Country Consultant for Sudan

The European Endowment for Democracy (EED) is a grant-making organisation which has been established by the European Union Member States, and the European Union institutions to foster and encourage democratisation and deep and sustainable democracy. EED has been established as an independent private law foundation with its seat in Brussels.

While EED statutes do not foresee the setting up of any regional offices in the countries that fall within the scope of its geographical mandate, EED has a network of consultants in key countries, to help provide its Secretariat with knowledge consultancy services as well as technical assistance and logistical support. This work includes outreach, monitoring and evaluation. Sudan is one of the countries within the EED geographic mandate.

EED is looking for a local consultant focused on Sudan to enhance the in-country support mechanism for its operations in Sudan, initially for a period of 12 months, with the possibility of extension. 

The consultant will be selected on the basis of his/her reputation and experience, his/her knowledge and understanding of political developments in the country, and the scope of his/her network (including CSOs, both established and recent, emerging political/social movements, alternative media outlets, etc.). 

The consultant could belong to a CSO or other form of group but would not qualify to receive EED support during the period in which he/she will be carrying out services to the Secretariat. This limitation applies both to requests submitted at the individual level and on behalf of the organisation or group the consultant belongs to. 

Duties 

• Background checks: The EED will require reliable references of the persons or associations applying for support in order to make its funding decisions. The consultant is in this regard expected to carry out background checks when asked to, and makes recommendations accordingly.
• Support Grant proposals assessments and processing: The EED will be accepting grant requests in Arabic, (besides English). The consultant will be requested to contribute to the assessment of those requests, including content assessment, information verification, and reference checking among others.  Likewise, the consultant may be requested to coach applicants following initial requests for support, to help them refine their proposals to be considered for EED support.
• Knowledge consultancy: The EED seeks to be complementary to other donors, especially to existing EU instruments. In order to guarantee its added value, it will thus request information regarding any existing initiatives that could potentially overlap with the activities it is considering funding. Within the possibilities given the situation on the ground, the consultant will be expected to maintain contact with the donor community and provide EED updates on donor activities in Sudan.
• EED will further require insider analysis of the evolving political and security situation and its impact on democracy support and democratisation efforts. The consultant will provide reports and updates that would provide such an analysis and focus on the consequences for EED support and activities EED is supporting in Sudan.
• Activity Follow-up and Technical Assistance:  The EED country consultant will, in coordination with the EED, follow up on and support initiatives and activists that EED is supporting in Sudan. This would include providing regular feedback and assessment of the work of EED supported initiatives (ensuring, among other things that funds are being spent adequately and activities carried out as agreed). As grants are disbursed and activities initiated, the EED may also request the EED country consultant to provide the beneficiaries with technical assistance if needed and appropriate.
• Logistical support:  Security conditions permitting, the EED country consultant may be asked to provide logistical support for the EED Secretariat direct engagement with grantees from Sudan. This could include setting up meetings or other logistical support. 
• Outreach: The EED country consultant will be requested to identify/approach actors whose work could be considered relevant to the EED mandate. This would be done in close coordination with the Programme Manager and taking into account security conditions.
• Financial and narrative reports: The consultant may be requested to assist in the assessment of financial and narrative reports submitted to EED by grant beneficiaries.
• Communication and reporting

The consultant will work under the direct guidance of the EED Programme Manager and under the general supervision of the EED Director of Programmes. 

Terms of Contract

An initial consultancy contract shall be concluded for a period of one year, and with a possibility of extension. 

The consultancy contract fee rate shall be based on a competitive local salary depending on level of experience where the consultant will receive a fee per day worked, for up to 15 days per month.

Required Expertise

The consultant shall meet the following requirements: 

•    relevant professional experience, for example working with civil society;
•    thorough knowledge of Arabic and English;
•    ability to keep full confidentiality about all assigned tasks and related documentation as well as able to exercise confidentiality, discretion and tact when dealing with diverse groups of people; 
•    ability to develop strong working relationships internally and externally at all levels;
•    high personal and professional culture;
•    ability to work in a multicultural environment;
•    references as to the suitability for the performance of duties.

Application Process

Should you be interested in this position and meet the criteria, please submit your CV, a motivation letter and contact information for two referees. Applications should be made by clicking on "Apply to" on this page. After successfully submitting your application, you will receive an automatic email confirming receipt of your application. Please no phone calls/emails/letters.
 
The application deadline is Sunday, 19 May 2024 at midnight Brussels time.
 
Unfortunately, we cannot respond to every application, therefore only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview. The information provided in the applications is subject to EU legislation on protection of personal data and confidentiality of information.