The Hivos EU SEE Survey Consultant opportunity is a short-term consultancy focused on evaluating how global funding shifts are affecting civil society organizations worldwide. This assignment is part of the EU System for an Enabling Environment for Civil Society (EU SEE) initiative, a large-scale program funded by the European Union to monitor and strengthen civic space across 86 countries.
This consultancy is highly relevant for professionals in research, civil society development, and policy analysis, especially those interested in donor trends, civic space, and the sustainability of nonprofit ecosystems.
About Hivos and the EU SEE Initiative
Hivos is an international development organization working to promote social justice, human rights, and civic empowerment. It focuses on enabling people and communities to shape their own futures through participation, advocacy, and innovation.
The EU SEE initiative is a global civil society monitoring system designed to track and respond to changes in the enabling environment for civil society, including:
- Legal and regulatory conditions
- Political and institutional freedoms
- Access to funding and resources
- Civic participation and public voice
- Safety and operational space for CSOs
It is implemented across a network of civil society organizations in 86 countries, combining early warning systems with flexible support mechanisms for organizations under pressure.
Purpose of the Consultancy
The EU SEE Survey Consultant will conduct a follow-up survey building on a previous 2025 study that examined the impact of the US funding freeze on civil society organizations.
Since then, the global funding environment has continued to shift significantly. The consultancy will assess not only direct funding cuts but also broader systemic changes affecting civil society, including:
- Reduced donor flexibility and predictability
- Shifts in donor priorities and funding models
- Increased political and regulatory constraints
- Impacts on operational independence and civic participation
- Changes in public trust and institutional support
The goal is to provide updated evidence on how these trends are reshaping the global civil society landscape.
Key Responsibilities
The consultant will be responsible for designing and delivering a complete survey and analysis process within a short timeframe.
Research Design and Methodology
- Develop a clear survey methodology aligned with EU SEE objectives
- Design tools for collecting qualitative and quantitative data
- Ensure methodological rigor and relevance across diverse contexts
Data Collection and Analysis
- Conduct survey implementation with EU SEE network members
- Analyze responses across multiple regions and thematic areas
- Identify key trends affecting civil society sustainability
Reporting and Deliverables
- Produce an inception report outlining approach and methodology
- Submit a draft analytical report with initial findings
- Deliver a final report summarizing key insights and recommendations
The final output will inform policy discussions on civil society resilience and donor strategies.
Timeline and Deliverables
The consultancy follows a tight delivery schedule:
- 6 July 2026: Submission of inception report
- 24 July 2026: First draft of findings and analysis
- 31 July 2026: Final analytical report submission
This indicates a fast-paced, short-term research engagement requiring strong time management and efficiency.
Required Skills and Experience
Hivos is seeking an experienced consultant with a strong background in civil society research, policy analysis, or development studies.
Key requirements include:
- Proven experience conducting surveys or applied research
- Strong understanding of civil society ecosystems and civic space
- Ability to analyze donor trends and funding systems
- Experience working in international or multi-country contexts
- Strong qualitative and quantitative research skills
- Excellent report writing and analytical communication abilities
- Ability to work independently under tight deadlines
Experience working with donor-funded programs or global civil society networks is highly desirable.
Application Requirements
Interested consultants must submit:
- A detailed proposal outlining methodology and work plan
- An updated CV demonstrating relevant experience
- A financial offer for the consultancy
Submissions must be sent by 12 June 2026 to the designated Hivos contact email.
Why This Consultancy Matters
This assignment addresses a critical issue in the global development sector: the stability and sustainability of civil society funding.
As donor priorities shift and funding becomes less predictable, many organizations face increasing pressure on their ability to:
- Operate independently
- Sustain long-term programming
- Respond to community needs
- Participate in policy and advocacy processes
By analyzing these trends, the consultancy will contribute to a broader understanding of how civil society can remain resilient in a changing geopolitical and financial environment.
The findings will help donors, NGOs, and policymakers make more informed decisions about supporting civic space globally.
Final Thoughts
The EU SEE Survey Consultant role at Hivos is a high-impact, short-term research opportunity for professionals working in civil society development, donor analysis, or policy research.
Although brief in duration, the consultancy plays an important role in shaping how global stakeholders understand the evolving challenges facing civil society organizations. It is particularly suited to experienced researchers who can deliver rigorous analysis under tight deadlines, while engaging with complex, multi-country datasets and policy environments.
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