Consultancy Contract on System Mapping Assessment and Whole-of-Embassy Integration Approach for Development Cooperation

1. Background & Objectives The Danish Embassy in Vietnam manages a diverse range of development initiatives, including Strategic Sector Cooperation (SSC) programmes and the Danish Energy Partnership Programme (DEPP). As Vietnam transitions toward upper middle-income status, the Embassy's development cooperation model is shifting, creating a need for stronger strategic integration and coordination across its various portfolios and wider functions. Currently, there is no comprehensive overview of how these programs, stakeholders, and partnerships interact. This gap limits the Embassy's ability to maximize strategic synergies and ensure the long-term sustainability of development outcomes. To address this, the Embassy is initiating a system mapping assessment. The assignment, Systems Mapping Assessment and Whole-of-Embassy Integration Approach for Development Cooperation, aims to develop a practical system mapping methodology to strengthen coordination and strategic integration across the Embassy's development cooperation portfolio. Phase 1 focuses on developing the overall framework, database structure, and analytical methodology, utilizing the SSC Food and Agriculture programme as a pilot case. 2. Scope of Work The consultant will deliver the project through five key tasks: • Task 1: Inception and framework development • Task 2: Development cooperation systems mapping assessment, with linkages to wider Embassy functions. • Task 3: Pilot mapping of SSC Food and Agriculture • Task 4: Validation and workshop: The consultant shall design and facilitate a validation workshop involving relevant Embassy staff and selected stakeholders. • Task 5: Development of system mapping toolkit including internal training material for Embassy staff. 3. Methodology The consultant is expected to apply recognised systems thinking and systems practice methodologies drawing on internationally recognised approaches such as: Systems mapping; Causal loop analysis; Stakeholder network analysis; Systems dynamics; Theory of change; Result-based management approach; Transition and sustainability analysis; Flow mapping / resource and value-chain flow analysis The methodology should, where relevant, build upon the Embassy's existing stakeholder mapping work in Kumu and ensure practical usability and scope for future updates beyond the duration of the assignment. The digital systems map and stakeholder database shall be delivered in Kumu, building on the Embassy’s existing instance. The Embassy shall provide the consultant with access to the existing Kumu instance and relevant prior mapping data at the start of Task 1. The Embassy shall retain full ownership of all data, maps, and database content produced under this assignment, and the consultant shall hand over all materials in an editable, non-proprietary format in addition to the Kumu deliverable, to ensure continued usability should Kumu access lapse after contract completion. 4. Team Composition We are seeking qualified organisations with expertise in systems thinking and systems mapping. The proposed team should, among others, demonstrate: • Extensive experience in systems thinking, systems mapping, and systems practice methodologies; • Experience facilitating complex multi-stakeholder processes involving government institutions and development partners; • Experience developing practical methodologies, tools, and knowledge products for institutional use; • Experience with digital systems mapping platforms, preferably Kumu; • Strong understanding of development cooperation and experience in Vietnam and/or Southeast Asia; • A Team Leader with a relevant Master's degree, at least 10 years of professional experience, and fluency in English. 5. Timeline & Budget The assignment is expected to run from September 2026 to March 2027, with a maximum budget of 571,000 DKK (to be contracted in VND based on a fixed exchange rate to be communicated during the tender process). Deadline for application 10 August 2026, at 14:00, Danish time Interested Consultants can request to get the instructions prepared for applicants by e-mail to the Contact person stated below Contact point: Embassy of Denmark in Hanoi Contact person: Sanne Høj Andrén Contact e-mail: [email protected] Criteria for selection A minimum of three and a maximum of five applicants with references best suited for the assignment will be invited to submit a tender.