TITLE: Strategy Development Consultant

TYPE: Consultancy

DEPARTMENT: HIAS Europe

HIRING MANAGER: Director, HIAS Europe

SUPERVISOR: Director, HIAS Europe

LOCATION: Brussels, or remotely elsewhere in EU

START DATE: ASAP

POSITION SUMMARY:

HIAS Europe was established in 2019 to engage European Jewish Communities and European Institutional Donors. It has since operated on a series of annual plans. Now that the organization is more established and has expanded its functions to include oversight of Country Offices and EU-funded grants, it has become time to review the original rational behind the office’s set-up and come up with a longer-term vision and strategic plan. HIAS Europe is, therefore, looking for an external consultant to facilitate this endeavor and develop a three-year strategy for the period 2025-2027. The strategy is to be formally adopted by the HIAS Europe Board in December 2024.

Deliverables

· A detailed methodology for the development of the strategy - by the end of October;

· Following consultations with staff (including two-day workshop), board members, and other stake holders, submit a revised mission statement and a logical framework or Action Plan, accompanied as necessary by narrative strategic plan.

Details of the consultancy

The Consultant will come up with the detailed methodology for the participatory development of the strategy, including proposals on the use of tools that would stimulate quality brainstorming by the staff. External stake-holders can be included into the strategy development process. The methodology and the structure of the strategy will be agreed with the HIAS Europe Director.

The consultant will take into consideration previous Annual Plans, annual reports, as well as HIAS global strategic documents. The theory of change will be an integral part of the strategy. The strategy will specify various factors that define the strategy, priority areas we target and the instruments we use. Special attention will be paid to the concrete steps to operationalise the strategy.

The Consultant shall perform the Services during the period commencing 15 October until 31 December 2024.

Required Expertise

· The consultancy will be delivered by a consultant with proven experience in supporting organisations in strategy development;

· Experience in strategic consulting for European (Brussels-based) civil society organizations, ideally also with identity-based organizations;

· Excellent facilitation skills proven by previous assignments;

· Excellent analytical capacities and research skills are required;

· Experience within humanitarian and international development sector advantageous;

· Experience in strengthening the organizational capacities of civil society organizations and networks is desirable.

ABOUT US:

Over one hundred years ago, the Jewish community founded HIAS (originally the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) in New York City, the immigrant gateway to America. Supporting Jews fleeing persecution and poverty in Eastern Europe, our founders were guided by the traditions, texts and history of the Jewish people—a history of oppression, displacement and diaspora. HIAS has since helped generations of Jews facing violence because of who they were, and HIAS remains committed to helping Jewish refugees anywhere in the world. Today, our clients at HIAS come from diverse faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds, as do our staff. We bring our experience, history and values to our work across five continents, ensuring that refugees today receive the vital services and opportunities they need to thrive.

HIAS is a learning community, committed to diversity and inclusion. We do our work with integrity, accountability, transparency and a commitment to the highest ethical standards. We seek employees from diverse backgrounds and life experiences to join our teams located in the United States and across the globe. People who identify as BIPOC, people with disabilities, people from the LGBTQ+ community and people with lived experiences of forced displacement or immigration are all encouraged to apply. We are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects our vision, mission and values.

VISION:

HIAS stands for a world in which refugees find welcome, safety and opportunity.

MISSION:

Drawing on our Jewish values and history, HIAS provides vital services to refugees and asylum seekers around the world and advocates for their fundamental rights so they can rebuild their lives.

VALUES:

Welcome • Acogimiento • Hospitalité • (Hachnasat Orchim)

We Welcome the Stranger

Justice • Justicia • Justice • (Tzedek)

We Pursue Justice

Empathy • Empatía • Empathie • (Chesed)

We Approach our Clients with Empathy

Partnership • Compañerismo • Coopération • (Chevruta)

We Believe in Changing the World through Partnership

Courage • Coraje • Courage • (Ometz)

We Act with Courage to Build a Better World

Resilience • Resiliencia • Résilience • (Ruach)

We Adapt and Thrive, Continuously Demonstrating our Resilience

HIRING PROCESS:

We are committed to a fair and respectful hiring process, and we do our absolute best to respond to every applicant. We prioritize communication and transparency with all candidates, even those who are not moving forward. Here’s a snapshot of our hiring process:

Step 1: Submit your application!

Step 2: Phone screen with a Human Resources staff person.

Step 3: Interview with the hiring manager.

Step 4: Interview with a panel of HIAS employees.

Step 5: Reference check.

Step 6: Offer and background check.

Step 7: Start your professional journey with HIAS!

Note: Some of our hiring processes may vary, and not all candidates will advance to each step.

DIVERSITY:

HIAS is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnic background, ancestry, citizenship status, religious creed, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, pregnancy, childbirth, military status, protected veteran status, political orientation or other legally protected status.

SAFEGUARDING:

HIAS is committed to the protection of children, vulnerable adults and any other person from any harm caused directly or indirectly due to their coming into contact with HIAS. We will not tolerate sexual exploitation, abuse or any form of child abuse or neglect by our staff or associated personnel. Any candidate offered a job with HIAS will be expected to sign and adhere to HIAS’ Code of Conduct and Safeguarding policies. All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records. HIAS also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. Likewise, HIAS will share this information when other organizations inquire about current and former HIAS staff as part of their recruitment process. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.