
Terms of Reference (ToR) External Senior Expert (Communication & Institutional Relations for the National Support Structure in Madagascar)
1. LETTER OF INVITATION
Date: 20 July 2026
Subject: Call for Proposal – External Senior Expert (Communication and Institutional Relations) for the National Support Structure in Madagascar
The Frankfurt School of Finance & Management gGmbH, responsible for implementing the ‘Global Shield Secretariat Transition’ project, invites you to submit a proposal for the service described in the attached Terms of Reference (ToR).
Please send your complete tender to opportunities@fs.de by 02.08.2026 at 23:59 (CEST)
Submissions must include:
Accompanying eMail referencing this invitation
Confirmation of eligibility (use Annex 1)
Expert CV (use Annex 2)
Technical proposal and financial offer (EUR) (use Annex 3)
2. TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR)
2.1 Background
Launched at COP27 by the Vulnerable Twenty (V20) Group and the Group of Seven (G7), the Global Shield against Climate Risks (GS) aims to increase protection for vulnerable people and countries and contribute to effectively responding to loss and damage from climate change. The Global Shield promotes an inclusive, gender-responsive and demand-driven process, which is led by the vulnerable countries’ governments.
The Global Shield Secretariat has been hosted at Frankfurt School of Finance & Management (FS) since January 1, 2026.
The Global Shield In-Country Process (ICP) in Madagascar supports the Government to strangthen financial protection against climate-related shocks. This process is led by the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) and the Emergency Management and Prevention Unit (CPGU). Madagascar has submitted it’s Request for Support, and a Support Package has been presented to the government focal points.
As we are now entering the implementation phase, the support structure will assist Madagascar’s government focal points and the national steering committee (COPIL) with stakeholder coordination,and support technical, reporting, administrative, financial, procurement, and communication tasks related to GS activities. The support structure will also help organise national, regional and international events, such as workshops and exchange visits, to share best practices, and strengthen visibility of the GS in Madagascar.
2.2 Objectives
The objective of this assignment is to provide institutional capacity to support the Government of Madagascar in the monitoring and implementation of the Global Shield support package, by providing coordination, technical facilitation, administrative and operational support to GS national focal points and the Steering Committee (COPIL). The assignment will also support implementation of Global Shield work by facilitating engagement between GS financing and implementing partners and national partners on administrative and operational needs. The assignment aims to strengthen national systems for CDRFI by supporting stakeholder engagement, enhancing coordination and collaboratin on CDRFI across relevant ministries, government agencies and other stakeholder groups, support in developing Global Shield strategic documents and reports, enhancing capacity building, ressource mobilisation and contributing to policy and programme development.
2.3 Scope of work / Deliverables
Task / Activity | Expected deliverable | Timetable |
1. Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement: Support government focal points and the COPIL in the coordination of Global Shield activities with national stakeholders, implementing partners, and technical assistance providers, ensuring alignment between strategic objectives and implementation. This includes regular engagement, facilitation of coordination meetings, and follow-up on action points. | Stakeholder engagement and mapping, documented follow-ups, partner coordination | continuous |
2. Monitoring, data collection and strategic reporting: Support data collection and monitoring of activities; track progress and key milestones; and identify risks and barriers to implementation. Contribute to the preparation of regular reports and strategic updates, including by providing input to the Stocktake, Gap Analyses and the Request for Support, where applicable. Carry out periodic analyses to identify emerging needs | Progress reports, monitoring of risks and obstacles, updates to the Stocktake, Gap Analysis and Request for Support where applicable | Monthly reporting |
3. Meetings, workshops and operational support: Provide administrative and organisational support to the Steering Committee and government focal points for meetings, workshops and knowledge-sharing activities. Participate in strategic discussions relating to Global Shield activities where needed | Meeting documentation, action tracking, workshop outcomes and strategic inputs to discuss
| As required
|
4. Communication, visibility and knowledge management: Supporting communication and visibility of GS activities, including the preparation of briefing notes and presentations. Representing the GS at meetings with stakeholders and government counterparts. Contributing to the documentation of lessons learnt and the development of knowledge products and activity summaries | Communication and visibility materials, presentations, strategic communication guidance, visibility recommendations, knowledge products, and lessons learned documentation | As required |
5. Contribute to the implementation of CPGU activities as part of the Global Shield initiative in Madagascar | Documents relating to completed activities | As required |
For the contracting period from start date 15.08.2026 to 15.02.2027, the contractor will submit a timeline with milestones according to the template below to be achieved by certain dates during the contract term. Any delays, or inability to fulfil such milestones must be communicate immediately to the FS.
Milestone | Deadline |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.4 Duration and Location
Duration: 15.08.2026 -15.02.2027; up to 75 working days
Location: Antananarivo and the surrounding area, Madagascar
2.5 Reporting and Supervision
Reports to: Madagascar ICP Lead
Progress reporting frequency: weekly
2.6 Eligibility Criteria
Senior Adviser – Communication and Institutional Relations
At least five (5) years’ professional experience in institutional communication, relations with technical and financial partners, or preferably within the context of the CDRFI.
Education
Master’s degree or five years of higher education in communications, international relations or an equivalent field.
Experience
Experience within multilateral or bilateral institutions, development organisations or the private sector; particularly in the fields of international climate policy, climate- and disaster-related finance and insurance, climate change adaptation or natural disaster management, including pre-arranged financing, risk transfer products, reserve funds and social protection mechanisms tailored to shocks.
Proven experience in supporting the organisation of workshops and in drafting, reviewing and finalising guidance notes, technical frameworks and other knowledge products designed to inform and guide effective implementation.
Professional experience in Madagascar is required.
Skills, competencies and languages
Excellent writing skills in Malagasy, French and English is required.
Previous experience working on missions related to the Global Shield national process is a definite advantage.
Good knowledge of disaster risk management policies, climate risk financing and international cooperation mechanisms.
Strong organisational skills, including the ability to set clear objectives and priorities and to manage time effectively.
Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
Ability to work both as part of a team and independently.
Ability to represent an institution in dealings with national and international partners.
Applicants must verify their eligibility for this opportunity using Annex 1 as the required template
3. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
The applicant needs to provide the CV(s) of the expers forseen to provide the services. The CV must cover:
Full name and contact details
Education and professional qualifications
Detailed employment history (company/role/dates)
Relevant assignments and outputs (with client references: name, email addresses or phone number)
Language skills and availability
At least two professional references (name, position, contact)
(CVs shall be submitted using the format as in Annex 2)
4. Proposal Requirements
4.1 Technical and Financial Proposal
Please complete Annex 3.
The fee indication must show VAT separately (if applicable) and must be in EUR. Offer validity: Minimum 30 calendar days.
4.2 Submission Instructions
Submit electronic copies to: opportunities@fs.de
Submission deadline: 02.08.2026 / 23:59 CEST
Clarification requests: contact opportunities@fs.de, 5 business days before the end of the deadline
4.3 Evaluation Criteria and Weighting
Submissions will be evaluated in consideration of the following evaluation criteria:
Evaluation Criteria – total of 70 points:
All proposals evaluated using the following weighted criteria:
Criteria | Weight |
Technical quality (experience and capacity of the expert) | 70% |
Financial offer (cost competitiveness) | 30% |
%2525201%25401x.webp%26author%3Dfalse&w=3840&q=85)
