The International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage (ALIPH) is a Swiss law foundation based in Geneva, benefiting from the privileges and immunities of an international organization. The main global fund dedicated to the protection of heritage in conflict, post-conflict, or crisis zones, ALIPH supports those who, on the ground, take concrete measures to protect or restore museums, sites, monuments, or intangible heritage, in the most challenging contexts. Since its creation in Geneva in 2017, ALIPH has supported 550 projects in over 50 countries.  

The Foundation carries out its mission thanks to the support of its nine member states (France, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, China, Morocco, Luxembourg, Cyprus, and Uzbekistan), its three private donors, as well as about a dozen other funding partners. 

Context 

As part of its strategic development, ALIPH wishes to obtain European Union (EU) accreditation through a Pillar Assessment, which would enable the organization to manage EU funds under indirect management. 

To prepare for this process, ALIPH seeks to engage an experienced consultant or consulting firm to accompany the institution during the diagnostic and planning stages of the Pillar Assessment process, with a view to establishing a clear and actionable roadmap toward compliance to EU Pillar requirements. 

Objective of the consultancy 

The objective of the consultancy is to assess ALIPH’s current systems and procedures against EU standards and to co-construct a structured roadmap identifying the corrective measures required to align the organization with these standards. 

This initial assessment focuses on the diagnostic and planning stages of the EU Pillar Assessment process, and is designed to lay the foundations for a subsequent implementation phase.  

Subject to satisfactory results, validation by ALIPH, and alignment with institutional priorities, the conclusion and outputs of this initial assignment are intended to inform and enable a second phase of consultancy dedicated to the implementation of the roadmap, with the objective of achieving full compliance with EU standards and preparing for the accreditation process. 

 1. Methodological Diagnostic and Framing  

• Develop and validate the overall approach, methodology, and work plan for the diagnostic phase, including timelines, key deliverables, and coordination mechanisms with ALIPH. 

• Define the diagnostic framework in line with EU Pillar requirements. 

• Conduct a comprehensive review of ALIPH’s existing procedures, policies, and systems. 

• Assess the level of compliance with the EU Pillar requirements and identify potential gaps, strengths, risks and areas for improvement. 

2. Co-construction of a Roadmap 

Based on the findings of phase 1 : 

• Co-develop with ALIPH team a detailed roadmap setting-out priorities and corrective measures required to align with EU pillar requirements. 

• Define clear milestones, responsibilities, sequencing and timelines for implementation. 

• Validate the roadmap with ALIPH’s management team. 

• Propose a detailed budget aligned with the validated roadmap. 

Scope of work and key deliverables 

The consultancy will be carried out in two sequential phases. 

Duration and level of effort  

The consultancy is expected to last approximately 4 months. 

• Phase 1 Diagnostic : 3 months 
• Phase 2 Roadmap : 1 month 

Expected qualifications and experience 

• Proven experience supporting organizations through EU Pillar Assessments or similar accreditation and compliance processes with major institutional donors (e.g. SIDA , World Bank, USAID). 

• Demonstrated expertise in EU financial regulations, internal control frameworks, and requirements for indirect management. 

• Strong knowledge of financial management and accounting, granting systems, procurement. 

• Experience in developing or strengthening policies, procedures, and internal control mechanisms to meet donor compliance standards. 

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate diagnostic findings into actionable improvement plans. 

• Outstanding communication, facilitation, and reporting abilities, including experience in consultations with senior management. 

• Fluency in English (spoken and written) is required; working knowledge of French is highly desirable. 

Application procedure 

Interested candidates are invited to submit the following documents: 

• A presentation of the firm / consultant and its experience in supporting international organizations. 

• The composition of the proposed team, accompanied by the CVs of key collaborators. 

• A technical proposal (under 5 pages) detailing the approach, methodology, and timeline. 

• A detailed financial proposal for the 2 phases of the consultancy (including estimated daily rate and total costs). 

• Two recent references from comparable assignments (NGOs, foundations, or international organizations). 

 Proposals must be submitted electronically, in PDF format, to the following address: finance@aliph-foundation.org 

Subject line: “Offer Pillar Assessment – [Name of the consulting firm]” 

Submission deadline: February 23, 2026 

Proposals received after this date or found to be incomplete will not be considered.