“PARTNERSHIP FOR SYUNIK: ENHANCED COMMUNITY-BASED SOCIAL SERVICES” PROJECT

Terms of Reference (ToR)

 

About the project

The “Partnerships for Syunik. Enhanced Community-Based Social Services” project is a Team Europe initiative funded by the European Commission. The project aims to support the development of a more resilient and sustainable social service system in Syunik, Armenia. The implementing organizations for the project are People in Need, in partnership with the “WINNET Goris” Development Foundation and the “Armenian Caritas”. The project’s three main outputs focus on building the capacity of Civil Society Organizations to deliver high-quality social services, developing sustainable mechanisms for participatory planning and delivery of services in partnership with local authorities, and engaging in policy dialogue and advocacy campaigns for sustainable funding of community-based social services. Through these outputs, the project aims to support the shift from a reactive, ad-hoc assistance system to a more integrated, shock-resilient social service system that better serves the needs of vulnerable populations in Syunik.

 

Location: Remote/In-person support (if applicable)

Duration: 3 months, part-time (50% of involvement)

Expected Start Date: 15 December, 2025

Reporting to: Project Manager

 

Objective

The Accreditation Specialist will guide and support Syunik based project-targeted CSOs through the process of obtaining state accreditation. This includes preparing necessary documentation, ensuring compliance with legal requirements, and providing consultations and capacity-building support to the target CSOs.

 

Selection Criteria

For the realization of the assignment, one expert is required. The accreditation expert shall have the ability to serve in an independent, personal capacity and will have to prove the required subject matter knowledge and advocacy expertise and cooperation skills in order to achieve high quality results (deliverables) within the expected time frame.

Specifically, the expert should possess the following qualifications and experience:

 

Key Responsibilities

Assessment & Planning:

  • Conduct an initial self-assessment of Syunik-based CSOs current status regarding accreditation requirements during the Partnership for Syunik project.
  • Develop a tailored action plan for each CSOs interested to achieve state accreditation.

Documentation Support:

  • Review and ensure the proper completion of all required documents of the target CSOs for state accreditation.
  • Assist in drafting or finalizing key documents of the target CSOs such as organizational statutes, reports, policies, etc.

Legal Compliance:

  • Ensure that all documents and procedures comply with relevant state laws and regulations of MLSA.
  • Liaise with legal experts hired by PIN to resolve any legal compliance issues regarding MLSA regulations.
  • Assist with the submission of accreditation packages to the MLSA.

Capacity Building & Consultation:

  • Conduct workshops and consultations to educate Syunik based project-targeted CSOs about accreditation procedures, requirements, and benefits.
  • Provide ongoing support and guidance to ensure a smooth accreditation process for target CSOs.

Follow-up & Troubleshooting:

  • Provide follow-up support post-submission to Syunik based project-targeted CSOs to address any additional queries or requirements from the accrediting authority.
  • Help resolve any issues or delays in the accreditation process.

 

Qualifications

Education:

  • A degree in Law, Public Administration, Social Sciences, or a related field.

Experience:

  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in legal consulting, accreditation processes, or working with CSOs.
  • Prior experience in dealing with government institutions or state authorities is highly desirable.

Skills:

  • Strong understanding of the legal framework governing accreditation of CSOs in RA;
  • Demonstrated knowledge of best practices in curriculum design, and effective assessment strategies;
  • Excellent organizational and project management skills;
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills;
  • Ability to work independently and under pressure;
  • Ability to receive and incorporate feedback into course material from program and consortium leads;
  • Experience in developing technical curriculum;
  • Strong ability to manage, prioritize, and organize multiple tasks;
  • Ability to reliably meet deadlines while working with CSOs;
  • Proactive, collaborative, and flexible.

 

Deliverables

 

Expected Outputs:

  • Comprehensive self-assessment report of the Syunik based project-targeted CSOs’ accreditation readiness.
  • Fully prepared accreditation packages for targeted CSOs with all necessary documentation.
  • Consultation sessions or workshops delivered (in online and offline formats).
  • Successful submission of the accreditation package for at least 4 Syunik based project-targeted CSOs.

 

Contract Type

Service contract

 

Application Process

All application documents should be submitted by email to d.miribyan@caritas.am and info@caritas.am, with the subject line “Accreditation Expert: Partnership for Syunik: Name”. The application must include Technical and monthly budget proposals. The deadline for submission is December 8, 2025. Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview.