Terms of Reference
Development of Code of Conduct for NGOs
I. Objective & Scope of Work
The Heinrich Böll Foundation supports projects and people who are working for meaningful participation, solidarity and peaceful change towards equality and justice in social and international relations. In the Middle East, our work is centered around four main pillars of inquiry and intervention, one of which is our program on “Statehood and Participation”. This program supports initiatives that demand accountability and due process and encourage citizens to become aware, active and organized around issues of gender, democratic participation and sustainable development. In this regard, the Heinrich Böll Foundation also promotes activities that contribute to strengthening the capacity, encourage good governance practices, and enhance internal democratic decision making and accountability mechanisms withincivil society organizations.
The NGO Resource and Support Unit acts within the Project Capacity Building for Poverty Reduction a joint project between United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA). The NGO Resource and Support Unit was established in 2004, with the aim of strengthening the capacities of NGOs to effectively improve their contribution to the development process in the country through:
a) Enhancing the capacities of NGOs and developing their skills particularly on a demand-driven basis.
b) promoting networking and collaboration among NGOs as well as between NGOs and government institutions and donors;
c) serving as a “space of knowledge” for sharing information and experience for/and about NGOs in Lebanon;
Accordingly, the NGO Resource and Support Unit have been involved in a series of interrelated key activities to achieve those objectives. Among the key activities particularly related to building capacities of NGOs, the Unit completed early this year a “Capacity Building Needs Assessment”, to provide guidance and solid knowledge on capacity building gaps and priorities among NGOs and present a useful tool for intervention to all those concerned with enhancing the skills and knowledge of NGOs in the country. The assessment adopted a qualitative research method, whereby more than 15 focus groups in addition to interviews and case studies were conducted with different types of NGOs and stakeholders (donors, media, trainers, private sector, etc.).
The assessment relied on a compilation of existing body of literature to determine and develop the definition and components of capacity building of NGOs. Within the context of the assessment, capacity building was defined as “the process by which individuals; groups; organizations; institutions; and societies increase their abilities to: (1) perform core functions, solve problems, define and achieve objectives; and (2) understand and deal with their development needs in a broad context and in a sustainable manner.” Capacity Building is regarded in that case as “broader than organizational development, since it includes the overall system, the environment or context in which individuals, organizations and societies operate and interact”[1].
Considering the above definition and in order to incorporate the overall system, the set of indicators chosen to assess the capacities of NGOs were organized into a triangle model as follows:
1. The Structure of an NGO (with sets of indicators for the following issues: Governing Structure; Management Processes; Human Resources and Financial Resources and Administration) constitutes the largest component and the triangle's base.
2. The Program performance of the NGO (with sets of indicators for Program design and Planning; Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation and Results Achieved) on one side of the triangle model.
3. The External Relationships of the NGO (Social and cultural environment; Partnerships with other NGOs and networks; Relationships with government authorities; the Media and the Private Sector and/or donors) on the second side of the triangle model
The Values practiced and/or promoted among Lebanese NGOs (such as gender equity and/or non-partisan political and religious affiliation) are placed at the core of the triangle, as they are considered to be cross cutting values.
Accordingly, the assessment was able to provide a comprehensive overview detailing the strengths and weaknesses of the different types of NGOs (with or without staff, working in rural or urban settings, nature of activity, etc.) on a varied set of aspects including governing structure, management processes, HR management, administration of financial resources, program performance and external relations. The findings of this consultancy are being used in drawing up a comprehensive capacity building plan that is tailor-made to respond to the NGOs needs.
One major element of the capacity building plan is the development of a “Code of Conduct” for NGOs. The availability of a Code of Conduct for NGOs would contribute to create an ethical reference that orient NGOs mode of governance, activities and structure. The Code of Conduct is suggested to adopt the following definition as “Principles, values, standards, or rules of behavior that guide the decisions, procedures and systems of an organization in a way that (a) contributes to the welfare of its key stakeholders, and (b) respects the rights of all constituents affected by its operations"[2]steer the actions and management of NGOs in the country. in order to better
In view of the above and in light of the findings of the NGO Capacity Building Assessment, this consultancy aims at developing the “Code of Conduct” for NGOs accompanied by a quantifiable compliance and monitoring tool. The purpose of the Code of Conduct is to provide the NGO community with an ethical checklist and the funders and beneficiaries with a reference proofing the NGO’s commitment for maintaining high standards of performance. It will serve as a capacity building tool that contributes to promoting the function and performance of NGOs in Lebanon.
