Request for Proposals · Lead Strategy Firm or Lead Strategist
Friendship Bench
Global Scaling Strategy (2027 - 2031)
Proposal Reference: FB/GSS/2026-01
Submission Deadline: 11 September 2026, 17:00 CAT.
About Friendship Bench
Friendship Bench has demonstrated the effectiveness of its evidence-based mental health model in Zimbabwe and across multiple countries. As global demand from governments, funders, and communities continues to grow, we are seeking a strategic partner to help define our next phase of responsible international expansion.
Friendship Bench is therefore seeking a strategy firm or lead strategist to develop a five-year Global Scaling Strategy (2027–2031) that will guide responsible international expansion while protecting quality, fidelity, sustainability, and the organisation's community-rooted ethos.
The Assignment
The primary objective of this assignment is to develop a Board-ready five-year Global Scaling Strategy and Operating Architecture that:
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Defines Friendship Bench's global ambition and strategic priorities.
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Develops a scalable operating and governance model.
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Strengthens alignment between global operations and the Zimbabwe anchor programme.
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Identifies sustainable financing and partnership opportunities.
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Delivers a practical implementation roadmap for the next five years.
The successful consultant will report to the Board Programs Committee, working closely with the Founder, Executive Management Team, and key stakeholders to develop a practical, evidence-based strategy that positions Friendship Bench for sustainable global growth.
Scope of Work
The engagement will span approximately 12–16 weeks following appointment and will include:
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Assessing global demand and identifying priority geographies and communities.
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Developing a prioritisation framework for country selection.
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Recommending partnership and implementation models.
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Designing governance arrangements between Friendship Bench Zimbabwe, Friendship Bench Global, and future country partners.
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Developing an operating architecture for global support functions.
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Identifying financing pathways and resource requirements.
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Defining quality assurance and fidelity mechanisms.
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Producing a phased implementation roadmap with milestones and risks.
Expected Deliverables
The assignment should include, at a minimum:
# | Deliverable | Timing |
|---|---|---|
1 | Inception report and refined workplan, including methodology, stakeholder map and evaluation questions | Week 2 |
2 | Diagnostic and demand-assessment findings, with prioritised geographies | Week 6 |
3 | Scaling model and operating/governance options paper, including the FB Zimbabwe–FB Global relationship and resource-sharing model, for Board discussion | Week 9 |
4 | Draft global scaling strategy, including financial and funding strategy | Week 12 |
5 | Final global scaling strategy and five-year cost implementation roadmap | Week 14 - 16 |
6 | Board presentation of final strategy and first-year action plan | On completion |
Who Should Apply
We welcome proposals from:
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International strategy consulting firms.
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Boutique strategy firms with strong social impact experience.
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Independent lead strategists with demonstrated experience leading complex organisational strategy engagements.
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Teams with expertise in global health, mental health, scaling social innovations, and nonprofit operating models.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Applicants should demonstrate:
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Proven experience developing organisational or global scaling strategies.
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Strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills.
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Experience working with nonprofits, global health organisations, or social enterprises.
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Ability to translate strategy into practical implementation plans.
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Familiarity with mental health, community health, or global development is an advantage.
Proposal Requirements
Proposals should include:
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A brief organisational or consultant profile.
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Understanding of the assignment.
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A technical proposal outlining the methodology and workplan.
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Relevant experience and examples of similar work.
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Proposed team and roles.
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References from comparable engagements.
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Financial proposal, including fees and payment schedule.
Evaluation Criteria
Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
Understanding of the assignment and Friendship Bench context | 15% |
Quality and rigour of proposed approach and methodology | 25% |
Relevant experience in scaling, global health and African/emerging markets | 20% |
Team composition, seniority and references | 15% |
Values alignment, facilitation approach and safeguarding | 5% |
Financial proposal — value for money | 20% |
Submission
Email:
Subject line:
Proposal – FB/GSS/2026-01 Global Scaling Strategy
Deadline
7 September 2026, 17:00 CAT.
Please submit your proposal as a single PDF. Any clarification questions should be sent to the same email address before the question deadline. Friendship Bench may request additional information from shortlisted applicants during the evaluation process.