Consultancy for study on Building the Evidence Base for Shifting Operational Models for Locally Led Action

Drastic cuts in aid budgets present a timely opportunity to rethink aid delivery for greater efficiency and impact. Research by the Share Trust highlights the cost-effectiveness of local intermediaries in aid delivery, with growing support for shifting power and resources to national and local actors. Despite sector-wide commitments to localisation, including the Grand Bargain, progress towards genuinely locally led aid remains limited. Save the Children (SC) has made localisation a strategic priority, empowering local and national actors to lead humanitarian and development efforts. Aligned with the Grand Bargain, SC’s policy commits to allocating at least 25% of humanitarian funding to local actors and an additional 10% to cover indirect costs and capacity strengthening - aiming for 7% and 3%, respectively. The policy also emphasizes equitable partnerships, increased local leadership in coordination, strengthened preparedness, and support that complements rather than replaces local systems. To contribute to informed decision-making and explore viable alternatives for restructuring aid delivery, Save the Children Denmark (SCD) seeks consultancy support to research how diverse operational models can better localise aid. Objective of the Consultancy Build an evidence base on the value of different operational models that shift power and funding to local actors, informing SC’s strategic decisions and broader sector-wide advocacy. Key Goals Review existing SC operational models and other models across the sector, referencing SC’s report “Advancing Localisation: Comparative Analysis of Save the Children’s Operating Models.” Assess the potential of selected models in key countries to drive transformational change using a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA). Provide evidence-based recommendations to SC and the wider sector on adopting effective, cost-efficient models that promote local agency. Feed findings into the Share Trust’s broader research and advocacy on alternative aid delivery models.