Consultant for Institutional Capacity Strengthening (Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) & Organizational Systems) at Concern on Climate Change for the Community Initiative

Concern on Climate Change for the Community Initiative (FOURCi) is a non-profit organization group of Academics, Environmentalists, Agricultural Experts, Health experts, Building Experts and community volunteers coming together with their different expertise with one voice and concern towards safeguarding the future of our climate. Currently, the organization has focused its attention on the North East of Nigeria with special emphasis on Borno, Adamawa and Yobe State. (BAY) state. FOURCi interventions fall under the following thematic focuses; Climate Education & Advocacy, Livelihood and Climate Smart Agriculture, Protection and Gender Based Violence, Nutrition, Environmental Sustainability and Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).TERMS OF REFERENCE

Consultant for Institutional Capacity Strengthening (Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) & Organizational Systems)

Project Title: 
Promoting Local Response Capacity (PLRCAP) – Nigeria 

Engagement Type
Individual Consultancy

Contracting Organization
Concern on Climate Change for the Community Initiative (FOURCi)

Funding Partner
NORCAP

Geographic Coverage
Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe (BAY States), Nigeria

Assignment Duration:
11 March 2026 – 22 April 2026

Level of Effort
Approximately 20–25 working days within the assignment period

1. Background and Context 

NORCAP, part of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), is a global provider of expertise to humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding sectors, with a strong focus on strengthening local and national capacities.

Under the Promoting Local Response Capacity (PLRCAP) project in Nigeria, NORCAP provides Flexible Mini Grants (FMGs) to local organizations to enhance institutional capacity and improve program delivery.

Concern on Climate Change for the Community Initiative (FOURCi), a Nigerian non-governmental organization operating in the BAY states, has received an FMG to strengthen its internal systems, including MERL frameworks, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and operational tools.

To support the effective implementation of these activities, FOURCi seeks to recruit a qualified consultant to provide technical expertise in institutional capacity strengthening.

2. Activity Overview

This consultancy is part of the Flexible Mini Grant (FMG) under the PLRCAP project, aimed at strengthening FOURCi’s institutional capacity. The assignment will focus on enhancing MERL systems, developing and operationalizing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and designing practical tools and templates to improve program delivery.

The consultant will adopt a participatory and capacity-focused approach, combining technical system development with staff training, coaching, and mentoring to ensure sustainability and practical application across FOURCi’s operations in the BAY states.

3 Purpose of the Assignment

The purpose of this consultancy is to strengthen FOURCi’s institutional systems through the development, revision, and operationalization of MERL frameworks, SOPs, and program management tools, while building staff capacity to ensure sustainability and compliance with international standards.

4. Objectives of the Assignment

The consultant will:

Review and strengthen FOURCi’s MERL system in line with international best practices.
Develop or update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for key organizational functions.
Design, test, and finalize tools/templates for program implementation and reporting.
Build staff capacity through structured training, coaching, and mentoring.
Ensure alignment with donor compliance requirements, safeguarding standards, and accountability frameworks.

5. Scope of Work

The consultancy will cover:

Institutional assessment of existing systems (MERL, SOPs, tools).
Development and revision of frameworks, policies, and tools.
Facilitation of workshops and training sessions.
Coaching and mentoring of staff for practical application.
Documentation and reporting of all activities and outputs.

6. Detailed Tasks and Responsibilities

The consultant will undertake the following:

6.1 Inception Phase

Conduct a rapid organizational capacity assessment.
Review existing MERL frameworks, SOPs, and tools.
Develop an inception report with methodology, workplan, and timelines.

6.2 Systems Strengthening

Update and finalize MERL framework (including indicators, data flows, reporting structure).
Develop/revise SOPs covering key operational and programmatic areas.
Design practical tools/templates (data collection tools, reporting formats, tracking systems).

6.3 Capacity Building

Facilitate workshops for staff on MERL systems and SOPs.
Conduct coaching and mentoring sessions to support adoption and use of tools.
Support pilot testing of tools and refine based on feedback.

6.4 Documentation and Reporting

Document all activities with required Means of Verification (attendance sheets, photos, reports).
Produce workshop reports and coaching reports.
Submit a comprehensive final consultant report with recommendations.

7. Expected Deliverables

Deliverable
Description
Timeline (15 Working Days)

Inception Report
MERL system assessment, methodology, detailed workplan, and initial findings
9-Apr-26

Draft MERL Framework
Draft Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) framework with tools for validation
15-Apr-26

Draft SOPs
Draft Standard Operating Procedures for review and validation
16-Apr-26

Final MERL Framework
Finalized MERL framework incorporating feedback and implementation guidance
22-Apr-26

Final SOPs
Finalized SOPs incorporating stakeholder feedback
22-Apr-26

Tools and Templates
Designed, tested, and finalized tools/templates for program implementation and monitoring
29-Apr-26

8. Duration and Level of Effort

Total duration: 3 weeks
Level of effort: Approximately 15 working days within the assignment period

9. Duty Station / Location

Primary locations: Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States
Some activities may be conducted remotely where feasible

10. Reporting and Supervision

The consultant will report directly to FOURCi Project Lead/Management
Technical oversight will be provided by NORCAP PLRCAP team
Deliverables will be reviewed and approved by FOURCi and NORCAP

11. Required Qualifications and Experience

Advanced degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, or related field
Minimum 9 years of relevant experience in:

MERL systems development
Organizational capacity strengthening
SOP and tool development

Proven experience with NGOs in humanitarian or development context
Strong facilitation and capacity-building experience
Excellent analytical and report writing skills

12. Core Competencies

Strong commitment to humanitarian principles
High level of integrity and professionalism
Strong communication and facilitation skills
Results-oriented and detail-focused
Cultural sensitivity and inclusiveness

13. Child Safeguarding and Code of Conduct

The consultant must adhere to FOURCi and NRC safeguarding policies, including zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA), and must report any safeguarding concerns within 24 hours.

14. Data Protection and Confidentiality

Ensure secure handling of all organizational and program data
Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information
Comply with applicable data protection standards

15. Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP)

Integrate accountability mechanisms into MERL systems
Promote feedback and complaint response mechanisms
Ensure transparency and participation where relevant

16. Ethical Considerations

Adhere to “Do No Harm” principles
Respect local cultural norms and community dynamics
Avoid conflicts of interest
Immediately report any fraud, corruption, or misconduct

17. Payment Terms and Conditions

Payments will be milestone-based and linked to deliverables
Final payment subject to satisfactory completion and approval of all outputs