Research on Donor Funding Priorities for Women’s Rights Organisations (WROs) as a Sustainable Funding Mechanism

Qualifications

• At least 7 years of experience conducting similar research,
  
• Demonstrable experience in donor scoping, analysis, and fundraising
  
• Advanced degree in Development Studies, Economics, Public Policy, Gender or related field
  
• Strong understanding of women’s rights and feminist movements
  
• Experience working with WROs or civil society organisations will be an added advantage
  
• Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills
  
• Familiarity with donor landscapes in Nigeria, Africa, and globally
  

The specific objectives are to:

1. Map key bilateral, multilateral, philanthropic, and private sector donors funding women’s rights and gender equality.
   
2. Analyse donor priorities, thematic focus areas, and funding trends relevant to WROs.
   
3. Assess accessibility of funding to grassroots and national WROs.
   
4. Identify barriers and enabling factors influencing WRO access to donor funding.
   
5. Propose innovative and sustainable funding mechanisms for WROs.
   
6. Provide actionable recommendations for strategic donor engagement.
   

Scope of Work

The consultant will:

• Conduct a desk review of existing literature, donor reports, and funding databases.
  
• Map and profile key donors supporting women’s rights at national, regional, and global levels.
  
• Analyse funding patterns, including grant sizes and duration, eligibility criteria, and funding modalities (core vs project funding)
  
• Engage stakeholders through: Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with donors and WRO leaders, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) where necessary
  
• Identify emerging trends such as feminist funding approaches, localisation and decolonisation of aid, flexible and unrestricted funding, etc.
  
• Develop case studies of successful funding models for WROs.
  
• Produce a comprehensive report with strategic recommendations.