Context
The Collectif Altérités is a French-speaking network bringing together practitioners, researchers, and activists in mental health and psychosocial support (MHPS) who work in humanitarian crisis or development contexts. Operating as a think tank, it creates a space for exchange in French to deconstruct normative frameworks, MHPS knowledge, and practices, rethink the balance between universalism and particularism, initiate research projects, and formulate proposals. Founded on the principles of respect, transparency, inclusion, and “do no harm,” the Collectif Altérités advocates a holistic and socio-ecological approach to mental health that goes beyond the biomedical model alone, repoliticizes practices by analyzing their socio-political determinants, and places the ethics of care , otherness, and the plurality of knowledge at the heart of interventions. It also plays a “third party” role to ensure the transmission and sustainability of knowledge, thus promoting mutual assistance between experts, just as it can provide support to organizations wishing to integrate and innovate in the SMSP field. It also aims to create bridges between academic circles, NGOs, civil society and funders.
Objectives of the Altérités collective
Led by Groupe URD, which already runs three thematic networks (Humanitarian Environment Network, Risk Prevention Network and the Accountability Group), the Altérités Collective extends an inter-NGO dynamic that began in 2008 on mental health in crisis situations. The action of the Altérités Collective is currently structured around three thematic circles: 1) “Knowledge and know-how”, which aims to stimulate collaborative research, innovation (planetary health, intersectionality, decolonization), the sharing of experiences and the creation of training courses such as the University Diploma “Psychosocial Practices in the Context of Humanitarian Crises” which will open in September 2026; 2) “Coordination”, intended to strengthen ties between NGOs, local authorities, civil society and, internationally, between partners operating in the same country; and 3) “Advocacy”, which promotes diversified SMSP interventions, respectful of the populations’ temporalities and fully integrated into the strategies of local organizations and donors.
With funding from the Fondation de France, the Collectif Altérités will begin a structuring phase in the fall of 2025: support for the launch of the DU “Psychosocial practices in the context of humanitarian crises” (with the School of Practical Psychologists, Action Against Hunger and the Catholic Institute of Paris), setting up joint projects, meetings between French-speaking actors, developing partnerships and seeking long-term funding.
These terms of reference define the expectations of the consultancy which will implement this structuring.
Objectives and deliverables
The objective of this consultancy is to support the structuring, consolidation, and visibility of the Altérités Collective. It constitutes an initial mission that could potentially be renewed or transformed into a salaried position depending on the development of the Collective’s project in 2026.
Goals :
During the last quarter of 2025, from October 1 to December 31, four objectives will be achieved:
1) Develop a participatory and transparent governance model
a. Prepare and lead a participatory workshop with Groupe URD and the coordinating members of the Collective to define the governance model (November 30).
b. Produce a note on the governance model guaranteeing transparency, inclusion, co-construction and coordination with the support services of Groupe URD (November 30).
2) Structure the dynamics and collective work
a. Establish the annual calendar of collective times (September 30).
b. Implement and support the use of collaborative and animation tools (October 15).
c. Consolidate the Collective’s strategy and action plan (November 30).
d. Schedule webinars (December 30).
e. Ensure meeting minutes (end of each month).
3) Consolidate and expand the Collective’s network
a. Carry out an initial mapping of partners through the members of the Collective (October 31).
b. Initiate the establishment of partnership agreements between members of the Collective (INGOs, universities, local NGOs, user groups, etc.) (November 30).
4) Develop a visibility and communication strategy
a. Submit a graphic charter proposal (October 31).
b. Define a communication and advocacy strategy, including an editorial calendar (November 30).
c. Ensure the dissemination of the Manifesto of the Collectif Altérités on the occasion of World Mental Health Day (mid-October).
Expected deliverables
- A note on the governance model.
- An action plan including an annual calendar of the Collective’s activities.
- A note on the Collective’s communication and visibility strategy.
- A map of potential partners.
- A report summarizing the stages of setting up partnership agreements.
- The dissemination of the Manifesto of the Altérités Collective.
Profile sought
Education and experience
- Higher education (human and social sciences, public health, project coordination, etc.)
- Significant experience in project coordination, network animation, or association management
- Experience in the fields of mental health and psychosocial support, international solidarity, social intervention or training appreciated
SKILLS
- Excellent organizational skills, autonomy and sense of initiative.
- Knowledge of project management.
- Good interpersonal skills, good listening skills, ability to create connections and lead collective dynamics.
- Ability to mobilize a network (having a dense professional network and good interpersonal skills and persuasive qualities)
- Proficiency in collaborative and communication tools (Google Suite, Trello, Canva, etc.).
- Very good writing skills in French (notes, reports, calls for projects, external communication).
- Knowledge and interest in scientific and intellectual productions around studies on Care, decoloniality, transcultural psychology, eco-feminism and eco-psychology.
Budget and financial arrangements
- Estimated number of days between 20 and 25 days, available envelope of €10K including tax.
- Staggered payments: 30% at start-up, 30% on November 30 with delivery of the first deliverables, 40% at the end of the consultancy.
- All costs related to authorized travel will be reimbursed upon presentation of supporting documents and according to the Groupe URD scales.
Home-based consultancy in French. A 2-day visit to the URD Group headquarters is planned for Drôme Provençale.
How to apply
Candidates are invited to submit:
- A detailed CV (max. 3 p.);
- A technical proposal (max. 5 p.) describing approach, detailed schedule and understanding of the ToR;
- A global financial offer (in € including tax) with a breakdown of working days per deliverable.
Submission deadline:
September 22, 2025 (11:59 p.m. CET) to: ressourceshumaines@urd.org, subject “Collective Consultancy on Alterities”.