[Hiring] Consultant - Developing Localization Strategy @Mercy Corps

Role Description

This Assignment is contingent to Funding.

Project/Consultancy Title: Localization Consultant – Sudan INGO Forum

Project Location(s): Remote with engagement in Sudan (and potential regional travel as required)

Sudan is facing one of the most severe humanitarian crises globally, with millions in need of assistance. The Sudan INGO Forum represents over 80 international NGOs and plays a central role in coordination, advocacy, and representation.

As outlined in the Sudan INGO Forum 2026–2027 Workplan, a key priority is strengthening localisation by improving collaboration with national and local NGOs, women-led organizations, civil society actors, and mutual aid groups. This includes developing a localisation strategy, improving partnership practices, and supporting more equitable and locally led humanitarian action.

Objective: To operationalize the Sudan INGO Forum’s localization priorities by developing a practical localisation strategy, establishing coordination mechanisms, and delivering practical tools, guidance, and processes that enhance cooperation/partnerships between INGOs and national actors/NNGOs.

Consultant Responsibilities

• Conduct stakeholder consultations and key informant discussions to inform localisation priorities.
• Provide technical review of existing partnership practices and coordination approaches for NNGOs.
• Support identification of operational barriers affecting equitable partnerships/collaboration between INGOs and NNGOs.
• Engage with NNGO Forum leadership to identify priorities, gaps, and opportunities for collaboration.
• Establish and support a Localization Working Group (including ToR, structure, and workplan).
• Lead the co-creation of a Sudan INGO Forum Localization Strategy aligned with Objective 4.
• Conduct mapping of national NGOs, local actors, and networks (including geographic and thematic analysis).
• Support in documenting stakeholder feedback and consultation outcomes to inform strategy development.
• Design and facilitate peer learning events and roundtables on localisation in practice.
• Develop practical guidance and tools on equitable partnerships and collaboration models.
• Establish structured feedback mechanisms for national partners.
• Support exploration and recommendations for due diligence harmonization among Forum members.
• Facilitate dialogue and experience sharing between INGOs, NNGOs, and donors on localisation priorities.
• Support in challenges analysis and opportunities related to localization.
• Provide recommendations to strengthen participation of local actors/NNGOs in humanitarian decision-making processes.

Consultant Deliverables

• Inception report outlining methodology, timeline, and stakeholder engagement plan.
• Mapping of national and local actors' networks across Sudan.
• Established Localisation Working Group with agreed ToR and workplan.
• Sudan INGO Forum Localisation Strategy (co-developed with stakeholders).
• At least 2–3 peer learning/dialogue events delivered.
• Learning briefs capturing key insights and practical recommendations.
• Framework for partner feedback mechanism.
• Recommendations and options paper on due diligence harmonization.
• Final report summarizing achievements, challenges, and next steps.

Timeframe / Schedule

July/August 2026 – October/November 2026 (80 days)

Reporting Structure

The Consultant will report to the Sudan INGO Forum Director and Steering Committee.

The Consultant will work closely with:

• INGO Forum Secretariat
• Steering Committee
• NNGO Forum leadership
• Forum members
• ICVA
• Relevant donors

Qualifications

• Minimum 7–10 years of experience in humanitarian coordination, localisation, or partnerships.
• Strong understanding of localisation policy and practice.
• Experience working with national NGOs and civil society organizations.
• Demonstrated facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience producing practical tools, strategies, and guidance documents.
• Ability to work in complex and politically sensitive environments.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in Sudan or similar contexts.
• Familiarity with INGO Forum structures.
• Experience with donor engagement on localization.

Team Engagement and Effectiveness

Achieving our mission starts with how we build our team and collaborate. By bringing together individuals with a variety of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives, we strengthen our ability to solve complex challenges and drive innovation. We foster a culture of trust and respect, where every team member is valued for their contributions, empowered to reach their full potential, and motivated to do their best work.

We recognize that building a strong and effective team is an ongoing process, and we remain committed to learning, improving, and growing together.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under applicable law.

Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct elearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.