Request for Proposals: Mapping and Analysis of Civil Society Coalitions in Canada’s International Cooperation Sector

Background and Context

Cooperation Canada is commissioning a research and mapping initiative to update and expand a 2015 Coalition Landscape study that mapped a wide range of civil society coalitions working in international development and humanitarian assistance. The study examined coalition mandates, governance models, thematic priorities, and engagement strategies, providing a snapshot of how Canadian civil society organizations collaborated on shared policy goals within the international cooperation sector.

Since then, Canada’s civil society landscape has evolved in response to intersecting globalcand domestic shifts. New coalitions have emerged, others have sunset or transformed, and broader sectoral movements—toward shifting power, equity, digital resilience and intersectoral collaboration—have reshaped how collective advocacy, learning and coordination take place.

This project aims to update the coalition mapping and analysis and identify strategic opportunities to strengthen inter-coalition collaboration and linkages with broader actors, including government, philanthropy, academia, and grassroots movements. This research is being undertaken in parallel with a broader study focused on the composition of Canada’s international development sector, which will examine the number and types of organizations active in the sector, their geographic focus, areas of thematic work, organizational characteristics, etc. While distinct in focus, both studies are complementary. The consultant selected for this coalition mapping assignment will be expected to collaborate with the consultant leading the composition study to share insights, coordinate timelines / approaches where appropriate, and ensure complementarity of findings and outputs.

The 2015 Coalition Landscape Report can be downloaded here, for reference.

Objective

The purpose of this initiative is to:

• Update and expand the 2015 Coalition Landscape, reflecting contemporary realities and shifts in the ecosystem;
• Identify opportunities for collaboration, both:
  • Across civil society coalitions; and
  • With external actors, including philanthropy, government, academia,
    Indigenous organizations, and social movements;
• Clarify sectoral priorities, challenges, and gaps, particularly those shaping collective organizing and influence;
• Provide actionable recommendations to inform future coalition strengthening, coordination, and cross-sectoral engagement.

Scope of Work

The consultant will:

• Review the 2015 Coalition Landscape report and appendices and propose an updated analytical framework that reflects current sector dynamics, emerging themes, and contemporary approaches and circumstances (e.g., efforts to shift power, drastically disrupted international cooperation ecosystem, civic space considerations, Canadian landscape, etc.);
• Conduct a targeted desk review of current coalition activity, mandates, priorities, governance models, partnerships, and platforms;
• Design and implement a strategic methodology to solicit input from coalitions and key informants. This may include interviews, small-group consultations, participation in coalition meetings, a targeted, short survey to coalition chairs/leads, or other creative engagement strategies;
• Identify and analyze:
  • Coalition-level priorities, governance structures, engagement models, and barriers to collaboration;
  • Gaps, redundancies, and synergies within and across coalitions;
  • Opportunities for coalition collaboration with external actors;
• Develop recommendations that support collective action, alignment, and relationship-building across the international cooperation ecosystem.

An Advisory Committee, established to support Cooperation Canada’s efforts to map and strengthen the international cooperation sector, will support the process, review the proposed methodology, and provide input at key stages.

Deliverables

1. Updated Coalition Mapping Report (25–30 pages), including:
   a. A revised analytical framework;
   b. Profiles of active coalitions;
   c. Thematic and structural trends;
   d. Opportunities for collaboration;
2. Executive Summary and Slide Deck tailored for public presentation;
3. Structured Spreadsheet/Database capturing coalitions’ key attributes and
   metadata;
4. Presentation to the advisory committee on June 9, outlining the proposed
   methodology and engagement strategy;
5. First draft of the report for review and feedback from the advisory committee,
   including guidance on refining findings and communication strategies; and
6. Final report.

Proposal Requirements

Interested consultants should submit a proposal (max. 5 pages) that includes:

• A proposed methodological and engagement approach for the updated mapping;
• A summary of considerations for a revised analytical framework (proposals should not include a new analytical framework, but provide an overview of direction, themes that could be considered, etc. Creation of a new framework is part of project deliverables);
• A work plan and timeline, including key milestones and deliverables, noting the June 9th advisory committee date to present the analytical framework and methodological approach;
• A summary of relevant qualifications and experience, including links to past work;
• A budget and daily rate, inclusive of all applicable taxes and expenses.

Collaborative proposals and team applications are welcome.

Timeline

May 19 – Proposal submission deadline

May 23 – Consultant selected

Week of May 26 – Kick-off meeting with Cooperation Canada and confirming workplan

June 9 – Presentation to Advisory Committee on proposed approach and methodology

June – July Research and engagement with coalitions phase

August – Report drafting

September – Feedback on draft report from the Advisory Committee & Final revisions and design

October – Publication and dissemination

Procurement

Cooperation Canada is committed to transparent, fair, and values-based procurement processes. All proposals will be assessed on merit by a committee of Cooperation Canada team members, with attention to:

• Relevance, feasibility and quality of the proposed approach, methodology and
  work plan (30%);
• Experience and qualifications of the applicant(s) (30%);
• Cost-effectiveness of the budget (25%);
• Equity and inclusion considerations (15%).

We strongly encourage applications from individuals and organizations that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. This includes consultants from equity-deserving groups, such as Indigenous Peoples, racialized people, women, people with disabilities, members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and others who face structural barriers to access and inclusion.

Equity considerations will form part of the proposal assessment. This means we will
consider:

• How the applicant integrates equity principles in their approach and process;
• Whether the applicant identifies as or includes members from equity-deserving groups; and
• The degree to which the proposal reflects inclusive, participatory, and culturally
  responsive methods.

Please indicate in your proposal how these considerations are reflected in your team, your proposed approach, and/or your organizational values.

How to Apply:

Please submit your proposal and questions about this RFP to:

Andy Ouedraogo, Government Relations and Civic Space Lead [email protected]

Subject line: Coalition Mapping RFP Submission

By: May 19, 2025 at 11:59 PM