TOR-Rapid Organizational Capacity Assessment for AET and TTWCA

BACKGROUND

The Sustainable Management of Amboseli and Tsavo Landscapes (SMAT) project has been strengthening the capacity of umbrella organizations in Greater Amboseli and Tsavo landscapes (AET and TTWCA) for the past two and a half years. An initial organizational capacity assessment done right before the award identified gaps in governance organizational management, human resource, and financial management that if filled, the organizations would realize their vision, and mission and provide coordination support to their constituent conservancies accelerating the realization of sustainable management for wildlife and biodiversity.

Throughout the two and a half years, IFAW in collaboration with the two umbrella organizations (AET and TTWCA) have implemented targeted interventions using a coaching approach to strengthen the organization’s capacity to coordinate conservation initiatives in the two landscapes. Notably, supporting policy functions through regularization of the meetings and functions of their boards, committees, and other organs. Supported the development of five-year strategic plans for the organization, development of key organizational management policies, and strengthened their financial and management systems for transparency, accountability, and credibility among others.

Midway, IFAW would like to do a rapid OCA assessment to gauge the progress on capacity strengthening in identified areas to facilitate planning for suitable interventions for improvement in the second phase of the project. The project seeks to use a simple structured tool that includes a self-assessment part triangulated by an expert observation through a structured information and data collection instrument/tool preferably a workshop setting. This multi-level, multi-department approach will also foster, team building and organizational learning. We intend to combine, both management, oversight, and program components to ensure a holistic understanding of the organization’s strengths and challenges and appreciate how their success is interconnected. The assessment will focus on the following.

GOVERNANCE

Since they already have five-year strategic plans developed and approved, special focus will be given to the oversight as provided by the board, committees, and other important oversight organs.

INTERNAL OPERATIONS

The focus will be on operational policies, information management, job descriptions, talent matching, and personnel policies, accounting systems, internal controls, financial policies, and procedures, documentation, and reporting.

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

The focus will be on implementation, decision-making, resource mobilization, strategic and operational planning, stakeholder involvement, monitoring and evaluation, and reporting.

In a consultative and collaborative process, IFAW will lead the two umbrella organizations to prioritize actions and develop an action plan to improve their capacity as identified in the assessment for the next year before a final assessment is done.

OBJECTIVE

Undertake an Organizational Capacity Assessment (OCA) with the aim of establishing the existing institutional governance, management and operational capacities, gaps, challenges, and opportunities for growth.

SPECIFIC TASKS

• Carry out a review of AET’s/TTWCA background documents including previous OCA reports, ISPs, and other documents to inform the OCA process.
• Develop a methodology for the OCA.
• Undertake a comprehensive organizational capacity assessment (OCA) of AET and TTWCA
• Develop a comprehensive institutional capacity development plan, informed by the OCA, which details the areas, systems and processes required to develop governance, management, and operational capacities of both AET and TTWCA

KEY DELIVERABLES

• OCA reports for AET and TTWCA that meets the assessment objectives contained in the ToR;
• Comprehensive institutional strengthening plans for AET and TTWCA

The oca will focus on the following, but not limited to the following areas:

• Governance and legal structure
• Clarity on mission and vision of the organization
• Organizational management
• Program and performance management
• Financial management and internal control systems
• Administration and procurement systems
• Human resource systems
• Organizational sustainability
• Succession planning

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

The consultant must meet the following specifications:

1. An advanced degree in Conservation, and or natural resources management.
2. Demonstrated OCA experience i.e. at least 5 years of professional experience in the execution of OCA’s and Organizational development
3. Demonstrated ability to execute the work and compliance with statutory requirements.
4. Ability to maintain the highest standards of confidentiality and professionalism and sound judgement
5. Strong communication and interpersonal skills