Announcements

Capacity Needs Assessment and Strategic Planning for CSOs

Background

The Civic Engagement for Development (CED) project, implemented by the GFA Consulting Group and funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), supports crisis centers in Kyrgyzstan, specifically in Bishkek and Osh. This crisis centers assistance initiative aims to bolster four crisis centers to become more resilient, responsive, and recognized within the national gender-based violence (GBV) support system. It operates under the existing CED project, focusing on two key areas: organizational capacity and financial sustainability, and integration into public systems.

The initiative seeks to strengthen these centers by providing core operational funding, offering tailored capacity development, and ensuring access to crucial legal and psychological services for domestic violence survivors. To ensure long-term viability, the project will also support diversified resource mobilization strategies, such as social entrepreneurship and integration into public social procurement. Furthermore, it will encourage collaboration among crisis centers, government agencies, and professional networks to foster partnerships, promoting survivor-centered systemic change.

On September 1, 2025, CED started assistance of four organizations, two in Bishkek and two in Osh cities. This ToR aims to assist the target organizations on Capacity Needs Assessment and Strategic Planning.

Objective and Scope of Work. 

The primary objective of this assignment is to strengthen the organizational, technical, and strategic capacities of four partner CSOs. This will be accomplished through organizational capacity needs assessment and the facilitation of participatory strategic planning processes. The aim is to equip four CSOs with the tools, insights, and structured strategic plans necessary to enhance their performance, sustainability, and impact.

The assignment is structured around two key components: Capacity Needs Assessment and Strategic Planning.

Capacity Needs Assessment.

The contractor will undertake a thorough evaluation of each CSO’s current capacities to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. Activities will include:

• Conducting desk research and reviewing relevant organizational documents such as strategic plans, annual reports, internal policy documents and financial statements.
• Holding interviews and/or group discussions with key staff members.
• Applying an Organizational Capacity Assessment Tool (CED project will provide a tool) to assess the following seven core areas:
• Governance and Leadership
• General Management and Administration
• Human Resources
• Financial Management
• Program Development and Management
• Project Performance Management
• External Relations and Sustainability
• Conducting an in-depth analysis of critical organizational components, including governance structures, leadership effectiveness, strategic alignment, financial opportunities, and public image.
• Producing a comprehensive needs assessment report that includes key findings, identified gaps, and actionable recommendations tailored to each CSO.

Strategic Planning

Based on the outcomes of the capacity assessment, the contractor will support each CSO in developing a robust strategic plan or revise and update any existing strategic plans. This will involve:

• Assisting CSOs in refining their vision, mission, and strategic goals through participatory approaches.
• Supporting the drafting (or revision of existing plans) of strategic plans that include clear objectives, priority areas, and implementation pathways.
• Providing tailored implementation plans that outline accountability mechanisms, monitoring frameworks, and measurable milestones.

Deliverables

• Assessment Report for four organizations.
• New developed Needs or revised strategic plans for four organizations.
• Summary Assignment report.

Timeline: The assignment is expected to take place in October 2025, with a total of up to 15 working days, including a 5–6-day trip to Osh City.

Requirements for the Contractor

The selected contractor should have:

• Contractors can be a formal company/organization or a group of consultants.
• Proven experience in conducting capacity assessments and strategic planning for CSOs.
• Knowledge of the civil society sector and relevant governance models.
• Fluency in Russian and Kyrgyz.
• A strong track record of delivering high-quality outputs within agreed timelines.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit the following documents by the COB of September 18, 2025:

• CV of consultant/s or organization/company profile.
• List of previous assignments and short descriptions relevant to this task.
• The financial proposal in EUR including the consultant’s fee and the cost of one trip to Osh City. The cost of the trip should be identified separately from the consultant’s fee.

The application should be submitted no later than 18.00 (Bishkek time) on September 18, 2025, to the email: nurgul.alybaeva@gfa-group.de. Please get in touch with us via the email stated here if you have any questions related to ToR.

CED project reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal, to annul the selection process, and to reject all proposals at any time before contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected consultants or firms.