DEVELOPING COUNTRY STRATEGY PAPER (VI) FOR ACTIONAID BANGLADESH

Background and Objective

ActionAid Bangladesh (AAB) is embarking on its sixth strategy period from 2024 to 2028, with the aim of aligning with the ActionAid International Strategy and establishing new goals in the ongoing fight against poverty and injustice. Over the years, AAB has worked within the framework of five Country Strategy Papers (CSPs) since 1993, which have seen both achievements and challenges.

During CSP I, the emphasis was on the direct implementation of programs in selected development areas. CSP II expanded the program by strengthening and diversifying partnerships. Under CSP III, AAB engaged with national and regional development networks in addition to community-based partner organizations, while also strengthening governance through the formation of a National Board to ensure greater accountability. CSP IV, titled ‘People Challenging Poverty and Exclusion,’ was driven by national context and priorities, maintaining alignment with the ActionAid International (AAI) Strategy and regional initiatives. It focused on empowering people’s collective voice and agency building.

During CSP IV, AAB became an affiliate member of AAI, and then ActionAid International Bangladesh Society (AAIBS) was formed. This led to a two-tier system of governance, with the General Assembly serving as the overarching governance structure and day-to-day management entrusted to the Executive

Board The journey from CSP-IV “People Challenging Poverty and Exclusion” to CSP-V has been turbulent, against the backdrop of massive global movements and unrest. In the previous iteration of the Country

Strategy Paper, we had attributed the transformation from CSP-III to CSP-V to a deeper understanding. This time, we have not only deepened our understanding, but also increased the breadth of our perspectives, factoring in external realities that had formerly not been acknowledged to their full extent. However, with the closure of CSP V it has become crucial for AAB to undertake strategy development. The global strategy envisions ActionAid as a social justice organization with a corresponding working approach to its assigned priorities.

To ensure alignment with the AAI Strategy and national priorities, AAB is seeking an expert for developing the new Country Strategy Paper. The selected consultant will possess the necessary experience and expertise to create this essential document that will define new targets and priorities in the fight against poverty and injustice.

Thematic Priorities:

ActionAid Bangladesh works under the 4 thematic Priorities:

1. Resilience and Climate Justice
2. Women Rights and Gender Equity
3. Young People
4. Humanitarian Response, including Rohingya Response

Duration of the Assignment

The assignment will be carried out from July 2023 to September 2023.

Task Implementation Plan

The Consultant will work towards the following objectives:

a. Identify and prioritize intervention areas based on global and national priorities.

b. Analyze the macro scenario and upcoming funding trends in the development sector.

c. Examine the organizational structures implemented during CSP V.

d. Recommend modifications and restructuring to align with the new strategy.

e. Conduct a light review of CSP V and mid-term recommendations.

f. Study the AAI Strategy 2028 and review the previous CSPs, particularly CSP V.

Methodology

The Consultant will adopt the following approach:

a. Provide a contextual analysis of Bangladesh, including economic and socio-political changes.

b. Study relevant documents such as the AAI Strategy and previous CSPs.

c. Review strategy documents and future plans of development partners.

d. Conduct consultations with long-term and strategic partners.

e. Review the achievements of CSP V.

f. Hold one-on-one/group meetings with key Development partners, Donors, INGOs, relevant stakeholders, CSOs and staff of ActionAid Bangladesh

g. Present and validate findings.

Expected Outcomes

The Consultant is expected to deliver the following outcomes:

a. Develop the draft Country Strategy Paper.

b. Submit the first draft of the report to AAB by 01 September 2023.

c. Include the staffing impact of the new CSP VI Strategy in the report.

Fees

The Consultant will be paid an agreed and negotiated fee, which will be finalized through discussions following the selection process. VAT & TAX will be deducted at source from the total payment as per the rules and regulations of the Bangladesh Government. The payment will be divided into three installments: 30% after signing the agreement (within 5 working days) and the remaining 30% after submission of the draft report, and rest 40% upon completion of the entire task and deliverables.

Other Expenses

The Consultant will be responsible for covering additional expenses such as local transportation, accommodation, stationeries, photocopies, printing, etc.

Reporting

The Consultant will report to the Country Director and collaborate with the Head of Programme & Engagement, Unit Heads, and Senior Leadership Team Members of ActionAid Bangladesh. Additionally, the Consultant will provide insights on staff restructuring implications related to the new CSP VI Strategy.

Note: This Terms of Reference (TOR) serves as a guiding document for the Consultant and outlines the key responsibilities and deliverables. It is subject to further discussion and agreement between ActionAid Bangladesh and the selected Consultant.