TRANSPARENCY

INTERNATIONAL

the global coalition against corruption

Transparency International e. V.

Alt-Moabit 96

10559 Berlin, Germany

Tel: +49 30 34 38 200

ti@transparency.org

www.transparency.org

TERMS OF REFERENCE

GENERAL INFORMATION

Title of Consultancy: Capacity-building training for local journalists in Mexico

Consultancy Start and End Date: October-December 2026

Location of Consultancy: Mexico (in-person)

1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE PROJECT

Transparency International (TI) is the global civil society organisation leading the fight against corruption. Through more than 100 chapters worldwide and an international secretariat in Berlin, Germany, TI raises awareness of the damaging effects of corruption and works with partners in government, business, and civil society to develop and implement effective measures to tackle it.

Since March 2022, the TI’s Berlin-based Secretariat (TI-S) and Transparencia Mexicana (TMX) have jointly implemented the Project, ‘Anticorruption for the many, not the few (AC4ALL)’, funded by the European Union Delegation in Mexico. The Project ends in December 2026 and this is one of the last remaining Project outputs to be completed.

AC4ALL aims to apply anti-corruption efforts to contribute to address inequality for those most left behind in Mexico (particularly women, youth, and ethnic minorities) by creating conducive conditions to promote more efficient and transparent fiscal and budgetary policies for the many and not for the few. At the global level, the Project aims to assess the role of transnational corruption and its detrimental impact on inequalities, understand the fundamental mechanisms used by these enablers and advocate for concrete reforms and enforcement measurements to disrupt these networks and effectively address leakages in public resources.

TI-S also works alongside TMX and other chapters to close the loopholes in the global financial system that allows corruption schemes to thrive, and the billions stolen from citizens to be hidden and laundered. These include grand corruption schemes that transcend borders and further fuel inequality, such as foreign bribery, rigged public procurement, and embezzlement of health and education funds, among others.

1.2 OBJECTIVES OF CONSULTANCY

Corruption, illicit financial flows (IFFs) and leakages in public revenues and expenditure divert resources away from essential public services, undermine public trust and exacerbate inequality. Investigative journalism plays a critical role in uncovering these practices, informing public debate and strengthening accountability. However, journalists—particularly those working at the local and subnational level—often face significant challenges in accessing information, analysing financial data and reporting on complex corruption and financial crime issues.

As part of the AC4ALL Project, the overall objectives of the Consultancy are the following:

  • Strengthen the capacity of local journalists in Mexico to investigate and communicate evidence-based stories on corruption, budgetary and fiscal leakages,

illicit financial flows and their impacts on inequality, particularly for women, youth and other vulnerable or marginalised groups.

  • Design and deliver an innovative, practical and participatory training programme for approximately 15–20 local journalists in Mexico. The training should equip participants with practical investigative skills, strengthen their understanding of corruption and financial crime issues, and support them in developing concrete investigative story ideas relevant to their local contexts.

The Consultancy should contribute to achieving Indicator 2.6 of the AC4ALL Project:

Number of journalists demonstrating commitment to generate evidence-based reports that raise awareness of the impacts of national and transnational corruption, budgetary/fiscal leakages and illicit financial flows on inequality.

The Consultancy should therefore contribute to creating a network of local journalists equipped to investigate corruption, budgetary and fiscal leakages, illicit financial flows and their impacts on inequality. Particular emphasis should be placed on supporting participants to develop concrete investigative story concepts and strengthening their commitment to producing evidence-based reporting beyond the duration of the training. The Consultant will also need to follow up with the journalists after the training to gather evidence of their follow-up 'commitment' under this indicator.

The primary audience for this training will be approximately 15–20 journalists working at the local or subnational level in Mexico, particularly those covering governance, public finance, public policy, corruption, social accountability or related topics.

