Consultant: Capacity Building In Project Cycle Management (Pcm) For Sera/Meal Teams And Programs Of Dca And Its National Partners At DanChurchAid

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  1. INTRODUCTION
  2. Context and justification

DanChurchAid (DCA) is an international humanitarian organization working in the Central African Republic in the areas of protection, food security, livelihoods, conflict prevention, and peacebuilding. In implementing its programs, DCA works closely with several local and international partner organizations to ensure high-quality interventions that meet the needs of affected populations.

In the Central African Republic, DCA’s interventions primarily cover the prefectures of Kémo, Haute Koto, Ouham-Pendé, and Lim Pensé, with field offices in Bocaranga, Bria, and Sibut. The organization helps create safer, more resilient communities capable of coping with crises, while also promoting social cohesion and socio-economic development.

Continuous improvement of program quality is a strategic priority for DCA. To this end, mastery of Project Cycle Management (PCM) principles by DCA’s MEAL and program teams and its local partners is essential to ensure better design, planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and capitalization of interventions.

In this perspective, DCA wishes to recruit an external consulting firm to design and facilitate practical training aimed at sustainably strengthening the capacities of MEAL teams and local partners in Project Cycle Management in order to improve the quality of programs.

2. General objective

Strengthen the technical capacities of DCA’s MEAL teams and local partners in Project Cycle Management in order to improve the quality, performance, accountability and impact of the programs implemented by DCA in the Central African Republic.

Specific objective, expected results and activities

Specific objective 1: To establish a common understanding of GCP between MEAL teams and DCA programs and its partners.

  • Result 1.1: MEAL DCA teams, partner MEAL focal points and project managers have mastered the steps of the project cycle.

Results activities 1.1

  • Conducting advanced training on GCP, incorporating group work to master the stages of a project cycle,
  • Administer a pre-test and post-test to measure learning outcomes
  • Result 1.2: GCP tools are co-developed and harmonized between DCA and its partners

Results activities 1.2

  • Conduct a workshop to present, harmonize, and train users on the use of DCA tools: Terms of Reference, Project Management Follow-up (PMF): activity tracking matrix, Budget follow-up, MEAL framework
  • Conduct a final validation workshop for the GCP tools with the MEAL and DCA program teams and partners.

Specific objective 2: Strengthen coordination in data monitoring and management

  • Result 2.1: The logical frameworks and monitoring plan include SMART and KOI (Key Outcome Indicators) and are developed jointly for all DCA mission projects in CAR,

Results Activities 2.1

  • Conduct training on formulating SMART indicators, understanding KOIs, and defining targets, including updating logical frameworks, indicators, and the data collection strategy specific to each project.
  • Conducting a practical workshop to review existing logical frameworks,
  • Result 2.2: A data collection and analysis system using Kobo Toolbox, Excel, and Power BI is operationalized and used in a coordinated manner.

The tasks in result 2.2

  • Conduct training on Kobo form design and data management for MEAL DCA teams and partners,
  • Conducting advanced Excel analysis training: pivot tables, charts, and data cleanup
  • Supporting the MEAL department in creating dashboards (Excel or Power BI)

Specific objective 3: Improve coordination between MEL, Partner and Programme in monitoring, evaluation and learning

  • Result 3.1: The evaluation processes: Baseline, PDM, final are planned and implemented jointly

Results activities 3.1

  • Conducting training on evaluation methodology (including the design of terms of reference and sampling plans), and the mastery of data collection tools,
  • Conducting training on data analysis and recommendation writing

Specific objective 4: Ensure sustainability through institutionalized coordination

  • Result 4.1: A common MEAL-CGP toolkit for DCA and its partners is developed and mastered

Results activities 4.1

  • The tools developed during the consultancy are compiled and accompanied by a user manual.
  1. Participants
  • 7 MEAL staff (1 manager; 4 officers, one assistant and one accountability focal point)
  • 10 partner focal points (1 MEAL + 1 project manager per partner organization – i.e. 5 national NGOs)
  • 8 DCA project managers
  1. METHODOLOGY
  • The capacity-building methodology will be developed by the external consultant, in close collaboration with the DCA Program Director and MEAL Manager. It will be based on a participatory and practice-oriented approach, combining face-to-face training sessions, case studies using current projects, group work, practical exercises, and coaching sessions. Distance learning is prohibited – or must be duly justified in the consultancy proposal.
  • The activities will be designed to meet the organization’s capacity-building needs for MEAL teams, program teams, and partners in the area of ​​Project Cycle Management (PCM). Particular attention will be paid to balancing theoretical input with its operational application, as well as to assessing learning outcomes to measure participants’ progress in knowledge and skills.

