Operating Model Transition Management Consultant (9 months, 10 – 15 hours per week).

Terre des Hommes Netherlands is seeking to contract an individual experienced in strategic change management to support the organisation over a period of 9 months (10 – 15 hours per week) in the review, decision-making and initial change management process as we transition to new operating models for programme implementation.

1. Background Information

Terre des Hommes Netherlands (TdH NL) is an international non-governmental organisation committed to stopping child exploitation. Our mission is to protect children by preventing and stopping child exploitation, and by empowering children to make their voices count. Our vision is that children can flourish in a world free of all forms of exploitation.

In 2023, TdH Netherlands launched a new organisational strategy towards 2030, where the key focus lies on developing an organisation that can catalyse systemic change through research, influencing and action while maintaining agility and the ability to go where we can add the most value.

TdH NL’s strategy along with a tightening funding landscape has required us to evaluate how to most efficiently structure our organisation to deliver our programmes globally – our ‘operating model’. From October 2023 – March 2024, a consultancy team researched options and delivered a report on recommended future operating models for TdH NL. The organisation further analysed the implications of these recommendations, and has identified a number of potential models to implement. A preliminary basic framework for assessing the suitability of each model has been drafted.

TdH NL is looking for the support of a consultant to lead the next stage of this process, which is expected to include detailed analyses, evidence based decision-making and the initiation of a transition process to new operating models.

2. Objectives of the services required

TdH NL is seeking a consultant who can support the organisation in finalising a framework for assessing the suitability of various operating models, lead the case-by-case assessment process for priority countries of operation, and support the decision-making process for these countries regarding transitioning to new operating models. The consultant is also expected to support the initiation of an operating model transition process for priority countries once decisions have been made. Additionally, the consultant will be responsible for assisting the Executive Team in the change management of this process in relation to all stakeholders involved.

The consultant is expected to work closely with key internal stakeholders throughout the process and ensure that final deliverables are relevant and realistic for the organisation.

Given the long-term nature of the assignment, it is expected that the consultant will show some flexibility in case adaptations are needed as the work progresses.

3. Specific objectives

The specific tasks and objectives for this consultancy are:

Tasks:

• Based on the existing work by TdH NL, conduct an assessment of the suitability of various operating model options and support TdH NL leadership to decide on preferred model(s).
• Based on the preferred models, lead the process of designing TdH NL standard operating models, including guidance for the organisation’s operational set-up at global, regional and country levels.
• Create a framework for assessing the suitability of various operating model options on a case-by-case basis for existing and potential new countries of operation, including necessary analyses of the financial, legal, human resource and regulatory implications as well as strategic and ethical considerations.
• Lead the process of identifying priority model(s) for current TdH NL priority countries of operation, applying the above framework, and overseeing that the necessary analyses are undertaken. This will include coordinating the work of other external experts, such as legal advisors. Ensure that all key stakeholders are included in the process.
• Support the Executive Team in the decision-making process for determining the future operating model of priority countries, involving necessary stakeholders.
• For priority countries, support the Executive Team and broader organisational leadership in initiating a transition process to the agreed new operating model.
• Support the Executive Team in change management throughout this process, including preparing and at times delivering relevant communications to staff.
• Prepare other related documentation as needed for communication purposes, including for the TdH NL Supervisory Board and Works Council.

Deliverables:

• A project plan detailing the process and timeline to complete the assignment, with clear milestones identified.
• A ‘standard model design’ for operating models that the organisation finds suitable, which will guide the organisation’s operational set-up at global, regional and country levels.
• A clear framework for assessing the suitability of various operating model options that can be applied on a case-by-case basis in existing and potential new countries of operation.
• An overview of the preferred model(s) for priority countries of operation, to be arrived at in consultation with key stakeholders.
• An assessment of the suitability of the preferred model(s) for each priority country.
• A transition process plan for priority countries once a decision on the future operating model has been made.

4. Timing and duration of the contract

The contract will commence from 1 September 2024. The contract is expected to be completed by 31 May 2025. The consultant should be available to work between 10 – 15 hours per week with TdH NL during this period, based on project needs. Flexibility in working periods in case of other commitments can be mutually agreed.

