Terms Of Reference

job Description

TERMS OF REFERENCE
Oxfam is a global movement of people who are fighting inequality to end poverty and injustice. Across regions, from the local to the global, we work with people to bring change that lasts.

1. PURPOSE OF THIS CONSULTANCY
The direct motive for this procurement for consultancy services to develop a Partnership Framework and a comprehensive time-bound Partnership Transition Plan for the SAF Cluster that outlines the approaches, tools, processes, resources, systems, milestones, and structural shifts required to transition power, resources, and decision- making to partners across the region.

2. BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT
Oxfam has been transforming itself and its ways of working in response to a rapidly changing world and context wherever it works. This transformation includes a new partnership approach, which centres on decolonisation, localisation, and feminist principles. This partnership framework builds on Oxfam International Partnership principles which are designed to leverage diversity and the added value of partnering to make impact at scale. The Southern Africa (SAF) Cluster is a regional Oxfam entity with offices and hubs in Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, working in close collaboration with local and national partners. Oxfam is part of a global movement advocating for transformative development models and systemic change by working alongside marginalized and vulnerable communities to challenge structural inequalities. Our regional strategy framework is rooted in the belief that empowering local actors to influence systems and institutions is essential for achieving social justice. Guided by values of equality, empowerment, solidarity, inclusiveness, accountability, and courage, Oxfam in Southern Africa contributes meaningfully to national development plans, the UN
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. In April 2025, Oxfam concluded a comprehensive review of the SAF Cluster Model, which identified strategic shifts and
key areas for improvement to strengthen our regional impact. One of the core recommendations was the development of a Partner Transition Plan that will be anchored on an up-to-date Partnership Framework. This Transition plan will systematically guide the transfer of power, resources, and decision-making to local and national partners. This Plan will define a clear roadmap for the next 3–5 years, aligned with Oxfam’s Pledge for Change, localization commitments, and transformative partnership principles.

Duties and Responsibilities

SCOPE OF WORK
The consultant will be expected to build on the SAF Cluster Model Review findings and recommendations on Partnerships through:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Reviewing existing partnership policies, frameworks and tools and check their alignment with Oxfam Internationals Partnership Framework. This will enable the refinement of the Partnership framework documents, tools and a step-by-step guide on the approach to Partnerships for the SAF Cluster. Review and analyse the current SAF Partner Portfolio for each Pillar/Country using various parameters such as; length of partnership, level of funding, project performance KPIs, capacity needs and adequacy of Oxfam current accompaniment resources. Map current power dynamics, funding flows, and decision-making mechanisms between Oxfam and partner organisations and consult with Oxfam staff, partner organizations, and key stakeholders to co-create transition priorities and identify both barriers and enablers.

Develop a transition framework that includes:
a. Key shifts in operational, programmatic, and financial responsibilities
b. Competencies required within both Oxfam and partner teams over time to enable a strong
accompaniment to partners.
c. Defined minimum standards, procedures, and risk mitigation strategies
d. A phased, 3–5 year timeline with milestones and benchmarks
e. Recommend governance, compliance, and monitoring mechanisms to support and sustain the transition.
Draft a Partner Transition Plan with actionable steps and an implementation roadmap.
Facilitate a validation workshop with stakeholders to review and refine the plan.

Qualifications and Experience

PROFILE REQUIREMENTS
The company/ individual(s) should have the following competencies:
Essential
• Postgraduate degree in Development Studies, Climate Change, Agriculture, Economics, Social Sciences, or related fields.
• Proven experience in localization, partnership strategy development, or organizational transition planning, especially within the international development or humanitarian context.
• Strong knowledge of power-shifting approaches, local ownership models, and decolonial practices in aid.
• Demonstrated facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills, particularly with local NGOs and CSOs.
• Familiarity with the Southern Africa regional context and Oxfam’s mission and frameworks is highly desirable.
• In-depth knowledge of NGO operations and the development landscape in Southern Africa for programmes in areas such as humanitarian action, gender justice, just economies, accountable governance and civic space.
• Strong analytical and conceptual capabilities to synthesize findings, develop practical recommendations, and prepare comprehensive reports.