Call for Consultancy: Comprehensive Needs Assessment for CSO/CBO Capacity Building in Oromia

Background

The East African Initiative for Change (I4C) is a board-led, non-governmental, and not-for-profit organization registered under CSO Proclamation No. 1113-2019 (registry number 4805). Based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, I4C has been operational since March 2020, dedicated to strengthening locally grounded conflict transformation efforts across the Oromia region. Our mission is to enhance sustainable peace through community resilience, inclusive dialogue, and institutional capacity-building interventions.

Civil society organizations (CSOs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) in Oromia play a vital role in advancing peace, social cohesion, and community-level conflict resolution. However, many face limitations in institutional capacity, methodological approaches, and thematic knowledge, constraining the effectiveness and sustainability of their work.

To address these gaps, I4C seeks to commission a consultant to undertake a comprehensive needs assessment that will inform a tailored capacity development training program and support strategic peacebuilding interventions in the region.

Objective of the Work

The overall objective of this consultancy is to conduct a thorough assessment of the current capacities, inherent strengths, and critical gaps of CSOs and CBOs operating in the field of peacebuilding and conflict transformation in Oromia. The final output must propose a clear, actionable, and practical framework for strengthening their roles, informed by both deep contextual understanding and relevant international best practices.

Scope of Work

The selected consultant will be responsible for executing the following tasks:

1. Mapping of Peacebuilding Actors

• Conduct an overview of existing CSOs, CBOs, networks, and initiatives engaged in peacebuilding in Oromia.
• Identify contextual dynamics, structural constraints, and operational challenges influencing their work.

2. Capacity Gap Analysis

• Assess knowledge, skills, practices, and institutional systems relevant to conflict transformation and peacebuilding.
• Identify methodological, structural, and resource-related gaps affecting CSO/CBO performance.
• Highlight opportunities for targeted capacity strengthening.

Expected Deliverables

1. Inception Report: A detailed document outlining the proposed assessment methodology, data collection tools (e.g., survey questionnaires, interview guides, Focus Group Discussion protocols), work plan, and timeline for the entire assignment.
2. Comprehensive Needs Assessment Report: A final report presenting detailed findings, robust analysis, and actionable, prioritized recommendations. The report must include an executive summary, main body, and relevant annexes.
3. Stakeholder Mapping Matrix: A clear, organized matrix or database that catalogues peacebuilding actors, summarizing their thematic focus areas, geographic coverage, and key characteristics.

Duration: The assignment is expected to be completed within a period of one (1) month from the date of contract signing.

Required Qualifications

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Peace and Conflict Studies, Political Science, Development Studies, Social Anthropology, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of proven professional experience in conducting organizational capacity assessments, qualitative research, and analysis in conflict-affected or fragile contexts.
• Demonstrated experience and a strong understanding of working with CSOs and CBOs in Ethiopia.
• Direct working experience in the Oromia region is a significant advantage.
• Exceptional analytical, facilitation, and report-writing skills.
• Proficiency in Afan Oromo is mandatory.
• Knowledge of other local languages spoken in the region is an asset.
• Familiarity with and commitment to employing participatory, gender-sensitive, and inclusive assessment methodologies.