Call for Tenders: Research Consultancy on Global North-South Partnerships in Global Citizenship Education

Commissioned by IDEA in partnership with Concern Worldwide


IDEA (the Irish Development Education Association), in partnership with Concern Worldwide, is inviting tenders from suitably qualified consultants to undertake a research consultancy exploring best practice in equitable Global North–South partnerships in Global Citizenship Education (GCE).

The consultancy will identify and synthesise practical approaches to developing equitable, reciprocal and sustainable partnerships between organisations delivering GCE across the island of Ireland and organisations and communities in the Global South. The research will inform IDEA's ongoing work to support the sector and provide practical learning for IDEA members, while also informing Concern Worldwide's Global Citizenship programme.


This is a focused, practice-oriented consultancy. The emphasis is on identifying and synthesising existing evidence, examples of good practice and stakeholder insights to develop practical guidance that can support organisations in strengthening equitable Global North–South partnerships.


Consultancy overview

  • The successful consultant will be expected to:
  • undertake a targeted desk review of relevant literature, research and case studies;
  • engage with selected stakeholders across the island of Ireland and the Global South;
  • identify examples of effective partnership practice and practical approaches;
  • produce a concise report with recommendations, tools and guidance;
  • develop presentation materials summarising the findings; and
  • help lead a one-day IDEA learning workshop in early December 2026 to share the findings and support their application in practice.


Timeline

  • Applications close: 9.00am, Thursday 13 August 2026
  • Interviews (shortlisted candidates): 17–19 August 2026 (online, subject to confirmation)
  • Consultancy commences: Early September 2026
  • Research period: September–November 2026
  • Learning workshop: Early December 2026
  • Final report: December 2026


Budget

The available budget is in the region of €6,000 (inclusive of VAT). Financial proposals should include all professional fees, expenses and applicable taxes.


Who should apply?

We welcome applications from consultants with experience in Global Citizenship Education, partnership building, international development, participatory research and/or decolonial practice. Applicants should demonstrate experience of undertaking research or evaluations and producing practical, evidence-informed recommendations for the NGO, education or public sectors.


How to apply

  • Expressions of interest should include:
  • CV;
  • cover letter;
  • two examples of relevant previous work;
  • proposed methodology and indicative timeline; and financial proposal.


Please download and read the full Terms of Reference before preparing your application here


Please submit applications to recruitment@ideaonline.ie by Thursday, 13 August 2026, 9.00am. For queries relating to this consultancy, please contact recruitment@ideaonline.ie.

The project partners reserve the right not to make an appointment arising from this call for tenders. Should exceptional circumstances arise, the partners also reserve the right to amend the timetable or scope of the consultancy in consultation and agreement with the successful consultant.

 
Application process

  • Expressions of interest should include:
  • CV highlighting relevant experience.
  • Cover letter outlining suitability for the consultancy.
  • Two examples of relevant previous work.
  • Proposed methodology and indicative timeline.
  • Financial proposal detailing all professional fees, expenses and VAT.


Applications should be submitted online to recruitment@ideaonline.ie by Thursday, 13 August, 9.00am. Interviews with short-listed candidates are expected to take place on Zoom on August 17-19th (TBC), and a tender contract will be awarded soon afterwards.


The successful consultant will ideally commence work in early September 2026.


Any queries relating to this tender should be emailed to recruitment@ideaonline.ie.

July 30, 2026
IDEA is seeking an experienced Communications Manager to lead our strategic communications and public engagement work. IDEA is the national network for Development/Global Citizenship Education (GCE) in Ireland. We work with over 100 member organisations and individuals to strengthen the sector through collaboration, professional learning, research, policy engagement and advocacy. Development Education /Global Citizenship Education enables people to understand the world around them, think critically about global justice and sustainability, and take informed action to help create a more just and sustainable future. Reporting to the CEO, the Communications Manager will lead the development and delivery of IDEA's communications strategy, strengthen engagement with members and partners, raise the profile of IDEA, its members and the Global Citizenship Education sector, and communicate the value and impact of their work to a wide range of audiences. Key Responsibilities The successful candidate will: Lead IDEA's strategic communications and public engagement work. Develop and deliver communications strategies and annual communications plans. Raise the profile of IDEA, its members and the wider Global Citizenship Education sector. Communicate the impact of IDEA's work and showcase the work, learning and impact of members. Lead digital communications, media relations and organisational communications. Build relationships with members, partners, policymakers, media and other stakeholders. Salary and Benefits Salary: €49,522 - €55,737 per annum, depending on experience Full-time, one-year fixed-term contract. IDEA intends this to be an ongoing role, with the opportunity for the position to become permanent, subject to funding. May consider 4 day arrangement. Applications from candidates seeking a four-day working week will be considered 6.5% employer contribution to a contributory pension scheme Hybrid working arrangements (Dublin city centre office) Opportunities for professional development About You You'll bring: At least five years' relevant communications experience Experience developing and delivering communications strategies Excellent writing, editing and storytelling skills Experience managing digital communications, websites and social media Strong stakeholder engagement and project management skills An understanding of, or interest in, Global Citizenship Education, education, international development or the wider not-for-profit sector. How to Apply Please read the Job Description and Application Information PDF before applying. It contains the full role description, person specification, terms and conditions and application instructions. Applications should include: A current CV. A cover letter (maximum two pages). Email applications to recruitment@ideaonline.ie with the subject line Communications role. The deadline for applications is Thursday 17 September, 9.00am (Irish time).
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June 23, 2026
You can download the full agenda and programme and save it to your device as a PDF.