By the end of the Consultancy, participants are expected to:

  • demonstrate increased knowledge of corruption, budgetary leakages and illicit financial flows;
  • strengthen their investigative and analytical skills;
  • develop at least one evidence-based investigative story concept or action plan relevant to their local context;
  • demonstrate commitment to pursuing evidence-based reporting on corruption and inequality;
  • participate in at least one follow-up knowledge exchange activity before Project closure.

Preference should be given to methodologies that are accessible to journalists with diverse levels of experience and that encourage collaboration and peer learning.

METHODOLOGY

The Consultant is expected to propose an innovative learning methodology that combines conceptual knowledge with practical application. Preference will be given to proposals that demonstrate engaging and participatory approaches capable of strengthening investigative capacities through experiential learning, collaborative problem-solving and realistic case-based exercises.

The proposed methodology should move beyond lecture-based instruction and provide participants with opportunities to apply investigative techniques to real or simulated scenarios relevant to the Mexican context.

The Consultant will be expected to:

  • Design an innovative two-day training programme tailored to local journalists in Mexico.
  • Develop a participatory methodology that combines conceptual learning with practical investigative exercises.
  • Prepare all training materials and participant resources. Where translation into Spanish is required, translation will be arranged separately by TI-S. The consultant will be responsible for reviewing and validating the quality and technical accuracy of the translated materials prior to their finalisation.
  • Deliver one in-person workshop for approximately 15–20 journalists in November 2026.
  • Facilitate practical exercises that strengthen participants' capacity to investigate corruption, budgetary leakages, illicit financial flows and related financial crime issues.
  • Encourage collaboration and exchange among participants, drawing on their local experiences.
  • Assess changes in participants' knowledge, skills and confidence through an appropriate evaluation methodology.
  • Propose and implement a light follow-up activity before the end of December 2026 to assess participants' progress and continued engagement (e.g. mentoring session, online debrief or follow-up survey).

The Consultant is expected to propose a final curriculum before delivery. Topics may include, but are not limited to:

  • corruption and accountability
  • illicit financial flows
  • public budget and fiscal leakages
  • tax abuse and tax avoidance
  • anti-money laundering
  • beneficial ownership
  • following the money
  • access to information and public records
  • investigative methodologies
  • financial intelligence
  • cross-border investigations
  • communicating complex financial investigations to broader audiences
  • reporting on corruption and inequality
  • ethical and security considerations for investigative journalists

EXPECTED DELIVERABLES

The workshop is expected to take place in person in Mexico in November 2026. The exact date and location will be agreed between TI-S, TMX and the selected Consultant.

The pool of potential workshop participants will have already been identified by TI-S, with support from TMX, in August/September 2026, by the time this Consultancy begins. All participant logistics for the event will also be organised by TI-S/TMX and does not fall within the scope of work of this Consultancy.

The Consultant will be expected to deliver, at a minimum:

Deliverable 1. Training Design (by the end of October 2026)

  • Inception meeting with TI-S and TMX. During the inception phase, the consultant will be provided with the findings of TMX's recent consultative process with journalists in Mexico to inform the development of the training methodology and materials.
  • Detailed training methodology, including one round of review by TI-S
  • Training materials, facilitator notes and participant handbook, including one round of review by TI-S
  • Two-day training agenda.
  • Review of profiles of pre-selected participants
  • Pre-training survey of participants to understand needs and expectations of the training.

Translation (if needed) of final training materials and participant handbook

Deliverable 2. Workshop Delivery

  • Adjusted agenda, methodology and training materials, etc. based on any adaptations needed from the insights of the participant pre-training survey.
  • Delivery of one two-day in-person workshop for approximately 15–20 journalists.
  • Facilitation of practical exercises and collaborative learning activities.
  • Final Practical Exercise: As part of the workshop, participants should individually or in small teams develop an investigative story concept or investigative action plan addressing corruption, budgetary or fiscal leakages, illicit financial flows or related governance issues affecting their local communities. Participants should present their proposed investigation during the final session and receive feedback from facilitator(s) and peers.

