CONCORD is seeking a consultant to conduct a study on EU funding trends for civil society organisations (CSOs) under the NDICI-GE. The study will assess discrepancies between the EU’s political commitments and its funding practices, identify barriers CSOs face in accessing funds, and explore alternative funding mechanisms that improve accessibility for a diverse range of CSOs. The findings will inform CONCORD’s advocacy efforts in the lead-up to the negotiations for the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034.
CONCORD is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, colour, religion and belief, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. All employment decisions are made entirely on merit. All qualified applicants are strongly encouraged to apply regardless of their national origin, race, colour, disabilities, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or age.
Background
CONCORD’s 2023 Who Holds the Lion’s Share report highlighted how a significant share of EU funding is channelled through pillar-assessed entities, leaving CSOs with restricted opportunities to secure direct financial support, essential for delivering services to marginalised communities and fostering inclusive and sustainable development.
In an era of increasing geopolitical instability and in light of the upcoming MFF negotiations, CONCORD aims to provide an updated, evidence-based analysis of EU funding trends for CSOs. By examining the extent to which NDICI-GE enables CSOs to implement EU funded actions, and by exploring ways in which the EU could adjust its funding modalities to better encompass the diversity of CSOs, the study will put forward solid and actionable recommendations to the EU in the run-up to the next MFF.
Objectives and Scope
The study aims to assess the trends in EU funding to civil society organisations and illustrate contradictions between the EU’s political discourse and commitments to CSOs, and its programming and funding decisions under the NDICI-GE. It will support CONCORD’s advocacy towards EU institutions by identifying the barriers that CSOs face in the implementation of the NDICI-GE, in light of the upcoming negotiations of the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034.
Additionally, this study aims to assess the effectiveness of current EU funding mechanisms in reaching all types of CSOs, and explore potential adaptations to ensure a more inclusive and equitable approach to CSO engagement.
Deliverables
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Dataset analysis with derived statistics and charts addressing key funding trends;
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Narrative report interpreting the data and putting forward actionable recommendations to EU institutions on funding modalities supporting CSOs;
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Summary PowerPoint presenting main insights, conclusions, and recommendations;
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Infographic with a focus on easy-to-capture data visualisation.
Job Description
The main tasks of the work would include:
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Conducting the data analysis of NDICI geographic programmes documents from May 2023 to May 2025 and thematic programmes documents from 2021 to 2025, with support from CONCORD Secretariat;
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Interviewing external stakeholders, including EU and Member State officials and civil society organisations, based on CONCORD guiding questions;
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Consulting with CONCORD members throughout the process, including a final strategy meeting to draft actionable recommendations for the EU;
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Developing a first draft of the study report and present it to CONCORD members;
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Integrating CONCORD members’ feedback in order to produce a final draft of the report, including the above-mentioned set of recommendations.
Candidate’s Profile
Successful candidates for this offer will respond as much as possible to the following profile:
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A working knowledge of the EU international cooperation landscape;
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Sound knowledge of the CSOs context;
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Strong analytical skills, with a particular focus on development funding;
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Excellent English writing skills, with the ability to write about complex issues in an engaging and punchy way.
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Some published studies related to EU CSOs funding (desirable);
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Experience working in the NGO environment (desirable).
Timeline
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A first phase of the study should be carried out between May and June 2025, with some preliminary results available by the end of June 2025.
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The results of the research should be finalised by October 2025.
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A strategy meeting with CONCORD members and Policy and Advocacy Team should be held in early November to draft actionable recommendations based on the results of the analysis.
Budget
Please note that project proposals should not exceed 15,000 EUR.
How to apply
To apply for this post, please upload to our website, and in one single PDF, the following documents by Thursday, 10 April at midnight CET:
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The CV of all the applicants outlining their relevant expertise to meet this assignment;
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Your proposal on how you will undertake this research, including a suggested number of days and their distribution between the different tasks and phases of the work, and your daily rate (2 pages max).
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If you are submitting a group application, please provide the CV for each of the candidates and one single proposal.
After reviewing the applications, a round of interviews may be organised between 17 and 24 April 2025.
In case of any difficulties or questions, do not hesitate to contact Laura ([email protected]) before the deadline.