In an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving development landscape, civil society organisations (CSOs) are facing unprecedented challenges. The significant shifts in the global funding environment in 2025 — including shrinking donor budgets, increased competition for resources, and a growing emphasis on localisation — require organisations to pause, reflect, and adapt. For CSOs in Cambodia to remain effective, relevant, and resilient, it is essential they reassess their current resource strategies and build stronger, more sustainable models for the future.
This consultancy represents the first step in a broader process to support local CSOs in navigating a changing operational and funding landscape. The consultant will conduct a rapid assessment of eight organisations, providing valuable insights into their current resource mobilisation and financial management practices. As part of this process, the consultant will also provide an overview of current and emerging funding trends affecting civil society, both locally and globally. The findings will inform the design of future capacity-strengthening support. By creating space for honest reflection and offering strategic guidance through the assessment process, the consultancy will help lay the groundwork for CSOs to diversify funding sources, strengthen their financial foundations, and enhance their ability to deliver sustainable, long-term impact.
Objective of the Assignment
The overall objective of this consultancy is to support local CSOs/NGOs in Cambodia in strengthening their ability to effectively mobilise, manage, and sustain financial, human, and operational resources—laying the groundwork for long-term organisational resilience, adaptability, and impact. To achieve this, the consultant will conduct Resource Assessments of each organisation, evaluating their current resource landscape. These assessments will include a detailed review of key areas such as human resource management, infrastructure, and financial systems, and will be informed by an analysis of the current and emerging funding landscape. The findings and recommendations will reflect and align with this evolving context, serving as a foundation for future strategic planning and targeted capacity development.
Scope of work
- Provide an overview of the current funding landscape for CSOs in Cambodia, including key funding sources, relevant regional and global trends, and the impact of shifting donor priorities and development agendas. Highlight emerging funding models and assess their accessibility to local organisations.
- Conduct a rapid assessment of current resource mobilisation and management practices across 8 selected CSO partners, with a focus on financial, human, and operational resources.
- Facilitate participatory consultations with CSO leadership and key staff to identify strengths, challenges, and capacity gaps in resource management and organisational sustainability.
- Develop tailored resource management strategies for each CSO, which may include practical capacity development plans aligned with their organisational goals and context.
- Conduct an endline assessment to evaluate progress against the initial baseline findings by analysis capacity shifts and improvements in systems, processes and staff competencies. This could be a self-assessment that organisations can do or a process that DCA can lead.
- Facilitate the learning/ reflections with DCA team and partners’ representatives where appropriate
- Deliver a comprehensive report outlining the assessment process, key findings, capacity needs, strategic recommendations, and proposed next steps to support long-term resilience and adaptability.
Deliverables
- Inception Report outlining the proposed methodology, work plan, and tools to be used and timeline.
- Summary Report of Baseline Findings capturing key insights and capacity needs for each participating CSO.
- Tailored Resource Management Strategies and practical capacity development plans for each CSO. This may include fundraising action plans, resources, financial and operational systems strengthening plans, and governance and leadership sustainability.
- Recommended Tools and Templates to support improved resource mobilisation and management (e.g., fundraising strategy templates, resource tracking tools, staffing plans).
- An endline assessment tool that DCA or partners can conduct independently.
- The final consultancy report will include a summary of baseline assessment results, key findings and achievements, and strategic recommendations for future support. In addition, the consultant will develop tailored Resource Management Strategies and Capacity Development Plans for each CSO, ensuring they are aligned with the unique needs, priorities, and contexts of each organisation.
Timeframe and Duration
The consultant is expected to start in Aug 2025 to November 2025 (deliverable-based) with an estimated 25-30 days of work. Below is draft outline of the program timeline.
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Sub-tasks / Description |
Time Frame |
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Consultant holds introductory meetings with DCA and selected CSO partners to confirm the scope of work, expectations, and timelines. |
Aug 2025
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Submission of an Inception Report outlining the proposed methodology, detailed work plan, and assessment tools to be used throughout the consultancy. |
by the end of Aug 2025 |
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Analyse the current funding landscape for CSOs in Cambodia, identifying key funding sources, relevant trends, and the accessibility of emerging funding models in light of shifting donor priorities and global development agendas. Conduct a rapid assessment of current resource mobilisation and management practices across selected CSO partners, with a focus on financial, human, and operational resources. Facilitate consultations with CSO leadership and staff to identify strengths, challenges, and capacity gaps related to resource management and organisational sustainability. |
Sep 2025 |
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Deliver a Summary Report of Baseline Findings, capturing key insights and capacity development needs for each CSO, and synergies among CSO partners. |
2nd week of Oct 2025 |
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Conduct a feedback session with DCA to present findings, discuss draft strategies and plans, and incorporate input before finalising. |
3rd week of Oct 2025 |
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The final consultancy report (details above of what is to be included) |
1st week of Nov 2025 |
*This is just a tentative timeframe which is subject to change.
Location of Assignment
- This assignment will take place in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Qualifications of Consultant
The consultant team can consist of 1- or 2-persons max. The lead consultant should possess the following expertise:
- Proven expertise in resource mobilisation, organisational development, and financial management within civil society organisations (CSOs), preferably in the Southeast Asia region.
- Minimum of 10 years' experience in capacity development, training, or consultancy roles with CSOs or development agencies.
- Strong understanding of cross-cutting issues, including the Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA), gender equality, and social inclusion, and experience in applying these principles in organisational strengthening.
- Demonstrated ability to design and deliver high-quality tools, resources, and reports, including mentorship guides, workshop materials, and training content tailored to diverse audiences.
- In-depth knowledge of donor funding landscapes, compliance requirements, and thematic focuses on fundamental freedom, independent media, and trends in sustainable financing for CSOs.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a commitment to participatory, inclusive, and locally led approaches.
- In-depth knowledge of the Cambodian context and experience working directly with local NGOs/CSOs in Cambodia is required.
Submission Requirements
Interested applicants are invited to submit a proposal of no more than 10 pages, clearly demonstrating how the consultant(s) meet the stated criteria. The proposal should include:
- A detailed explanation of the proposed methodology and approach.
- A summary of relevant experience in designing and delivering similar programs, including examples of successful outcomes.
- A clear articulation of what success will look like for this assignment.
- Applicants are also required to provide a lump sum financial proposal in USD, inclusive of all applicable taxes, to cover the full scope of work as outlined in the Terms of Reference (TOR). The max available budget for this assignment is $12,000 USD including taxes.
- Please note: Travel expenses should not be included in the financial proposal, as the consultancy is expected to be based in Phnom Penh, where DCA’s office is located.
Based on the assessment findings and the consultant’s expertise, the consultancy may be extended to allow the consultant to provide targeted capacity-strengthening support in line with the recommendations outlined in the final report.
Contact: chph@dca.dk, 012811817
Moreinfo: https://www.danchurchaid.org
Please mention "www.Cambodiajobs.Biz" where you saw the ad when you apply!
