Vacancy Notice - Consultant

Terms of Reference (TOR)

Consultant: Needs Assessment for PSGDN's Capacity to Become a Grant-Making Entity

Background

The Pacific Sexual & Gender Diversity Network (PSGDN) is a regional LGBTQI organisation based in Fiji, representing 14 member countries across the Pacific. PSGDN seeks to expand its impact by transitioning into a grant-making entity, enabling the organization to support grassroots initiatives, community organisations, and informal collectives across the Pacific.

To ensure readiness for this transition, PSGDN requires a thorough assessment of its organisational needs, priorities, gaps, and current capacity to manage the grant process effectively.

Objective

The primary objective of this consultancy is to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment, including a desk review and consultations with key stakeholders, to evaluate PSGDN’s readiness and capacity for grant-making.

Scope of Work

The Consultant will undertake the following tasks:

Desk Review:

• Review relevant PSGDN documents, including existing policies, procedures, organizational structure, and financial systems.

• Analyse best practices in grant-making from similar regional and international organisations.

Stakeholder Consultations:

• 3.3   Engage with PSGDN staff, board members, and national member organizations.

• Consult with external stakeholders, including potential grantees, donors, and other grant-making entities.

Needs Identification:

• Identify PSGDN's organisational needs, priorities, and gaps to manage the grant-making process effectively.

• Evaluate current capacity, including governance, financial systems, and staff skills, to support grant-making.

Recommendations:

• Provide actionable recommendations on capacity-building initiatives, policy development, and operational enhancements to support PSGDN's transition to grant-making.

• Develop a roadmap with phased steps to achieve readiness.

Deliverables

The Consultant will produce the following deliverables:

• Inception Report:

• Detailing the methodology, work plan, and timeline for the consultancy.

Needs Assessment Report:

• Comprehensive report summarising findings from the desk review and stakeholder consultations.

• Identification of PSGDN’s strengths, weaknesses, and areas requiring improvement.

Recommendations and Roadmap:

• Clear recommendations for building PSGDN’s grant-making capacity.

• A phased implementation roadmap.

Duration

The consultancy is expected to be completed within 30 days, starting from the signing of the contract.

Qualifications and Experience

The Consultant should have:

• A postgraduate degree in a relevant field, such as Development Studies, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, Finance, Organisational Development, or a related discipline.

• At least 5–7 years of experience in organizational development, capacity-building, or grant-making processes, preferably in the nonprofit or LGBTQI sector.

• Demonstrated experience in conducting needs assessments or organisational reviews, especially for regional or community-based organizations.

• Familiarity with grant management systems, including fund disbursement, monitoring, and reporting mechanisms.

• Proven track record of working with diverse stakeholders, including donors, grassroots organisations, and marginalised communities.

• In-depth understanding of the Pacific region, including cultural dynamics and challenges faced by LGBTQI communities and grassroots organisations.

• Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable insights.

• Expertise in policy and process development for grant-making entities.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality reports and presentations.

• Ability to build trust and rapport with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.

• Strong facilitation and consultation skills for engaging stakeholders effectively.

• Familiarity with human rights frameworks and LGBTQI advocacy.

• Prior experience with donor-funded programs in the Pacific or similar contexts.

• Knowledge of financial and governance best practices for grant-making organizations.

Reporting and Coordination

The Consultant will report to the PSGDN Interim CEO and work closely with the senior management team. Regular updates on progress will be required through virtual or in-person meetings.

Application Process

Interested consultants are invited to submit the following by 30th April 2025:

1. A detailed proposal, including methodology, timeline, and budget.

2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) of the consultant or team members.

3. Samples of previous similar work.

Submit applications to vacancies@psgdn.org with the subject line: "Consultancy: Needs Assessment for Grant-Making Capacity.