Mid-term Review Consultant: UK Alliance

In 2024 the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) awarded the UK Alliance (UKA), through Bond, a three-year grant to support the UK international development sector. One of the UK’s strengths is its vibrant network of thousands of civil society organisations that work in partnership with others across the world, supporting marginalised communities and the delivery of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. In order to thrive, these organisations benefit from coordination and support by network organisations who know the needs of their members, can act as their ‘critical friend’, and champion the health and efficiency of civil society. 

The UKA is made up of Bond and its sister networks covering UK nations which includes Hub Cymru Africa (HCA) in Wales, Scotland’s International Development Alliance (SInDA), the Coalition of Aid and Development Agencies in Northern Ireland (CADA NI), the South West International Development Network (SWIDN), and the Small International Development Charities Network (SIDCN). 

Recognising the urgent need for unity and adaptation in the face of significant transitions both globally and domestically, the UKA seeks to embark on a transformative journey over the next three years. This project aims to foster collaboration and coordination within the sector, particularly in partnership with the FCDO, the UK Alliance and other key stakeholders, to ensure a resilient and impactful response to poverty, conflict, and climate change worldwide. By leveraging our unique positions as membership organisations with expertise in sector transformation, the UK Alliance endeavour to lead the way in facilitating data-driven approaches, effective coordination, and meaningful engagement to achieve sustainable development goals and address complex global challenges. Through this project, the UK Alliance aims to lay the foundation for a strong, independent, and adaptive development sector that can deliver tangible impact and learning opportunities for years to come. 

Purpose of the consultancy 

This consultancy is to conduct a mid-term review of the FCDO-funded programme managed by Bond and the UK Alliance. The review will take place halfway through the second year of the project, and will capture programme impact through qualitative evidence, assess progress against outputs and outcomes, and analyse whether the programme is on track to achieve its intended results within the planned time and budget. It will also document any unexpected outcomes or emerging lessons. The consultancy will provide an independent assessment that informs adaptive decision-making and supports programme learning for the remainder of the grant period Its’ findings will also contribute to the Annual Review for the second year.  

Objectives of the consultancy 

1. Capture impact – Collect and present qualitative evidence from stakeholders and beneficiaries. 
2. Assess progress – Review outputs and outcomes to show what’s on track and where gaps exist. 
3. Identify lessons – Highlight unexpected outcomes and key learning. 
4. Recommend next steps – Provide practical guidance to strengthen delivery and learning for the remainder of the grant. 

Timeframe 

We expect the consultancy to be carried out in between 11-12 weeks, with the final deliverable submitted no later than Feb 6, 2026. 

 Deliverables 

1. Inception Note & Plan – Maps the consultancy scope, methodology, and timeline, by Week 2 (Nov 13).  
2. Data Collection & 2-3 Case Studies (First Drafts) – Conduct qualitative interviews / focus groups, and beneficiary/stakeholder engagement. By week 7 (Dec 15).  
3. Draft Report (with 2-3 Case Studies) – Synthesizes findings with evidence on outputs/outcomes, progress, and lessons. By week 10 (Jan 20)  
4. Final Mid-Term Review Report – incorporating feedback, full findings & recommendations. By week 12 (Feb 15 or earlier if completed). 

Expression of interest 

Interested consultants are invited to submit a short outline plan and budget (the budget available for this work is capped at £5000) to ttalukdar@bond.org.uk by Oct 15, 2025