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Consultant-Job Description

The ESC volunteer consultant collaborates with a Project Manager and other ESC volunteer consultants comprising an ESC team to provide quality, professional management consulting services to not-for-profit clients in the execution of the mission of ESC.

Qualifications

Competence

• ESC consultants utilize the skills, knowledge and abilities of their past or current work in their individual profession to the benefit of not-for-profit organizations. While experience in consulting is not required, background in some set of the basic services provided to clients, as described in ESC presentation materials, is necessary. For example, project management, entrepreneurship, strategic planning, financial planning and analysis, human resources, and marketing and public relations are a few of the areas of consulting services offered to clients. Experience in one or more of these areas could give the background needed to serve as a consultant.
• Written, as well as verbal competence, is necessary for completion of volunteer duties. Completion of the volunteer application and an up-to-date resume are initial examples of background and competence, and the initial volunteer interview demonstrates communication and interpersonal skills needed. The volunteer application process includes providing professional references to be checked by ESC staff.
• Existing skills and knowledge can be augmented, and new skills and knowledge developed through attendance at ESC Trainings as well as through internship assignments to projects.

Commitment Underlying Application & Acceptance

• When a volunteer accepts an assignment, he or she is demonstrating commitment to a project, which meets his/her skills, interests and time availability. Professional attitude, work ethic and time commitment is implicit in acceptance of the project and is to be demonstrated through the assignment. Should a volunteer be unable to make such a commitment, for any reason, they are encouraged to decline the assignment without consequence to future assignments.
• When a volunteer selects ESC as an organization to benefit from their expertise, he or she is demonstrating respect and support for the mission and vision of ESC. ESC, its mission and the not-for-profit agencies that benefit from management services, rely upon the good faith donations of time and money from volunteers. ESC recognizes and appreciates donations of services, goods and in-kind contributions, as well as financial donations, by volunteers.

Communication Skills

• Ability to communicate well in both written and verbal form is necessary for successful completion of the consultant's duties. Effective participation with a team of other professionals is also necessary.
• Ability to successfully resolve differences on an interpersonal, as well as professional level is necessary. Problem solving is a key component of ESC services to clients.

Time Requirements

• Each individual assignment varies in length and complexity. Upon the offer of a specific assignment, the Project Manager or ESC staff will give an expected time frame and the acceptance of the offer of assignment is viewed as a firm commitment to complete the assigned project.
• An orientation to ESC is mandatory. Further trainings in Core Competencies, including Aspect of Consulting, Not-for-Profit Differences, Board Governance and Planning & Facilitating Meetings are also expected to be completed within the first nine months of affiliation with ESC.
• On-the-job training is accomplished by two initial 'internship' assignments. During these assignments, a Project Manager or team member will extend mentoring and assistance in ESC methods of operation to the new volunteer. Opportunities for feedback to and from the new consultant are an important part of this process.
• Special topic workshops are presented throughout the year. Volunteers improve their levels of skill by attendance at these workshops. Workshops are designed to strengthen skills or address issues of topical concern in the not-for-profit field. Volunteers are expected to attend a minimum of two special topic workshops annually. For certain assignments, successful participation in a special topic workshop may be required.

General Responsibilities

• ESC serves a diverse group of clients. The consultant needs to exhibit understanding and acceptance for diversity and understanding of the operations of not-for-profit operations in order to provide services to these agencies.
• Services are provided through consultation and collaboration with the client. Through the process of interviews, observations, and the collection, review and analysis of data, the consultant will seek to advise and assist. In most cases, the goal of this analysis is to identify primary problems, develop alternative solutions, and develop recommendations for actions to implement change or solve problems within the client agency and to manage and maintain such change once it is carried out by the client.

Specific Duties

Initial Preparation:

• When approached by the Executive Director or a Project Manager for participation with a project, review the information provided including the preliminary Request for Assistance and any other background material recommended.

Meetings:

• With the Project Manager, and any other team members, attend initial meeting with key client personnel to review and assist in the preparation of specific project objectives.
• With the team, meet to develop a work plan and contribute to the creation of the Statement of Work and Consulting Agreement. Be sure there is a clear understanding of participation expectations and time commitments between you, the Project Manager and any other assigned Team Members.
• Complete your component of the work plan, meeting with fellow team members and clients as necessary and under the guidance of the Project Manager. Participate in team planning and periodic review meetings when requested.
• If requested, attend a final meeting with key Client personnel to summarize and discuss final documentation, including where appropriate, conclusions and recommendations of ESC to the client.

Analysis:

• As per the Statement of Work, and in conjunction with the Project Manager, determine the data needs of the project. Develop appropriate and timely methods of data collection.
• Evaluate data collected. Prepare reports of findings. If you are not responsible for the report preparation, prepare interview notes and data findings for submission to designated writer.
• Organize findings and, where appropriate, develop initial summary of conclusions as to problems and possible solutions and action steps for review with the Project Manager and team members. Relate findings and conclusions to the client's objectives and stated deliverables from the Consulting Agreement and/or Statement of Work.
• If requested in the original Consulting Agreement, provide coaching to assure the client's ability to implement recommendations.

Reports:

• At a minimum, report monthly to the Project Manager on the project status, work performed to date, problems encountered and the results to date. This report may be verbal or written.
• As assigned, prepare the draft project report of the project, summarizing primary problems to be addressed, objectives of the project, work performed by ESC consultant(s), findings, major conclusions, recommendations, further work required by Client, and possible continued ESC involvement.
• Participate in any group presentations summarizing the project report or other documentation.
• Participate in a post-project team review of the outcomes and lessons learned. Complete end-of-project evaluation and return in timely manner.
• Provide additional feedback to ESC staff and fellow team members at the completion of the project. Alert ESC staff and Project Manager to any additional needs of the client for subsequent ESC services.
• Keep track of all time contributed (including research, reading, report writing, phone calls, meetings, etc) for each project separately. Submit hourly reports to the ESC office on a quarterly basis.

If you are interested in becoming an ESC consultant please fill out our online Volunteer Application or printable form. For more information, please e-mail Nancy Long at execdir@escwa.org or call her at (206) 682-6704.