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Equinet is seeking the support of an experienced external consultant (or small consultancy) to facilitate the development of its Strategic Plan 2027–2030.

Background

Equinet is the European Network of Equality Bodies, bringing together national institutions mandated to promote equality and combat discrimination across the European Union and beyond. Through its work, Equinet supports its Members in strengthening their effectiveness, independence, and impact, while contributing to the development and implementation of EU equality law and policy.

As Equinet’s current Strategic Plan (2023–2026) comes to an end, the organisation will develop a new Strategic Plan covering the period 2027–2030. This next strategic cycle comes at a time of significant change in the European equality landscape, marked by the implementation of the new Directives on Standards for Equality Bodies and other relevant legislation for equality, evolving challenging political and social dynamics, technological transformation, and increasing expectations regarding impact, accountability, and sustainability.

Equinet therefore seeks to engage an external strategy expert to support a comprehensive, evidence-based, and participatory strategic planning process that will enable the organisation to define a clear, future-oriented strategic direction grounded in a robust understanding of its role, capacities, and operating environment.

 

Deliverables and timeline

The consultancy will run from the first quarter of 2026 until September/October 2026, concluding with the adoption of the Strategic Plan at Equinet’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) early October 2026.

Key deliverables will include an inception and baseline assessment/evaluation, a contextual and scenario analysis, facilitation of strategic discussions, a draft Theory of Change, a first full draft of the Strategic Plan, and a revised final version prepared for adoption and its presentation to the Membership at Equinet AGM 2026.

Some key touching points with Board and Secretariat throughout the year have already been established such as:

 

Expertise Requirement

The consultant should have substantial experience supporting strategic planning processes for non-profit organisations or EU-level networks, particularly those operating in complex policy environments. Specific experience in the equality and human rights field is a strong asset. Proven ability to facilitate high-level strategic discussions and organisational strategy planning development process with Boards and senior management is essential.

Strong expertise in Theory of Change, impact-oriented strategy design, and the integration of monitoring, evaluation, and learning considerations at strategic level is required. The consultant should demonstrate an understanding of sustainability and accountability principles as they apply to membership-based organisations.

Familiarity with EU equality and non-discrimination frameworks, the work and mandate of Equality Bodies and experience working with networks, coalitions, or institutional stakeholders, will be considered a strong asset.