Lead Consultant

This is a project management and strategic coordination engagement. The Lead Consultant is expected to manage delivery of two concurrent NetHope programs—the AI Accelerator for Nonprofits and the Digital Hub for Humanitarian Emergency Coordination—from initiation through close-out. The initial duration for the consultancy is one year, with a compressed timeline for the Digital Hub (through March 2027). The consultant is expected to closely collaborate with NetHope’s Program Manager in the implementation of the AI Accelerator for Nonprofits and with NetHope’s Director, Digital Programming in the implementation of the Digital Hub.

The consultant will be responsible for the following core functions:

- **Project oversight and management:** Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans, work breakdowns, and strategic roadmaps for both programs, ensuring alignment with NetHope’s organizational goals and funder requirements.
- **Program design:** Lead program design efforts across both initiatives in collaboration with instructional designers, content developers, and NetHope staff. This includes identifying technical requirements for the Digital Hub, relevant topics, learning approaches, and delivery methods, conducting light research, and ensuring all program content, output, and assets reflect program objectives and desired outcomes and the operational realities of the nonprofit sector.
- **Cross-functional project coordination:** Coordinate a distributed team of consultants, including instructional designers, content developers, and technical specialists, in accordance with direction from the NetHope point of contact, ensuring clear roles, accountability, and effective collaboration across time zones.
- **Quality assurance:** Establish and oversee quality assurance processes for all program deliverables, ensuring outputs meet NetHope standards and reflect best practices in digital transformation and nonprofit capacity building.
- **Timeline management:** Monitor and manage project timelines, proactively identify delays, and propose corrective actions to the NetHope point of contact to keep both programs on track.
- **Risk management:** Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks across both programs, maintaining a live risk register and escalating issues to NetHope point of contact as appropriate.

**Deliverables and Target Date**

The Consultant is responsible for delivering the following key outputs:

**AI Accelerator for Nonprofits**

- **Consultant Team Onboarding** — July 15, 2026

*Cross-functional program delivery team onboarded and aligned on scope.*

- **Development of Training Curriculum, Learner Experience, and Assessments** — October 2026

*Full curriculum, learner journey design, and assessment tools completed and approved.*

- **Cohort 1: Launch, Recruitment, and Selection** — November 2026

*Selection criteria applied; Cohort 1 participants confirmed.*

- **Cohort 1: Start** — December 2026

*Cohort 1 participants begin the 90-day accelerator cycle.*

- **Cohort 2: Launch, Recruitment, and Selection** — March 2027

*Selection criteria applied; Cohort 2 participants confirmed.*

- **Cohort 2: Start** — April 2027

*Cohort 2 participants begin the 90-day accelerator cycle.*

- **Accelerator Pitch Day for Cohorts 1 and 2** — June 2027

*Virtual pitch event showcasing AI projects for Cohorts 1 and 2; high performers from both cohorts recognized and selected for mentorship.*

- **Close out** — June 2027

*Final report, including lessons learned and recommendations for future programming, completed.*

**Digital Hub for Humanitarian Emergency Coordination**

1. **Platform Scoping and Recommendation** — August 2026

*Platform recommendation confirmed with supporting rationale covering cost and integration with Member workflows.*

1. **Hub Design and Configuration** — October 2026

*Hub architecture designed and finalized, working closely with Enterprise Architect.*

1. **Pilot Launch** — November 2026

*Pilot launched; feedback incorporated.*

1. **Full Hub Launch** — January 2027

*Hub live and open to all NetHope Members and Connectors with onboarding materials in place.*

1. **Close out** — March 2027

*Final report including usage data, lessons learned and recommendations for future programming, completed.*

**Use of Artificial Intelligence**

NetHope takes the responsible use of AI seriously. In accordance with NetHope's AI Policy, contractors are required to complete an AI disclosure prior to commencing work and are expected to ensure that all deliverables reflect NetHope's core AI principles, including accuracy, transparency, and ethical use. Contractors must be prepared to disclose how AI was used in the development of any deliverable upon request. NetHope reserves the right to request information about AI use at any point during the engagement.

**Qualifications**

**Required**

- Minimum 8 years of experience delivering complex, multi-workstream projects in the nonprofit, humanitarian, or international development sectors, with a demonstrated ability to work independently and manage engagements to completion.
- Strong understanding of digital transformation, AI readiness, and/or capacity building in nonprofit and/or humanitarian response contexts.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to translate complex technical content for non-specialist audiences.
- Experience with project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, PMI/PMP) and tools (e.g., Asana, Monday.com, or equivalent).
- Demonstrated ability to manage risk, resolve issues, and maintain quality deliverables under tight timelines and resource constraints.

**Preferred**

- Experience managing technology platform implementations, including collaborative tools such as Slack or community engagement platforms.
- Familiarity with NetHope, its Member and Connector organizations, or the UN humanitarian coordination architecture.
- Experience working with funders and managing grant-funded programs, including reporting and compliance requirements.
- Background in instructional design, adult learning, or digital skills programming for nonprofits.

**Project Timeline**

**Engagement period:** July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027

**Estimated hours:** Maximum 30 hours per week

**Reporting to:** Senior Director, Field and Impact Programs

While the designated supervisor for the consultant is the Senior Director, Field and Impact Programs, the consultant is expected to work closely with NetHope’s Program Manager in the implementation of the AI Accelerator for Nonprofits and with NetHope’s Director, Digital Programming in the implementation of the Digital Hub.

**Compensation**

NetHope welcomes proposals from qualified consultants globally. Proposed rates should reflect the consultant's location and local market context. NetHope evaluates all proposals on the basis of qualifications, relevant experience, and value for investment. All payments are made in USD. Invoices should be submitted monthly and include a description of work completed during the period.

**Selection Criteria**

Proposals will be evaluated on the following criteria: relevant experience and track record; quality and clarity of proposed methodology and work plan; consultant qualifications and capacity; proposed rate (USD) and overall value for investment; and references and past client satisfaction. Please include your proposed rate in USD in your submission.

**Selection Timeline**

**Proposal deadline:** July 15, 2026

**Review period:** Rolling basis

**Decision communicated:** Rolling basis

**Engagement start:** July 1, 2026

**General Conditions**

- NetHope is a fully virtual organization. Our team, Members, and partners are located around the world. Meetings may be required across time zones.
- We welcome qualified consultants from diverse backgrounds and locations globally.
- This engagement will be conducted fully remotely.
- All contractors must pass an OFAC screening prior