Description
Background:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 35 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action โ helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within.
In recent years, Mercy Corps has deepened its engagement with the World Bank and is seeking to further strengthen this relationship by securing new funding and implementing additional programming. Mercy Corps is currently implementing a World Bankโfunded program in Sudan, and the process from Expression of Interest to grant agreement underscored the need for deeper expertise in World Bank procurement processes, particularly regarding budgeting, partnerships, recruitment, and sub-contracting.
Purpose / Project Description:
This consultancy aims to strengthen Mercy Corpsโ understanding of and engagement with the World Bankโs funding and procurement processes to enhance our competitiveness and position us for future opportunities.
The consultant(s) will address the following questions:
What types of World Bank funding opportunities are most accessible and appropriate for an international NGO such as Mercy Corps?
For each funding mechanism, what are the standard steps and requirements of a competitive bid/procurement and award process for World Bank-funded projects?
What are the key pathways to engage with the World Bank as a potential donor, in Washington and in Regional/Country offices?
How can Mercy Corps enhance our preparation, positioning, and overall competitiveness for specific proposal opportunities?
The consultant will help clarify relevant procurement regulations (e.g., allowable overhead costs, procurement lead times, recruitment requirements, donor policies) and recommend effective strategies for identifying and engaging with key decision-makers at the World Bank. This includes mapping out the various funding windows and guidance on where and how to identify relevant opportunities.
The overall goal of the consultancy is to produce practical, organization-specific guidance for Mercy Corpsโ ongoing engagement with the World Bank, improving our ability to identify, pursue, and secure future funding. As relevant, the consultant will also provide targeted, real-time advice during the bidding process for the anticipated DRC opportunity.
Consultant Activities
The Consultant will: Task 1: Analyze World Bank Contracting Processes
Review World Bank contracting terms and conditions, including overhead rates, compliance mechanisms, and contracting modalities, to assess feasibility for Mercy Corps. Provide guidance on how Mercy Corps could obtain and benefit from a World Bank procurement framework agreement or similar mechanism.Task 2: Provide Business Development Strategy Recommendations Synthesize findings from the analysis into actionable recommendations for how Mercy Corps can more effectively identify, pursue, and secure World Bank funding at scale. Identify entry points, decision-making structures, and engagement strategies relevant to Mercy Corpsโ global and regional priorities.Consultant Deliverables: The Consultant will provide: Deliverable 1: World Bank Contracting Analysis Report A concise report summarizing key World Bank contracting terms and conditions (including overhead rates, compliance requirements, and contracting modalities). Assessment of the feasibility and implications of these mechanisms for Mercy Corpsโ operating model. Practical recommendations on how Mercy Corps could obtain and benefit from a World Bank procurement framework agreement or other standing arrangement. Deliverable 2: Business Development Process RecommendationsA guidance document including: