EED is looking for a local consultant based in Morocco to enhance the in-country support mechanism for its operations in Morocco, initially for a period of 12 months, with the possibility of extension.

The consultant will be selected on the basis of his/her reputation and experience, his/her knowledge and understanding of political developments in the country, and the scope of his/her network (including CSOs, both established and recent, emerging political/social movements, alternative media outlets, etc.).

The consultant could belong to a CSO or other form of group but would not qualify to receive EED support during the period in which he/she will be carrying out services to the Secretariat. This limitation applies both to requests submitted at the individual level and on behalf of the organisation or group the consultant belongs to.

Duties

• Background checks: The EED will require reliable references of the persons or associations applying for support in order to make its funding decisions. The consultant is in this regard expected to carry out background checks when asked to, and makes recommendations accordingly.
• Support Grant proposals assessments and processing: The EED will be accepting grant requests in Arabic, (besides English and French). The consultant will be requested to contribute to the assessment of those requests, including content assessment, information verification, and reference checking among others. Likewise, the consultant may be requested to coach applicants following initial requests for support, to help them refine their proposals to be considered for EED support.
• Knowledge consultancy: The EED seeks to be complementary to other donors, especially to existing EU instruments. In order to guarantee its added value, it will thus request information regarding any existing initiatives that could potentially overlap with the activities it is considering funding. Within the possibilities given the situation on the ground, the consultant will be expected to maintain contact with the donor community and provide EED updates on donor activities in Morocco.
• EED will further require insider analysis of the evolving political and security situation and its impact on democracy support and democratisation efforts. The consultant will provide reports and updates that would provide such an analysis and focus on the consequences for EED support and activities EED is supporting in Morocco.
• Activity Follow-up and Technical Assistance: The EED country consultant will, in coordination with the EED, follow up on and support initiatives and activists that EED is supporting in Morocco. This would include providing regular feedback and assessment of the work of EED supported initiatives (ensuring, among other things that funds are being spent adequately and activities carried out as agreed). As grants are disbursed and activities initiated, the EED may also request the EED country consultant to provide the beneficiaries with technical assistance if needed and appropriate.
• Logistical support: Security conditions permitting, the EED country consultant may be asked to provide logistical support for the EED Secretariat direct engagement with grantees from Morocco. This could include setting up meetings or other logistical support.
• Outreach: The EED country consultant will be requested to identify/approach actors whose work could be considered relevant to the EED mandate. This would be done in close coordination with the Programme Officer and taking into account security conditions.
• Financial and narrative reports: The consultant may be requested to assist in the assessment of financial and narrative reports submitted to EED by grant beneficiaries.

The consultant will work under the direct guidance of the EED Programme Manager and under the general supervision of the EED Director of Programmes.