1. Background

Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO), established in 1958 in the UK, is a global development organization that believes in a fair world for everyone. VSO’s unique volunteering for development approach puts people at the centre of driving sustainable, systemic change in their own communities. From local community organisations to national governments, VSO bring the right people together to coordinate collective action. The approach integrates social inclusion, gender equality, resilienceand social accountability, aligning with the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It empowers communities through the power of volunteering, bringing together people to share their knowledge, skills, and experiences to fight poverty and inequality. Operating in over 20 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, VSO has impacted approximately 24.8 million people. Its core focus areas include:

• Inclusive Education: VSO promotes access to quality education for girls and young children,
including early childhood care and education (ECCE) and education in emergencies. These
efforts ensure that children from birth to 8 years receive the support they need to thrive.
• Resilient Livelihoods: Through green jobs, decent work, and agroecology, VSO helps
marginalized youth and women gain control over their incomes and food security. Programs
focus on empowering informal workers and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
VSO also supports communities in climate disaster recovery, agroecology, and youth
advocacy. It has responded to major crises like the 2022 floods and COVID-19, working with
health workers and governments to improve services for the most vulnerable.
• Health and Wellbeing: VSO’s health initiatives address maternal and newborn health, sexual
and reproductive health, and the health of prisoners. It also tackles gender-based violence
and promotes safeguarding, especially for marginalized populations.
Since 1987, VSO has worked in Pakistan, engaging over 3,300 volunteers and reaching more than
260,000 people. Its work spans inclusive education, youth engagement, livelihoods, and governance,
with a strong emphasis on gender equality and resilience. These interventions target marginalized
groups such as adolescents, youth, women, refugees and people with disabilities. Key Projects in
Pakistan include:

• Technical support to teachers through Skilled International Volunteers Exchange
• Back-to-school campaigns
• Multi-Year Resilience Program (MYRP)
• COVID-19 response
• Youth leadership and advocacy initiatives
• ACTIVE Program and Youth Engagement
• Gender-based violence prevention 

To ensure long-term sustainability, local ownership, and meaningful community engagement, VSO has designed, tested, and successfull implemented a variety of volunteer-driven models. These models are tailored to local contexts and aim to empower individuals and communities by placing them at the heart of development efforts. Each model reflects VSO’s commitment to localization,

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inclusivity, and capacity building.
• Education Champions: Local volunteers mobilize communities for school enrolment.
• Sister for Sister Model: Mentorship for girls to build confidence and life skills.
• National Youth Volunteer Network (NYVN): Youth-led social action projects.
• University Volunteers: Address teacher shortages and promote active citizenship.
To support its strategic growth and enhance its effectiveness, VSO Pakistan is developing a
comprehensive a strategic plan. This plan will define clear goals, outline key strategies—including
resource mobilization—and detail specific actions to maximize its impact in the region.

VSO would like to invite bids from qualified vendors and organizations to develop a strategic plan including resource mobilization strategy.

Terms of Reference (TOR) 

• For details, please refer to the complete TOR attached here: (Link)

• The consultancy is scheduled to begin on Monday, September 1, 2025, and conclude on Friday, December 26, 2025.

Guidelines for Bid Submission:

Interested consultants/firms are required to submit proposals in two separate parts:

A. Technical Proposal

• Understanding of the assignment

• Methodology and approach

• Work plan and timeline

• Relevant experience and qualifications

• CVs of key personnel

• Company profile 

• Proof of registration with FBR and SECP

• A minimum of three references from clients, for whom the firm has provided similar work within the last five years

• Validity of proposal

B. Financial Proposal

Please provide a financial proposal separately that includes a detailed breakdown of all costs involved in the delivery of this work. Prices must be quoted in PKR currency and include all costs necessary for the performance of the contract inclusive of all taxes. Any charges not explicitly mentioned in the price schedule shall be deemed included and will not be separately reimbursed under the resulting contract. 

• Detailed budget breakdown

• Professional fees

• Travel and other reimbursable costs 

• Taxes and other applicable charges

Note: The financial proposal must be submitted in a separate sealed envelope or as a separate file if submitted electronically.

C: Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Technical approach and methodology – 30%

• Relevant experience and qualifications – 25%

• Work plan and timeline – 20%

• Financial proposal – 25%

D: Submission Details

To be considered, bids must:

• be on your organisation’s letter head 

• contain both a technical and financial proposal

• mention the bid validity period

• be received by the VSO contact by the bid deadline.

• Late submissions will not be considered.

E. Additional Information

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

• The organization reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal without assigning any reason.

• VSO reserves the right to accept all or part of an offer.

• For any queries, please contact Muhammad Zulfiqar Ali at [email protected]  no later than August 18, 2025. 

• Bidders may be invited to give a presentation or attend a clarification interview. 

• VSO shall not be held liable for any costs, losses, or expenses incurred by firms in the preparation or submission of their bids.