Call for proposals: external performance review of ISS Strategy 2021–2025
The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) is commissioning an independent external review of the implementation, results and continued relevance of the 2021–2025 ISS Strategy.The review is a contractual requirement under a Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) grant, and will provide Sida with an independent, evidence-based assessment to inform its decision on a future core funding partnership with the ISS.
Purpose and scope
The review will assess the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability of the ISS Strategy 2021–2025, and its broader strategic contribution to the field. The assessment will cover four strategic impact areas:
- Governance
- Peace and security
- National and transnational crime and violence
- Climate change and human security
The review will cover the period January 2021 to December 2025. It will draw on documentation review and interviews with ISS staff, partners, donors and stakeholders, including – where feasible – visits to ISS headquarters in Pretoria and relevant regional offices. The methodology should align with OECD/DAC evaluation quality standards.
Deliverables and indicative timeframe
- Inception report (methodology and workplan): 16 August 2026
- Interviews and document review: 17 August-13 September 2026
- Draft report: 11 October 2026
- Final report: 25 October 2026
Who should apply
The ISS invites proposals from qualified individual consultants or teams with:
- Experience conducting strategic or results-based reviews of organisations working in research, policy advice and technical assistance in the human security or governance fields in Africa (at least three references are required)
- Demonstrated understanding of the four strategic impact areas
- Documented experience conducting evaluations or results assessments, ideally in line with OECD/DAC standards
- Strong methodological, analytical and communication skills
- No current institutional commitment to, or stake in, the outcome of the review (independence requirement)
How to apply
Interested consultants or teams should submit a proposal comprising a proposed methodology, team composition and CVs, references, and a cost estimate.
Deadline: 31 July 2026
Full terms of reference are available on request. For queries regarding the scope of the review, contact Tonette Grütter, Director of Operations, at tgrutter@issafrica.org.