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Request for proposals for FLW_FOLU_Organizational Structure Review of FOLU SCOPE OF WORK AND OUTPUTS/DELIVERABLES Objective of the Assignment The primary objective is to identify and conduct an independent assessment of various legal, financial, and operational options for FOLUs organizational structure, and provide a clear cost-benefit and risk analysis of each potential structure, with a clear evidence-based recommendation as to a preferred option for the Coalition as we move through Phase 3 and beyond. The consultant/firm will: a. Objective of the Assignment The primary objective is to identify and conduct an independent assessment of various legal, financial, and operational options for FOLUs organizational structure, and provide a clear cost-benefit and risk analysis of each potential structure, with a clear evidence-based recommendation as to a preferred option for the Coalition as we move through Phase 3 and beyond. b. The consultant/firm will: Assess the current hosting arrangement, including: Services provided (legal, HR (including what is provided by partners to employees such as Employee Assistance Programmes, pensions, etc), IT, financial management, compliance, fundraising support, etc.); Costs (direct and indirect); Benefits and challenges for FOLUs governance, operational agility, and fundraising. Benchmark against alternative hosting arrangements, including third-party providers that specialize in hosting coalitions or networks. Conduct a legal review of options for establishing FOLU as an independent entity, including: · Registration as an NGO, foundation, or other entity in relevant/multiple jurisdictions (e.g., US 501(c)(3), UK charity, EU foundation, or other suitable models); Governance requirements (board composition, accountability, and partner representation); Tax, fiduciary, HR, compliance, and liability implications; Hybrid or federated/franchise-style models with national affiliates. Provide a comparative cost-benefit and risk analysis of all agreed options, benchmarked against the current hosting arrangement, highlighting: Financial implications (short- and long-term) with particular attention to staffing structures and contracting arrangements, which represent the majority of FOLUs costs; Legal exposure and fiduciary responsibility; Operational efficiency and agility; Governance and accountability implications; Fundraising attractiveness and donor perspectives. Make clear recommendations on the most appropriate path forward against a set of co-designed criteria for FOLU, supported by best practices and relevant case studies of similar coalitions and NGOs and an understanding of FOLUs operating context. c. Deliverables The consultant/firm will provide: Inception Report methodology, assessment criteria, work plan, and key lines of inquiry, to be reviewed and validated by FOLU before proceeding to the next stage. Interim Findings Report initial comparative assessment of options, to be reviewed and discussed with FOLU before proceeding to the next stage. Final Report comprehensive analysis with cost-benefit and risk comparisons, governance implications, and recommended pathway(s), to be reviewed and validated by FOLU prior to presentation to FOLU Senior Leadership, Steering Committee and Management Committee summary of findings and recommendations. d. Methodology The assignment will include: Co-developing and agree with FOLU the assessment criteria and methodology to guide the review Desk review of FOLU documents (governance, budgets, hosting agreements, financial reports). Benchmarking of comparable coalitions and networks. Key informant interviews with FOLU partners, donors, and external hosting/NGO experts. Financial modelling of costs and opportunities under different options. PROPOSED TIMING The assignment is expected to take place over a period of 1214 weeks Inception Report: Week 2 Interim Findings: Week 68 Final Report and Presentation: Week 1214 BUDGET An estimate of the number of days required to carry out the activities to be provided by the vendors in their proposal and must be reflected in the Budget / Financial proposal in USD estimate. However, once the budget has been validated, the payment of the service will be conditional on the delivery of the deliverables and not on the number of days actually worked. All expenses necessary for the performance of the service, including travel expenses, mission expenses, etc. must be quantified in the budget proposal. Please note that WRI is an IRS-registered 501(c)3, tax-exempt organization. WRI is not VAT exempt. All prices or quotes should include VAT and tax, as applicable. GUIDELINES FOR PROPOSAL SUBMISSION a. Eligibility A tenderer should be excluded from the evaluation and the award of a contract, if: i) They are bankrupt or is being wound up, whose affairs are being administered by court, has entered an arrangement with creditors, has suspended business activities or is subject of an injunction against running business by court. ii) They are the subject of proceedings for a declaration of bankruptcy, for an order for compulsory winding up or administration by court, or for an arrangement with creditors or of any other similar proceedings. iii) They have been found guilty of grave professional misconduct by any means which the grant recipient can justify. iv) They are not registered in a national official register or registered for declaration and payment of tax in accordance with national legislation. v) They have not fulfilled obligations relating to payments of taxes or social security contributions. vi) They or persons having powers of representation, decision-making or control over them have been convicted for fraud, corruption, involvement in a criminal organisation or money laundering. vii) They or persons having powers of representation, decision-making or control over them have been convicted of an offence concerning their professional conduct b. Ethics & Sustainability Applicants and tenderers shall observe the highest standards of ethics during the procurement and execution of contracts. This shall always include: i) Respecting minimum ILO standards such as the respect of working conditions and avoidance of child labour. ii) Respecting basic social rights and environmental aspects. iii) Having zero-tolerance for corruption and financial irregularities. iv) Having zero-tolerance for inaction to sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, and sexual harassment (SEAH). c. Requirements The assignment requires a firm or consortium with expertise in: International NGO governance, law, and registration across multiple jurisdictions; Financial and fiduciary management in the non-profit sector; Organizational design and hosting arrangements for coalitions/networks; Strong analytical and financial modelling capabilities; Experience advising coalitions or multi-stakeholder initiatives on institutional transitions; Familiarity with the food, land use, and/or sustainability sector (desirable). d. Proposal Content Applicants should submit: Statement of interest, including relevant experience; Proposed methodology and work plan (max 3 pages); Budget / Financial Proposal in USD CVs of team members; Examples of similar assignments; Two references; Proof of registration, tax compliance, and absence of debts to satisfy donor compliance requirements Tender Link : https://www.wri.org/about/procurement-opportunities
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