The GFCF is seeking a consultant to support its efforts (conversations, learning opportunities, and pilots) to explore the potential of community philanthropy in Francophone Africa as a strategy that can both strengthen the legitimacy – and financial base – of civil society in the region, and increase community participation and ownership of development processes.
Background
Over the past decade, the global community philanthropy movement has become more visible, more connected, and more organized. This has resulted in a proliferation of institutions around the world-most with strong roots in civil society and social movements-that relate to the concept, as well as a deepening of various aspects of the practice. This evolution has also been accompanied by a growing body of evidence and argument that shows the relevance of community philanthropy to debates about participation, ownership, civil society legitimacy and, most importantly, power. More recently, the global community philanthropy movement has been at the forefront of efforts to #TransferPower in philanthropy and development.
However, there are geographic regions where growth has been slower or non-existent. Reasons for this include lack of interest from external donors, lack of civil society support organizations promoting the idea, cultural and historical contexts, and, the predominance of English. While the FFCG has done much to ensure that its publications and resources are available in languages other than English, large gaps still exist in terms of access to networks, ideas, and information when it comes to community philanthropy development. Francophone Africa is one of those regions of the world where the conversation is still fairly new, but early efforts to stimulate the idea and provide opportunities for learning and exposure have generated strong interest from the local partners with whom GFCF has engaged.
Role of the consultant
At this stage, we would like to engage a consultant for an initial period of 4 months (working approximately 2 days per week). A more detailed specification of tasks will be agreed with the selected candidate, but tasks will likely include the following:
Using national, regional, and global networks, identify individuals and organizations interested in engaging in discussions, mapping, and experiences in the area of community philanthropy/local resource mobilization and the #TransferThePower agenda in Francophone Africa with a view to establishing longer-term grants and network-based partnerships.
Advise FFCG on, and support efforts to, connect conversations, practices, and organizations as a means to deepen and broaden broader, field-level processes aimed at building alternatives and influencing donor policies and practices.
Collecting stories, writing blogs, etc. to contribute to the emergence of a broader discourse on community philanthropy in Francophone Africa.
Expérience et compétences
- Knowledge of and heart for community philanthropy – and the #TransferThePower agenda.
- Experience coaching organizations and individuals to achieve their goals, challenge their assumptions and feel empowered to try something new.
- Fluency in French and English – other languages an asset.
- Ability to work with our remote team.
About the GFCF
GFCF is a global grantmaking fund that is registered as a charity in the United Kingdom and as a not-for-profit company in South Africa. GFCF has a small virtual team based in South Africa, Belgium, Nigeria and Uganda. We work regularly with consultants based in other countries, as well as with a global network of partners and allies.
How to apply ?
Please send a CV and a brief cover note to the GFCF Executive Director, Jenny Hodgson (jenny@globalfundcf.org).
