MA Governance Strengthening Initiative:

Consultancy Terms of Reference

Phase 1 – Diagnosis & Recommendations

INTRODUCTION

Chama cha Uzazi na Malezi Bora Tanzania (UMATI) is a non-governmental organization dedicated to providing quality sexual and reproductive health services, information, and advocacy across Tanzania with office at Malik Road, Plot No. 439, Block 26, Upanga East, P.O. Box 1372 Dar Es Salaam.

UMATI Vision:

A Tanzania where people are free to choose and exercise their Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) without discrimination.

UMATI Mission:

To champion SRHR and provide information and services targeting the young and underserved.

UMATI Value:

Volunteerism, Innovation, Accountability, Non-Discrimination and Youth Focused

A – Background

UMATI aims to strengthen governance within Tanzania context through a two-phased approach, prioritising shared accountability, equity, and transparency. The reform process will begin with a diagnostic phase to identify areas for enhancing the organization’s inclusivity and community alignment, followed by developmental support tailored to specific needs identified.

This initiative will be conducted in two phases:

1. Diagnostic Phase: This initial phase will entail a comprehensive analysis of the UMATI’s current governance structures, systems, and processes. The assessment will consider criteria such as the effectiveness of governance oversight, cost-efficiency, and overall alignment with the organization’s mission and values.
2. Developmental Phase: Based on insights gathered in the diagnostic phase, this phase will focus on providing targeted support to address specific needs within the organization, fostering governance practices that are inclusive, transparent, and aligned with community priorities.

To support this work, the UMATI is seeking for a consultant or a firm with demonstrated expertise in Civil Society Organisation (CSO) governance and significant experience in governance analysis strengthening to lead the diagnostic phase of this initiative.

B – UMATI’s CONTEXT

UMATI operates within Tanzania’s civil society and public health landscape, guided by national regulatory frameworks for NGOs and health service provision. The organization serves diverse communities where gender norms, socio-economic inequalities, and cultural factors influence access to sexual and reproductive health services, particularly for youth and underserved populations.

In this context, effective governance requires balancing regulatory compliance with inclusive, participatory approaches that ensure representation of women, young people, and marginalized groups. Strengthening UMATI’s governance systems will enhance accountability, transparency, and responsiveness to community needs, while aligning with national priorities and global commitments to equity and non-discrimination.

C – Key Objectives of the reform

1. Evaluate governance structures, systems, and processes within UMATI to ensure they are accessible, cost-effective, and oriented towards the collective advancement of its mission and values.
2. Improve governance effectiveness, supporting decision-making that is representative of the community, using appropriate approaches in the Tanzanian context and promotes active engagement across organisational levels.

D – Objectives of the Consultancy

The consultant will:

1. Assess the Organization’s governance structures, systems, and processes in relation to national and international governance standards. This includes evaluating cost-efficiency and effectiveness in fulfilling key governance responsibilities, such as setting strategic direction, approving policy frameworks, managing risks, mobilising resources, and overseeing the organisation’s financial health. The assessment will highlight areas where practices can be enhanced to ensure that governance is both impactful and aligned with the Organization’s mission and values.
2. Develop Recommendations for Inclusive Governance with an accompanying action plan: Propose actionable improvements to governance structures that prioritise clarity of roles, equitable engagement, and shared accountability across the organisation, reflecting a holistic commitment to the UMATI’s mission.

E – Scope of Work

The consultancy will conduct a comprehensive diagnostic of the UMATI’s governance, focusing on inclusivity, accessibility, and community-centred practices:

Governance Analysis: Using tools such as SWOT analysis and appreciative inquiry, the consultant will examine governance dynamics, identifying existing practices that support collective leadership and any areas where more inclusive structures could strengthen decision-making.

Roles and Responsibilities: Analyse the division and balance between governance and management, clarifying formal and informal roles to enhance transparency and accountability. This includes examining communication flows to ensure accessible channels for sharing knowledge and building consensus across different levels of governance.

Review of Governance Practices: Assess Board election processes, recruitment, and evaluation processes to ensure they are structured to draw a range of skills and perspectives, fostering adaptability and responsiveness to the Organization’s context and emerging trends.

Stakeholder Consultation: Engage key stakeholders across governance, management, and community partners to ensure the governance structure integrates a broad spectrum of voices, values, and insights. This consultation will support the UMATI in maintaining a governance approach that remains rooted in collective priorities and community alignment.

F – Expected Results (Deliverables)

1. Comprehensive Diagnostic Report: A report capturing the findings, highlighting areas where the governance framework can support inclusive and transparent practices, and drawing comparisons with similar governance models to inform practical recommendations.
2. Actionable Governance and Development Plan: A clear, step-by-step proposal for enhancing the organization’s governance structure, identifying any necessary updates to governance documents to reflect organisational values and foster a dynamic, collaborative approach.
3. Consultation-Based Final Report: A revised report and action plan incorporating feedback from the UMATI and relevant stakeholders, fostering a shared understanding and ownership of the proposed governance improvements.

G – Timeline and Communication

Duration: This phase is expected to take eight weeks from the contract start date.

Communication and Monitoring:

• Regular updates, including video calls/calls with the Coordination Team to facilitate transparency and collaborative decision-making.
• Presentation of draft findings to the Coordination Team for feedback and discussion.
• Participation in virtual round tables
• Final presentations to the UMATI Board and senior management to ensure alignment and prepare for implementation.

H – Qualifications and Expertise

The consultant or agency should demonstrate:

• Experience in governance and organisational development within civil society, with a focus on fostering accessible and inclusive governance practices.
• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in social or political sciences, organisational development, economics, business administration, or a related field, with at least seven years of relevant experience working directly with Boards or consulting on governance reform. Equivalent professional experience in these areas will also be considered.
• A Master’s degree in public policy, governance, organisational development, public administration, development studies, international development, or a related field is desirable.
• Advanced knowledge in governance reform and organisational development that aligns with community-centred and participatory principles.
• Familiarity with the statutory regulations and compliance for civil society organisations in the country will be an added advantage, ideally within the sexual and reproductive health sector.
• Experience in the not-for-profit sector and preferably in the field of sexual and reproductive health.
• Demonstrable commitment to embedding diversity practices into governance work, with a proven track record of fostering inclusive, equitable, and community-centred governance solutions.

I – Selection Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated on:

1. The relevance and clarity of the proposed approach, reflecting a commitment to collaborative, community-aligned governance.
2. Prior experience of similar assignments in the field of governance and organisational development, particularly in supporting civil society organisations/NGOs.
3. Prior experience of working with or familiarity with similar organisations is an advantage.

The scoring criteria is as follows

J – Proposal Contents

Please provide the following information – limited to 5 pages (CVs of no more than two pages per person can be additional documents)

1. Cover letter introducing the consultancy
2. Proposed methodology and project plan with detailed project timeline (Gantt Chart or similar).
3. Evidence of experience in providing support to develop inclusive and community-centred governance.
4. Two references or recommendations.
5. Team CVs.
6. Detailed budget in local currency.

NB: The application must be submitted physically to Executive Director at UMATI office at Malik Road, Plot No. 439, Block 26, Upanga East, P.O. Box 1372 Dar Es Salaam by 22th June 2026 at 4:00PM