Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to select a qualified service provider to assist SALGA in developing its 2027–2032 Strategic Plan. The provider will support a comprehensive review of the current 2022–2027 plan, gather and analyze critical data, conduct environmental scans, and align the new strategy with upcoming policy reforms and sectoral changes. The ultimate goal is to produce an evidence-based, sectorally responsive strategic plan that promotes municipal excellence, sustainable development, and effective service delivery.

Scope

SALGA seeks a comprehensive, evidence-based strategic planning process including:

• Formal Strategic Diagnosis: Conduct a structured diagnosis to identify sector constraints and priorities, culminating in a Strategic Diagnosis Report with actionable recommendations.
• Municipal Typologies & Differentiated Responses: Develop a segmentation framework for municipalities based on key characteristics and define tailored interventions for each segment.
• Data-Driven Insights: Collect and analyze robust data, develop dashboards, and early-warning signals for municipal stress monitoring.
• Strategy-to-Execution Alignment: Ensure clear linkage from diagnosis to strategy formulation, performance planning, and monitoring frameworks.
• Foresight & Scenario Planning: Integrate scenario planning to stress-test priorities and identify resilient, adaptable strategies.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Reporting: Engage stakeholders throughout and deliver comprehensive reports, including an inception report, diagnosis, strategic framework, final plan, presentations, and closeout documentation.

The entire process must be completed within a nine-month period, with all activities aligned to SALGA’s governance standards.

Technical Requirements

• Experience in managing projects within the local government sector, with a proven track record of strategic planning and sectoral analysis.
• Expertise in environmental scanning, stakeholder engagement, data analysis, and translating strategic objectives into actionable plans.
• Strong project management skills, including coordinating multi-phase projects, facilitating stakeholder consultations, and adhering to quality standards.
• Ability to produce high-quality reports, dashboards, and decision-support tools.
• Capability to incorporate foresight and scenario planning techniques.
• Provision of a detailed project plan, methodology, and innovative approaches for strategy development and implementation.

Skills Requirements

• Sectoral Knowledge: Deep understanding of local government dynamics, policies, and reforms, including the White Paper review and funding model reforms.
• Analytical Skills: Proficiency in data collection, analysis, segmentation, and visualization tools.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop evidence-based, sectorally aligned strategies with clear outcomes and implementation pathways.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Skilled in facilitating consultations with municipalities, government departments, civil society, and sector partners.
• Report Writing & Communication: Capable of producing comprehensive, decision-focused reports and presentations for diverse audiences.
• Project Management: Experienced in managing complex, multi-phase projects within strict timelines and governance frameworks.