PURPOSE OF THE STUDY One of the key focus areas of the two organisations, is to ensure civil society is better understood and civil society actors have increased capacity and opportunity for collaborative policy voice and social accountability action. This includes knowledge about the legal, regulatory, and operating environment; and the political and socio-economic context of civil society organisations in the region. In order for the two organisations to optimise its interventions, and for the Trust to fulfil its role as mediator and facilitator, and to strategically place itself over the next four years, we have to deepen our knowledge and understanding of the state of civil society in the region, the operating environment, and the challenges it faces. These knowledge areas will be critical in the conceptualisation of strategies for the 2016-2020 period. An important milestone of the collaboration between OSISA and the Southern Africa Trust was a brain-storming session that was held in September 2014. The brain-storming session confirmed conclusively that there is a need for a mechanism, but that the mechanism needs to be considered in far more complex and broader terms than simply as a fund or source of money. Additional research, dialogue and consultation are important activities going forward. This study will aim to address the aspects identified during the brainstorm session. THE PROBLEM & PROPOSED SOLUTION Regional civil society organisations face many challenges as far as capacity and funding is concerned. The lack of sustainable funding for key regional institutions, result in limiting the contribution of these organisations to regional policy debates. In order for regional civil society to contribute meaningfully, the conditions have to be of an enabling nature. This includes both a political and legal environment which allows for this participation, but it also includes the operational enabling environment. Civil society organisations are most often, dependent on funds from external sources. This causes many complications in relation to ownership, agendas, constituency, and legitimacy. CSOs need to be able to implement an agenda, determined by its constituency, and have the necessary capacity to do. This includes financial resources. Without financial capability, organisations continue to scramble for survival, implement activities for the sake of survival, and dilute the contribution it can make to the development debate. It is therefore crucial that the financial capability and sustainability of critical CSOs are addressed through providing a sustainable source of financing. Linked to this, is the issue of lack of capacity, often both at an institutional level, as well as at thematic and operational levels. Providing a mechanism which can address the capacity – and funding – needs of a select group of regional CSOs – is thus the focus of this study. The Southern African Trust and the Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa, wish to explore the viability of setting up a sustainability mechanism for the long term funding and capacity building of a select group of regional civil society organisations that advance the regional integration and poverty eradication agenda. Hence the overall goal of the project is to ensure more and better financing to civil society organisations through the establishment of a facility to sustain activities of regionally focused organisations by providing stable sources of financing to, and developing and sustaining capacity of, a select group of regional CSOs. SCOPE OF THE TASK ANALYSIS & RECOMMENDATIONS A Political Economy Analysis of civil society organisations in the region, which covers the following elements:  The architecture and configuration of civil society in the SADC region, relevant to the objectives of regional integration and poverty eradication. This requires a mapping of regional civil society organisations (i) active in, and relevant to, the policy influencing sphere at regional level. This should include a review of membership and non-membership organisations; grassroots, networks, think tanks, advocacy and other relevant groupings;  Analysis of the operating environment for CS in the region, including legal, historical, institutional/administrative, political, socio-economic, and societal.  Opportunity, engagement mechanisms and access of CSOs to influence and participate in policy and decision making processes with an impact on regional integration and poverty eradication.  The interests and incentives facing different civil society groups in the region; the role of formal institutions and informal social, political and cultural norms; and the impact of values and ideas, including political ideologies, religion and cultural beliefs, on political behaviour and public policy. Clearly articulate the relationships between regional level and national level agendas and actions.  The resource (constraints) of CSOs. This includes funding, but should focus specifically on capacity constraints, including knowledge, skills, systems, and opportunity. The consultant is required to identify and recommend possible capacity building approaches, including technical assistance, areas of need and a proposed response mechanisms. Collaborate closely with the Bertha Centre for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Bertha Centre) at the University of Cape Town, Graduate School of Business (GSB) in relation to:  Undertaking an analytical evaluation of what funding sources are currently available within the SADC region – traditional (Northern & Western), and new or potential (African, South-South), including in the philanthropic sector and private sector such as Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives;  Making recommendations as to the criteria to be applied for CSOs to benefit from the proposed Sustainability Mechanism. This should include for example thematic areas; focus and sector; budget; registration and legal status; regional vs. national reach; years in existence; and any other relevant criteria. This should also include recommendations regarding the process to benefit from the Sustainable Mechanism;  Identifying key apex organisations that will potentially benefit from this Mechanism;  Identifying and recommending possible models and mechanisms of funding, suited to the regional environment.  Exploring whether a mechanism should be established independently of the Southern Africa Trust, or as an entity linked to the Southern Africa Trust;  Identifying discussing and recommending possible governance mechanisms, including place of registration and legal framework and requirements, stakeholder representation, decision making mechanisms, and accountability and governance mechanisms for the Sustainability Mechanism that will ensure political ownership of the fund. 3 | P a g e CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK  Apply a comprehensive data collection process, which includes both primary data collection and secondary data collection. This requires the development of a methodology, including desktop research, questionnaires, online surveys, face to face meetings and a series of focus group and workshop sessions as part of the research and consultation process.  Ensure a broad range of stakeholders, including potential donors, potential beneficiaries, members of a representative group of civil society organizations, networks and umbrella organisations, regional institutions including SADC Secretariat, and SADC governments as relevant, are consulted.  Work closely with the team undertaking the Trust/OSISA research on a Sustainability Mechanism (see below), and liaise to ensure collaboration, mutual support and exchange, avoid duplication, data sharing, and maximization of resources. REQUIREMENTS  Post graduate degree in Social Sciences preferably related to Economics, Development or a related discipline as a focus;  In-depth knowledge of civil society in the SADC region and well networked within civil society in SADC;  A minimum of 7 years of experience in conducting research;  Knowledge and demonstrable experience of undertaking political economy analysis.  Knowledge of and understanding of the funding landscape in the SADC region is a must;  Experience in conducting qualitative research using various methods  Excellent oral and written skills in English;  Strong analytical skills;  Facilitation skills;  Able to travel and work to tight deadline;  Must be a SADC national and resident in the region;  Be able to undertake the assignment between mid-March and end April 2015;  Southern African Trust and OSISA are open to an organization/consortium/team applying for the consultancy. However there must be a lead expert that fulfils the requirements above that would be directly responsible for delivery of the project.