CIVICUS External Learning and Community Design Consultancy 2026: Apply for a Global Consultancy to Build the WeRise Global Community

<p data-start="798" data-end="1260">CIVICUS Global Alliance is inviting experienced consultants and consulting teams to submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for the <strong data-start="928" data-end="987">External Learning and Community Design Consultancy 2026</strong>. This three-month consultancy presents an exciting opportunity for professionals specializing in community building, participatory design, organizational learning, and movement strengthening to help shape the future of the <strong data-start="1211" data-end="1259">WeRise Global FoPA Solidarity Infrastructure</strong>.</p> <p data-start="1262" data-end="1513">The consultancy aims to transform an existing network of grassroots organizations into a sustainable, movement-owned global community that strengthens collaboration, learning, solidarity, and collective action beyond traditional funding relationships.</p> <p data-start="1515" data-end="1554"><strong data-start="1515" data-end="1554">Application Deadline: 5 August 2026</strong></p> <h1 data-start="1561" data-end="1576">About CIVICUS</h1> <p data-start="1578" data-end="1773">CIVICUS is a global alliance dedicated to defending people power and strengthening civil society worldwide. With more than <strong data-start="1701" data-end="1745">17,000 members across over 180 countries</strong>, the organization works to:</p> <ul data-start="1775" data-end="2003"> <li data-start="1775" data-end="1800">Protect civic freedoms.</li> <li data-start="1801" data-end="1842">Strengthen civil society organizations.</li> <li data-start="1843" data-end="1868">Promote accountability.</li> <li data-start="1869" data-end="1900">Support grassroots movements.</li> <li data-start="1901" data-end="1940">Amplify voices from the Global South.</li> <li data-start="1941" data-end="2003">Build stronger global solidarity among civil society actors.</li> </ul> <p data-start="2005" data-end="2184">Through research, advocacy, partnerships, and capacity-building, CIVICUS works to ensure that citizens can organize freely and participate meaningfully in shaping their societies.</p> <h1 data-start="2191" data-end="2220">About the WeRise Initiative</h1> <p data-start="2222" data-end="2315">Grassroots organizations worldwide continue to defend the right to peaceful assembly despite:</p> <ul data-start="2317" data-end="2464"> <li data-start="2317" data-end="2342">Shrinking civic spaces.</li> <li data-start="2343" data-end="2377">Increasing political repression.</li> <li data-start="2378" data-end="2411">Complex operating environments.</li> <li data-start="2412" data-end="2434">Funding limitations.</li> <li data-start="2435" data-end="2464">Fragmented support systems.</li> </ul> <p data-start="2466" data-end="2539">Through two successful <strong data-start="2489" data-end="2507">WeRise cohorts</strong>, CIVICUS has already supported:</p> <ul data-start="2541" data-end="2699"> <li data-start="2541" data-end="2570">32 grassroots organizations</li> <li data-start="2571" data-end="2617">Movement collectives across multiple regions</li> <li data-start="2618" data-end="2638">Learning exchanges</li> <li data-start="2639" data-end="2658">Innovation spaces</li> <li data-start="2659" data-end="2674">Grant support</li> <li data-start="2675" data-end="2699">Solidarity initiatives</li> </ul> <p data-start="2701" data-end="2903">As the current funding cycle concludes, CIVICUS aims to preserve the relationships, trust, and knowledge developed through the programme by creating the <strong data-start="2854" data-end="2902">WeRise Global FoPA Solidarity Infrastructure</strong>.</p> <p data-start="2905" data-end="3033">Rather than remaining a donor-supported network, the vision is to establish a sustainable, movement-led community that promotes:</p> <ul data-start="3035" data-end="3143"> <li data-start="3035" data-end="3063">Cross-border collaboration</li> <li data-start="3064" data-end="3081">Shared learning</li> <li data-start="3082" data-end="3098">Mutual support</li> <li data-start="3099" data-end="3120">Collective advocacy</li> <li data-start="3121" data-end="3143">Long-term solidarity</li> </ul> <h1 data-start="3150" data-end="3178">Purpose of the Consultancy</h1> <p data-start="3180" data-end="3332">The selected consultant will lead a participatory process that enables members of the WeRise network to co-create the future structure of the community.</p> <p data-start="3334" data-end="3395">The consultancy seeks to ensure that the future community is:</p> <ul data-start="3397" data-end="3507"> <li data-start="3397" data-end="3411">Member-owned</li> <li data-start="3412" data-end="3425">Sustainable</li> <li data-start="3426" data-end="3437">Inclusive</li> <li data-start="3438" data-end="3453">Collaborative</li> <li data-start="3454" data-end="3507">Built around the priorities of grassroots movements</li> </ul> <h1 data-start="3514" data-end="3538">Consultancy Objectives</h1> <p data-start="3540" data-end="3611">The consultant will work closely with CIVICUS and community members to:</p> <ol data-start="3613" data-end="4009"> <li data-start="3613" data-end="3717">Assess existing relationships, strengths, learning needs, and expectations across the WeRise network.