Background:
The Non-Governmental Organizations Regulatory Authority (NGORA), is a statutory corporation mandated to register and regulate operations of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Malawi. Its key focus areas include:
i. Promoting the development of a strong, independent civil society in Malawi that inspires public and donor confidence;
ii. Enhancing collaboration between the Government and NGOs for public benefit and;
iii. Ensuring transparency and accountability within the NGO sector.
NGORA is governed by an independent Board of Directors from various professional bodies. It reports to Parliament through the line Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare (MoGCDSW).
NGORA produces an annual report known as the NGO Sector Report, which summarizes the work of NGOs in the country each year based on the annual reports submitted by NGOs. Through the Sector Report, it has been observed that about 20 NGOs close annually, and over 100 become dormant mainly due to lack of funds. NGORA has also noted that over 90% of these NGOs are local. To ensure the sector remains functional, NGORA has allocated funds to enhance the sector’s capacity.
In this context, NGORA plans to recruit a consultant to conduct a capacity gap assessment to identify key gaps requiring urgent attention. The assessment report will guide the development of guidelines for the sector’s capacity building program.
Objectives:
The assessment aims to achieve the following objectives;
1. Identify key challenges/gaps affecting operations of NGOs
2. Identify specific training/capacity needs
3. Determine appropriate training delivery methods
Scope of work:
The consultant will use mixed research methods to quantify and gain detailed insights from sector players. The consultant will conduct both one- on-one surveys and focus group discussions with NGO leaders, district council officials, ministry officials and development partners in selected districts across Malawi.
Key Deliverables:
The consultant is expected to produce the following;
1. A technical and financial proposal to conduct the study;
2. An inception report detailing the study methodology and scope;
3. Interviews with council officials and NGOs from 8 districts: Chikwawa, Mulanje, Mangochi, Balaka, Salima, Lilongwe, Mzimba and Karonga
4. Interviews with officials from Ministries of Gender, Agriculture, Health, Education and Water;
5. Interviews with four development partners;
6. Interviews with at least four NGOs in each of the eight districts;
7. Produce a validated report with the following indicators as identified by NGOs, councils,
Ministries and development partners;
- Key lacking skill-set affecting operations of NGOs:
- Desired improvement in skill-set
- Past trainings received and their impact
- Key skills needed
- Necessary policies and guidelines
8. Disseminate the findings to NGORA officials and other relevant stakeholders
Timeline:
The consultant is expected to complete the assessment within 30 working days.
Qualifications and Experience:
• A masters’ degree in a relevant field
• At least five years of proven research experience
• Familiarity with both qualitative and quantitative research methods.
Reporting and Communication:
The consultant is expected to report to the Chief Executive Officer.
Confidentiality and Intellectual Property:
The consultant is expected to maintain confidentiality of the collected information and findings. All documents related to the research will remain the property of NGORA.
Deadline:
Applicants should submit their proposals by 1st June 2024 through the following email address: recruitment@ngora.mw