Consultancy – Humanitarian Diplomacy Advisor (GCC Countries) – Remote

Consultancy on Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Member State Stakeholder Mapping and Engagement for Improved Humanitarian Outcomes in the Context of the International Armed Conflict Between Ukraine and the Russian Federation

[PENDING DONOR APPROVAL]

1. Background and Context

As of February 2025, the international armed conflict between Ukraine and the Russian Federation is entering its fourth year. The humanitarian situation is dire, with approximately 12.7 million people – about 36% of the population – in urgent need of multisectoral assistance, according to the latest Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan. Relentless attacks, particularly in the eastern, southern, and northeastern regions, have led to widespread displacement, infrastructure destruction, and a severe lack of essential services on both sides of the frontline.

The humanitarian situation is expected to worsen should fighting continue, and to remain critical in a scenario of a cessation of hostilities. In frontline regions alone, the destruction levels have reached levels beyond repair, with some villages completely flattened or severely damaged, making them uninhabitable. At the same time, many civilians are unable to leave for reasons beyond their control or have made the difficult decision to stay for lack of better options, and humanitarian actors aiming to reach them face severe access restrictions due to security, legislative, and other restrictions that parties to the conflict need to address.

The Gulf States, notably the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, have actively contributed to humanitarian efforts and mediation initiatives between parties to the conflict and the promotion of human security by being at the forefront of humanitarian diplomacy and maintaining positive interactions with all parties in this context.

The Humanitarian Diplomacy Initiative (HDI) was created in February 2023, led by Mercy Corps, the Norwegian Refugee Council, and the Humanitarian NGO Platform in Ukraine as an initial way for NGOs to begin engaging with Member States on promoting better civilian protection and humanitarian access outcomes. Today, the membership also includes the Danish Refugee Council. The HDI focuses on coordinated humanitarian diplomacy with other international actors, including the UN and the ICRC.

Following the Fifth Ukraine Senior Officials Meeting held in Brussels in January 2025, which included the participation of Gulf States involved in direct mediation, there is a strategic necessity to enhance engagement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Member States. This engagement will focus on deepening the understanding of Gulf states’ humanitarian and political structures, identifying humanitarian and other relevant units where applicable, and engaging in sustained dialogue and cooperation.
To achieve this, Mercy Corps seeks a consultancy service to conduct a comprehensive stakeholder mapping, organise convenings, and develop an external engagement strategy targeting the GCC Member States institutions, specifically in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This consultancy will take over 75 working days between May and August 2025.

2. Objectives

The primary objectives of this consultancy are to:

1. Conduct a stakeholder mapping exercise to identify and assess key actors within the humanitarian and policy landscapes of Riyadh, Doha, and Abu Dhabi as primary capitals. The analysis will map out different state units, and/or structures’ mandates, interests, and levels of influence.
2. Based on the stakeholder analysis, the consultant will design a clear, time-bound engagement strategy to strengthen humanitarian diplomacy and cooperation with key Gulf actors. This strategy will outline priority entry points, tailored approaches for different stakeholders, and mechanisms to enhance collaboration.
3. To translate engagement efforts into tangible outcomes, the consultant will develop and execute an action plan with measurable milestones, ensuring sustained interaction with GCC stakeholders. They will provide concrete recommendations on enhancing humanitarian diplomacy through a series of actions, presenting a roadmap for continued engagement, and ensuring long-term impact and institutional buy-in.
4. The consultant will proactively establish and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, positioning Mercy Corps as a trusted thought partner. They will organize and facilitate a series of online meetings and at least two high-level (ambassadorial, general directorates, ministerial, royal courts) meetings during their assignment, ensuring strategic dialogues that foster trust, mutual understanding, and long-term cooperation. The consultant will act as a bridge, leveraging diplomatic networks and cultivating sustained dialogue and partnerships.

3. Scope of Work and Deliverables

Deliverable 1: Stakeholder mapping reportoutlining a comprehensive analysis of key state institutions/units/directorates, their mandate, interests, influence, and engagement recommendations.

Deliverable 2: Based on the stakeholder mapping, develop a strategic engagement strategy, including a roadmap detailing engagement priorities, entry points, and engagement approaches, as well as recommendations for sustained policy cooperation and robust partnerships.

Deliverable 3: The organization and facilitation of a series of online meetings and follow-up correspondence throughout the reporting period and at least two in-person high-level strategic meetings/convenings with key stakeholders to ensure future engagement and cooperation (including but not limited to the prospect of entering a Memorandum of Understanding, establishing direct, private briefing channels, etc.)

4. Timeline and Work Plan

Deliverable 1

First 10 days

Deliverable 2

Finalised by day 20

Deliverable 3

Day 21-75

Total consultancy days: 75 working days (May-August 2025)

5. Consultant Qualifications
Minimum requirements

• At least 10 years of proven experience in multilateralism, diplomacy, or humanitarian engagement within the Gulf region, with a strong focus on Riyadh, Doha, and Abu Dhabi.
• Proven understanding of the ways of working of different GCC capitals, including their institutional cultures, their approach to international cooperation and multilateralism, and strategic regional and global priorities.
• A proven track record of establishing and maintaining relationships and facilitating high-level (ambassadorial, general directorates, ministerial, royal courts, etc.) private or public events and discussions.
• Ability to develop and execute engagement strategies effectively, leveraging diplomatic channels to strengthen humanitarian cooperation.
• A strong and updated network of relationships and contacts across the Gulf region, particularly in Riyadh, Doha, and Abu Dhabi.
• Cultural sensitivity and the ability to navigate complex political and social environments and situations with diplomacy and discretion.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities, and adapt quickly to evolving diplomatic and humanitarian contexts.

Desired qualifications:

• A university degree in international affairs, international development, political science, global peace and security, humanitarian affairs, international public policy, or a related field;
• A strong understanding of diplomatic protocols and formal engagement procedures;
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills, ensuring evidence-driven decision-making and high-quality reporting;
• Fluency in Arabic is desired, with the ability to communicate effectively in both professional and informal settings;

6. Reporting and coordination

The consultant will report to MC’s Regional Policy and Advocacy Advisor for Europe and the Middle East on updates and progress. Deliverables will be reviewed and validated with MC’s leadership and relevant partners.

7. Application:

This position is pending project approval. To accelerate the hiring process, Mercy Corps is identifying a pool of potential candidates fit for this assignment.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you have any questions relating to the scope of work, please contact Samir Chalhoub [email protected]

Applicants should submit the following 4 documents/items:

1. CV or resumé.

2. Cover letter (maximum of 2 pages) in which the candidate explains their experience in diplomacy, multilateralism, or humanitarian engagement in the Gulf region, highlighting specific achievements and providing concrete examples of high-level engagement strategies they have developed and executed. The candidate may also describe their understanding of Gulf states’ political and humanitarian structures and how they have navigated these in previous roles.

3. Rough summary of relevant interlocutors or relationships within Gulf humanitarian, political, or diplomatic circles (without confidential details such as names, contact information, etc.), briefly explaining how they have leveraged these connections in past diplomatic or humanitarian work experience.

4. Financial proposal detailing a cost breakdown (daily rate, per diem, travel, accommodation, and other expenses for an estimated number of 15 days of travel in the GCC region throughout the consultancy period).

Failure or errors in submitting any of the above will result in the candidate’s disqualification. We encourage candidates to consider compiling these documents in one PDF file to ensure no item is lost.