Short-Term Consultant or Firm to Facilitate the Development of Advocacy Strategy

Background Information

About CARE in Timor Leste
CARE is an international development and humanitarian organization that has been working in Timor-Leste since 1994. With programmers that extend across all parts of the country, CARE works with partners to save lives, defeat poverty, and achieve social justice. CARE works with remote, rural communities and civil society partners to combat gender inequality, as this has been shown to be one of the most effective ways to create sustainable development outcomes.

Ensuring well-being and a voice for women and girls in rural, disadvantaged areas is at the heart of CARE's work. This is achieved in four priority areas of Education, Women's Economic Empowerment, Health, and promoting Women's Voice in society through development and humanitarian programmes.

About the Project
CARE in Timor-Leste, as an implementing partner of CARE Netherland, in a consortium with local partners Asosiasaun HAK, FOKUPERS and FONGTIL is implementing the "Strengthened Local Civil Society Organizations for Responsive and Accountable Governance in Human Rights and Gender Equality in Timor-Leste" Project funded by the European Commission. The overall objective of the 36-month action is for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to work as inclusive, participatory, empowered, and independent actors of good governance and development, focused on the empowerment of women and youth.

Objective of the Consultancy

CARE in Timor-Leste is seeking a qualified consultant or team to strengthen the advocacy capacity and practices of Asosiasaun HAK and FOKUPERS through the development of high-quality, evidence-based Advocacy Strategies. The assignment will include mentoring, guided data review, and two in-person workshops (planning and validation). Each CSO than will finalize a written strategy reviewed by peers and partners, laying the groundwork for systematized and structured policy engagement.

Expected Outcomes

By the end of consultancy:

• Two institutional advocacy strategies (Asosiasaun HAK and FOKUPERS) are finalized including practical and actionable advocacy work
• Each CSO partner has:
  • Clear advocacy priorities aligned with thematic mandates
  • Defined stakeholders and engagement approaches
  • Evidence-based messaging and policy positioning
• Improved capacity of Asosiasaun HAK and FOKUPERS staff in:
  • Advocacy planning and strategy development
  • Stakeholder mapping and power analysis
  • Evidence-based advocacy and messaging
• Established foundation for:
  • Structured policy dialogue and engagement
  • Coordinated advocacy actions with partners and networks

Required Capabilities

• 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

The deadline for submission is July 8, 2026 at 17:00 Timor-Leste time. The application should be emailed to Procurement Committee at [email protected]. Only successful candidate will be contacted.