</li> <li data-start="3718" data-end="3779">Co-design the future vision and identity of the community.</li> <li data-start="3780" data-end="3835">Develop governance structures and engagement models.</li> <li data-start="3836" data-end="3886">Recommend sustainable collaboration mechanisms.</li> <li data-start="3887" data-end="3935">Design a long-term solidarity infrastructure.</li> <li data-start="3936" data-end="4009">Produce a practical roadmap for launching the WeRise Global Community.</li> </ol> <h1 data-start="4016" data-end="4031">Scope of Work</h1> <p data-start="4033" data-end="4094">Successful consultants will undertake several key activities.</p> <h2 data-start="4096" data-end="4146">1. Community Discovery and Ecosystem Assessment</h2> <p data-start="4148" data-end="4168">The consultant will:</p> <ul data-start="4170" data-end="4344"> <li data-start="4170" data-end="4206">Conduct participatory assessments.</li> <li data-start="4207" data-end="4238">Identify community strengths.</li> <li data-start="4239" data-end="4259">Map relationships.</li> <li data-start="4260" data-end="4298">Explore collaboration opportunities.</li> <li data-start="4299" data-end="4344">Assess members&#8217; aspirations and priorities.</li> </ul> <h2 data-start="4351" data-end="4384">2. Community Listening Process</h2> <p data-start="4386" data-end="4467">The consultant will design and facilitate an inclusive consultation process that:</p> <ul data-start="4469" data-end="4637"> <li data-start="4469" data-end="4502">Encourages broad participation.</li> <li data-start="4503" data-end="4518">Builds trust.</li> <li data-start="4519" data-end="4554">Ensures equitable representation.</li> <li data-start="4555" data-end="4587">Captures diverse perspectives.</li> <li data-start="4588" data-end="4637">Identifies priorities for the future community.</li> </ul> <h2 data-start="4644" data-end="4679">3. Co-create the Community Model</h2> <p data-start="4681" data-end="4751">Working collaboratively with members, the consultant will help define:</p> <ul data-start="4753" data-end="4880"> <li data-start="4753" data-end="4772">Community purpose</li> <li data-start="4773" data-end="4781">Vision</li> <li data-start="4782" data-end="4792">Identity</li> <li data-start="4793" data-end="4813">Guiding principles</li> <li data-start="4814" data-end="4832">Governance model</li> <li data-start="4833" data-end="4850">Ways of working</li> <li data-start="4851" data-end="4880">Member ownership mechanisms</li> </ul> <h2 data-start="4887" data-end="4932">4. Develop the Community Value Proposition</h2> <p data-start="4934" data-end="5035">The consultancy will identify the services and opportunities the community should provide, including:</p> <ul data-start="5037" data-end="5175"> <li data-start="5037" data-end="5052">Peer learning</li> <li data-start="5053" data-end="5082">Collaboration opportunities</li> <li data-start="5083" data-end="5103">Knowledge exchange</li> <li data-start="5104" data-end="5128">Solidarity initiatives</li> <li data-start="5129" data-end="5153">Capacity strengthening</li> <li data-start="5154" data-end="5175">Collective advocacy</li> </ul> <h2 data-start="5182" data-end="5218">5. Community Engagement Framework</h2> <p data-start="5220" data-end="5309">The consultant will recommend systems for sustaining active member participation through:</p> <ul data-start="5311" data-end="5427"> <li data-start="5311" data-end="5335">Leadership development</li> <li data-start="5336" data-end="5358">Community governance</li> <li data-start="5359" data-end="5383">Learning opportunities</li> <li data-start="5384" data-end="5406">Collaboration models</li> <li data-start="5407" data-end="5427">Shared stewardship</li> </ul> <h2 data-start="5434" data-end="5462">6. Implementation Roadmap</h2> <p data-start="5464" data-end="5497">A strategic roadmap will outline:</p> <ul data-start="5499" data-end="5635"> <li data-start="5499" data-end="5514">Launch phases</li> <li data-start="5515" data-end="5543">Governance recommendations</li> <li data-start="5544" data-end="5562">Priority actions</li> <li data-start="5563" data-end="5597">Community development milestones</li> <li data-start="5598" data-end="5635">Long-term sustainability strategies</li> </ul> <h1 data-start="5642" data-end="5665">Expected Deliverables</h1> <p data-start="5667" data-end="5704">The selected consultant will produce:</p> <ul data-start="5706" data-end="5852"> <li data-start="5706" data-end="5724">Inception Report</li> <li data-start="5725" data-end="5754">Community Assessment Report</li> <li data-start="5755" data-end="5790">WeRise Community Design Framework</li> <li data-start="5791" data-end="5825">Community Implementation Roadmap</li> <li data-start="5826" data-end="5852">Final Consultancy Report</li> </ul> <h1 data-start="5859" data-end="5884">Required Qualifications</h1> <p data-start="5886" data-end="5930">Applicants should demonstrate experience in:</p> <ul data-start="5932" data-end="6281"> <li data-start="5932" data-end="5951">Movement building</li> <li data-start="5952" data-end="5974">Community organizing</li> <li data-start="5975" data-end="5997">Network