Program Development Consultant

ABOUT ARDD

Founded in 2008 in Amman-Jordan, Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) is a Civil Society Organization seeking to reinitiate a new Nahda (Arab Renaissance) project to contribute to addressing the challenges faced by the Arab World, building on the achievements and ideas of the Arab Nahda and aiming to open the doors for future participation in formulating concrete actions to achieve the desired change and development.

With a vision of an Arab World in which all people enjoy fair, inclusive, and sustainable rights and opportunities, ARDD’s mission is to contribute to forming a new renaissance project in the Arab world, grounded in the fundamental issues concerning Arab affairs, within their local, regional, and international contexts, with independence, authenticity, and decolonization; aiming to realize the aspirations and endeavors of all people living in it, towards democracy, development, and social justice. Participating in the Arab reform, modernization, and development agendas, and influencing public policies that shape transformations in the Arab world and its surroundings through a set of development programs, scientific research projects, and applied solutions.

ARDD supports marginalized individuals and communities—including refugees and migrants— in acquiring and enjoying their social, political, and economic rights, through legal aid, psychosocial support, media and grassroots mobilization, and research and advocacy, to raise stakeholders’ awareness locally, regionally, and internationally about the challenges that vulnerable persons face in Jordan and the Arab Region. Every employee of the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) is committed to carry out the organization’s Mission and Guiding Principles.

1. RATIONALE FOR THE CONSULTANCY

ARDD is at a critical juncture, where strengthening its strategic approach to program development, enhancing its fundraising capabilities, and improving internal collaboration are key priorities, particularly in the current challenging funding climate. In response to this, the organization recognizes the need for an experienced senior consultant to support these efforts and work with leadership and staff to ensure long-term sustainability and impact.

ARDD is seeking a Program Development Consultant to assist in designing innovative projects and strengthening the organization’s fundraising efforts. The consultant will also provide high-level strategic guidance and foster collaboration across departments to ensure effective proposal development.

This ToR sets out the responsibilities of the Program Development consultant to advise and support ARDD’s Program Development Team to optimize fundraising efforts in line with the organizational strategic goals.

2. OBJECTIVES OF THE CONSULTANCY

The scope of this advisory role focuses primarily on supporting ARDD’s Program Development Unit in the key area of:

1. Design Innovative and Strategic Projects under ARDD’s Programs: The consultant will help ARDD develop new projects that align with its strategic goals, particularly those that can be implemented within the constraints of the current funding environment.

2. Provide High-Level Advisory Support for Fundraising: The consultant will identify fundraising opportunities, advise on strategic donor engagement, and craft compelling proposals to diversify and secure funding for ARDD’s programs.

3. Advise on Strategic Partnerships to Support Fundraising: The consultant will advise on identifying and establishing strategic partnerships that can bolster ARDD’s fundraising efforts. This includes exploring alliances with other NGOs, private sector actors, academic institutions, and governments to create joint initiatives and funding opportunities that align with ARDD’s goals.

4. Develop Creative Strategies for Cross-Department Collaboration: The consultant will facilitate collaboration across ARDD’s various departments to ensure that program development, fundraising, and operational teams are working together efficiently, aligning resources and expertise for successful proposal development.

   3. PRIORITY TASKS

The Program Development Consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

3.1 Project Design and Development Support

• Review ARDD’s Projects: Conduct a thorough review of existing ARDD projects and provide strategic recommendations for design enhancement under the Program Development Unit.
• Project Innovation: Design innovative projects that reflect ARDD’s strategic priorities under its programs and can adapt to the current challenging financial landscape.
• Needs Assessment and Prioritization: Lead or support in conducting assessments to identify key opportunities for new project development, ensuring alignment with community needs, ARDD’s objectives, and donor interests.
• Strategic Alignment: Ensure that all proposed projects align with ARDD’s mission and strategic goals while ensuring they are responsive to donor and community needs in addition to maximizing impact with available resources.
• Sustainability Focus: Design projects with an emphasis on sustainability and scalability, considering both financial and operational sustainability, in a resource-constrained environment.
• Cross-Departmental Program Integration: Collaborate with ARDD’s various teams (programs, M&E, aid, research and admin, etc.) to ensure that projects are designed for integrated and efficient execution, utilizing all available organizational resources.

