­­Terms of reference - Consultancy Opportunity: Drafting of Project Proposal – ECHO HIP 2026 (Sudan)

LM International is seeking an experienced consultant to develop a comprehensive project proposal for the ECHO Humanitarian Implementation Plan (HIP) 2026, focusing on integrated multi-sector humanitarian response in Sudan.

Timeline: November 26, 2025 – January 31, 2026 (subject to ECHO call and deadline)

Duty Station: Remote, with close coordination with LM International’s Sudan Country Office and Global Programs Team.

Background

LM International (LM) is a Swedish non-profit global foundation working to see the people we serve have a dignified life in a sustainable world. Since 1958, we have worked to meet the critical needs of impoverished regions. We have operated in over 80 countries and are currently active in 25 countries across four continents. Our mission is to empower individuals to create sustainable futures while preserving planetary health for future generations.

LM International began its operations in Sudan in 2002 following the ceasefire agreement in Southern Kordofan and was among the first NGOs to establish a presence in the western Nuba Mountains. Over the years, LM has expanded its footprint to Khartoum and multiple other states, developing deep contextual understanding of Sudan’s socio-economic realities, conflict dynamics, and humanitarian needs. With more than two decades of continuous programming, LM Sudan has built strong local networks and expertise across key humanitarian and development sectors including WASH, Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM), Education in Emergencies (EiE), Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL), Protection, and Climate Change adaptation.

Today, LM operates in nine states across Sudan—South Darfur, West Darfur, South Kordofan, West Kordofan, North Kordofan, Blue Nile, Red Sea, River Nile, and Khartoum—implementing multi-sector interventions aimed at strengthening community resilience, improving essential services, and protecting vulnerable populations. This long-standing presence and operational experience form the foundation for LM’s continued engagement and strategic alignment with ECHO priorities in responding to Sudan’s rapidly evolving humanitarian crisis.

Objectives

The consultant will:

• Draft a full ECHO Single Form proposal (including compulsory annexes) aligned with ECHO priorities and LM International’s strategy.
• Integrate interventions across WASH, Health, Nutrition, FSL, EiE, and Child Protection, ensuring a holistic approach for vulnerable populations.
• Conduct stakeholder consultations and research to ensure evidence-based design.

Scope

The consultant will lead the full proposal development process for the DG ECHO Humanitarian Implementation Plan (HIP) 2026 for Sudan, ensuring that all components meet donor requirements and reflect LM International’s strategic priorities. The scope includes:

• Lead Proposal Development: Serve as the principal writer responsible for drafting a complete DG ECHO proposal package, including the e-Single Form, budget, and all required and optional annexes.
• Conduct Comprehensive Document Review: Analyse relevant ECHO guidance, internal documents, and contextual materials to ensure alignment with donor priorities, technical standards, and compliance requirements.
• Coordinate Drafting, Editing, and Consolidation: Work closely with the Sudan Country Office, Global Humanitarian Coordinator, Global Programme Director, and Regional Director to refine proposal content, integrate feedback, and finalise all narrative and financial components.
• Guide Project Design Processes: Collaborate with country teams to incorporate findings from needs assessments and contextual analyses into the project design, ensuring strong evidence-based justification across the logframe and all technical sections.
• Support Budget Development: Lead or support the creation of a compliant and cost-effective budget, including BOQs and budget notes, ensuring coherence with the narrative proposal and ECHO regulations.
• Develop Key Annexes: Prepare and finalise required annexes such as the Needs Assessment Report, Workplan/Action Plan, and other technical documents necessary for submission.
• Ensure Timely Delivery: Adhere to all agreed timelines, proactively communicating challenges and risks to the Regional Director, Global Programme Director, and Global Humanitarian Coordinator to ensure smooth and timely completion of deliverables.

Deliverables

• Logical Framework & Section 3 of Single Form – by Dec 20
• Full Draft of Single Form – by Jan 10
• Final Adjustments – by Jan 20

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Social Sciences, Humanitarian Studies, or related field.
• Proven track record in drafting ECHO proposals (minimum 3 in the last 5 years).
• Strong analytical and writing skills in English.

Number of consultancy days

• 10 days in December
• 5 days in January

Payment Terms

• 30% upon contract signing
• 30% upon submission of the first draft of the project proposal (including stakeholder and needs analysis)
• 40% upon final proposal submission

Application Deadline: November 23, 2025

Submit your CV, financial proposal, and samples of previous ECHO proposals by clicking the Apply for this Job button above