Deliverable 3. Follow-up activity (before 15 December 2026)

The Consultant should design and facilitate one online follow-up session (or propose an equivalent mechanism) to:

  • review progress on participants' investigative story ideas;
  • identify challenges encountered;
  • provide technical feedback and mentoring;
  • document participants' continued commitment to developing evidence-based reporting.

Deliverable 4. Final Report (before 24 December 2026)

A concise final report including:

  • summary of activities implemented;
  • participant profile and attendance;
  • evaluation results;
  • lessons learned;
  • recommendations for future journalist capacity-building activities;
  • documentation supporting Project reporting requirements.

The Consultant will coordinate closely with TI-S and TMX to ensure the training content reflects the objectives of the AC4ALL programme.

Please note that there is no possibility for extension of these deadlines as all costs are only eligible for 2026 and must be incurred and accounted for before the end of December 2026.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Applications may be submitted by individual consultants or legally registered organisations/consultancies with demonstrated expertise relevant to this assignment. This must be in accordance with the donor's rule of nationality requirements below. Please read these carefully to confirm your eligibility before applying.

Where a proposal is submitted by an organisation, the proposal should clearly identify the lead trainer/facilitator and any additional team members who will be responsible for delivering the assignment, including specific roles and responsibilities for task delivery in for the additional team members.

Core Competencies

Applicants should demonstrate:

  • Excellent facilitation, communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage adult learners through participatory and interactive learning approaches.
  • Innovative and adaptive training methodology delivery, tailored to the needs identified by the adult professional learners
  • Excellent analytical, presentation and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to communicate complex technical concepts in an accessible and engaging manner.
  • Commitment to the values of transparency, accountability and integrity.

Language

The workshop will be delivered to Spanish-speaking journalists in Mexico. Therefore, proposals must demonstrate how the training will be effectively delivered in Spanish.

This may include:

  • delivery by Spanish-speaking trainer(s);
  • a bilingual facilitation team;
  • simultaneous interpretation;
  • or another appropriate approach proposed by the applicant.

All participant-facing materials should be available in Spanish.

Technical competencies

Applicants should demonstrate:

  • At least five years of relevant professional experience designing and delivering training, workshops or capacity-building initiatives.
  • Demonstrated experience working with investigative journalists, media organisations or journalism training programmes.
  • Proven expertise in one or more of the following areas:
    • corruption and anti-corruption;
    • illicit financial flows;
    • anti-money laundering;
    • financial crime;
    • investigative journalism;
    • public finance, fiscal transparency or public accountability.
  • Demonstrated experience designing innovative and participatory learning methodologies for adult professional learners.

  • Experience working with civil society organisations, NGOs, media organisations or international development programmes.

  • Regional experience and/or a strong understanding of governance, corruption and media environments in Mexico and/or Latin America.

  • Experience integrating gender equality, diversity and inclusion into training design will be considered an asset.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the nationality and eligibility requirements applicable to European Commission-funded procurement. Due to the European Commission procurement rules, application is open only to individual consultants OR Legal Persons established in one of the following countries:

  • EU/EEA Member States and the UK.
  • IPA II beneficiaries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia, Turkey, Republic of North Macedonia).
  • Developing countries and territories, (included in the OECD-DAC list of ODA recipients), which are not members of the G20 group. Applications from Mexico are allowed as this is the main country of implementation of the Project under evaluation.
  • Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) covered by Council Decision 2013/755/EU of 25 November 2013 on the association of the overseas countries and territories with the European Union.

REMUNERATION AND COSTS

Applicants should submit a financial proposal indicating either:

  • a total lump-sum fee for the assignment; or
  • a daily rate together with the estimated number of consultancy days required to complete the assignment.

The financial proposal should include all professional fees and any other costs associated with the preparation, delivery and follow-up of the assignment, including the review and validation of translated materials (where applicable). Translation of training materials into Spanish, where required, will be arranged separately by TI-S and should not be included in the financial proposal.

