REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

BACKGROUND 

 1.1 Project Summary 

Powered by the People (PxP) is a five-year global initiative with a budget of up to $45 million, aimed at empowering social movements that advocate for human rights, social justice, democracy, and inclusive development. Implemented by a consortium of nearly thirty organizations, PxP is led by PartnersGlobal, an NGO specializing in peacebuilding and democracy strengthening. PxP provides flexible funding, technical assistance, and rapid response resources using conflict-sensitive approaches.

1.2 Project Risk Mitigation Plan 

PxP's Risk Mitigation Plan follows PartnersGlobal’s DNH approach, emphasizing conflict sensitivity, trauma-informed methods, and power awareness. The plan aligns with USAID’s 2022 Risk Appetite Statement, addressing various risks:

• Programmatic/Development Outcome Risks: PxP uses continuous context and conflict analyses to maintain and adapt risk mitigation strategies.
• Fiduciary Risks: PartnersGlobal implements strict financial management, zero-tolerance policies on corruption, and a detailed Grants Manual.
• Reputational Risks: PxP will create a Strategic Communications Plan and promote transparency to mitigate misunderstandings.
• Security Risks: PxP will establish Security Guidelines and provide training and emergency assistance for partners.
• Physical Risk: PartnersGlobal will offer coaching on physical security strategies and emergency assistance for imminent threats.
• Digital Risk: Training on digital safety will be provided, ensuring secure communications with at-risk activists.
• Psychosocial Risk: PxP will offer workshops and training on psychosocial wellbeing and trauma-informed programming.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS 

2.1 Proposal/Letter of Interest

Applicants must submit a proposal of up to 2 pages (excluding budget) in PDF or MS Word format, including a cover page with contact information and numbered pages. Proposals should detail the applicant's approach, qualifications, and understanding of risks faced by activists.

2.2 Budget

The budget, submitted in MS Excel with a summary and detailed breakdown, should include all costs for a global security audit. Travel expenses will be reimbursed according to USG rates. A budget narrative may be included in Excel or PDF/Word format.

2.3 Required Attachments

• CV of Consultant or Team Lead
• Three references with contact information
• Sample security audit
• Number of working days and budget, including travel costs
  
  

2.4 Submission Instructions and Point of Contact

Questions should be directed to ekardouni@partnersglobal.org. Proposal submissions must be received by 11:59 PM EST on August 24, 2025, via the PartnersGlobal BambooHR portall.

SCOPE OF WORK  

3.1   Goal 

The primary objective of the requested support is to carry out a PartnersGlobal safety and security audit and develop a security management framework, as well as PxP project security risk assessment and protocol development. 

3.2 Methodology and Approach  

 The consultant will independently review current operational practices and support implementation of improvements (where required) within the PartnersGlobal approach to risk management, including internal incident and crisis response measures and duty of care integration into practices. The Consultant should expect significant involvement from the PartnersGlobal team based in Washington, DC. Additional project partners, including the PxP Safety and Security Team members, and donors may also comment on key deliverables. 

3.3 Deliverables  

• Safety & Security Audit Report 

• Security Management Framework 

• PxP Project Security Risk Assessment  

• PxP Protocols (support for development and implementation) 

3.4 Duration and Level of Effort  

The contract duration will be from 1 September 2024 to 30 June 2025. 

3.5 Geographic Location  

The Consultant can be based in most countries and is expected to work remotely.  

3.6 Logistical Support 

PartnersGlobal will provide preparatory and logistical assistance to the selected Consultant/organization, including: 

• Background information on project, including desk review materials; 

• Meetings, phone/email communication 

PartnersGlobal will not cover any costs other than those provided in the budget by the applicant. Please refer to section 2.2. 

3.7 Monitoring and Reporting  

In relation to the deliverable schedule outlined above, the security audit team is expected to provide PartnersGlobal with a progress status update via email, phone or virtual meetings on at least a biweekly basis for the duration of the performance period, which will be determined upon contract signing.  

3.8 Role and Competencies  

The Consultant will coordinate regularly to define and agree on key deliverables with the project team including PartnersGlobal staff and staff of the PxP partner organizations. The Consultant is expected to have the following competencies: 

Education 

Minimum master's degree in international development, social sciences, law, or related fields. 

Work Experience 

• 5 to 10 years of experience leading global safety and security audits for similar sized programs/ organizations; 

• Demonstrated experience conducting audits for programs/ organizations working with activists and movements; 

• Demonstrated experience and technical capabilities to support the implementation of safety and security recommendations; 

Knowledge, Skills, and Languages 

• Familiarity with the political, socio-economic, and security context of activists and their movements; 

• Familiarity with Do No Harm principles relating to program implementation; 

• Strong writing skills; Strong research skills; 

• Strong interview and facilitation skills;  Strong communication and intercultural skills; 

• Experience in diverse, inclusive, and multicultural work environments; 

• High level of organization and ability to meet tight deadlines; 

• High level of accuracy and attention to detail when completing tasks; Excellent interpersonal skills and a team player; 

• Fluency in spoken and written English required. 

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION 

• PartnersGlobal reserves the right to accept or reject, either in whole or in part, any and all submissions in response to this request, to waive irregularities, or take whatever action is deemed necessary in the best interests of the organization. 

• All material submitted regarding this RFP becomes the property of Partners. 

• PartnersGlobal is not responsible for any costs incurred by Consultant prior to awarding a contract or its rights, title, or interest therein, or Consultant’s authority to execute a subcontract with any other person, company, or corporation with the prior written consent of the Partners. 

• PartnersGlobal reserves the right to conduct reference checks with any client listed in the documents for further information and verification of the Consultant’s qualifications. 

• PartnersGlobal complies with U.S. Sanctions and Embargo Laws and Regulations including Executive Order 13224 on Terrorist Financing, which effectively prohibit transactions with persons or entities that commit, threaten to commit, or support Any person or entity that participates in this bidding process, either as a prime or sub to the prime, must certify as part of the bid that he or it is not on the U.S. Department of Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List and is eligible to participate. PartnersGlobal will disqualify any bid received from a person or entity that is found to be on the List or otherwise ineligible. 

FINAL APPROVAL

 PartnersGlobal’s selection committee will notify the selected offeror upon final internal approval.