Dóchas - the Irish Association of Non-Governmental Development Organisations is looking for a Development of a Policy Paper on Sustainable Development Funding (Contract)

Dóchas connects, strengthens and represents a network of international development and humanitarian organisations who share a vision of a just, sustainable and equal world. Dóchas unites 56 organisations, ranging from small specialist charities to large international NGOs with a worldwide presence. Our members are committed to human rights, justice and the eradication of poverty, and demonstrate this through their work in international development, healthcare, protection, humanitarian assistance, sustainability, education and inclusion.

From April to December 2026, Dóchas is delivering an EU-funded programme of activities and events to complement Ireland’s Presidency of the European Council. As part of this programme, Dóchas is commissioning a policy paper on the future funding of sustainable development in fragile and conflict-affected states (FCAS), to be published and discussed at a roundtable taking place on 25 September 2026.

Context

A critical juncture in the negotiations of the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF, 2028–2034) will coincide with Ireland’s EU Presidency. This convergence offers an important opportunity to engage in a dialogue to raise awareness around the future funding and long-term trajectory of sustainable development cooperation. Dóchas aims to work with the Irish Presidency to support the Irish Government’s stated intent to maintain a focus on adequately financing sustainable development, and on the importance of inclusive, rights-based, sustainable financing that puts people and planet at its centre.

Global poverty is increasingly concentrated in FCAS. In 2022, 44% of people living in extreme poverty were located in FCAS, with this share projected to rise to 60% by 2030. Conflict, climate shocks, economic instability and restricted civic space increasingly intersect, placing millions of people at risk and reversing development gains. These are frequently not new emergencies, but protracted, multi-dimensional crises that have persisted for decades. As humanitarian needs continue to outpace available resources, and as progress on the 2030 Agenda falters in the most fragile contexts, the EU’s role as a principled humanitarian and development actor takes on greater importance.

In June 2026, the EU launched its new Joint Communication on Humanitarian Aid, alongside staff working documents on humanitarian diplomacy, supply chains, and an EU integrated approach to fragility. These set a renewed direction for the EU, reconciling its strengthened commitments to humanitarian principles, International Humanitarian Law and the European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid, with the realities of a humanitarian system under increasing strain. This represents a key moment and opportunity to contribute to the considerations on how the EU engages in fragile settings, sustains long-term commitment, and better links short-term response with structural resilience-building. The World Bank is concurrently updating its own strategy for fragile, conflict and violent (FCV) settings, underlining the relevance of this year’s policy discussions.

The Global Gateway strategy is envisaged to play a critical role in leveraging investment in and with partner countries. This paper will examine the implications of Global Gateway, of the wider MFF negotiations, for fragile and conflict-affected contexts specifically, and will explore what a rights-based, conflict-sensitive approach to EU development finance should look like in this space.

Purpose and Scope of Work

The purpose of this consultancy is:

• To examine the current premise of future funding for FCAS, including where FCAS currently fit within the EU external action agenda and the global funding architecture.
• To assess what is at stake for FCAS – in particular, risks and opportunities arising from the MFF negotiations, of Global Gateway, and their implication for development and humanitarian financing.
• To explore the EU’s integrated approach to fragility, alongside implications of the EU’s new Communication on Humanitarian Aid and the three staff working documents.
• To map the views and priorities of civil society, including Dóchas members, CONCORD, VOICE, EPLO and other networks
• To amplify civil society perspectives from the global south on the impact of programming policies in different fragile contexts.
• To develop clear, evidence-based analysis and recommendations to build understanding and awareness amongst key stakeholders on what the next MFF will mean for FCAS.
• To inform and support dialogue and discussion at the Dóchas’ roundtable event, Future Funding of Sustainable Development: Fragile & Conflict Affected States on 25 September 2026.
• To produce a short written output capturing the key discussions and outcomes of the roundtable.

The paper should be written for a mixed audience of EU and Irish officials working in development and humanitarian policy areas, MEPs, and civil society practitioners. It will draw on, and should be positioned alongside, the analysis of networks like CONCORD, VOICE, EPLO, and other networks.

Methodology

The final methodology will be agreed with Dóchas as part of the tender process, but is expected to include:

• Desk-based research and review of relevant documents, including but not limited to those from CONCORD, VOICE, EPLO, ECDPM, the, EU (including the MFF and financing architecture, Global Gateway, the EU’s approach to and policy on fragility and the triple nexus) and the World Bank.
• Review of the recent EU Joint Communication on Humanitarian Aid and accompanying staff working documents, supplemented by consultation with relevant policymakers and practitioners to improve understanding of the Communication’s implications.
• Structured consultation with civil society organisations including but not limited to Dóchas member organisations and their partners, CONCORD and other relevant European civil society networks including VOICE and EPLO, ensuring the paper reflects civil society expertise.
• Participation in the roundtable event on 25 September 2026.
• Engagement with other suppliers (editor, designer) as needed for production of the final paper.

Required Skills and Experience

• Proven experience in public policy analysis, research or advocacy relating to development finance, humanitarian action, or FCAS – especially from an EU context.
• Strong understanding of EU policy processes, Brussels-based policy actors and practitioners and Ireland’s EU Presidency priorities
• Strong knowledge of EU development and humanitarian financing instruments and strategies, including the MFF and Global Gateway, and an understanding of current trends in the negotiations of the 2028-2034 MFF.
• Experience working with civil society organisations or networks, and the ability to synthesise diverse member perspectives into a coherent, shared position.
• Excellent research, analytical and writing skills, with the ability to distil complex issues clearly and succinctly for a senior policy audience.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to work independently, adhering to deadlines.

Deliverables

The consultancy comprises of two deliverables:

• The Future Funding of Sustainable Development: Fragile and Conflict-Affected States policy paper, finalised by 28 August 2026, for publication and launch at the roundtable on 25 September 2026.
• A short written output summarising the discussion and outcomes of the roundtable, to be delivered within two weeks of the event.

Download the full Terms of Reference here

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