3.2 Fundraising Support and Resource Mobilization

• Analysis: Analyze ARDD’s current fundraising efforts and provide strategic advice to improve fundraising initiatives.
• Donor Identification and Relationship Building: Help identify and cultivate relationships with potential new donors, including international organizations, private foundations, the private sector and others. Offer guidance on strengthening relationships with current donors and exploring opportunities for increased funding.
• Proposal Development: Support the development of high-quality, tailored project proposals, concept notes, and funding applications, including timelines and risk assessments. Ensure that proposals are compelling, well-researched, and aligned with donor priorities.
• Creative Fundraising Approaches: Identify and implement creative, resource-efficient strategies for fundraising, including digital fundraising campaigns, peer-to-peer fundraising, and leveraging ARDD’s network for funding opportunities.

3.3 Advising on Partnerships to Support Fundraising

• Strategic Partnership Identification: Advise ARDD on identifying potential partners in the public, private, and non-profit sectors, with the aim of establishing strategic alliances that can support fundraising efforts.
• Partnership Development: Advise on the process of developing partnership agreements, MOUs, or joint initiatives that can lead to collaborative fundraising opportunities. Offer guidance in exploring opportunities for co-financing, shared resources, or joint program implementation.
• Partnership Engagement: Provide guidance on how to engage and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring that partnerships are mutually beneficial and aligned with both ARDD’s and the partner’s strategic goals.
• Leveraging Partnerships for Increased Impact: Help ARDD leverage partnerships to access new donor pools, create joint funding proposals, and enhance the impact of its programs through collaborative efforts.

3.4 Cross-Departmental Collaboration

• Fostering Collaboration: Support in fostering better coordination between ARDD’s program development unit, and other support departments such as Finance, research and M&E Unit.
• Incorporate Lessons-Learned: Ensure that proposals reflect lessons-learned generated from the work of ARDD’s various units.
• Mainstream Tools and Approaches: Recommend tools, processes, or platforms that could enhance Program Development collaboration with other teams.

4. ETHICS AND RISKS

The Consultant must review, agree and sign ARDD’s code of conduct.

The consultancy presents low risks. Potential risks that could affect its execution relate to ARDD staff availability and input. This consultancy will be carried out virtually.

5. KEY SOURCES AND PEOPLE TO BE CONSULTED

ARDD Management and Programs Development Team.

6. STYLE AND LENGTH OF REPORT

A synthetic monthly report shall be submitted monthly which summarizes progresses and achievements.

7. TIMELINE

The duration of this contract will be for 6 months. Upon the completion of this assignment, ARDD CEO and the Consultant will mutually determine if the need remains to extend the Consultant’s services. A contract extension with the same Terms of Reference will be subject to the same terms as this original contract.

8. MANAGEMENT

• Regular meetings may be held with the consultant to clarify queries or pending issues.

9. QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

• Proficiency working on issues concerning civil society, peace building, social justice, refugees, human rights, and governance. Knowledge of the Arab region’s socio-political context.
• At least 10 years of experience in program development, fundraising, and resource mobilization within non-profit or development organizations, particularly in resource-constrained environments.
• Proven track record of securing funds from diverse sources, including institutional donors, private foundations, and corporate partnerships.
• Strong expertise in designing innovative and cost-effective programs that can adapt to challenging funding environments.
• Demonstrated experience in fostering cross-departmental collaboration and project integration in a complex organizational structure.
• Experience in identifying, developing, and managing strategic partnerships to support fundraising efforts.
• Experience in writing successful grant proposals and developing compelling funding materials.
• Experience working with local and international donors and a deep understanding of their funding priorities and expectations.
• Strong writing, presentation, and communication skills with the ability to craft persuasive proposals, reports, and donor communications.
• Fluency in spoken and written Arabic and English.

How to apply

Interested and Qualified Candidates should apply to: Jobs@ardd-jo.org. Please mention the name of Program Development Consultant in the subject of the email.

Applications close on 20 March 2025.