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Tenders are invited for Consultancy to Develop a Strategic Framework for the Mortality Estimation Initiative. Closing Date: 11 Mar 2026 Type: Consultancy Background: Accurate mortality data is essential for understanding the scale and severity of humanitarian crises, guiding evidence-based response, informing life-saving programming, and ensuring efficient allocation of limited resources. Despite its importance, mortality estimation remains underutilized due to limited operational tools, technical capacity constraints, and insufficient institutional support. The Mortality Estimation Initiative is a sector-wide greater good initiative that aims to strengthen the effectiveness of humanitarian public health programming by improving the timely collection, analysis, use, and uptake of mortality data among humanitarian actors to inform decision-making and save lives. The Initiative is led by Save the Children (SC), in partnership with IMPACT Initiatives and Evidence for Change (E4C) It brings together technical actors, operational agencies, national stakeholders, and donors through governance platforms to deliver agreed priority activities under the initiative. The governance platforms include: Strategic Advisory Group (SAG) providing strategic direction, sectoral alignment, and high-level endorsement Technical Advisory Group (TAG) providing technical and methodological guidance National Advisory Group (NAG) providing operational feasibility perspectives and field-level insights Over a 24-month implementation period, the Initiative will develop: a Strategic Framework to articulate the long-term direction and vision of mortality estimation and corresponding financial investment in humanitarian settings a Localization and National Engagement Strategy that defines practical pathways for participation, leadership, capacity strengthening and partnership with national actors to strengthen national ownership and sustainability. a practical, context-appropriate mortality estimation and surveillance toolkit to support health actors in collecting and using mortality data. The Initiative is seeking a qualified consultant (or consulting firm) to lead the development of a Strategic Framework for humanitarian stakeholders. This framework will provide long-term strategic direction, promote innovation, guide implementation, promote collaboration and coordination among humanitarian stakeholders to strengthen generating and uptake of mortality evidence in humanitarian action. All work will be grounded in principles of equitable and inclusive participation, informed by the principles of locally-led action . This consultancy will be conducted in parallel with the development of the Localization and National Engagement Strategy, which will serve as a complementary and mutually reinforcing process. Insights generated through the Localization Strategy will inform the Strategic Frameworks priorities related to localization, governance, and operating models, while the Strategic Framework will provide the overarching vision and structural context within which the Localization Strategy will be positioned. Close coordination between the two envisioned consultancies will be required to ensure alignment, avoid duplication, and promote coherence across deliverables. Purpose of the Consultancy The consultant will develop a comprehensive Strategic Framework that: Articulates a clear immediate and long-term shared vision, mission, strategic pillars, and objectives, while defining strategic priorities, key milestones, and actionable recommendations to guide measurable progress in advancing mortality estimation in humanitarian settings. Outlines a coherent pathway to strengthen and institutionalize mortality estimation practices, particularly among local actors, while promoting sustainability, harmonization, locally led action, and long-term sector-wide adoption. Establishes a forward-looking agenda to guide future investments, partnerships, innovation, and sustained sector leadership in mortality estimation. Scope of Work and Key Tasks The consultant will Task 1: Evidence Review and Stakeholder Consultation Conduct a review and synthesis of existing initiative documents, prior analyses, mortality estimation initiatives, research, capacities, and gaps across relevant actors and contexts. Develop and implement a structured Consultation Plan (including stakeholders, methods, tools, and timeline), building on existing KII data and facilitating additional consultations with SAG, TAG, NAG, donors, and other key stakeholders. Coordinate closely with the Localization Strategy consultant to ensure alignment. Synthesize evidence and consultation findings to identify strategic opportunities, risks, enabling factors, and clear recommendations to inform the Frameworks strategic direction. Outputs of task 1: Detailed workplan, consultation plan and Consolidated Evidence and Consultation Summary Report, including methodology, participant overview, key thematic findings, identified gaps, and actionable strategic recommendations. Task 2: Framework Development Develop a structure and outline for the Framework (shared for review before full drafting). Draft a comprehensive Strategic Framework, including: Purpose, scope, and rationale Vision, mission, desired impact, guiding principles Strategic pillars, short and long-term goals Objectives, outcomes, priority actions, and recommended investment Cross-cutting themes (equity, ethics, localization, data governance, operational feasibility, etc.) Integration with broader humanitarian and health system coordination structures (e.g., clusters, surveillance platforms, technical standards) Develop a practical roadmap outlining activities, milestones, sequencing, responsibilities, and enabling factors Distinguish between current-cycle activities and future-phase recommendations Ensure alignment with the Localization Strategy Outputs of Task 2: Draft Strategic Framework (Version 1), inclusive of the roadmap and consultation findings summary as annexes Task 3: Validation and Finalization Present outline and version 1 to SAG/TAG/NAG for feedback Develop version 2 based on the feedback received from the SAG/TAG/NAG. Present version 2 to key stakeholders during the planned validation workshop in Sept 2026, facilitate discussions and integrate feedback. Finalize the Strategic Framework, integrating all agreed modifications. Produce final deliverables with clear narrative structure and professionally formatted visual layouts aligned with the Initiatives branding Outputs of Task 3: Revised Draft Strategic Framework (Version 2), Final Strategic Framework (plus annexes) Deliverables Workplan including a stakeholder consultation plan, methodology, tools, and timeline. Strategic Framework Version 1, inclusive of roadmap, consolidated evidence and consultation findings summary as annexes Strategic Framework Version 2 (revised draft) Final Strategic Framework Timeline Estimated consultancy duration: April - Oct 2026 (approx. 25 days). A detailed timeline will be finalized upon contracting. Required Qualifications Advanced degree in Public Health, Health Policy, Humanitarian Studies, or related field. Minimum 10 years of experience in humanitarian strategy development, public health or epidemiology particularly with specific expertise in mortality evidence research, policy and/or strategy. Demonstrated experience developing multi-year strategic frameworks for global health or humanitarian initiatives. Strong facilitation and consensus-building skills and experience conducting multi-stakeholder consultations. Knowledge of mortality estimation, surveillance systems, or humanitarian health information systems is highly desirable. Excellent analytical, writing, and synthesis skills. Ability to work independently and meet deadlines in a remote, multi-partner environment. Previous leadership roles in the field of public health/humanitarian aid (authoritative voice) Knowledge of broader landscape (donors, health systems) Reporting and Management The consultant will report to the Lead of the Mortality Estimation Initiative and will work closely with select members of the SAG during the Strategic Frameworks development. They will engage regularly with the Initiatives core team and governance groups to ensure alignment and validation of key deliverables. The Initiative Lead will manage overall partner coordination. The consultant will coordinate with the Localization Strategy consultant to ensure coherence and avoid duplication. Tender Link : https://reliefweb.int/job/4201007/consultancy-develop-strategic-framework-mortality-estimation-initiative
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