Location: East Africa and the Horn of AfricaOrganisation: Concern WorldwideAssignment: Comparative Learning Study on Cash Consortium ModelsContract Type: ConsultancyDuration: Approximately three monthsCareer Category: Monitoring and EvaluationExperience Required: 5–9 yearsApplication Deadline: 23 October 2026 Overview of the Concern Worldwide Consultancy Concern Worldwide is seeking qualified consultants or multidisciplinary teams to conduct a comparative learning study examining humanitarian cash consortium models across East Africa and the Horn of Africa. The assignment will investigate how these models operate, the value they provide compared with alternative delivery approaches, and whether their costs are justified by their benefits. The Somali Cash Consortium (SCC) will serve as the administrative anchor for this regional initiative. However, the research will adopt an independent, comparative perspective, examining experiences from Somalia, Uganda, Sudan, Kenya and Ethiopia. The final selection of country cases will be determined during the inception phase, considering data availability, stakeholder access, comparability, budget and research feasibility. The consultancy offers an opportunity for experienced humanitarian researchers, evaluation specialists and financial analysts to contribute evidence that could improve cash and voucher assistance programmes and inform decisions by humanitarian organisations and donors. Objectives of the Comparative Learning Study The selected consultants will investigate three central areas. 1. Governance and Operating Structures The study will map and compare how different cash consortia are governed and managed. This will include examining leadership arrangements, decision-making processes, membership structures, financial systems, accountability mechanisms and the division of responsibilities between lead agencies, consortium management units, members and local partners. The analysis will identify the strengths and weaknesses of different operating models and explore how governance arrangements influence programme delivery. 2. Added Value and Comparative Advantage Consultants will assess whether consortium approaches improve humanitarian assistance compared with realistic alternatives, including standalone cash programmes delivered by individual consortium members. The research will consider coordination, harmonisation, programme quality, geographical coverage, accountability, preparedness, risk management, technical support and innovation. It will also examine potential disadvantages, such as additional administrative requirements, duplicated functions and increased transaction costs. 3. Cost Efficiency and Value for Money The assignment will analyse the financial implications of operating cash consortia. Consultants will investigate management costs, shared services, operational expenditure, costs retained by members, indirect expenses and potential efficiencies generated through collaboration. The study will also consider how programme scale, security restrictions, payment infrastructure, protection requirements, donor conditions and consortium maturity affect overall costs. Scope of Work and Methodology The successful team will undertake a regional comparative analysis rather than producing separate, unrelated country reports. The methodology will combine document reviews, key informant interviews and structured cross-country comparisons. Relevant documents may include consortium budgets, proposals, evaluations, governance frameworks, partnership agreements, operational procedures, donor reports and previous learning studies. Interviews will involve consortium leadership, management units, implementing partners, local and national organisations, technical specialists, operational staff and, where appropriate, donors and other stakeholders. Particular attention will be given to local-partner perspectives concerning decision-making, risk allocation, governance and cost sharing. During the inception phase, the consultants will confirm the research questions, participating country cases, comparator programmes, interview strategy, workplan and analytical framework. They will also assess the availability and comparability of financial data, identifying limitations that could affect the reliability of cost comparisons. Expected Deliverables The selected consultant team will be responsible for four principal deliverables: Inception report: A document outlining the final research questions, methodology, country selection, comparative framework, interview plan, timeline and feasibility of the proposed cost analysis. Draft comparative report: An evidence-based analysis of consortium governance, operating models, added value and cost efficiency across the selected cases. Validation and learning workshop: A workshop bringing together steering committee members and participating consortia to review findings and support cross-country learning. Final comparative report: A revised report incorporating validation feedback and presenting practical recommendations for consortium management teams and donors. The final report must clearly acknowledge methodological limitations and avoid unsupported quantitative comparisons. Eligibility Requirements Concern Worldwide strongly encourages applications from multidisciplinary teams capable of conducting research across multiple countries simultaneously. Applicants should demonstrate: Substantial experience in humanitarian cash and voucher assistance, including the design, management or evaluation of consortium models. Expertise in cost-efficiency analysis, value for money and financial assessment. Experience interpreting different budgeting and accounting systems. A proven track record in comparative regional research, qualitative interviews and cross-country learning. Relevant country knowledge and regional expertise in East Africa and the Horn of Africa. Appropriate language skills for the proposed research methodology. The ability to deliver objective, independent and evidence-based findings. Applicants must also provide a valid registration certificate, tax compliance certificate, organisational profile and information about key experts and their qualifications. Consultancy Duration and Timeline The assignment is expected to run for approximately three months, with the broader indicative schedule extending into early 2027. October 2026: Procurement, contracting and inception activities. October–December 2026: Evidence review, data collection and analysis. January 2027: Preparation of the draft comparative report. February 2027: Final report completion and dissemination planning. The precise schedule will be confirmed during contracting and inception. Tax and Safeguarding Requirements Applicants must account for a 5% withholding tax in their financial quotations, as specified in the announcement. Concern Worldwide will retain and remit the applicable amount to the relevant authorities. Successful consultants will also be required to comply with Concern Worldwide’s Code of Conduct and safeguarding policies, including applicable child protection, adult safeguarding, anti-trafficking and data protection requirements. Appropriate vetting procedures may apply. How to Apply Interested and qualified consultants or teams should submit their applications by email to som.vacancies@concern.net. Email subject line: Consultant for Comparative Learning Study on Cash Consortium Models in East Africa and the Horn Application deadline: 23 October 2026. Applicants should prepare the required organisational documentation, expert profiles and qualifications, together with a suitable technical and financial proposal addressing the assignment’s requirements. The announcement does not specify a consultancy fee, so applicants should consult Concern Worldwide for any additional procurement instructions. Why Consider This Consultancy? This opportunity is particularly relevant to experienced humanitarian consultants, monitoring and evaluation specialists, research organisations and financial analysts with expertise in cash assistance and consortium management. The findings are expected to support better-informed decisions about governance, collaboration, cost allocation and humanitarian programme effectiveness across the region. Interested applicants should ensure that their experience, regional expertise and proposed methodology meet the requirements before submitting an application by the stated deadline. 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