Background and context

Dorcas Kenya is looking for a Strategic Planning Consultant on behalf of our two partners: The North Gem Community Development Programme (NGCDP) and the Shokut Naretoi Community Development Programme (SNCDP). You can find the terms of reference (TOR) for this role below.

Purpose of the Assignment

The purpose of this consultancy is to facilitate the development of comprehensive, participatory, and actionable strategic plans for North Gem Community Development Programme (NGCDP) and Shokut Naretoi Community Development Programme (SNCDP). These strategic plans will serve as guiding frameworks for each organisation’s operations, resource mobilisation, and impact measurement over the next five years.

Objectives

The consultancy aims to achieve the following specific objectives for both NGCDP and SNCDP:

• Conduct a thorough assessment of each organisation’s context and capabilities by reviewing their development priorities, governance, programme areas, operational strengths, and relationships with stakeholders.
• Set the strategic direction by identifying focused and practical priorities, themes, objectives, key performance indicators (KPIs), and results that reflect the mission, vision, and values of each organisation, while also addressing current development challenges and the evolving needs of the community.
• Transform strategic goals into actionable steps by developing a phased implementation plan that outlines specific activities, timelines, responsibilities, and estimated budgets. Additionally, outline approaches for mobilising resources and building partnerships to support these objectives.
• Develop clear Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) frameworks that include indicators, baselines, targets, and tools to monitor progress, assess impact, and enable ongoing improvement.
• Undertake a risk analysis and propose relevant mitigation strategies.
• Develop a multi-annual budget that covers the proposed strategic period.

Scope of work

The consultant will be responsible for delivering the following tasks:

1. Inception and planning

• Conduct an inception meeting with the project team to align on expectations, timelines, and deliverables.
• Submit an inception report detailing the methodology, work plan, and tools to be used.

2. Organisational review

• Review existing relevant documents.
• Conduct a situational analysis including SWOT and PESTEL assessments for both organisations.
• Undertake a context analysis.

3. Stakeholder engagement

• Facilitate a participatory workshop per organisation with board members, staff, community representatives, and key partners.
• Conduct key informant interviews and focus group discussions to gather insights on organisational priorities and community needs.

4. Strategic framework development

• Define 3–5 strategic objectives aligned with each organisation’s mandate and context.
• Develop a Theory of Change and results framework for each organisation.
• Develop a multi-annual budget to cover the strategic period and project revenues.

5. Action planning

• Translate strategic objectives into a five-year implementation plan with clear activities, timelines, mid-term reviews, responsible parties, and resource estimates.
• Include a risk matrix and sustainability strategy.

6. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework

• Design an M&E framework with indicators and reporting timelines.
• Propose tools for tracking progress and learning.

7. Validation and finalisation

• Present the draft strategic plans to stakeholders for validation.
• Incorporate feedback and submit final strategic plans, including M&E framework annex.

8. Capacity building

• Conduct a half-day orientation session for staff and board members on the new strategic plan and its implementation.

Deliverables

The consultant will be expected to produce the following deliverables:

1. Inception report.
2. Situational analysis report.
3. Draft strategic plans (one for each organisation).
4. Multi-annual budget.
5. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) frameworks.
6. Final strategic plans.

Methodology

Encourage a participatory and inclusive approach:

• Use of qualitative and quantitative tools.
• Stakeholder mapping and engagement.
• Strategic foresight and scenario planning.
• Institutional capacity assessment models.

Consultant qualifications

Academic and professional background

• A Master’s degree or higher in Strategic Management, Organisational Development, Development Studies, Public Administration, or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum of seven years’ experience in leading strategic planning, especially with NGOs or grassroots initiatives.
• Experience working with rural or marginalised communities in Kenya or comparable settings, with a solid grasp of local governance and development issues.

Technical competencies

• Strong analytical and facilitation skills, with the ability to synthesise diverse stakeholder inputs into coherent strategic frameworks.
• Proficiency in developing Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) frameworks, including indicators, baselines, and data collection tools.
• Excellent writing and presentation skills, with the ability to produce high-quality strategic documents and visual summaries.

Soft skills and values

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with cultural sensitivity and the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Commitment to inclusivity, transparency, and accountability in development processes.

Additional assets

• Familiarity with Kenya’s policy and regulatory environment for CBOs and NGOs.
• Knowledge of climate resilience, WASH, livelihoods, or child protection programming is desirable, given the thematic focus of NGCDP and SNCDP.

Timeline

• Total duration: Max. 24 days
• Proposed assignment start date: 3rd December 2025

Financial Proposal

Include:

• Total consultancy fee
• Any reimbursable costs (travel, workshops)

Application deadline: 21st November 2025.
Submit a technical and financial proposal (in one PDF document) to: kenyaoffice@kenya.dorcas.org

More information on the North Gem Community Development Programme (NGCDP)

Established in 2012 and officially registered as a Community-Based Organisation (CBO), the North Gem Community Development Programme (NGCDP) operates within Siaya County. The organisation is governed by a board and supported by a team of five staff and several volunteers across projects. NGCDP collaborates with various partners to empower local communities and foster inclusive development.

The organisation’s initiatives focus on several core thematic areas: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH); Sustainable Livelihoods, particularly the chicken value chain; and Childcare and Development. Through the “Future for Children” project, targeting over 200 children, NGCDP advances childcare and development by offering life skills training, strengthening household economies, and establishing robust child protection structures. In addition, the organisation has previously implemented health programmes targeting HIV/AIDS, maternal and child health, and malaria control. To date, NGCDP has executed at least nine major projects, underscoring its commitment to holistic, community-led development in Siaya County.

More information on the Shokut Naretoi Community Development Programme (SNCDP)

The Shokut Naretoi Community Development Programme (SNCDP), established in 2009 and based in Loitokitok, Kajiado County, Kenya, is dedicated to fostering a vibrant, sustainable rural community. Its mission centres around improving livelihoods, health, sanitation, food security, and environmental conservation, with targeted support for children, women, and men. SNCDP’s programmes span Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), climate change mitigation, social empowerment, and youth engagement. Notably, the Shokut Naretoi Water Project supplies clean water to over 24,000 people via a 60-kilometre pipeline, with recent expansions drastically reducing the distance to water sources for residents.

Social empowerment efforts include the “Future for Children” project, supporting 235 households with life skills and economic opportunities, while youth engagement is fostered through clubs offering training in entrepreneurship and advocacy. SNCDP also leads climate adaptation initiatives which, among others, promote afforestation, rangeland rehabilitation, climate-smart agriculture, and ecosystem restoration.