Consultant Scope of Work– Congressional Staff Fellowship Program Design and Execution

About InterAction Founded in 1984, InterAction is the largest U.S.-based alliance of international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and partners. We mobilize our Members to think and act collectively to serve the world’s poor and vulnerable, with a shared belief that we can make the world a more peaceful, just and prosperous place – together. Using our collective voice and convening power, we seek to shape important policy decisions and actions across a wide range of issues – including foreign assistance, humanitarian relief, development, economic equity, food security, and climate change.

Our Members are premier international global development, humanitarian, and sector-supporting organizations that work in almost every country and manage more than $15.4 billion in programs annually. InterAction’s revenues come from dues, government, private foundation and corporate grants, and fee-for-service programs. Additional information can be found at www.interaction.org.

Project Description This project seeks to develop, launch and pilot a new Congressional staff fellowship focused on key themes for international development, humanitarian action and U.S. foreign assistance. InterAction advocates to the U.S. government to elevate and strengthen foreign assistance policy and programming. International development and humanitarian response programs have long-standing bipartisan support in Congress, but there are not many opportunities for Congressional staff to dive deeply into these topics. Short Congressional terms and frequent staff movement require consistent engagement to foster understanding on how USG-funded programs work and the role of NGOs. Congressional staff can participate in short-term fellowships and educational programs on a range of topics, but none specifically address international development and humanitarian response.

InterAction’s Congressional Staff Fellowship program will be a unique opportunity for Congressional staff to build policy analysis skills and develop a bipartisan network of colleagues with shared interests as they learn from and engage with INGOs, local implementors and policy experts.

In this pilot year, InterAction seeks to run two initial sessions, each with 15-20 early-mid-level Congressional staff. Specific format to be determined with the chosen consultant, but each session will run approximately 16-20 hours in total. Each session may test a different format (I.e., shorter sessions over multiple weeks, or more intensive sessions over the course of a few days).

Position Type

Short-term consultancy.

Project Objectives

InterAction seeks a short-term consultant to support the development, advertisement and delivery of a new Congressional staff fellowship on international development and humanitarian action. Work will entail three phases: Curriculum and Program Design, Advertisement and Recruitment, and Program Execution and Management. This work will be done in coordination with InterAction’s Policy Team within the Global Development, Policy and Learning division.

Project Deliverables

Curriculum and Program Design

· Coordinate with InterAction staff and Members to design an engaging curriculum and identify potential speakers for each session of the new InterAction Congressional staff fellowship program.

· Curriculum should feature approximately 16-20 total hours (including breaks, reflections, exercises, etc.) The curriculum should provide educational and interactive programs that feature INGO and local community perspectives and highlight key themes of international development, humanitarian action and US foreign assistance programs. Curriculum should also help build key skills necessary to be a successful Congressional policy staffer (e.g., writing, policy analysis, negotiation, etc.).

· Sessions may take the form of panels, roundtables, local DC site visits, etc. No travel is for participants is included.

· Develop a pre and post assessment survey to evaluate participant learning.

Advertising and Recruitment

· Coordinate with InterAction staff to effectively advertise the InterAction Congressional Staff Fellowship program to target audience and recruit participants.

· Develop an application form and review application. Provide recommendations to InterAction staff for final selection of fellowship cohort.

· Communicate with selected candidates to finalize participation and confirm fellowship details and requirements.

· Regularly and communicate with cohort participants to answer questions in the lead up to fellowship program.

Program Execution and Management

· Coordinate with InterAction staff to execute two fellowship cohort programs, including identifying and confirming venues, speakers, develop session agendas and all logistics. All events and expenses must comply with House and Senate ethics rules.

· Work with InterAction staff to facilitate fellowship program sessions.

· Track participant attendance and communicate with participants as needed.

· Conduct pre and post assessment to evaluate participant learning.

Qualifications and Skills

· Experience with curriculum development and program design for adult learners.

· Understanding of key global development, humanitarian action and US foreign assistance issues of interest to Congress.

· Ability to effectively advertise and communicate with Congressional staff.

· Acute attention to detail, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and excellent verbal and written communication skills.

· Experience working with international non-governmental organizations.

· Proven track record of success in organizing and delivering complex, multi-part events with multiple stakeholders.

· Strong oral and written communication skills

Expected Start Date and Length of Project Start date is flexible; work to be concluded by October 31, 2024

Compensation:

A detailed cost proposal with the number of days and daily rate is requested with the candidate’s application. Exact number of days contracted will be based on local context, consultant’s profile, and availability.

In addition:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic covered by U.S. law.

There are no extraordinary physical requirements for the performance of the essential functions of this position.

Majority of work may be done remotely but management and execution of the fellowship requires in person support.

InterAction does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of InterAction and InterAction will not be obligated to pay a placement fee.

To Apply:

Please use the apply button or link to submit the following:

· A company profile or individual resume with contact details, background and description of relevant experience,

· A proposal including methodology and workplan to achieve the deliverables, examples of relevant past performance and a detailed cost proposal, including daily rate if applicable. Please scope the curriculum development, organization, and facilitation. The proposal does not need to include venue rentals, catering, or other similar event costs, as those will be handled separately.

· Recent sample of relevant work.

Position will remain open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as received but must be submitted by January 12, 2024.