Applicants should also indicate:

  • the estimated number of days required for preparation;
  • delivery of the two-day workshop;
  • post-training follow-up and reporting;
  • any additional team members (and roles) included in the proposal, where applicable.

Travel and accommodation costs for travel to and from Mexico, as well as accommodation and per diems during the workshop, will be arranged and covered separately by the Project. These costs should not be included in the financial proposal.

For Consultant(s) based in the EU, EEA and Switzerland

Transparency International e.V. (TI Secretariat) is registered as a Business Entity in Germany with VAT identification number DE273612486. To determine the Value Added Tax (VAT) implications of this tender, we kindly request that the Consultant(s) fill out the VAT Form for Tenders/Vendor Form (instructions inside the form) and submit the

completed and duly signed form along with their email application.

Consultants based in Germany and do not charge German VAT must confirm their small entrepreneur status.

The VAT Form for Tenders/Vendor Form is available below.

https://files.transparencycdn.org/images/TendersVendor-Form.docx

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS

Applications must be sent by email to ac4allconsultancy@transparency.org by the 14 August 2026. Please indicate “AC4ALL Journalists training” in the subject line of your email application. Applications should contain the following documents in English:

  1. Technical proposal (maximum 5 pages) describing:
    • the proposed methodology and approach to the assignment;
    • the proposed training design and facilitation approach;
    • the proposed approach to ensuring effective delivery in Spanish, where applicable, including any anticipated translation requirements for training materials or participant resources to be arranged separately by TI-S..
  2. Financial proposal, indicating either a lump-sum fee or daily rate(s), together with the estimated number of consultancy days required for preparation, delivery, follow-up and reporting.
  3. Curriculum Vitae (CV) of the lead consultant or, where applicable, the lead trainer and any additional proposed team members, clearly indicating their respective roles and responsibilities.
  4. Sample training materials from previous similar assignments developed by the consultant.

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. TI reserves the right to request additional information or supporting documentation, including proof of eligibility, references or evidence of previous relevant experience, during the selection process.

The Transparency International Secretariat is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where diversity is valued and where there is equality of opportunity. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and therefore welcome applications from qualified candidates of all regions, countries, cultures, and backgrounds.

Selection of candidates is made on a competitive basis and we do not discriminate on the basis of national origin, race, colour or ethnic background, religious belief, sex, gender identity and expression or sexual orientation, marital or family status, age or ability. We kindly ask applicants to refrain from including in their application information relating to the above as well as from attaching photos.

Data protection

When you respond to this tender and submit your application, you provide consent that Transparency International e. V. keeps your application materials for the period of ten years according to German legal requirements. Afterwards Transparency International will delete your application and any personal data included in it. If you have any questions, please reach out to dataprotection@transparency.org

Guidelines for handling overhead and travel expenses

Overhead

Regular overhead expenses associated with the Consultant(s) maintaining their place of business, such as rent, telephone, utilities or stationery, are included in the Consultant's professional fee, except where explicitly agreed otherwise in the contract.

Travel

Travel and accommodation expenses will as far as possible, and where applicable, be recovered from the institutions and companies hosting events or using the outputs provided by the Consultant(s).

Where such cost recovery is not possible, all travel is subject to prior approval by TI-S staff responsible for the financial management of the Project or TI Budget Line that will support the costs of travel. TI shall not issue travel advances to the Consultant(s). For accommodation or travel by air, rail or coach, they will instead have to contact TI-S that will make travel arrangements on the Consultant's behalf.

All travel booked by TI-S will include travel health and accident insurance with worldwide coverage and Economy class only; accommodation will aim to achieve best value for money up to a 4-star category.

Consultants shall be entitled to invoice TI-S only for local transportation and visa cost (if applicable).

Subsistence allowance (per diems) and expenses for individual meals cannot be claimed. These are part of the Consultant's business expenses.

At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.