Muslim Aid USA (MAUSA) is a growing international humanitarian organization expanding its global programs portfolio across multiple countries and thematic areas. As MAUSA continues to scale its impact, there is a critical need to strengthen program strategy, internal systems, cross-functional coordination, and emergency response readiness to ensure the organization remains principled, agile, and operationally sound.
MAUSA seeks an experienced consultant (or consulting firm) to partner with organizational leadership to assess current programmatic structures and support the design of scalable, best-practice systems that strengthen governance, reduce key-person dependency, and improve coordination across Programs, Finance, Fundraising, Communications, and Operations. A central component of this work will include strengthening MAUSA's approach to emergency response through the development of a clear, tiered emergency activation framework aligned with global humanitarian standards.
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Purpose of the Engagement
The purpose of this consultancy is to support MAUSA in moving from largely person-dependent processes toward cohesive, documented, and institutionally embedded systems that enable:
Strategic clarity and focus across MAUSA's global programs
Stronger cross-departmental collaboration and information flow
Consistent program governance and accountability
Operational readiness during humanitarian emergencies
Long-term sustainability and organizational resilience
The consultant will work closely with senior leadership, including finance, marketing, operations, and key functional teams to assess current practices, identify gaps and risks, and propose practical, implementable solutions that align with MAUSA's mission, values, and growth trajectory.
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Priority Focus Areas
While MAUSA is intentionally leaving space for consultants to propose their own methodology and approach, proposals should demonstrate experience and thoughtful consideration of the following organizational needs:
1. Program Strategy & Organizational Alignment
Assessment of MAUSA's existing program strategy, portfolio, and positioning
Alignment with international humanitarian standards and peer organizations
Clarification of strategic focus areas, thematic priorities, and program models
Recommendations that support both impact and funder/donor alignment
Strengthening collaboration between Programs, Finance, Fundraising, Communications, and Operations
Improving information-sharing, approvals, and decision-making pathways
Establishing clear roles, responsibilities, and handoffs across teams
3. Program Governance, Systems & Institutional Memory
Reducing reliance on informal or person-dependent processes
Improving documentation, record-keeping, and information management practices
Establishing consistent program governance frameworks, workflows, and quality controls
Supporting staff adoption through clear tools, guidance, and training
4. Emergency Response Readiness & Activation
Assessing MAUSA's historical emergency responses and lessons learned
Designing a clear, tiered emergency activation framework with defined triggers and decision pathways
Clarifying roles and responsibilities across departments during emergencies
Ensuring emergency response processes are timely, principled, coordinated, and fundable
Strengthening MAUSA's monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) practices to support evidence-informed decision-making and continuous improvement
Building shared learning and information-sharing practices across programs and emergency responses
Embedding reflection and learning into regular program and emergency response cycles
Enabling leadership and staff to use data and insights to inform strategy, program quality, and organizational growth
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Expected Outcomes
By the conclusion of the engagement, MAUSA seeks to be positioned with:
A strengthened, clearly articulated programs strategy
Improved internal coordination and operational clarity
Documented systems and frameworks that support consistent program delivery
An emergency response model that enables rapid, well-governed activation when crises arise
Increased organizational confidence, readiness, and scalability
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Consultant Profile
MAUSA is seeking consultants with deep experience in international development and humanitarian response, particularly those who have supported organizations through periods of growth, system-building, or operational transition. Ideal proposals will demonstrate:
Senior-level experience in humanitarian programs, strategy, or emergency response
Familiarity with global humanitarian standards and NGO best practices
A track record of designing practical systems, frameworks, and governance models
Strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills
An ability to translate complex concepts into usable tools and processes
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Proposal Submission & Timeline
Interested consultants are invited to submit a proposal outlining their recommended approach, methodology, timeline, and level of effort, as well as relevant experience and examples of similar engagements. MAUSA welcomes proposals that reflect thoughtful, tailored solutions aligned with the organization's mission and current stage of growth.