Terms of Reference for the recruitment of a local consultant for Community Engagement

Introduction

Rwanda Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) is committed to deepening the engagement of civil society, key affected populations, and community representatives in national decision-making. In line with Accelerating and Strengthening Community Engagement in National Decision-making through CCMs Project (ASCEND), the CCM seeks a qualified local consultant to implement specific activities focused on mapping of CSO constituencies, apply the M&E Tools and accountability matrix developed for the ASCEND project, enhancing bi-directional community feedback, improving representation, building technical capacity and strengthening CSO capacity to participate meaningfully during CCM meetings. The consultancy is expected to be completed over a total of 25 working days between 1 June and 30 November 2025.

Background

Country Coordinating Mechanisms (CCMs)

CCMs are multi-stakeholder platforms that form the foundation of decision-making within the Global Fund’s grant management architecture. In Rwanda, the CCM comprises representatives from government, civil society, academia, and technical and financial partners. A core mandate of the CCM is to ensure that communities especially those most affected by HIV, TB, and malaria are engaged meaningfully throughout the grant cycle.

Engagement of Key and Affected Communities

Robust engagement with key populations, people living with or affected by HIV, TB, and malaria, and civil society is essential for designing programs that respond to community needs. To ensure transparency and accountability, CCM membership selection and participation processes must reflect Rwanda’s epidemiological, social, and cultural realities.

The ASCEND CCMs Project

The ASCEND CCMs initiative (October 2024 – December 2025) is designed to accelerate community engagement within six CCMs, including Rwanda. In Rwanda, the objective is to elevate the CCM engagement score to Level 2 (or higher) on the Integrated Performance Framework. The integrated performance assessment conducted at the end of 2024 and consultations with CSO-CCM members has informed a comprehensive Engagement Strengthening Plan and a costed work plan, which form the basis of this consultancy.

Objectives

1. Conduct mapping of organizations and networks that represent key and vulnerable groups.
2. Develop M&E Tools and accountability matrix to assess performance of CCM members and hold them accountable for the ASCEND project
3. Monitor and report on community engagement activities implemented through the ASCEND project
4. Build capacity for effective bi-directional feedback and technical knowledge transfer among CCM members.
5. Strengthen the capacity of CSO-CCM representatives for meaningful participation in CCM meetings and structures. The Networking, Peaceful Conflict Resolution and Negotiation Skills Training materials could be used and adapted for the CCM-RW
6. Support the facilitation and orientation workshops for CSO constituencies

Scope of Work

Deliverables Summary

By the end of the consultancy, the consultant will provide:

• An updated, categorized CCM Civil Society Database
• Detailed post workshop reports
• Training materials, facilitation reports, and a capacity building evaluation report on bi-directional feedback.
• Progress and final reports on the implementation of the bidirectional feedback work plan.
• Monitoring report on the ASCEND Project

Duration and Timeline

Consultancy Period: 1 June to 30 November 2025

Total Working Days: 25 days (scheduled flexibly across the engagement period as per the work plan milestones)

Consultant Requirements

Candidates must meet the following criteria:

Educational Qualification: A minimum of a master’s degree in health, Social Sciences, or a related field.

Experience:

• Extensive knowledge of the HIV, TB, and malaria landscape in Rwanda, including the role of civil society.
• Demonstrated experience in community and civil society engagement, preferably within the Global Fund context.
• Proven track record working with key and affected populations, ensuring sensitivity to cultural and accessibility needs.

Competencies: Excellent communication (including local languages where applicable), facilitation, data analysis, and report writing skills.

Reporting and Coordination

The consultant will report directly to the International Consultant, the CCM Executive Secretary and the CCM Chair.

• Meetings: Regular coordination meetings (both virtual and in-country) will be scheduled to review progress and address challenges.
• Progress Reports: Weekly updates and milestone-based reports must be submitted.
• Feedback: In-country feedback should be provided to the CCM Secretariat, the CCM, and relevant stakeholders in line with the engagement strengthening plan.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

• A cover letter detailing relevant experience and demonstrating an understanding of the Rwanda CCM context.
• A Curricula Vitae (CV) highlighting qualifications, key projects, and achievements.
• Certified copies of relevant academic and professional documents.
• Any additional supporting materials that underscore previous experience with Global Fund CCMs or similar projects.
• Interested candidates should submit their application by Wednesday May 21^st, 2025, through email to info@ccm.rw.

Additional Information

• Confidentiality: All data, reports, and discussions undertaken during this consultancy shall remain confidential and be used solely for CCM engagement strengthening purposes.
• Payment Terms: The consultancy will be remunerated based on milestone achievements. Payment details will be provided in the final contract.
• Evaluation: Performance will be assessed based on the quality and timeliness of deliverables, adherence to the agreed work plan, and overall impact on community engagement.

Approved by: Zachee IYAKAREMYE

CCM-RW Chair