Commissioned by IDEA in partnership with Concern Worldwide

IDEA (the Irish Development Education Association), in partnership with Concern Worldwide, is inviting tenders from suitably qualified consultants to undertake a research consultancy exploring best practice in equitable Global North–South partnerships in Global Citizenship Education (GCE).

The consultancy will identify and synthesise practical approaches to developing equitable, reciprocal and sustainable partnerships between organisations delivering GCE across the island of Ireland and organisations and communities in the Global South. The research will inform IDEA's ongoing work to support the sector and provide practical learning for IDEA members, while also informing Concern Worldwide's Global Citizenship programme.

This is a focused, practice-oriented consultancy. The emphasis is on identifying and synthesising existing evidence, examples of good practice and stakeholder insights to develop practical guidance that can support organisations in strengthening equitable Global North–South partnerships.

Consultancy overview

• The successful consultant will be expected to:
• undertake a targeted desk review of relevant literature, research and case studies;
• engage with selected stakeholders across the island of Ireland and the Global South;
• identify examples of effective partnership practice and practical approaches;
• produce a concise report with recommendations, tools and guidance;
• develop presentation materials summarising the findings; and
• help lead a one-day IDEA learning workshop in early December 2026 to share the findings and support their application in practice.

Timeline

• Applications close: 9.00am, Thursday 13 August 2026
• Interviews (shortlisted candidates): 17–19 August 2026 (online, subject to confirmation)
• Consultancy commences: Early September 2026
• Research period: September–November 2026
• Learning workshop: Early December 2026
• Final report: December 2026

Budget

The available budget is in the region of €6,000 (inclusive of VAT). Financial proposals should include all professional fees, expenses and applicable taxes.

Who should apply?

We welcome applications from consultants with experience in Global Citizenship Education, partnership building, international development, participatory research and/or decolonial practice. Applicants should demonstrate experience of undertaking research or evaluations and producing practical, evidence-informed recommendations for the NGO, education or public sectors.

How to apply

• Expressions of interest should include:
• CV;
• cover letter;
• two examples of relevant previous work;
• proposed methodology and indicative timeline; and financial proposal.

Please download and read the full Terms of Reference before preparing your application here

Please submit applications to recruitment@ideaonline.ie by Thursday, 13 August 2026, 9.00am. For queries relating to this consultancy, please contact recruitment@ideaonline.ie.

The project partners reserve the right not to make an appointment arising from this call for tenders. Should exceptional circumstances arise, the partners also reserve the right to amend the timetable or scope of the consultancy in consultation and agreement with the successful consultant.

 
Application process

• Expressions of interest should include:
• CV highlighting relevant experience.
• Cover letter outlining suitability for the consultancy.
• Two examples of relevant previous work.
• Proposed methodology and indicative timeline.
• Financial proposal detailing all professional fees, expenses and VAT.

Applications should be submitted online to recruitment@ideaonline.ie by Thursday, 13 August, 9.00am. Interviews with short-listed candidates are expected to take place on Zoom on August 17-19th (TBC), and a tender contract will be awarded soon afterwards.

The successful consultant will ideally commence work in early September 2026.

Any queries relating to this tender should be emailed to recruitment@ideaonline.ie.