facilitation</li> <li data-start="5998" data-end="6022">Participatory learning</li> <li data-start="6023" data-end="6048">Organizational learning</li> <li data-start="6049" data-end="6074">Communities of Practice</li> <li data-start="6075" data-end="6093">Social movements</li> <li data-start="6094" data-end="6107">Civic space</li> <li data-start="6108" data-end="6122">Human rights</li> <li data-start="6123" data-end="6146">Human-centered design</li> <li data-start="6147" data-end="6165">Systems thinking</li> <li data-start="6166" data-end="6202">Participatory design methodologies</li> <li data-start="6203" data-end="6225">Qualitative research</li> <li data-start="6226" data-end="6242">Report writing</li> <li data-start="6243" data-end="6281">Multi-country stakeholder engagement</li> </ul> <h1 data-start="6288" data-end="6310">Consultancy Duration</h1> <p data-start="6312" data-end="6364">The consultancy will run for <strong data-start="6341" data-end="6357">three months</strong>, from:</p> <ul data-start="6366" data-end="6413"> <li data-start="6366" data-end="6382">September 2026</li> <li data-start="6383" data-end="6397">October 2026</li> <li data-start="6398" data-end="6413">November 2026</li> </ul> <h1 data-start="6420" data-end="6446">Application Requirements</h1> <p data-start="6448" data-end="6485">Interested consultants should submit:</p> <ul data-start="6487" data-end="6717"> <li data-start="6487" data-end="6518">A full Curriculum Vitae (CV).</li> <li data-start="6519" data-end="6684">A maximum two-page cover letter describing: <ul data-start="6567" data-end="6684"> <li data-start="6567" data-end="6589">Relevant experience.</li> <li data-start="6592" data-end="6614">Technical expertise.</li> <li data-start="6617" data-end="6640">Proposed methodology.</li> <li data-start="6643" data-end="6684">Approach to delivering the consultancy.</li> </ul> </li> <li data-start="6685" data-end="6717">A proposed consultancy budget.</li> </ul> <p data-start="6719" data-end="6779">Applications should be sent via email to <a href="mailto:FoPA@civicus.org"><span class="cloaked_email">FoPA@civicus.org</span></a>  with the subject line:</p> <p data-start="6781" data-end="6841"><strong data-start="6781" data-end="6841">EOI – External Learning and Community Design Consultancy</strong></p> <h1 data-start="6848" data-end="6870">Why You Should Apply</h1> <p data-start="6872" data-end="6928">This consultancy offers professionals an opportunity to:</p> <ul data-start="6930" data-end="7301"> <li data-start="6930" data-end="6980">Influence a global movement-building initiative.</li> <li data-start="6981" data-end="7034">Work alongside leading civil society organizations.</li> <li data-start="7035" data-end="7083">Design innovative community governance models.</li> <li data-start="7084" data-end="7125">Support grassroots movements worldwide.</li> <li data-start="7126" data-end="7166">Strengthen global civic participation.</li> <li data-start="7167" data-end="7224">Promote sustainable collaboration beyond donor funding.</li> <li data-start="7225" data-end="7301">Contribute to long-term systems change within international civil society.</li> </ul> <h1 data-start="7308" data-end="7330">Application Deadline</h1> <p data-start="7332" data-end="7363"><strong data-start="7332" data-end="7345">Deadline:</strong> <strong data-start="7346" data-end="7363">5 August 2026</strong></p> <p data-start="7365" data-end="7498">Interested consultants are encouraged to submit complete applications before the deadline, as late submissions may not be considered.</p> <h1 data-start="7505" data-end="7521">Final Thoughts</h1> <p data-start="7523" data-end="7815">The CIVICUS External Learning and Community Design Consultancy provides a unique opportunity for experienced facilitators, movement builders, and organizational learning experts to help shape a global community committed to defending civic freedoms and strengthening grassroots collaboration.</p> <p data-start="7817" data-end="8078">If you have experience in participatory design, community building, and international civil society, this consultancy allows you to contribute to a transformative initiative that will continue supporting movements long after traditional grant funding has ended.</p> <p data-start="7817" data-end="8078">For more information on this opportunity, visit <a href="https://civicus.org/index.php/component/content/article/8509-terms-of-reference-external-learning-and-community-design-consultancy?catid=379&amp;Itemid=2658" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>here</strong></a></p> <p data-start="7817" data-end="8078">Discover more global consultancy opportunities on OFY, click<a href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/?s=jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> here </strong></a></p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2026/07/18/civicus-external-learning-and-community-design-consultancy-2026-apply-for-a-global-consultancy-to-build-the-werise-global-community/">CIVICUS External Learning and Community Design Consultancy 2026: Apply for a Global Consultancy to Build the WeRise Global Community</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org">Opportunities for Youth</a>.</p>