Strategy and Future Positioning Consultant

Job Description

For those in need! As Dorcas, we strive for lasting change for those who live in poverty, are excluded, or are caught in a crisis. Together with hundreds of colleagues, from the Netherlands and abroad, and with tens of thousands of volunteers, we are committed to this mission every day.

We come alongside marginalised people and communities and jointly create opportunities for them to flourish. Across Eastern Europe, East Africa, and the Middle East, we make a difference in the lives of over one million people each year.

Are you an experienced strategic consultant with international expertise in organisational development and sustainability planning within the NGO sector? Do you have relevant knowledge of civil society in Central and Eastern Europe, specifically Romania, and are you familiar with EU/EEA funding mechanisms and social enterprise models? If so, we invite you to read on. We are seeking a passionate, results-oriented consultant to support us in shaping the future direction of our country office in Romania.

Dorcas Romania is at a pivotal stage in its development and seeks to redefine its future sustainability. To advance strategically, the organisation must analyse the broader ecosystem, anticipate emerging trends, and identify areas where it can create a distinctive impact. To inform the development of the future strategy of our country office in Romania, we are commissioning this consultancy assignment.

The objective of this assignment is to assess the external environment, ecosystem dynamics, and strategic opportunities within Romania and the broader European context, and, on this basis, to evaluate Dorcas Romania’s current position, potential, and strategic options. The aim is to identify viable, evidence-based pathways for Dorcas Romania to become a resilient and impactful organisation. It should sustain and expand its mission through diversified funding, strengthened local capacity, and effective partnerships. At the same time, it must ensure the continuity of services to the communities it serves.

• Inception report: Detailing the proposed methodology, analytical tools, and a detailed work plan.
• Context and ecosystem analysis report: Examining national (Romanian) and EU-level trends, ecosystem dynamics, and emerging opportunities and risks.
• Comprehensive assessment report: Evaluating organisational capacity, relevance, funding structure, positioning, and competitor landscape.
• Funding and partnership opportunity and feasibility analysis report: Identifying and assessing potential funding streams and strategic partnerships.
• Stakeholder consultation summary: Synthesising insights, perspectives, and feedback from key stakeholders.
• Strategic options report: Presenting at least two to three feasible strategic pathways, with an analysis of advantages, disadvantages, and implications for each.

We are seeking a consultant (individual or team) who can demonstrate the following qualifications and expertise:

• Proven experience in NGO strategy, organisational development, and sustainability planning.
• In-depth knowledge of civil society in Central and Eastern Europe, with a strong understanding of the Romanian context.
• Familiarity with EU/EEA funding mechanisms, social enterprise models, and charity shop operations.
• Strong facilitation, analytical, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including NGOs, donors, researchers, and local communities.
• Excellent English language proficiency. Romanian language proficiency is an advantage.
• You personally align with our core values and are willing to commit to adhering to our code of conduct*.

The evaluation is expected to take eight to ten weeks and will include key activities such as desk review, field visits, surveys, interviews, and report writing. The timeline for submission of final deliverables will be agreed upon in consultation with the consultant.

A detailed payment schedule, linked to specific deliverables, will be established and agreed upon prior to commencement.

We look forward to receiving your expression of interest. Please send your cover letter and CV to ihrm@dorcas.org. For further information about this consultancy assignment, please contact Attila Daray, Country Director of Dorcas Romania, at a.daray@dorcas.org.

Upon request, the Terms of Reference (ToR) will be shared with consultants whose qualifications meet the assignment profile. Shortlisted consultants will be invited to submit a technical proposal, financial proposal, and, optionally, samples of similar past consultancy work.

A valid EU work permit is required.

*All Dorcas representatives sign the Dorcas code of conduct and are obliged to adhere to it. The protection of the child has specific attention in our code of conduct. We hereby follow the PSEA guidelines (Protection Against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse). During the application process we can perform a background check, including references from former client organisations. You can find our code of conduct via downloads at dorcas.nl/organisatie.

About the Organization

As Dorcas, we strive for lasting change for those who live in poverty, are excluded, or are caught in a crisis. Together with hundreds of colleagues, from the Netherlands and abroad, and with tens of thousands of volunteers, we are committed to this mission every day.