Consultant to develop Proof- of-Concept documents 57 views0 applications

1. About Plan International

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls.

We believe in the power and potential of every child. This potential is too often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination, with girls being the most disadvantaged. By working alongside children, young people, supporters and partners, we strive to create a just world by addressing the root causes of the challenges facing girls and other vulnerable children.

For over 85 years, Plan International has been supporting children’s rights from birth to adulthood. We operate in more than 80 countries worldwide, including Nigeria, where we began operations in 2014.

2. Purpose of the Consultancy Assignment

Plan International Nigeria seeks to enhance the quality and impact of its programming and influencing efforts across six core thematic areas: Basic Education, Livelihoods and Economic Empowerment, Child Protection, Youth Development, Early Childhood Development, and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).

To achieve this, there is a need for well-researched, evidence-driven Proof-of-Concept (PoC) documents that articulate a clear theory of change, implementation models, and supporting data. These PoCs will serve as internal reference tools to strengthen programme design, guide donor engagement, and support effective field implementation.

This consultancy will involve the development of six thematic PoC documents through a combination of desk research, stakeholder consultations, and validation processes. In addition, the consultant will facilitate training sessions for staff to build capacity and ensure effective uptake of the PoCs. The entire assignment will be delivered within a period of no more than four (4) weeks, targeting Plan International Nigeria’s programme teams and relevant partners.

3. Objectives

• Conduct desk research and limited primary data collection to generate relevant evidence and insights for each thematic area.
• Engage with Plan International Nigeria staff and key stakeholders to understand existing interventions, contextual realities, and emerging priorities.
• Develop six clear, structured, and user-friendly PoC documents—one for each thematic area.

4. Guiding Questions

• What existing evidence supports Plan International Nigeria’s approach to each thematic area within the Nigerian context?
• How can a clear and context-specific Theory of Change be articulated for each thematic area?
• What models, strategies, and interventions have demonstrated success, locally or globally, and are relevant to Plan Nigeria’s work?
• How can these proven approaches be adapted and operationalised within Plan Nigeria’s programming framework?

5. Suggested Methodology:

• Desk Review: Analyse relevant literature, policy documents, and Plan International Nigeria’s internal resources.
• Key Informant Interviews: Conduct targeted interviews with Plan Nigeria staff, technical experts, and external stakeholders.
• Validation Workshops/Focus Groups: Facilitate sessions with programme teams to review findings, validate approaches, and ensure alignment.
• Collaborative Drafting: Work closely with Plan Nigeria’s technical leads to co-develop and refine the PoC documents.
• Thematic analysis and synthesis

During the course of this consultancy, all research, data collection and engagement activities must adhere strictly to Plan International’s ethical research standards and child safeguarding policies.

5.1 Users

• Plan International Nigeria programme and technical staff
• Plan Nigeria Country Leadership Team
• Local partners and implementing staff
• Wider Plan International Regional and Global network

These documents will serve as guiding tools for programme design, proposal development, staff and partner training, and effective field implementation.

5.2 Participant selection

Diverse participants will be selected to ensure broad representation across key stakeholder groups. These will include:

• Plan International Nigeria programme and technical teams
• Senior management and leadership
• Relevant implementing partners and local subject matter experts
• Government and civil society stakeholders, where relevant to the thematic area

Plan International Nigeria will provide support for stakeholder coordination, introductions, and access to relevant materials and individuals as required throughout the assignment.

6. Deliverables and Timeline

This consultancy is structured on 20 working days spread over a maximum period of 10 weeks from the contract start date. This flexible timeline allows the consultant to conduct thorough research and stakeholder engagement while accommodating Plan Nigeria staff availability and validation processes. Working days are non-consecutive to allow for review cycles and feedback incorporation between deliverables.

7. Budget

Plan Nigeria will agree to milestone-based payments. Consultant to propose a daily rate and total cost in the proposal.

7.1 Budget Structure

The consultancy is based on a maximum of 20 working days spread over a period not exceeding 10 weeks from the contract start date.

Consultant to propose:

• Daily professional fee rate
• Total cost calculation: Daily Rate × 20 days
• Any additional expenses (if applicable)

8. Notes:

• Consultant is responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and per diem expenses related to the assignment.
• Payments are subject to the approval of deliverables by Plan International Nigeria.
• Payment terms: 30 days after the end of the month of receipt of invoice, or after acceptance of deliverables, whichever is later.
• All fees should be inclusive of applicable taxes as per Nigerian law.

  9. Expected Qualifications of Consultant

• The ideal consultant or consultancy team should possess the following qualifications and experience:
• Advanced degree in International Development, Social Sciences, Education, Public Health, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in programme design, research, and/or documentation within the international development sector.
• Technical expertise in at least two of the following thematic areas: Basic Education, Livelihoods and Economic Empowerment, Child Protection, Youth Development, Early Childhood Development, or Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).
• Strong research, analytical, and report-writing skills with the ability to synthesise complex information into clear, actionable documents.
• Experience delivering capacity-building sessions or training for professionals.
• A solid understanding of gender equality, child protection, and social inclusion principles.
• Familiarity with the Nigerian development landscape is highly desirable

10. Supervisory/Reporting Lines

The Consultant will report directly to the Brand and Communications Manager of Plan International Nigeria. The Consultant will also work closely with:

• Director of Philanthropy
• Programme Managers for thematic and content direction
• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) team for alignment with evidence and reporting standards

11. List of documents to be submitted with the Request for Proposal (RFP)

• A detailed technical proposal responding to the Terms of Reference
• Proposed methodology for completing the assignment, including an approach to each thematic area
• Ethics and safeguarding plan aligned with Plan International’s standards
• Proposed timeline/workplan showing how 20 working days will be distributed
• CV(s) of the consultant or team members (maximum 3 pages each)
• Examples of similar previous work (at least 2 relevant samples)
• At least two professional references with contact information
• Detailed financial proposal including:
  • Daily professional fee rate
  • Total cost (Daily Rate × 20 days)
  • Any additional anticipated expenses with justification
  • Breakdown showing cost competitiveness

All consultants/applicants are required to agree and adhere to Plan International Nigeria’s Non-Staff Code of Conduct (Annexe)

12. Evaluation of offers

Shortlisted suppliers may be invited to discuss their proposals in more detail at Plan International Nigeria’s discretion.

Plan International, at its sole discretion, will select the successful Consultant and shall be free to:

• Accept the whole, or part only, of any submission
• Accept none of the proposals
• Republish this Request for Quotations

Plan International reserves the right to keep confidential the circumstances that have been considered for the selection of the offers.

Note: Part of the evaluation process may include a presentation from the consultant.

13. Contract & Payment terms

Please note that, if successful, Plan International’s standard terms of payment are 30 days after the end of the month of receipt of invoice, or after acceptance of the Goods/Services/Works, if later.

14. Clarifications

The onus is on the invited individual/companies to ensure that their offer is complete and meets Plan International’s requirements. Failure to comply may lead to the offer being rejected. Please, therefore, ensure that you read this document carefully and answer fully all questions asked.

If you have any queries in relation to your submission, or to any requirements of this RFP, please email: [email protected].

For more information on this Consultancy, including the referenced Annexes, please follow the link below: Development of Thematic Proof of Concept Documents