II. Tasks & Expected Output
Under the overall guidance of the Capacity Building for Poverty Reduction Project (Joint MoSA - UNDP project) and the Heinrich Boll Foundation, the consultant will develop a comprehensive Code of Conduct for NGOs accompanied by a recommendation of a quantitative scale to measure compliance; in more details, his/her tasks will include the following:
- Conduct an extensive review of available literature about the situation and conditions of NGOs; ensure inclusiveness of all relevant stakeholders throughout the drafting process by holding consultative meetings with these stakeholders (experts, academicians, NGO representatives) to identify areas and issues that deserve to be incorporated in the Code of Conduct; and retrieve salient problems and weaknesses that should to be addressed.
- Conduct a literature review on different approaches for developing codes of conduct and examine similar experiences in other countries. Explore most suitable approach to be adopted for the creation of the Code of Conduct based on solid justification and rational.
- Based on literature review and consultative meetings, identify major elements and aspects to be covered by the Code of Conduct. Suggest overall structure and share with the NGO Resource and Support Unit and the Heinrich Boell Foundation for comments and feedback.
- Elaborate a comprehensive Code of Conduct that serves to provide a fundamental, operational and relevant set of standards that define the responsibilities for sound practices within the organizations. The Code of Conduct should aim to cover among others the following aspects of the NGO performance: governing structure, management processes, HR management, program performance, external relations and administration of financial resources.
- Translate the Code of Conduct into a quantifiable instrument (a scale) for verifying and measuring level of compliance to the code. The scale will also serve for monitoring and evaluating NGOs and contributing to improving performance in the future.
- Present the first draft of the Code of Conduct and measurement instrument during a workshop organized by the NGO Resource and Support Unit in collaboration with Heinrich Boll Foundation gathering stakeholders and NGO representatives; presentation should clarify rationale and justify the selection of elements, structure and scale for Code of Conduct. The workshop will serve the purposes of continuously involving NGOs and concerned stakeholders and incorporating their comments and views so as to enhance and complete the draft Code of Conduct.
- Modify Code of Conduct based on workshop outcomes and based on comments received by different consulted partners and stakeholders.
- Recommend means to encourage NGOs to embrace the Code of Conduct and adhere to its components.
- Ensure that the Arabic language used in the Code of Conduct is simple, well-structured and grammatically correct.
- Meet and coordinate in all phases of work with the NGO Resource and Support Unit and the Heinrich Boell Foundation on regular basis.
Expected Outputs
By the end of the mission, the consultant is expected to deliver the following:
- Code of Conduct in Arabic Language
- Quantitative measuring scale
- Short report summarizing the whole preparation process and the way the content was actually developed, including challenges faced, list of organizations or individuals met and feedback on their contribution, as well as a qualitative self-evaluation.
The NGO Resource and Support Unit (UNDP – Ministry of Social Affairs) will provide to the extent possible assistance and support to the consultant. They will also make available required and relevant documentation and reports. In addition, the NGO Resource and Support Unit will help the consultant identify names and coordinates of NGOs/contact persons for interviews and focus group meetings.
The consultant will maintain close follow up and regular meetings with the NGO Resource and Support Unit and the Heinrich Boell Foundation during the various stages of the consultancy for updating them on the progress made.
The duration of the consultancy is for a period of three months from the date of the issuance of the contract.
III. Competencies and Required Qualifications
- Excellent analytical and writing skills
- Ability to work in a team and respond positively to constructive comments
- Advanced degree in social related field
- At least eight years of experience in research and evaluation.
- Previous experience in the development of code of conduct is an asset.
- Good Knowledge of the civil society in Lebanon
- Proficiency in the Arabic Language
Candidates who meet the required qualifications may apply by sending an updated and comprehensive CV detailing their work experience that is relevant to the consultancy requirements as indicated in the Terms of Reference. The CVs must be sent to Ms. Lydia Aghnatios at the NGO Resource and Support Unit – lydia.aghnatios@undp-lebprojects.org - by no later than February 28, 2010.
[2] International Federation of Accountants, 2007
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