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Sudan INGO Forum: Consultancy Term of Reference
Job Title:
Governance Consultant
Location:
Remote with possible travel if necessary
Type of Contract:
International
Anticipated Start Date:
May 1, 2025
Length of Contract:
2 months
Reports to:
INGO Forum Steering Committee
Direct Reports:
N/A
Background:
Sudan is facing one of the most severe humanitarian crises globally, marked by widespread displacement, disease outbreaks, and confirmations of famine in several ‘hunger hotspots.’ In an effort to coordinate INGO efforts and establish a common voice for INGOs operating in Sudan, the INGO forum was established in 2009 as a key representation platform. To date, the forum is made up of 51 members and 17 observers operating across the country, including in some of the most difficult to reach parts of Sudan.
The INGO Forum is a permanent member of the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) and the Inter-Cluster Coordination Group (ICCG). It co-leads the Humanitarian Access Working Group (HAWG), alongside OCHA and spearheads collective engagement with Government and other Authorities as well as with donors. The forum also leads collective advocacy nationally, regionally and internationally through its Advocacy Working Group (AWG) and in close coordination with the regional Inter-Agency Working Group (IAWG) and Member liaison offices in key donor/diplomatic capitals around the world.
Since 2023, the situation in Sudan has dramtically shifted as state and non-state actors wage a brutal war. The situation in non-Sudanese Armed Forces - controlled areas is particularly dire, with humanitarian access severely restricted and the absence of United Nations (UN) presence exacerbating the challenges. As humanitarian needs continue to escalate, there is an urgent need for an interim solution to address critical gaps in coordination, common services and aid delivery.
To this end, the three core tenants of the INGO Forum’s work include:
Summary:
The INGO Forum in Sudan is faced with a range of complexities that require strong governance documents to make clear how decisions are taken, how members are represented, how the Forum is held accountable, and how the Forum is able to operate and represent members across the whole of Sudan. Funding for the Forum was primarily coming through BHA until the beginning of 2025. To ensure the Forum’s continuity, ECHO stepped in to ensure core functions were covered during the 2025-2026 project cycle. Other donors are also expressing interest in funding Forum activities, and as the secretariat expands, hosting arrangements that are rooted in an empowered steering committee and ensure harmonized approaches to salaries, benefits, performance review and delivery must be established. Furthermore, given the regular turnover of leadership roles in Sudan, Member representation and participation across all critical bodies (steering committee, HCT, HAWG, ICCG, etc.) must be reviewed and formalized, with clear processes for participation and clear accountabilities. Decision making protocols should be established, and membership due structures should be considered. Given the complexities of Membership with some operating across the whole country and others specializing in areas under control of one of the Parties to the conflict, guidance on internal protocols within the secretariat is also required to ensure that collective positioning is responsive to needs and priorities of all actors across Sudan.
The consultant will report to the INGO Forum Steering Committee, currently comprised of six Members: ACF, DRC, RI, Plan, Save the Children and Alight, and will work closely with Member CDs and the current Forum Secretariat. The position will be funded through Mercy Corps.
Responsibilities:
Required Skills & Experience:
Essential requirements:
Desirable requirements:
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