Consultant

Overview

Call for Expression of Interest

Independent Consultant to conduct a r eview of RLMF Direct Funding Model (Togo)

Sightsavers, in partnership with the Reaching the Last Mile Fund (RLMF), is seeking an independent consultant to conduct a review of the 2025 pilot of the RLMF Direct Funding Model in Togo.

Anticipated timeframe: 6 weeksLocation: UK or West Africa - Remote with one visit to Togo, and potentially one visit to Sightsavers offices in the UK

Start date: April/ May 2026 (to be confirmed)Budget: To be determined, commensurate with experience

Background

The Reaching the Last Mile Fund (RLMF) is a multi‑donor financing mechanism supporting national neglected tropical disease (NTD) elimination programmes across priority countries in sub‑Saharan Africa. In 2025, RLMF piloted an innovative direct funding model in Togo, under which funding flowed directly to the Government of Togo (Ministry of Health), in partnership with Sightsavers.

The model was designed to increase flexibility, responsiveness and national ownership, while maintaining essential fiduciary and accountability standards. Given the trial nature of this approach, RLMF has commissioned a review to document how the model functioned in practice, identify strengths and challenges, and generate learning to inform future adaptations in Togo and potentially other contexts.

Responsibilities

Objectives and Deliverables

The consultant will assess the implementation, performance and learning from the 2025 direct funding model in Togo. Key objectives include:

• Clearly articulating the rationale and design intent of the direct funding model
• Assessing implementation fidelity compared to the original workplan
• Documenting how flexibility was exercised in practice, including any deviations or adaptations
• Analysing programmatic, technical, financial and institutional performance
• Capturing stakeholder perceptions of feasibility, accountability and sustainability
• Developing clear, prioritised recommendations for future implementation in Togo and potential replication elsewhere

 

 

Key deliverables will include:

• An inception/workplan outlining the review framework and methodology
• A draft report with preliminary findings and recommendations
• A final report incorporating stakeholder feedback
• Facilitation of one or more stakeholder validation meetings

Skills and Experience

Required Skills and Experience

Essential:

• Proven experience conducting programme reviews, evaluations or learning studies in public health or development contexts
• Strong understanding of donor funding mechanisms and government‑led implementation models
• Experience using mixed‑methods approaches (document review, quantitative analysis and qualitative interviews)
• Excellent analytical and report‑writing skills
• Fluency in FrenchandEnglish(written and spoken)

Desirable:

• Experience working with NTD programmes
• Familiarity with the Togolese health system and Ministry of Health structures
• Experience facilitating participatory learning or validation workshops

Payment Terms

Payment will be linked to agreed deliverables and milestones, as outlined in the consultancy contract.

For full details of the background to this work, the approach, methodology, timelines, and budget, please see the Terms of Reference

Next Steps

How to Express Your Interest

Sightsavers is committed to running a fair and transparent tender process and ensuring that all bidders are treated and assessed equally during this process. To apply for this exciting consultancy, please read the Terms of Reference carefully.

You will need to upload your CV (or CVs if you are representing a team) and complete the online Expression of Interest form (EOI) in full in ENGLISH. The form contains a section where budget details can be added. We are also keen to receive examples of previous similar work if possible, and you will be given the chance to reference this in the EOI form. 

Interviews will be held w/c 23 March 2026 and business/ safeguarding references will be required for each participating consultant before an agreement is signed.

Candidates are welcome to demonstrate their ability to match the person specification by expanding on how their experience, training and/or qualifications might have provided them with the knowledge or skills required for the role. Successful candidates will be appointed on merit.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we actively encourage Expressions of Interest from all sections of the community. Qualified people with a disability are particularly encouraged to express their interest.

Sightsavers is an employer that does not tolerate any form of harassment and has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. All potential consultants will be subjected to rigorous background checks and controls.

In line with its commitment to safe programming and recruitment, Sightsavers participates in the inter-agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS) administered by the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response. Through collaboration with other MDS members, Sightsavers aims to ensure that there are no sexual exploitation, abuse or harassment issues relating to potential new hires and that we can respond systematically to checks from fellow MDS members. This ensures our work is accountable, delivered to a high standard and supports safeguarding across the development and humanitarian fields.