Short-Term Consultant or Firm to Facilitate the Development of Advocacy Strategy (2026-2031)

Background Information

CARE in Timor-Leste (CARE) works to support women and girls in rural and disadvantaged communities to improve their voice and wellbeing. Through its long-term program approach, CARE partners with communities, civil society organizations, government institutions, and development stakeholders to address gender inequality, promote inclusive governance, and strengthen resilience.

CARE has expanded its programs and partnerships, creating new opportunities to influence the policies, systems, and structures affecting women, girls, and marginalized groups. As a result, advocacy has become a strategic priority for the office. The FY26 Annual Operating Plan identifies the development of an organizational Advocacy Strategy to guide CARE's external engagement, evidence-based influencing, and collaboration with government and civil society.

The Advocacy Strategy will align with CARE's global and regional frameworks while being grounded in the local context. It will provide clear guidance for staff and partners to conduct safe, ethical, and effective advocacy that centers community voices and drives positive systems change.

Objective of the Consultancy

CARE in Timor-Leste is seeking a qualified consultant to support the development of an Advocacy Strategy. The strategy will help define CARE's advocacy goals, key messages, target audiences, approaches/tactics, roles, timeline, risk management and a monitoring framework.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree in public policy, development, governance, human rights, communications, or related fields
• Minimum 7 years in advocacy, policy analysis, and strategy development in development contexts
• Proven experience in advocacy, policy analysis, and strategy development
• Previous involvement in similar humanitarian/NGO projects is highly desirable
• Strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills
• Knowledge and understanding of gender equality and social inclusion in Timor-Leste
• Excellent writing and communication skills both in Tetum and English

Application Process

Interested consultants should submit:

• Technical Proposal: methodology and work plan
• CV(s) demonstrating relevant experience
• Financial Proposal: Proposed daily rate or lump sum fee
• Availability and timeline for the assignment
• Contactable 2–3 references from past projects and in current or previous organization
• 1-2 sample strategy documents or similar writing samples

How to Apply

Please submit your application to Mrs. Sonia N. Lay Ximenes via email: [email protected]

For more information about the consultancy, please visit: Terms of Reference