Terms of Reference Partnership and Fundraising Consultant

Who We Are

Girl Effect is an international non-profit that connects girls to the resources and support they need to overcome barriers, see themselves differently, and unleash their full potential. We believe that the most powerful force to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty is GIRLS. When you connect girls to what they need, unleash the limits communities set for them, and change how girls see themselves, they change the world. That’s the Girl Effect.

Our approach redefines what girls think they can and should do. We do this by building digital and media technologies that girls want, trust, and need. From chatbots and applications to chat shows and TV dramas, our approach uses modern technologies to reach girls where they are today.

Our reach is 50 million and counting.

We are girl-centered. We engage girls through evidence-based social and behavior change. We meet girls where they are today — in the spaces, on the platforms, and on channels they trust and love. We work with governments to transform systems to work for HER.

Our Approach

Girl Effect uses a branded media approach towards delivering behavioral change programs. We reach girls across the world, where they are — online and offline — to support them at the critical moments in life when choices around their health, education, and economic future need to be made.

We use our expertise in behavior change science to motivate and equip girls with information and support, helping them see a different future for themselves, act on those choices, and drive greater demand for the opportunities and services available to them.

Our youth brands, such as Chhaa Jaa in India, Tukisonga in Kenya, Jikizinto in South Africa, Tujibebe in Tanzania, and Yegna in Ethiopia, exist across multiple channels — digital, TV, radio, print, and offline, in schools and communities.

Scope of Work

We are looking for experienced consultants who have a strong background in partnership strategy and fundraising. Applications are sought from those who have a deep understanding of the Indian development sector funding opportunities and donor landscape, as is an innovative and entrepreneurial approach. You may be based in India/abroad, and have managed institutional and philanthropic donor partnerships/  relationships for India.

Working closely with the Country Director in India, the focus will be to extend the reach, impact, and financial sustainability of Girl Effect India’s brand and programs. 

The consultant/s will be responsible for building and connecting Girl Effect to various institutional and individual philanthropic efforts to extend the reach, impact, and sustainability of Girl Effect’s youth brand in India - Chhaa Jaa.

What You’ll Do 

• Manage the development and implementation of prospect plans, keeping abreast of development sector trends to maximize opportunities for the organization
• Engage in strategic networking to expand the organization’s positioning and enhance the organization’s image and visibility
• Proactively identify & activate partnership opportunities that deliver on our objectives in collaboration with the global team.
• In collaboration with the global and India team, develop a robust and sustainable pipeline of funding opportunities across institutional donors, trusts & foundations, corporate partnerships, statutory funding, individual philanthropy, major gifts and development partners.
• Produce detailed investment cases to drive fundraising.
• Build and secure strong relationships with CSR Foundations and HNIs who will be key to the appropriate credibility and visibility of both the brand and the Girl Effect India entity.
• Engage in network & profile raising for Girl Effect India’s brand and programs.
• Explore and build partnerships with key development actors to broaden the reach of the Girl Effect

Expected Deliverables and KPIs

• A fundraising strategy and prospect pipeline comprising a minimum of 20 prospects identified which align with GE’s thematic areas.
• Engagement with at least 2 potential prospects per month.
• Support in the organizing of four donor-facing events or showcases.

Expected Commitment

This is a year-long consultancy. The consultant/s can propose up to 140 days in a year. 

Location

Remote and/or other key donor locations if required.

Management 

The consultant will report to the Country Director, Girl Effect India, and work closely with other team members, including the global Development and Communications teams.

Procurement  Timeframe

• Terms of reference published: July 7th, 2025 
• Deadline for responses:  July 18th, 2025
• Supplier selection, contracting, and briefing: End July 2025
• Project commencement: August 2025

Proposal Submission

Your application, should you be interested (Max 5 pages), should cover:

• CV/Credentials - Please showcase any previous work that you consider relevant to what we are trying to achieve, how we approach our work, and the audience we cater to. Describe the qualifications, experience, and capabilities of the firm or consultant in providing the requested services.
• A cover letter explaining your understanding of the brief, why you feel you are well-placed to work on this, what motivated you to apply for this role, and a brief description of an innovative fundraising idea for GE. 
• Reference - Provide at least three references for similar contracts with a description of the service provided, the value of the contract, and the contract periods of performance.
• Breakdown of Costs with applicable taxes and other charges clearly identified in INR. Consultants should provide their Daily/Hourly billing rate. All applicable taxes should be quoted separately. The consultant/s can propose up to 140 days in a year. 

In their application, the candidate must demonstrate an understanding of the requirements described in the TOR and demonstrate how the applicant will meet the requirements of the programme.

Please note that Girl Effect is not liable for any costs incurred during the award/contract preparation, submission, or negotiation of the award/contract. All submitted documentation and/or materials shall become and remain the property of Girl Effect.

VALIDITY of the proposal shall be for 90 days from the date of bid closure.

Evaluation Criteria

The criteria against which proposals will be evaluated are listed below:

• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing fundraising strategies, donor engagement, proposal development, and securing funds from diverse sources (foundations, corporates, high-net-worth individuals, bilateral/multilateral donors, etc.)-30%
• Clear understanding of the assignment’s objectives, fundraising landscape, and alignment with the organization’s mission and context- 10%
• Qualifications, skills, and experience of the consultant and any supporting team members, especially in similar contexts or sectors-15%
• Experience in fundraising for India- 15%

Financial Evaluation

• Value for money/proposed budget breakdown - 30%

How to Apply

Please submit proposals, as described below, to suppliers@girleffect.org by  18 July 2025  latest. Please clearly mark your email with the subject ‘Partnerships and Fundraising Consultant-India’. 

Tax

Girl Effect India is obliged by the Indian tax authorities to ensure all taxes are charged where applicable. Applicants are advised to ensure that they have a clear understanding of their tax position regarding provisions of Indian tax legislation when developing their proposals.

Equal Opportunities

Girl Effect is committed to equal opportunity regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression. We are proud to be an equal-opportunity workplace.

We are committed to building an organisation that is truly representative of the communities that we serve. To this end, due regard will be paid to procuring consultancy services of organisations and individuals with a deep understanding and experience of our programming markets and with diverse professional, academic, and cultural backgrounds.

Safeguarding

Girl Effect has zero tolerance for all forms of violence and abuse against children, beneficiaries, and staff. You may be required to undertake safeguarding checks. Shortlisted consultants will be assessed on our organisational values at the interview stage. The consultant will be expected to adhere to our safeguarding policy. Please read and understand our safeguarding Code of Conduct, which outlines expected behaviour from our staff, consultants and visitors. 

Copyright

All materials/documents arising from this consultancy work shall remain the property of Girl Effect.

Disclaimer

GE reserves the right to determine the structure of the process, the number of short-listed participants, the right to withdraw from the proposal process, the right to change this timetable at any time without notice and reserves the right to withdraw this tender at any time, without prior notice and without liability to compensate and/or reimburse any party. GE shall inform ONLY successful applicant(s). The process of negotiation and signing of the contract with the successful applicant(s) will follow.

Please note: We will evaluate only proposals submitted following the application process outlined in the TOR and using our specified email address (suppliers@girleffect.org).