Provision of Consultancy Services for Fundraising and Strengthening Resource Mobilization Capacity

"...The consultant or consultancy team will assist UNRISD in increasing the current level of funding, diversifying funding sources and strengthening the capacity of UNRISD and its staff to secure the financial stability of the Institute over the longer term.

UNRISD has approximately 25 staff members (including temporary staff and interns) based in Geneva. It consists of a small core research team (currently 5 Research Coordinators) who coordinate research projects with partners globally, assisted by a similar number of Research Analysts. A Publications and Dissemination Unit manages publications, a website and related outreach and communications activities, while the Institute is supported by a small administrative staff.

The Institute has prioritized the following objectives for the period 2011–2014:

-To undertake innovative research and produce new findings which seek to address contemporary social development problems as elaborated in the research strategy;

-To increase the recognition and use of its research by stakeholders within the UN system, the donor community, academia and civil society in order to influence policy and practice; and

-To raise funds for current activities while also securing the long-term financial stability of the Institute though diversification of sources and an increase in core and project funding.

This consultancy must therefore aim to deliver concrete results in the following areas within a relatively short time frame:

-An increase in funding for the Institute to reach at least the following targets:

-An additional $1 million in funding obtained for the period 2011-2012.

-A level of at least $3.5 million in core funding reached during 2011-2012 with commitments increasing to $5 million by 2014.

-Congruent with UN norms and guidelines, a diversification of funding sources with new donors among national governments, including emerging economies and new donors, private foundations, and other organizations.

-Financial stability improves due to an increased number of multiyear funding agreements.

-An institutional fundraising strategy is approved by the Board, with an accompanying detailed plan for implementation.

-Implementation and delivery on concrete steps to achieving the objectives as provided for in the strategy and workplan.

-Enhanced organizational capacity for fundraising with processes and procedures in place internally and appropriate human resources and staffing skills to implement the strategy and plan on an ongoing basis.

-More effective communications with potential funders, for example through a set of appropriate materials for communicating effectively about UNRISD and its work to potential donors, leading to increased raise awareness and understanding of UNRISD among new, prospective and—in particular—“non-traditional” donors..."