Consultancy on the Development Policy Relevance of Economic Cooperation for children
Terms of Reference
About Terre des Hommes
Terre des Hommes is a children's rights organization that supports around 370 humanitarian aid and development cooperation projects for children and young people in more than 40 countries. What is particularly important to us is that we work with local partner organizations and empower children to claim and realize their rights. As a children's rights organization, we are independent of governments, business, religious communities and political parties.
Background and purpose
Germany's international cooperation is under pressure both domestically and internationally. Against this backdrop, reform processes have been initiated in the relevant governmental ministries, particularly in foreign policy and development cooperation.
The Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) has already presented a concrete instrument in the form of its Action Plan for Economic Development, which is designed to drive forward reforms and strengthen partnerships in the Global South. The action plan marks a strategic reorientation of German development cooperation. Economic development is increasingly being discussed as a central element of development cooperation, not only as a means of combating poverty, but also as a strategy for stability, prosperity, participation, peace promotion and the creation of sustainable prospects.
The aim of the consultancy is to place a special focus on the role of children and young people as those affected by economic reality and also as actors or co-creators of economic development. From a child- and youth-specific perspective, the aim is to assess the relevance of economic cooperation for development policy and to identify untapped potential for the future. The results of the analysis will inform an annual Terre des Hommes publication focusing on German development cooperation and humanitarian aid (2026).
Deliverables
Short report (5 pages) providing an overview of relevant research findings, other information and experiences relating to promising interventions in the field of economic cooperation from a development policy perspective, with a focus on child- and youth development. It should include
concisely presented arguments, conclusions and recommendations, ideally against the backdrop of current reform efforts in German development cooperation and HuHi, as well as
ideas for graphics, symbolic images and communicative messages.
Requirements
Relevant academic and/or practical experience and expertise with regard to the effectiveness of economic cooperation in the context of development policy.
Good understanding of a child- and youth-sensitive perspective on issues of economic cooperation and development.
Relevant practical experience in the preparation of policy documents.
Ideally, knowledge of the German debates on the need for reform in development cooperation and humanitarian aid.
- Agreement with the child protection policy of Terre des Hommes.
Timeframe
The consultancy deliverables must be submitted by 15 February 2026 (EOB). The work will be carried out flexibly as agreed between Terre des Hommes and the consultant.
Specification for offers
Offers should include a CV (1 page) and an exposé (1 page) and can be sent immediately until 15 January to Jonas Schubert (j.schubert@tdh.de) or Olivier Moliner (o.moliner@tdh.de).
Consultancy Fee
EUR 3,000 (tax included).
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