Consultant – Settlement Framework

SDI Project – Bridge Together: Connecting Service Providers and Refugees for Seamless Support

The Bridge Together Service Delivery Improvement (SDI) project addresses longstanding coordination gaps among Settlement Service Provider Organizations (SPOs), refugee sponsorship groups, and refugees. At the centre of the project is a Settlement Framework designed to strengthen collaboration, improve coordination and knowledge sharing, identify service gaps, and support more seamless settlement services, ultimately leading to improved settlement outcomes for refugees.

In 2025-2026, CCS had developed the Settlement Framework. From Aug 2026- March 2027, CCS is seeking a consultant to consultant will support the ongoing refinement and validation of the Settlement Framework through stakeholder engagement, beta testing, and continuous monitoring the progress.

Scope of the Work

The consultant responsibilities include:

• (a) Review and update the Settlement Framework based on the feedback from staff and advisory committee.
• (b) Design a beta-testing process to assess the Framework's practicality, usability, and effectiveness.
• (c) Implement beta-testing activities and collect qualitative and quantitative feedback from participants. This includes the implementation of the engagement and coordination strategies with SPOs, refugee sponsorship groups, and refugees to identify gaps and explore practical solutions to improve the Framework
• (d) Validate findings with CCS and key stakeholders to ensure recommendations are evidence-based and accurately reflect implementation experiences.
• (e) Identify emerging strengths, challenges, gaps, and opportunities for continuous improvement.
• (f) Use beta-testing result to refine the Settlement Framework
• (g) Provide ongoing recommendations to strengthen the Framework based on beta-testing findings and stakeholder feedback.
• (h) Revise and finalize the Settlement Framework based on validated findings and approved recommendations.
• (i) Prepare a comprehensive progress report summarizing implementation activities, beta-testing results, stakeholder feedback, key findings and revisions made to the Framework.

Proposal Submission Requirements

The consultant should demonstrate:

• Experience reviewing, testing, and refining community-based frameworks, service models, or coordination approaches.
• Experience planning and facilitating consultations, pilot projects, or beta testing to gather stakeholder feedback and improve tools, frameworks, or programs.
• Knowledge of the Canadian settlement and refugee-serving sector, including settlement service providers, refugee sponsorship groups, and refugees needs.
• Experience engaging diverse stakeholders and facilitating collaboration across multiple organizations.
• Strong analytical, writing, and reporting skills, with the ability to synthesize qualitative and quantitative feedback into practical recommendations.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with project staff and stakeholders.
• Familiar or experience with IRCC-funded projects or the newcomer settlement sector is considered an asset.

Proposal Submission

Interested consultants should submit the following:

• Cover Letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining:
    o Understanding of the project objectives;
    o Relevant experience and qualifications;
    o Proposed approach to completing the assignment.
   
• Consultant Profile
  o Resume or company profile highlighting relevant experience.
  o Brief descriptions of up to three similar projects completed within the last five years.
   
• Preliminary Work Plan
  o A high-level work plan outlining the proposed methodology, major activities, anticipated timelines, and key deliverables for the period of September 2026 to March 31, 2027. A detailed implementation plan will be finalized with CCS following contract award.
   
• Financial Proposal
  o A fixed-price proposal not exceeding $9,000 (all-inclusive), including a breakdown of professional fees and any anticipated expenses.
   
• References
  o Contact information for two recent clients who can speak to the consultant's experience on similar assignments.