Terms of Reference (TOR) to facilitate the development of ShelterBox’s International Programmes Theory of Change and produce a Programmes Strategy

1. Introduction

ShelterBox is committed to working towards a future where no one goes without shelter. We work with disaster-affected communities to provide the emergency shelter, essential items and training needed to support families in the long process of rebuilding their lives. But we have our work cut out for us. In 2019 over 104 million people were forced from their homes by disaster and conflict. Some projections suggest that this figure will grow to 200 million within 10 years.

In 2021 we undertook a review of our strategy, evaluating ourselves and identifying where we can improve and deliver our programmes at greater scale, speed and quality whilst delivering value for money for our donors. We have produced a plan and strategic framework on which we will be basing a strategy for the next five years.

Sitting under the new five-year organisational strategic plan, the Programmes Strategy is a document that will drive decision-making and action within the International Programmes Department. Through the process of development, we will answer critical questions about our intended impact and outcomes that will direct our humanitarian programming over the coming strategic period. The Programmes Strategy will be guided by a new Theory of Change.

ShelterBox is seeking to engage an external consultant to facilitate the creation of both a new programmatic Theory of Change document and a standalone Programmes Strategy document with this Theory of Change at its centre.

2. Purpose and Scope of Work (SOW):

The main purpose of this consultancy is to:

1. Facilitate the development of a new programmatic Theory of Change (inclusive of Emergency Responses) in collaboration with staff from the International Programmes Department and other relevant roles.
2. Produce a standalone Programmes Strategy document, drawing together the contributions of subject matter experts from across the organisation. The aim of this exercise is to produce a document that reads as one voice.

3. Activities and Outcomes to Date

ShelterBox has conducted an extensive strategic review and set out a new five-year organisational strategy. Within this process we have clarified our vision and mission and reconfirmed our commitment to being an organisation that specialises in emergency shelter.

Prior to developing a Theory of Change (as outlined within this ToR) ShelterBox will have completed a SWOT analysis and considered the anticipated displacement trends and drivers over the coming strategic period. Additionally, we will carry out an objective setting exercise which aims to define the intended contribution of the organisation to supporting sheltering pathways.

4. Proposed Approach to Theory of Change Development

The successful consultant will be responsible for designing the Theory of Change methodology. However, the following approach is proposed:

1. Desk Review: The consultant will review ShelterBox strategy/programme documents to gain an understanding of the context.
2. Liaise with key members of the team to gain further insights.
3. Workshop: Prepare for and facilitate a two-day workshop (at our HQ in Truro, Cornwall) that will encourage participants to map out change pathways to achieve ShelterBox objectives. Participants will be encouraged to think analytically and innovatively to consider how best ShelterBox can add value to the sector and achieve its objectives. We also welcome the consultant to propose other creative (i.e. online) approaches to workshop facilitation that would enable a greater proportion of the International Programmes Department to participate. Operational approaches in both rapid and slow onset emergencies should be considered alongside ShelterBox’s relationship with other stakeholders. The Theory of Change will provide clear parameters for future programmes/projects within this strategic period.
4. Present a draft Theory of Change (narrative and diagram) for review that clearly presents ShelterBox’s intended role, change pathways, preconditions, assumptions etc.
5. Integrate feedback to finalise the Theory of change narrative and diagram.

5. Programmes Strategy Development

A range of activities associated with the development of a Programmes Strategy will be undertaken during and after the development of the Theory of Change. This project is being delivered according to an agreed workplan (led by the Deputy Director of International Programmes) involving subject matter experts from across the organisation. The consultant will be responsible for compiling all contributions into a standalone Programme Strategy Document that reads as one voice. The completion date for this exercise is 30th of September, enabling this to guide programmatic planning, financial forecasting, and fundraising planning.

6. Deliverables

1. An inception report with a costed workplan, demonstrating an understanding of ShelterBox requirements and providing a detailed ToC workshop methodology
2. Facilitated workshop(s)
3. Theory of Change document
4. A Programme Strategy document

7. Proposed Timeline

Project Setup

• Deadline for receiving proposals: 10th July
• Proposal review, follow-up calls, selection, and on-boarding process: 15th July
• Finalise ToR and contracting: 22nd July
• Deliver inception report: 26th July

Project Delivery

• Undertake desk analysis (3 days): 27th July
• Plan and develop methodology for Theory of Change workshop (3 days): 29th July
• Facilitate Cornwall-based workshop (approx. 2 days work plus travel to Cornwall): workshop to be undertaken on w/c1st August or w/c 8th August (to be agreed with consultant)
• Produce draft of ToC narrative and visual for consultation (2 days): 19th August
• Finalise ToC narrative and visual (1 day): 26th August
• Produce Strategy document (3 days): 30th Sept

Total anticipated days work: 14

8. Expertise & Experience

• The Consultant will have demonstrated experience working with NGOs in a collaborative process to design a Theory of Change and articulate it visually and in writing as a key foundation for programme design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, communications, and other organisational processes.
• The Consultant will have demonstrated experience producing written documents (in English), including programme strategies, for use with internal and external audiences.
• Experience and knowledge of humanitarian response, humanitarian architecture and emergency shelter are also considered important criteria.