Consultancy: AfDB Engagement, Positioning & Partnership Strategy (Phase II)

Call for bids.
Published 10. Mar 2026

NORCAP – Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)
Period: March–December 2026
Department: Partnership, Policy & Fundraising (PPF)

NORCAP is seeking an experienced consultant to lead Phase II of our strategic engagement with the African Development Bank (AfDB). This assignment builds on work completed in 2025 and will strengthen NORCAP’s competitiveness, positioning, and partnership approach with AfDB funding windows.

Objectives of the Consultancy
The consultant will be responsible for refining and operationalising NORCAP’s AfDB engagement strategy, with a focus on:

1. Strategic Positioning

  • Validate NORCAP’s positioning against AfDB’s Ten‑Year Strategy (2024–2033)
  • Articulate NORCAP’s competitive advantages (deployable expertise, HDP nexus, African Union footprint)

2. Competitor and Partner Landscape (Deep-Dive)

  • Provide granular competitor and partner analysis (UN agencies, INGOs, think tanks)
  • Identify 6–8 recommended strategic partners for consortia models

3. Consortium & NRC–NORCAP Joint Strategy

  • Map funding streams requiring consortia (TSF, SEFA, PECG)
  • Propose models for when NORCAP should lead, co‑lead or support
  • Identify NRC Country Office entry points

4. Early Engagement & Submission Support

  • Review past TSF submissions and lessons learned
  • Develop templates and a standard AfDB submission package (concept note + pitch deck)
  • Create an early‑engagement playbook for HQ and country teams

5. Priority Countries & Regional Entry Points

  • Identify 3–5 priority countries (e.g., Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Cameroon, Gabon, Nigeria)
  • Recommend strategic regional opportunities (Sahel, Horn, Great Lakes)

6. Executive Director Mission Support (Mar–Apr 2026)

  • Refine talking points, review pitch materials
  • Integrate feedback from AfDB, ambassadors, NRC COs
  • Develop a mission support package

Expected Deliverables

  • Inception Note
  • Competitor & Partner Landscape Report
  • AfDB Engagement & Partnership Strategy (2026 Update)
  • AfDB Engagement Toolkit
  • Submission templates & pitch deck outline
  • Early engagement checklist
  • Country Prioritisation Brief (3–5 countries)
  • Q2–Q3 2026 Action Roadmap
  • Mission Support Package
  • Final Hand‑Over Package

Profile of the Consultant
This assignment requires a consultant with:

  • Demonstrated experience engaging AfDB and other multilateral development banks
  • Strong expertise in fragility, climate resilience, governance, and the HDP nexus
  • Prior involvement in NORCAP’s AfDB engagement work is strongly preferred
  • Ability to operate at both strategic and operational levels
  • Familiarity with NRC–NORCAP institutional dynamics

Submission of Bids
Interested consultants are invited to submit:

  • CV and short cover note
  • Proposed methodology and timeline
  • Financial proposal
  • Relevant examples of similar work
  • Proof of registration as a consultant/sole trader/proprietor or a company in country of residence

Deadline: 10/03/2026
Send all bids to: norcap.bids@nrc.no