Background and rationale
HelpAge International is a global non-profit organisation that works to improve the lives of older people around the world. We work through the HelpAge global network, an alliance of organisations committed to the wellbeing, dignity and voice of older people. The organisation was founded in 1983 and the global network has 199 global members in 98 countries.
Localisation – HelpAge is strongly committed to the localization of aid. In HelpAge International, the term “Locally Led Development” is used to mean humanitarian and development projects being designed and delivered by national or local organisations which are led and governed within countries, instead of international organisations. As set out in the 2030 Strategy, working with others is central to HelpAge International strategy over the next decade. Through the core functions of Supporter, Convener and Thought leader, HelpAge will support local ‘agents for change’ – network members (NMs) or other partners – in achieving their missions. Localisation for HelpAge will require a significant transformation of the organisation, but the most visible shift will be to locally led programming in countries where HelpAge International currently has country offices.
Purpose of the assignment
The purpose of the consultancy is to work with the Ukraine country team in preparation of a localisation recommendation which provides a detailed assessment of the local context, environment, stakeholder views and capacities, legal and institutional frameworks, opportunities, and constraints, which will provide rigorous evidence to guide decision making on the direction for localisation in the country and the plans in place to transition to locally led development in the country.
Specific tasks
1.Work closely with the HelpAge country team and the (global) localisation team, to plan and execute the external review and consultation with key stakeholders. Stakeholder to be listed together with HelpAge in Ukraine and the Localisation team members.
2.Review relevant HelpAge and external documents related to country context on its global strategy, ageing, civil society, government strategies etc, including:
•Updating the country Legal Framework and validating the ageing, civil society, and government strategic context.
•Verifying priorities, opportunities, and constraints for the ageing agenda in Ukraine that the selected localization model should continue working on.
4.Undertake an analysis of the capacity and ambitions of civil society organisations (including network members, partners and the Country team) for locally-led development and the advancement of the ageing agenda in Ukraine.
5.Review and verify inputs from the country team through the consultant’s own assessment supported by an impartial and objective analysis; compile all assessment findings, including inputs from team and outcomes from own consultation and desk work, in the provided localisation plan template; identify options for locally-led development to be discussed during the country level workshop.
5.Facilitate the country-level workshop with Country team and Localisation team.
6.Facilitate the production of a suitable recommendation on a locally-led development option in the Ukraine context, including rationale and risk assessment derived from the country level workshop.
7.Feedback findings of consultations and reviews to the local and relevant global teams.
8.Support the country team to finalise the localisation narrative template.
9.Make suggestion on the development and implementation of the transition plan.
Qualifications of Consultant
HelpAge anticipates hiring an individual Consultant, but applicants may also be teams or organizations (e.g. firms or academic bodies). HelpAge is looking for the following qualifications:
Essential
• Degree(s) in an area relevant to the nature of the study
• Demonstrable experience conducting similar assignments
• Thorough understanding on Grand Bargain Commitments, Localisation Agenda and Global trends on localisation.
• In-depth knowledge of social development issues in Ukraine / Eastern Europe, including policy advocacy and community-based operations
• Professional background demonstrating a clear understanding of organisational development and strategic planning, through training or practical experience
• Clear understanding of the NGO sector in international development and the rationale and options for localizing operations
• Strong workshop facilitation skills and workshop planning experience
• Exceptional analytical and planning skills
• Participatory style
• Strong verbal/writing skills in English with a clear, simple communications style
Desirable
• Knowledge of current trends in the international NGO sector and development aid
• Hands-on experience establishing or advising a local NGO or other organization
• Knowledge of issues related to ageing and older people
• Preference will be given to consultants from Ukraine or experience with Ukraine context.
Safeguarding
Everyone has a role in creating and sustaining a safe and respectful working environment, where no one comes to any harm or is maltreated. At HelpAge we take our responsibilities very seriously and will take action against wrongdoing. We will do everything we can to ensure that we do not engage people that pose a safeguarding risk and will undertake criminal record checks as required.
Diversity & Inclusion
HelpAge International is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all its employees/consultants while extending the culture of inclusion into our work.
We believe that our workforce should reflect the wide diversity of the communities we serve, and that diverse voices should be elevated and intentionally integrated into our work. We embrace difference and diversity of identity, experience, and thought, and actively strive for inclusive behaviours across our organization and work regardless of gender, race, disability, age, nationality, ethnic/national origin, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, marital status, pregnancy, social status, and political beliefs.
How to Apply:
Interested and experienced consultants/firms should express their interest by submitting the information below to jobs@helpage.org not later than the deadline Sunday, 15 June 2025. The EOIs should have:
• Technical proposal (maximum 3 pages) including: brief explanation about the consultant/s with emphasis on previous experience in this kind of work; profile of the consultant to be involved in undertaking the consultancy, understanding of the TOR, the study methodology, key contacts from similar work carried out.
• Financial proposal: The financial proposal should provide cost estimates for services rendered including professional fees (daily rates x number of days) and any other costs to carry out the assignment.
Selection of the Consultant will be by a panel and based on the experience of the Consultant, the quality and relevance of the expression of interest, and the proposed budget (i.e. value for money, within resources available).
Note: Interviews will be held on rolling basis therefore early expressions of interests are encouraged. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
