Consultancy Service to Develop Toolkit on Social Enterprise, Philanthropy, and Merging Operation Modalities

Announcement

Consultancy Opportunity

TITLE:Consultancy Service to Develop Toolkit on Social Enterprise, Philanthropy, and Merging Operation Modalities

1. Introduction

The Cooperation Committee for Cambodia (CCC) is recognized as the largest and longest established membership-based organization in Cambodia, comprising approximately 200 member organizations, including both domestic and foreign NGOs. CCC convenes nine specialized working groups serving as national resource hubs and collaborates closely in partnership with 16 provincial NGO network chairpersons and their respective members, total 498 NGOs.

Amid rapid and volatile global changes, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) at global, regional, and national levels are increasingly affected by funding cuts. At the same time, CSOs in Cambodia face practical constraints that reduce their ability to adapt, including gaps in strategic planning, governance, results-based management, adaptive leadership, resource diversification, and partnership building. Fragmentation, duplication, and weak coordination further dilute collective impact, while private sector engagement and innovative financing models remain underdeveloped.

Following consultations with its members during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in March 2025, the Cooperation Committee for Cambodia (CCC) continued discussions with its members, 7 large coalition organizations in Cambodia, and development partners on identifying guiding directions for CSOs in Cambodia, particularly CCC members, amid rapid global change. These consultations resulted in an agreement to develop a CSOs Roadmap comprising seven modalities:

1. Business as usual (with improvements in efficiency and effectiveness);
2. Philanthropic initiatives;
3. Social enterprises;
4. Advocacy and monitoring programs;
5. Technical assistance offices;
6. Mergers or consortium arrangements; and
7. Multi-major NGOs (strategic consolidation or alliances among larger NGOs).

To further support its members, CCC conducted an online survey during the Annual General Meeting on 19 March 2026 to assess which of the seven modalities members would like CCC to continue supporting. The survey results indicated that CCC members prioritize three specific options and would like CCC to develop toolkits to inform CSOs readiness to apply the social enterprises, adopting philanthropic models, and engaging in merging operation.

2. Objectives

The consultant for this assignment will dedicate their time, energy, and knowledge and experience to achieve the main objective as follows:

• To develop the practical toolkit on social enterprise, philanthropy, merging operation that can inform the CSOs especially the members of CCC ready to apply or adopt the suitable modalities.

3. Key Expected Outcome

• The practical toolkits, guideline, and procedure completely developed by including key areas: (i) self-assessment tools, ii) three modality (social enterprise, philanthropic, and merging operation) modules with checklists, step-by-step guidance and procedure, timelines, risk mitigation, and (iii) 1–2 short cases per modality, and Cambodia-specific compliance notes.

4. Target Users and Primary Use Cases

The Toolkit is intended for:

• Small and emerging NGOs seeking survival and minimum sustainability options.
• Medium-sized national NGOs transitioning from donor dependency toward diversified and locally rooted models.
• CCC and provincial network staff who provide organizational development, coaching, training, and peer learning support.
• Primary use cases include organizational reflection and planning workshops, coaching/mentoring, peer exchange, and CCC training programs.

5. Scope of Work and Boundaries

• A practical, decision-oriented Toolkit (not an academic study) tailored to Cambodian NGOs.
• A standardized module for each modality (6-8 pages/module as a guide) including self-assessment, checklist, steps, risks, and examples.
• High-level review of relevant Cambodian laws and regulations affecting NGOs and related models (e.g. LANGO, Taxation, Audit and Accounting, …) to inform compliance notes in the Toolkit (non-legal advice).
• Target stakeholder engagement (interviews/FGDs) to capture cases, test feasibility, and validate usability.

Note: Modalities are not mutually exclusive. The Toolkit will help NGOs select one modality or a combination, and sequence actions over short (<12 months), medium (1–3 years), and longer-term horizons.

7. Methodology and Approach

The consultant is expected to propose a robust methodology that prioritizes practicality, usability, and Cambodia-specific relevance. The approach should combine document review, targeted qualitative engagement, and iterative product development.

Minimum methodological elements:

Kick-off meeting with CCC and a brief inception phase to confirm scope, users, and Toolkit structure.

• Desk review of the CSOs Roadmap and related CCC materials; and review of relevant regulatory frameworks that affect NGOs and related models (LANGO, taxation, audit & accounting, and related regulations) for practical compliance notes.
• Targeted key informant interviews and/or small focus group discussions (suggested 8–12 engagements total) with CCC members/non-members that reflect different modalities; and SME discussions where relevant to social enterprise/business models.
• Drafting the modality modules using a standardized, user-friendly template.
• Usability testing and one consultation/validation workshop; documentation of feedback and revisions.
• Finalization and packaging of deliverables for CCC dissemination and training use.

