Short-Term Consultancy: Decolonization Journey Full Time

Type of engagement: Short-term consultancy (not an employment position)
Estimated level of effort: Approximately 20 working days
Duration: Spread over 3 to 6 months (February to July)
Department: JEDIS & Integrity
Reporting line: JEDIS & Integrity Officer
Location: MENA Region – Remote (with possible travel for in-person workshops)

1. Background

Greenpeace Middle East and North Africa (MENA), established in 2018, works to address the region’s complex environmental and climate challenges through community-centered, justice-oriented approaches. As a politically and financially independent nonprofit organization, Greenpeace MENA is part of the global Greenpeace network, comprising 27 independent national and regional organizations across 56 countries. Greenpeace does not accept funding from governments, corporations, or political parties, relying instead on individuals and independent foundations.

As part of its organizational development and Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Safety (JEDIS) commitments, Greenpeace MENA is embarking on an internal decolonization journey. This process seeks to critically examine and challenge colonial and Eurocentric frameworks embedded in organizational language, structures, and practices, with a strong emphasis on regional realities, linguistic justice, and inclusive systems.

2. Purpose of the Consultancy

Greenpeace MENA is seeking a short-term consultant to provide technical expertise and facilitation support to co-lead the implementation of this decolonization initiative.

This consultancy will support internal learning, participatory consultation processes, and the development of strategic outputs that inform future organizational directions related to language, identity, and inclusive practice. This assignment is time-bound and does not constitute a staff or long-term role.

3. Objectives

The consultant will:

• Facilitate participatory processes to explore the potential renaming of the organization from MENA to SWANA.
• Co-design and deliver learning and reflection processes that strengthen staff understanding of decolonization and its practical implications for Greenpeace MENA’s work.

4. Scope of Work and Key Activities

Objective 1: Exploring Organizational Renaming (MENA to SWANA)

The consultant will support Greenpeace MENA to assess the feasibility, implications, and potential impact of a name change by:

• Conducting an assessment of the political, social, cultural, and ethical dimensions of shifting terminology from MENA to SWANA.
• Undertaking a comparative analysis of regional organizations and other Greenpeace National/Regional Offices that have experienced similar naming processes, documenting lessons learned, challenges, and good practices.
• Designing and facilitating stakeholder consultations, including staff, partners, activists, and supporters, through bilingual surveys (Arabic and English) and focus group discussions.
• Collaborating with a legal consultant to support a legal and branding audit related to the proposed name change.
• Synthesizing findings into a discussion paper with clear options and recommendations for senior leadership consideration.

Objective 2: Staff Learning and Reflection

The consultant will:

• Co-facilitate a staff-led roundtable on decoloniality, justice, and ecological liberation.
• Develop preparatory reading materials and reflection prompts.
• Document discussions and propose a practical roadmap for continued learning and potential working group formation.

5. Deliverables

Key deliverables include:

• Proposed methodology and work plan with timeline.
• Stakeholder consultation plan and tools, including survey instruments and discussion guides.
• Stakeholder consultation report synthesizing perspectives on organizational renaming.
• Summary of legal and branding considerations developed in collaboration with a legal consultant, with actionable recommendations.
• Design and delivery of a learning workshop on decolonization in Greenpeace’s context, including facilitated dialogue on MENA vs. SWANA and a roadmap for continued learning.
• Comparative assessment report on similar renaming processes within the region and the Greenpeace network.
• Final synthesis report documenting the overall journey, stakeholder inputs, contextual analysis, risk–benefit assessment, and strategic recommendations.
• Internal presentation of findings and recommendations to senior leadership.

6. Timeline

Indicative phases include:

• Months 1–2: Planning, coordination, and development of tools and materials.
• Months 3–4: Implementation of consultations, roundtables, and bilingual engagement processes.
• Months 5–6: Consolidation, reflection, and final reporting.

Exact dates will be agreed upon with Greenpeace MENA.

7. Level of Effort

This consultancy is expected to require approximately 20 working days, distributed flexibly over six months.

8. Reporting and Coordination

The consultant will report to the JEDIS & Integrity Officer and work closely with the JEDIS Working Group, Executive Director, and relevant senior leadership.

9. Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in decolonial frameworks, intersectional justice, and language justice, preferably within the SWANA/MENA context.
• Strong facilitation experience in participatory consultations, including surveys and focus group discussions.
• Experience supporting organizational change and inclusive communication processes.
• Proven ability to develop practical tools, frameworks, and learning materials.
• Experience working with international NGOs or global networks in complex political and cultural environments.
• Fluency in Arabic and English.

10. Logistics and Support

Greenpeace MENA will provide access to relevant internal documents, staff, and platforms, as well as coordination, IT, and translation support as required.

Tagged as: Egypt, Greenpeace, Morocco, Tunisia