As part of implementing the CONCORD Pledge to ‘Shift the Power’, the Confederation would like to advance in ensuring that our publications reflect equitable partnerships, avoid framings shaped by colonial gazes (including whiteness) and saviourist dynamics, and explore alternative narratives grounded in reciprocity and solidarity. To advance this work, CONCORD seeks to audit selected publications to review the language we use critically and ensure that our outputs contribute to decolonising narratives and centring local voices.

It is essential to consider that CONCORD’s communications and publications primarily target an EU policy-maker audience. This creates a dual challenge: ensuring our messages are technically robust and credible for policy-makers while also reshaping narratives to dismantle the framings shaped by the Global North and foster inclusive, power-shifting storytelling. The audit’s recommendations must balance progressive narratives and less progressive audiences, offering practical ways to balance policy relevance with stronger narratives reflecting our values.

This audit of CONCORD’s publications is essential in ensuring that our written outputs reflect these principles and live up to our commitment to solidarity, equality, and decolonised practices.

Objective

The main objective of this consultancy is to provide a critical assessment of the language and visuals used in CONCORD’s publications and formulate concrete recommendations on how to adapt and improve it, aligning with the Pledge to ‘Shift the Power’.

Specifically, the consultant will:

• Identify where and how the current language risks reproducing white gaze or saviourist dynamics, harmful stereotypes, or Eurocentric framings.
• Uncover language and framings that may be perceived as inappropriate or problematic from a Global Majority perspective (ie, from the perspectives of communities and contexts most impacted by colonial legacies and systemic inequities).
• Highlight good practices and examples that align with the Pledge’s principles.
• Provide actionable recommendations,  as practices, questions, and invitations, to improve clarity, inclusiveness, accessibility, and narrative consistency across all publications.
• Suggest ways to embed anti-racism, reflection, and continuous learning into our editorial processes.
• Provide recommendations tailored to CONCORD’s primary audience of EU policymakers, ensuring that improved narratives remain technically robust and policy-relevant while fostering inclusiveness, solidarity, and equity.

Scope of work

• The consultant will audit a selection of approximately 5 CONCORD publications.
• Publications will be selected to represent a variety of outputs (policy papers, reports, communications materials, etc.).
• Rather than technical content, the focus will be on narrative, tone, framing, and representation.

Methodology

The methodology will include:

• Desk review of the selected publications.
• Comparative analysis with recognised best practices and guidelines on decolonising narratives, anti-racism in communications, and equitable partnerships.
• Optional brief consultations with CONCORD staff and members to validate observations.
• Any other alternative or complementary methodologies the consultant would like to propose are also welcome. They will be presented and discussed during the selection process.

Deliverables

The consultant will provide:

• An audit report identifying problematic or inconsistent language and framings that do not align with the principles of the Pledge to ‘Shift the Power’, including examples, patterns, and risks observed across the reviewed publications.
• A recommendations paper offering concrete, practical suggestions to improve language and narrative coherence, ensuring alignment with the Pledge and fostering equitable, inclusive communication across all publications.
• A presentation, interactive workshop, or Q&A webinar for CONCORD members to present findings and recommendations, and to facilitate a collective discussion on how these will be implemented.

Timeline

• 24th  November 2025 – Proposal deadline (including CV, methodology, and financial offer).
• December 2025 –  First round of selection. 
• January 2026 – Interviews with the final candidates, contract preparation and signature. 
• February 2026 – Kick-off meeting with the CONCORD team, relevant documentation transfer, and consultancy start.
• End March 2026 – Delivery of final report, recommendations, and presentation/workshop.

Consultant profile

• Proven expertise in narrative audits, decolonising language, and anti-racism frameworks.
• Familiarity with civil society organisations, international development, and/or human rights sectors.
• Capacity to read and critically analyse technical publications related to sustainable development cooperation, particularly focusing on Official Development Assistance (ODA) and relevant EU policies.
• Strong analytical and communication skills, able to present complex findings easily.
• Experience in facilitating interactive presentations and discussions with diverse stakeholders.
• We particularly hope for applications from consultants based in, from or with strong professional ties to the Global Majority, who align with CONCORD’s values.
• Experience navigating colonial power dynamics in policy or advocacy spaces will be valued alongside academic and professional expertise.

Budget

The maximum budget available for this consultancy is €5,000 (VAT included).

Application Process

Interested consultants are invited to submit a proposal by 24th November 2025, including:

• A short cover note explaining motivation and suitability for the assignment.
• A proposed methodology and work plan (including the number of days, approach, and any additional elements).
• CV highlighting relevant experience.
• Financial proposal (daily rate, estimated number of days, total cost).
• At least one example of similar work (narrative audit, language review, etc.).

Applications should be sent to soledad.briones@concordeurope.org with the subject line: “Application – Consultant for Publications Audit”