8. Key Tasks and Responsibilities

Task 1 – Inception and Toolkit Design

• Hold a kick-off meeting with CCC to confirm objectives, user groups, and expected use cases.
• Submit an inception report with: (i) refined workplan, (ii) proposed Toolkit table of contents and templates, (iii) sampling plan for cases/interviews, and (iv) risk and quality assurance measures.

Task 2 – Evidence Gathering and Case Documentation

• Conduct document review and targeted interviews/FGDs to capture practical experiences, enabling factors, constraints, and lessons learned.
• Develop 1–2 short cases per modality (where feasible), ensuring diverse organizational sizes and contexts.

Task 3 – Drafting the Toolkit

• Draft the Toolkit including: (i) self-assessment tools, and (ii) three modality (social enterprise, philanthropic, and merging operation) modules with checklists, step-by-step guidance, timelines, risk mitigation, and Cambodia-specific compliance notes.
• Prepare a concise slide deck summarizing the Toolkit for CCC training and dissemination.

Task 4 – Consultation/Validation and Revision

• Facilitate one validation workshop (and/or targeted consultation) with CCC and selected stakeholders.
• Document feedback and revise the Toolkit accordingly.

Task 5 – Finalization and Submission

• Submit final deliverables in editable and final formats as agreed with CCC.
• Provide a brief handover session to CCC staff and CCC’s members on how to use the Toolkit in coaching/training.

9. Deliverable

• Deliverable 1: Inception report (workplan, Toolkit structure/templates, sampling plan).
• Deliverable 2: Draft toolkits by including key areas: (i) self-assessment tools, and (ii) three modality (social enterprise, philanthropic, and merging operation) modules with checklists, step-by-step guidance, timelines, risk mitigation, and Cambodia-specific compliance notes.
• Deliverable 3: Short case compendium (embedded in the Toolkit or as an annex) and summary slide deck for CCC training/diffusion.
• Deliverable 4: Final Decision & Transition Toolkit incorporating CCC and stakeholder feedback (editable + PDF) and present toolkit to staff and CCC’s members.

10. Duration and Indicative Timeline

The consultancy is expected to be completed between May and September 2026. The consultant will propose a detailed schedule aligned with the deliverables below.

11. Management, Coordination, and Roles

CCC will:

• Provide relevant Roadmap documents and background materials.
• Facilitate access to CCC members, provincial networks, and relevant stakeholders for interviews/validation.
• Review and provide consolidated feedback on deliverables within agreed timelines.
• Support logistics for consultation/validation workshops (venue, invitations, and coordination).

The consultant will:

• Lead the assignment and ensure quality, practicality, and timely delivery of outputs.
• Apply ethical research practices, confidentiality, and do-no-harm principles.
• Ensure the Toolkit is user-friendly and suitable for CCC dissemination and training purposes.
• Maintain regular communication with the CCC focal point and submit progress updates as requested.

12. Quality and Usability Requirements

• Practicality: step-by-step guidance, checklists, and decision tools that NGOs can apply immediately.
• Context-responsiveness: rooted in Cambodian operational realities and language accessible to NGO practitioners.
• Compliance-aware: includes high-level compliance notes on relevant laws/regulations (non-legal advice).
• Inclusiveness: considers different NGO sizes, mandates, and geographic contexts.
• Clarity: concise writing, consistent templates, and visual aids where helpful.

13. Consultant Qualifications

The consultant should meet the following qualifications and competencies:

• Minimum 7–10 years of professional experience working with CSOs/NGOs, development programs, organizational development, sustainability, or related areas (Cambodia or comparable contexts preferred).
• Demonstrated knowledge and practical experience in three modalities including social enterprise, philanthropy, and merging operation.
• Proven experience developing practical guidelines, toolkits, frameworks, or strategic documents for CSOs/NGOs.
• Strong understanding of Cambodia’s CSO operating environment and funding realities.
• Working knowledge of relevant regulatory frameworks affecting CSOs (e.g., LANGO, taxation, audit/accounting, and other related laws required by the three modalities) sufficient to integrate practical compliance notes.
• Strong facilitation, analytical, and writing skills (Khmer and English skills are an asset).

14. Payment Schedule

Payment will be made on a lump sum but split into three phases: (i) advance on signing of contract and agreed inception report (20%), (ii) submit draft Toolkit (50%) and (iii) final delivery of Toolkit to CCC (30%).

15. Application Process and Budget

Interested consultant/candidate should submit Expression of Interest (EoI) and proposal to CCC by not later than 08 May 2026 to recruitment@ccc-cambodia.org and the technical proposal (max 8-10 pages) should propose clear methodology, budget, detailed timeline, key outline/template of the guideline, and demonstrating on how your qualifications to meet with this assignment in the EoI. Additionally, consultant team should attach CVs (including team members). Only qualified candidate will be shortlisted and informed for interview.

Women and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. CCC will not hire any person when there is any information that this person has committed abuse on children.

Contact Person

For more information, please contact Mr. Chea Vibol at email: vibol.chea@ccc-cambodia.org