Request For Proposal- Hr/recruitment And Hiring Services For Cameroon At Carter Center

Introduction

The Carter Center wishes to contract an experienced Human Resource/Recruitment firm to facilitate our staffing and hiring needs for various roles in Cameroon.

About the Carter Center

The Carter Center is guided by the principles of our founders, Former President Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter. Founded in partnership with Emory University on a fundamental commitment to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering, the center seeks to prevent and resolve conflict, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health.

Background:

The Carter Center is a not-for-profit organization based in the United States of America that has been working for nearly forty years to promote health and peace. Since 1986 the Carter Center has led the global campaign to eradicate Guinea worm disease (GWD, or dracunculiasis) together with a coalition of institutions, including the World Health Organization (WHO), U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Unite d Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to eradicate Guinea worm. The Carter Center provides technical, financial and logistical assistance to national Guinea worm eradication programs in endemic countries. Once accomplished, Guinea worm disease will be the second human disease and the first parasitic disease to be eradicated, and the first disease to be eradicated primarily through behavioral change at the grassroots.

In 1986, when The Carter Center began leading the global Guinea Worm Eradication Program (GWEP), there were an estimated 3.5 million cases of Guinea worm disease (GWD, or dracunculiasis) annually in 21 countries in Africa and Asia. In 2024, 15 people have been infected with Guinea worm disease. Today, with only a handful of countries left, the situation is exacerbated by the emergence of Guinea worm (GW) in domestic dogs. Since the Guinea worms in humans and dogs are identical, transmission of all must be stopped to achieve eradication. The Carter Center has led this remarkable achievement since 1986, providing technical, financial and logistical assistance to national ministries of health in GW endemic countries. Once accomplished, Guinea worm disease will be the second human disease and the first parasitic disease to be eradicated. In addition, it will be the first disease to be eradicated primarily through behavioral change at the grassroots.

Cameroon is in a unique situation, as it received its certification of dracunculiasis eradication from WHO in 2007. Cameroon previously reported its last indigenous human Guinea worm case in 1997 and was certified as Guinea worm-free in 2007. In 2022 Cameroon detected 27 dogs with Guinea worm infections, all of which were contained, and all of which were found in a cluster of villages in Guere health district of Extreme North Region. Since 2024, this area of Cameroon has also reported a total of 561 infected dogs, 18 domestic cats, and 2 human cases. The overall goal of the program is assisting the Ministry of Public Health (MOH) Guinea Worm Eradication Program-Cameroon to interrupt transmission of GW in human and animal populations in endemic districts and meet the requirements for certification of the country to be free from the disease.

Objectives:
The Carter Center aims to partner with an experienced HR/Recruitment firm to facilitate our hiring needs. We are seeking firms with a demonstrated track record in Non-profit Global recruitment and specialized expertise. This partnership aims to enable access to a diverse talent pool, essential for fulfilling various roles within the TCC Cameroon office.

Expected Demonstrations by HR/Recruitment Firm:

  • Expertise in Recruitment relevant to non-profit sectors.
  • Extensive Talent Networks across Cameroon and the African continent’s global public health domains.
  • Experience in Similar Non-Profit Sectors, understanding the unique requirements and values within the non-profit landscape.
  • Strategic Recruitment Capabilities aligned with The Carter Center’s mission and values.
  • Collaborative Engagement with TCC HR and hiring managers for successful outcomes.
  • Candidate Attraction and Assessment matching The Carter Center’s objectives and competencies.
  • Global Candidate Reach prioritizing local talents for initiatives where feasible.
  • Selection Process Expertise aligning with non-profit values, equity and fairness.
  • Shortlisting and Validation to identify candidates keenly interested in non-profit roles.
  • Presentation and Process Management aligning with non-profit pay scales.
  • Capability to conduct due diligence ensuring ethical alignment with The Carter Center’s values.