IV. EXPECTED DELIVERABLES

The consulting firm will submit the following deliverables in French and in an editable electronic format:

  • An inception report (maximum 3 pages) based on a review of the consultancy documentation and interviews with the monitoring committee. You have a maximum of 7 days after signing the contract to fulfill this obligation (including weekends and public holidays).
  • A progress report (maximum 3 pages) detailing the progress of the mission no later than 5 working days following the end of the mission in CAR.
  • A provisional report in accordance with the approved plan with the methodology validated by the study monitoring committee, no later than two (02) weeks following the end of the mission in CAR.
  • A final report [maximum 20 pages (main text, excluding appendices), including a maximum of 1 page executive summary]. It must contain a sufficiently detailed description of the work performed. This report must be submitted in digital format no later than two (2) weeks following the validation workshop.

V. TIMETABLE AND WORK PLAN

The work schedule proposed by the consultant must include a minimum of 30 working days (i.e., 6 full weeks), specify the planned dates for submitting the various reports, and the days spent in the country with the teams that will be following the training.

Activities

Periods in weeks

  1. Consultant selection and finalization of administrative procedures
  2. Documentary analysis
  3. Startup report
  4. Team building (MEAL, partner and program)
  5. Progress Report
  6. Provisional report
  7. Debriefing with the monitoring committee
  8. Report validation workshop
  9. Rapport final

VI. LOCATION, PERIOD, DURATION AND LOGISTICAL AND FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS

6.1 Location and period of training

The training and main in-person workshops will be held in Bangui, Central African Republic, in a training room provided by DCA.
6.2 Operational Costs
Travel expenses to and within the CAR must be explicitly proposed and budgeted by the bidder.

Accommodation costs in Bangui must be explicitly proposed and budgeted by the bidder. DCA undertakes to facilitate, if requested by the bidder, the search for and booking of accommodation.
Daily travel related to the training will be provided by DCA. Meal expenses during the training will be covered by DCA.

Any other travel and meal expenses will be borne by the bidder.

6.3 Start date and indicative period

The mission is scheduled to start from the date of the consultant’s contract signing, with an indicative start date set for the second half of October 2026.

The exact start date will be determined by mutual agreement between DCA and the selected consulting firm, depending on the signing of the contract and the availability of the parties.

The training in Bangui must take place over a period of 10 working days. The indicative period is set for the following dates: November 9th to 20th, 2026, with a flexibility of one week depending on the availability of the parties.

6.4 Duration and presence in the Central African Republic

The consultancy is expected to last a minimum of 30 working days, or approximately 6 full weeks. The technical proposal must include a detailed schedule indicating the preparation days, the days of in-person training/workshops in Bangui, the days dedicated to coaching and support, as well as the days dedicated to the production and validation of deliverables.

6.5 Indicative allocation of financial responsibilities

To allow for the preparation of comparable financial offers, bidders must submit a detailed budget breakdown. Unless otherwise specified in the contract, the following principles apply:

  • DCA will take charge of the local organization of the training, including the provision of the training room and the internal logistical arrangements agreed with the participants.
  • The consulting firm must include in its financial offer all costs related to the performance of its service, including fees, preparation and design costs, as well as travel, accommodation, transport and other costs necessary for the mission when applicable.
  • Any additional cost or exceptional expense must be clearly identified and submitted to DCA for prior approval before commitment.
  • Bidders must clearly specify in their financial offer the assumptions used for each budget item in order to facilitate the comparison of proposals.

6.6 Validation Workshop

The final validation workshop for the tools and report will be held in Bangui, in person, unless otherwise agreed between DCA and the consultant. The consultant must include in their technical and financial proposal the resources necessary for the preparation, facilitation, and finalization of the deliverables from this workshop.

VII. DISSEMINATION OF CONCLUSIONS

The results of the consultancy will be shared exclusively with the DCA team in the Central African Republic, in accordance with the established communication guidelines. The final report and all collected data will remain the property of DCA.

VIII. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS

DCA and the selected consulting firm commit to upholding the highest ethical principles throughout the mission. As this consultancy focuses on training, support, and capacity building for staff and partners, all interactions must be conducted in a climate of respect, professionalism, transparency, and confidentiality.

  • The consulting firm will ensure that the participation of DCA staff members, national partners, and any other stakeholders involved in the consultancy activities is entirely voluntary and free from any form of coercion or pressure. All information gathered during workshops, interviews, capacity assessments, practical exercises, or coaching sessions will be treated with strict confidentiality and used solely for the purposes of this assignment.
  • The consulting firm must obtain the free and informed consent of the participants before collecting any information, taking photographs, making audio or video recordings, or using any other communication media. The objectives of the data collection, as well as the methods of use, storage, and potential dissemination of this information or media, must be clearly explained to the participants and formally accepted by them.
  • Furthermore, the consulting firm commits to respecting DCA’s data protection, confidentiality, safeguarding (Safeguarding), and prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA) policies, as well as all applicable internal procedures, within the scope of this assignment. Sensitive information obtained from staff, partners, or beneficiaries will not be disclosed to third parties without DCA’s prior authorization.
  • Finally, the consulting firm, as well as all individuals involved in the mission, must adhere to DCA’s Code of Conduct and promote the organization’s core values, including respect, responsibility, integrity, non-discrimination, and accountability. All activities undertaken within the framework of this consultancy must contribute to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all participants and stakeholders.

