Background

The International Development Education Association of Scotland (IDEAS) is a network of organisations and individuals across Scotland involved in Global Citizenship Education (GCE). Our role as a network is to enable relationships, share learning and advocate for best practice in the delivery of Global Citizenship Education through raising the profile of GCE, promoting excellence in practise and policy development.

Our advocacy together has created space for impactful dialogue with policy makers, civil servants and other stakeholders. IDEAS has been a key contributor to the development of Scotland’s strong policy context for education for global citizenship and the Scottish example is cited regularly by overseas colleagues. We contribute to important policy agendas, such as Learning for Sustainability (where we bring a valuable perspective on social justice) and Children’s Rights and educational attainment (where we can connect the global and the local). As we look around the world today, there has arguably never been a greater need to advocate for Global Citizenship Education. Global agendas like the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the climate emergency provide the context in which to make this case, as does the commitment to Global Citizenship within Scotland’s current political sphere.

In line with our Strategy for 2021 - 2023, we have developed a series of advocacy priorities. Leading the implementation of this work on behalf of our network is our IDEAS Advocacy Working Group. This sub-group is made up of representatives from a range of members from across our network. Building on the previous work of IDEAS and in particular on the recent work of Bridge 47, the group seeks to build and reflect consensus among our network members in developing priorities and policy positions and to better implement our strategy.

Purpose of the call

In order to support this work, IDEAS is launching this Call for Consultants to identify suitably qualified professionals and experts who can support the important work of the IDEAS Advocacy Working Group in the following areas:

• Advocacy Programme Development, implementation and monitoring

• Advocacy design and formulation in agreement with the advocacy working group

• Communications and engagement with IDEAS members, policy makers and other identified key stakeholders

• Participatory and effective strategic communications with other networks

• Lobbying and advocacy

• Project proposal writing

• Network building and identifying synergies with strategic partners

Competencies and experience

• A passion for Global Citizenship Education and the role it plays in promoting a more equitable and sustainable world

• Understanding of the Scottish context for education and Global Citizenship Education

• Experience in project design, implementation, monitoring and reporting

• Experience of working in partnership with other organisations to achieve shared objectives

• Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to represent IDEAS to diverse audiences 

• Experience of direct public and political influencing and relationship building skills

• Skills and experience in writing and presenting persuasively

• Ability to multi-task and prioritise workload

• Highly developed relationship building and stakeholder engagement

Required Experience

We are looking for a range of professionals and subject matter experts with at least 3 years’ experience of working in communications, advocacy or engagement roles.

Formal training or background in Education, Economics, Development Studies, Communication/Media, Social Sciences, or relevant field is desirable.

 Please note that knowledge and understanding of the Scottish education policy and GCE landscape is a key requirement. The consultant will support IDEAS with strengthening GCE in the context of formal & informal education, but our ambitions are to ensure that GCE continues to be recognised and valued within other sectors such as the NHS and International Development.  

Contractual arrangements

While we are under no obligation to establish any arrangement following this call for experts, we intend for consultants to be self-employed. If you would prefer employment instead, then please signal this in your expression of interest.

Submission of response to call for consultants

The deadline for submissions is 28 February 2023 at 23:59 GMT.

Use the expression of interest form google form to submit your interest. You will be asked:

• to specify the topic(s) in which you express your interest

• to provide a CV highlighting the expertise related to this call

• a short statement outlining your motivation for applying

• a day or hourly rate.