Scope of Work:

The selected HR/Recruitment firm will be responsible for:

  • Conducting an in-depth assessment of the Cameroon talent pool relevant to TCC’s needs.
  • Conducting job market analysis for suitable job titles, salary structures, and candidate availability.
  • Collaborating with our team to develop job/position descriptions and specifications for vacant positions.
  • Deploying effective recruitment strategies to attract qualified candidates through job postings, networking, and other relevant means.
  • Overseeing the entire recruitment lifecycle, including candidate sourcing, screening, interviewing, and selection in partnership with TCC staff.
  • Offering guidance and support in negotiating employment terms and facilitating successful candidate onboarding.
  • Ensuring strict adherence to Angolan employment laws and regulations at all recruitment stages.

Timing and Deliverables:

Searching and Headhunting:

The HR/recruitment firm will proactively explore potential candidates from its extensive database, and various sources, and may engage in headhunting practices to align with the skills and qualifications specified in the job description. To achieve this, the firm may conduct labor market analyses, tap into professional networks, and utilize social media and innovative methods for candidate sourcing.

Identification Process:

The HR/recruitment firm will analyze profiles acquired through applications or other channels, identifying individuals whose qualifications align with the position description requirements.

Shortlisting Procedure:

Following the identification phase, the HR/Recruitment firm will present a shortlist comprising a maximum of highly qualified candidates to TCC for final interviews and selection. If any shortlisted candidates do not meet the hiring managers’ criteria, TCC may request additional candidates to be added to the shortlist.

Assessment and Interview Coordination:

The firm will invite potential candidates for assessments, conducting both oral and written evaluations to gauge their suitability. The agency will arrange interview appointments with the TCC hiring panel and manager, facilitating the evaluation process.

Reference Checking:

The firm will conduct reference checks for two to three referees, current and former supervisors as appropriate, provided by prospective candidates. This procedure may apply to one to three of the top interviewed candidates per position.

Background checks (Work with TCC staff on this**)**

Offer Negotiations and Acceptance (Work with TCC staff on this)

Reports

Timely progress reports detailing ongoing recruitment activities, including candidate pipelines and evaluations.

A comprehensive final report summarizing the recruitment process, including metrics, challenges, and improvement recommendations.

Timeline:

Anticipated contract duration is One (1) year, effective from the signing date.

Evaluation Factors:

The proposal package will be assessed based on;

Mandatory Requirements

  • The firm must be a well-established search company with strength and depth at both team leader and executive level
  • Proven proficiency in successful recruitment operations within Cameroon’s non-profit sector.
  • Expertise in navigating and complying with local labor laws and practices.
  • Track record of attracting, retaining, and fostering diverse talent within Cameroon’s non-profit landscape.
  • Robust network and comprehensive database of candidates.
  • Capability to assess organizational needs and develop effective recruitment strategies.
  • Competitive pricing and steadfast adherence to proposed timelines.

Assessment Criteria Weight (%)

  1. Relevant Experience: 50%
    Relevant, demonstrated experience and track record of firm, especially relating to appointments in the Non-profit sector in Cameroon and Africa context
  2. Key Personnel: 25%
    Key Personnel Demonstrated the expertise of key individuals to be involved in this project – specifying the individuals’
    – understanding of TCC’s mission and
    – involvement in placing successful candidates in relevant fields
  3. Technical Proposal: 10%
    Project Approach/Methodology, Proposed Work Plan Content, quality, and originality of proposal – preference will be given to a firm which is prepared to use innovative approaches to identify long/shortlisted candidates.
    – is persuasive in describing the way it intends to validate candidates’ alignment with TCC’s mission and identify candidates, validate their alignment with TCC’s mission, and propose inventive interview methodologies.
  4. Cost Proposal: 15%
    The fee quoted must be inclusive of the applicable withholding tax

How to apply

Interested HR/Recruitment firms should submit:

  • Company profiles and portfolios showcasing relevant experience.
  • Proposed methodologies and approaches to fulfill the TOR.
  • Financial proposals outlining costs and fee structures.

Interested HR/Recruitment firms must submit their technical and financial proposals only via email to TCCGlobalHR@cartercenter.org. The deadline for proposal submission is November 25, 2025, at 5 PM (Cameroon time)