Eligibility

  • This Terms of Reference for the recruitment of a consulting firm is open to consulting firms legally established in their country of origin and with proven experience in capacity building in the areas of Project Cycle Management (PCM) and Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL). Individual applications are not eligible for this call for proposals.
  • The candidate firm will have to adhere to the DCA’s “zero tolerance” policies regarding sexual exploitation and abuse, as well as its anti-corruption policy.
  • The bidder must also demonstrate a good understanding of the issues and challenges related to GCP and SERA/MEAL, particularly in humanitarian and recovery contexts.

IX. QUALIFICATION ET EXPERTISE

  • Advanced university degree in Statistics, Social Science, Project Management, Monitoring and Evaluation or in a related discipline;
  • At least 5 years of experience in MEAL and capacity building,
  • At least 3 years of proven experience in training NGOs and national partners;
  • Demonstrate relevant understanding and experience in capacity building on Project Cycle Management;
  • Capacity to facilitate multi-stakeholder workshops: MEAL/Programme; INGO/NGO;
  • Proficiency in Kobo, advanced Excel, Power BI;
  • Knowledge of CHS standards, sphere, ECHO donors, EU, CBPF, French MEAE, UN Agencies (including UNPBF) is an asset.
  • Having work experience in a similar or related context in the Central African Republic is an asset;
  • Excellent communication, oral presentation, and written French skills, analytical and presentation skills.

The documents constituting the bidder’s offer are as follows:

  1. The official document proving that the bidder is in compliance with Central African legislation;
  2. The consultant’s legal credentials;
  3. Technical and financial references from the last five years in similar consultancies;
  4. The list and curriculum vitae (CV) of the personnel planned for the consultancy.X. EVALUATION CRITERIA

Bidders’ offers will be evaluated based on, among other things, the criteria below, and points will be awarded on a scale of 1 to 10 for each of the criteria stipulated below:

Technical criteria:

  1. Technical quality of the offer: 35%

Methodological understanding and MEAL tools : Demonstrated ability to understand and apply the MEAL methodology and tools, and to train NGOs/partners in Project Cycle Management (PCM): 1 to 10 (25%)

Style and presentation : Clarity of language, relevance of style, sophistication and quality of written presentation: 1 to 10 (10%)

2. Expertise: 55%

Proven professional experience : Expertise in monitoring and evaluation, research and project management: 1 to 10 (10%)

Contextual experience : Previous work in similar contexts (Central Africa, Central African Republic): 1 to 10 (10%)

Language skills : Excellent oral and written communication in French: 1 to 10 (10%)

Project cycle mastery : Solid and demonstrated knowledge of GCP: 1 to 10 (15%)

Specific technical skills : NGO/partner training and proficiency in Kobo, Excel, and Power BI tools: 1 to 10 (10%)

3. Personal Qualifications: 10%

Academic qualifications : Advanced university degree in project management, statistics, rural development, entrepreneurship, sociology or a relevant related discipline: 1 to 10 (10%)

Score total maximum: 80 (100%)

Exclusion criterion : any financial offer exceeding €27,800 (including VAT and bank/transfer fees).

After submitting its preliminary conclusions in writing, but before concluding the technical evaluation, the evaluation committee may conduct interviews with the consultants whose bids have been deemed technically compliant. These interviews will be held online. The date and time will be communicated to the bidders at least three days in advance.

To proceed to the next stage, bidders must obtain an overall score of at least 50% in the technical evaluation. The financial offer will then be reviewed and compared to the technical offer. It must clearly state the total proposed cost and be accompanied by a detailed budget breakdown.

In the event of force majeure preventing a bidder from participating in the interview, a new date and time, mutually agreed upon by the parties, will be set. If the bidder is unable to participate in the interview on this new date, their bid will be eliminated from the evaluation process.

XI. PAYMENT METHODS FOR CONSULTATION

Payment will be made in 3 installments:

  • 30%: after approval of the methodology and validation of the start-up report by the monitoring committee;
  • 40%: after validation of the provisional report by the monitoring committee;
  • 30%: after approval of the final study report.

How to apply

Submission and deadlines for submitting bids

Offers will only be accepted between September 21, 2026 and October 2, 2026, by email to recruitment.car@dca.dk with a copy to neben@dca.dk. Offers sent to any other email address will be rejected.

The offers consist of technical and financial components and must have the subject line of the email ” Capacity building in Project Cycle Management (PCM) of the SERA/MEAL teams and programs of DCA and its national partners”

Documents included in the offer:

  • Technical offer (detailing the training modules),
  • Financial offer,
  • Consultant profile registration form duly completed and signed.