Consultant: Decolonization Journey – Greenpeace MENA

Duration: 20 Days in 3 – 6 months (Nov – May)

Department: JEDIS & Integrity
Reports to: JEDIS & Integrity Officer (or Interim)
Location: Remote/Hybrid (with possible travel for workshops)

1. Background

Greenpeace Middle East and North Africa (MENA) was established in 2018 to address the unique and complex environmental and climate challenges facing this region we call our home. As a politically and financially independent non-profit organization, we are dedicated to empowering local communities and collaborating with allies to develop innovative and practical solutions that help people to live in harmony with the environment. We are part of the global Greenpeace network that includes 27 independent organizations across 56 countries. We do not accept funding from governments, corporations, or political parties; instead, we rely solely on the generosity of individuals and independent foundations to support our mission.

Greenpeace MENA is embarking on an internal decolonization journey aimed at critically examining and challenging colonial and Eurocentric frameworks embedded in our organizational structures, language, and practices. This initiative seeks to ground our work in regional realities, amplify linguistic justice, and foster inclusive systems that reflect our commitment to justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and safety (JEDIS).

2. Purpose of the Consultancy

The consultant will provide expertise and facilitation support to co-lead the implementation of the decolonization initiative. This includes guiding internal learning processes, supporting participatory consultations, and delivering key outputs that inform future organizational strategies around language justice, identity, and inclusive practices.

3. Objectives

  • Facilitate participatory processes to explore renaming the organization from MENA to SWANA.
  • Co-design and deliver learning opportunities that deepen staff understanding of decolonization and its practical application.

4. Scope of Work & Key Activities

Objective 1: Exploring Organizational Renaming (MENA to SWANA)

The consultant will support GP MENA in evaluating the viability and impact of changing the organization’s name to Greenpeace SWANA, by:

  • Conducting a comprehensive assessment of the political, social, cultural, and ethical dimensions of the terminology shift from MENA to SWANA, complemented by a comparative analysis of regional organizations and other Greenpeace NROs that have previously undertaken similar name changes, to identify lessons learned, challenges encountered, and best practices to inform Greenpeace MENA’s decision-making process.
  • Exploring stakeholder perceptions, including staff, partners, activists, and supporters, on the name change through surveys (Arabic, English) and focus group discussions (FGDs) with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Collaborate with a legal consultant on legal and branding audit, assessing implications of the name change.
  • Compile findings into a discussion paper and provide recommendations for senior leadership review.


Objective 2: Staff Learning and Reflection

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

5. Deliverables

  • Proposed methodology and timeline
  • Stakeholder consultation plan and tools (e.g., interview guides, survey questions)
  • Stakeholder consultation reports with synthesized insights on renaming.
  • Collaborate with a legal consultant to conduct a legal and branding assessment and deliver a summary with clear, actionable recommendations.
  • Design and deliver a training workshop introducing the concept of decolonization in the context of Greenpeace’s work, including exploration of terminology such as MENA vs. SWANA, facilitated reflection and dialogue, and the development of a roadmap for ongoing decolonial learning activities.
  • A comparative assessment report analyzing regional organizations and other Greenpeace NROs that have undergone similar name changes, highlighting lessons learned, challenges encountered, and best practices to inform GP MENA’s potential renaming process.
  • Final synthesis report documenting the journey, stakeholders’ input, context assessment, lessons learned, Risk-benefit analysis, and recommendations for naming options and long-term integration.
  • Internal presentation for Leadership

6. Timeline

  • Month 1+2: Planning, coordination, and preparation of tools/materials
  • Month 3+4: Implementation (surveys, FGDs, roundtable, bilingual protocols)
  • Month 5+6: Consolidation, reflection, and final reporting

(Exact dates to be agreed upon with Greenpeace MENA.)

7. Duration

Six months (approximately 20 working days spread across the period).

8. Reporting Line

The consultant will report to the JEDIS & Integrity Officer (or interim focal point) and work closely with the JEDIS Working Group, Executive Director, and relevant senior leadership members.

9. Required Qualifications

  • Proven expertise in decolonial frameworks, intersectional justice, and language justice, ideally in the SWANA/MENA region.
  • Strong facilitation skills and experience in participatory consultations (surveys, FGDs).
  • Familiarity with organizational change processes and inclusive communication strategies.
  • Experience developing practical tools, guidelines, or frameworks in similar contexts.
  • Experience working with international NGOs or global networks, particularly in culturally diverse and politically complex environments.
  • Fluency in Arabic and English.


10. Logistics and Support

Greenpeace MENA will provide:

  • Access to internal documents, staff, and relevant platforms.
  • Coordination support for surveys, FGDs, and workshops.
  • IT and translation support as required.

11. Application Process

Interested consultants are invited to submit to [email protected] no later than October 17, 2025.

  • A brief technical proposal outlining their approach to the assignment (max 2 pages)
  • CV and relevant portfolio/examples of similar work
  • Proposed daily rate and availability