Governance Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The Sudan INGO Forum was established in 2009 as a key representation platform for International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) operating in Sudan. The organization aims to coordinate efforts among INGOs and establish a common voice for humanitarian action in the country. Currently, the forum comprises 51 members and 17 observers, working in some of the most challenging areas of Sudan. The INGO Forum is a permanent member of the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) and the Inter-coordination" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Cluster Coordination Group (ICCG), co-leading the Humanitarian Access Working Group (HAWG) alongside OCHA. The forum plays a crucial role in collective advocacy at national, regional, and international levels through its Advocacy Working Group (AWG) and maintains close coordination with the regional Inter-Agency Working Group (IAWG) and member liaison offices in key donor and diplomatic capitals worldwide. The organization has been actively involved in addressing the escalating humanitarian crisis in Sudan, particularly since 2023, when the situation deteriorated due to conflict and restricted humanitarian access.

Job Overview:
The Governance Consultant will play a pivotal role in revising and enhancing the governance documents of the INGO Forum in Sudan. This position is critical as the forum faces complex challenges that require clear decision-making protocols, accountability measures, and representation structures. The consultant will work closely with the INGO Forum Steering Committee, which consists of six members, and will be responsible for ensuring that the governance framework is robust enough to support the forum's operations and member participation across Sudan. The consultant will also be tasked with establishing mechanisms for effective communication and coordination among members, ensuring that the forum can respond to the urgent humanitarian needs in the region. The anticipated start date for this consultancy is May 1, 2025, and the contract is expected to last for two months, with the possibility of travel if necessary.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Governance Consultant will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including but not limited to: revising the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Forum Steering Committee to include election processes based on individuals rather than organizations, establishing replacement processes for absent members, and outlining decision-making and performance management protocols. The consultant will also clarify host-agency participation within the Steering Committee and other coordination bodies, as well as define membership roles and responsibilities, including mechanisms for addressing non-participation in working groups. Additionally, the consultant will look into instituting membership fees, refining decision-making protocols based on the type of decision and geographic area, and establishing sanctions for breaches of confidentiality agreements. The consultant will also develop voting and scoring mechanisms for representation in key coordination bodies such as the HCT, HAWG, and ICCG. A sensitization process will be established to ensure all members understand the new governance documents, and the consultant will review the internal structure of the Forum, providing recommendations to the secretariat regarding hierarchy and accountability.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Governance Consultant position should possess a graduate degree in international relations, political science, management, law, or a related field, or have equivalent experience. Essential qualifications include at least 10 years of relevant experience working with NGOs, the UN system, or other humanitarian and development actors, with a minimum of 4 years in leadership and management roles. The candidate should have experience living and working in complex humanitarian or fragile contexts, demonstrating a strong understanding of humanitarian principles, international humanitarian law (IHL), and coordination mechanisms. Proven skills in representing organizations in humanitarian coordination platforms, building networks and relationships, and managing diverse workloads in complex environments are also essential. Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is mandatory.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a graduate degree in a relevant field such as international relations, political science, management, or law. Equivalent experience may also be considered in lieu of formal education. The educational background should provide a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of humanitarian governance and coordination.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in the humanitarian or development sector, with at least 4 years in leadership and management roles. Experience in complex humanitarian contexts, particularly in Sudan, Chad, or South Sudan, is highly desirable. The candidate should have a proven track record of high-level representation and negotiation skills, as well as experience in humanitarian coordination platforms.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, both in written and spoken forms. While not required, working knowledge of Arabic is considered a plus, as it may facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the consultant's effectiveness in the role.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is classified as international and is expected to last for a duration of 2 months, starting on May 1, 202

• The role is remote, with potential travel if necessary. The consultant will report directly to the INGO Forum Steering Committee and will work closely with member Country Directors and the current Forum Secretariat. The position is funded through Mercy Corps, and the consultant will be expected to adhere to the organization's standards and protocols throughout the consultancy.