5. Qualifications and experience

The consultant should have the following qualifications and expertise:

• Relevant academic background in international development, organisational development, nonprofit management or a related field.
• Proven experience in organisational change management and guiding strategic decision-making processes involving many stakeholders.
• Lived experience in different countries that has provided an understanding of different cultures, communication styles and ways of working.
• Ability to work directly with different internal stakeholders and navigate power dynamics.
• In-depth understanding of the NGO sector, including common challenges, regulatory and operational environments, and stakeholder dynamics.
• Strong project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent proficiency in English.

6. Reporting and Communication

The consultant will report to the TdH Netherlands Executive Team, and is expected to work closely with TdH Netherlands Country and Regional teams, as well as key Global teams. The consultant should be able to accommodate TdH NL working hours and time zones as needed.

7. Budget

The budget for this consultancy assignment will be €100 per hour up to a maximum of EUR 5,000 per month, excluding VAT, based on hours worked.

Interested consultants are invited to submit a financial proposal, including consultancy fees and any other relevant costs.

About Terre des Hommes Netherlands

Terre des Hommes Netherlands is part of the International Federation of Terre des Hommes organisations, a strategic partnership of member organisations sharing the same brand name and core values for joint lobby and advocacy around children’s rights. Terre des Hommes Netherlands (TdH NL) protects children by preventing and stopping child exploitation, and by empowering children to make their voices count. Our work is grounded in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and seeks to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Under our new Global Strategy (2023 – 2030), TdH NL is redefining and refining our role as a child rights organisation, with the strategic ambition that “by 2030, Terre des Hommes Netherlands is a catalyst for systemic change to stop child exploitation. We do this by empowering children and their communities, connecting them with those who have power to enact change, and utilising our knowledge and expertise to co-create sustainable, evidence-based solutions.”

TdH Netherlands is led by a two-headed Executive Team: the Executive Director and the CEO.

The values of TdH Netherlands are: Responsible, Bold, Human-Centred and Playful.

The organisation’s core principles are: (1) Children at the Centre, (2) Intersectionality and Power Awareness, (3) Safety and Wellbeing, (4) Sustainability, and (5) Meaningful and Strategic Partnerships.

In line with our new strategy, TdH NL recently established three thematic programmes, under which our portfolio of humanitarian and development projects and programmes are managed. These are: 1. Child Labour, 2. Sexual Exploitation of Children, and 3. Humanitarian Action. Our programmatic work is supported by two cross-programmatic units: Programme Development and Quality (PDQ), and Research, Expertise and Influencing (REI). Aligned to our new strategy, and based on many years of experience as a child rights organisation, we aim to consolidate our expertise and programme management, informed by research, to bring about sustainable and systemic change in the lives of children, and to hold duty bearers accountable.

The focus of TdH NL regarding humanitarian action is on child protection in emergencies (CPiE), with a particular focus on the protection of children from exploitation.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Integrity and Child Safeguarding

We are not looking for just one type of person – we want to recruit people who can add fresh perspectives, innovative ideas and challenge our thinking. We are especially interested in people whose lived experiences help us to see things we might otherwise miss, and enable us to do better work with and for children. Whether or not you meet 100% of the criteria, we want to hear from you, because we know that different voices, ideas, perspectives and knowledge, working together will enable us to better the lives of children around the world.

TdH NL is committed to ensuring diversity and gender equality within our organisation. We continue to learn about intersectional considerations and power distribution within our organisation and our work. We are dedicated to preventing and eradicating any type of misconduct including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, any other type of misuse of power, lack of integrity or financial misconduct.

Note: We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us, this includes a commitment to diversity and inclusion at all levels of our work. All offers of employment will therefore be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which include a valid criminal record check, terrorism finance checks, and/or integrity screenings/references relating to misconduct and disciplinary actions in prior employment.

TdH NL is particularly committed to keeping children and vulnerable individuals safe, and has zero tolerance on (child) abuse. Every TdH NL employee is bound by the TdH NL Code of Conduct that describes the expected behaviour by staff, in particular with regards to Safeguarding children and (young) adults in our programmes. Child safeguarding measures are part of our selection and recruitment process. By submitting your application you accept that TdH NL will conduct such pre-employment screening for successful candidates. TdH NL participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.