics, or creative media content: highlighting either identified best practice, key learnings (based on success or failure), key stakeholder messages or significant achievements.

Requirements for candidates

The consultant will be selected through a transparent tender process, based on professional experience, competence, perspectives and proposed methods and tools to the assignment at hand. Tenders are appraised on the basis of topical content and understanding of the assignment, professional composition, competence and diversity of the team, and price. As part of the appraisals of compliant tenders, interviews may be carried out to clarify and confirm the details of the information provided.

The consultant, or team of consultants, should jointly cover the following demonstrated experience and competences:

• Proven experience in assessing, reviewing and evaluating complex multi-country and multi-sectoral programs and strategies.
• Working experience in Caritas and knowledge of the Caritas Confederation work including coordination of emergencies, global advocacy and communications, management standards and safeguarding.
• Understanding of Caritas principles and values (including Catholic Social Teaching) and Catholic Church structure and work.
• Advanced technical knowledge in evaluation and review methodologies and techniques fitting this ToR.
• Strong qualitative and quantitative data collection, analysis and synthesis skills.
• Excellent English language skills, good knowledge of French and Spanish are important.

Please click on the link for further details.

How to Apply:

The Consultant is requested to send a proposal tender by 20 May 2025, including:

• CV(s) Team member with details of qualifications, experience, and track record of past work done of similar nature.
• A justification of how your experience and profile match the requirements, including CV(s) for those involved in the evaluation.
• A brief note (max. 5 pages) reflecting your understanding of the tasks and roles. Methods to be used and plan for stakeholder engagement you foresee, work plan and the timeline (max. 5 pages).
• 2 Examples of previous, relevant assignments
• A detailed financial offer

Proposals will be sent to Olga Zhyvytsya, Strategy and MEAL Manager, zhyvytsya@caritas.va by 20 May.

The selection of the consultant will be finalised by 10 June 2025. A contract will be signed with the consultant(s). The total number of days for this consultancy is estimated at approximately 40 days.

Please click on the link for further details.