Purpose:	Research on marketplace conceptualization and design
Application close date:	October 27, 2025
Duration of assignment:	3-6 months
Work location:	Remote, globally
Type of contract:	Service agreement
Project Lead:	Rebecca Firth /Fabrizio Scrollini

About the assignment

The Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team is exploring the establishment of a community vendor marketplace. The marketplace will support community vendors to gain greater access to paid work for local map, data, and drone imagery collection and analysis.

This step is a cornerstone of the organizational strategy towards financial sustainability and growth of impact over the next 5 years. We seek expert guidance to understand our options, evaluate different models, and develop a working concept that balances commercial viability with social impact.

About the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team

Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT) sits at the nexus of participatory mapping, community-led development, humanitarian response, open data, and tech. With a talented and diverse team spread around the globe, HOT is an NGO that supports a dynamic global community of thousands of dedicated volunteers using open geospatial data for humanitarian response and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. Working with humanitarian and development partners like the Red Cross, Médecins Sans Frontières, UN agencies, governments, and others, the HOT community maps in solidarity with those affected by or at risk of disaster.

Scope of Work

To understand the options available when setting up a community vendor marketplace, and define a working concept that optimizes value creation for all stakeholders - including community vendors, clients, and HOT.

Phase 1: Research, Comparative Analysis & Conceptualization

Deliverable: Research Report with Options Analysis

The consultant will:

• Conduct landscape analysis of existing community vendor marketplaces or similar initiatives.
• Research relevant models from the humanitarian, development, and social enterprise sectors.
• Identify best practices and lessons learned from similar efforts Review academic and practitioner literature on platform cooperatives and inclusive marketplaces, including reviewing risks such as value deterioration (a.k.a “enshitification”).
• Evaluate 3-5 marketplace models and their suitability for our work (e.g., platform cooperative, social enterprise marketplace, B2B procurement platform, community-owned network), including a clear list of the long-term implications for each.
• Compare governance structures, ownership models, decision-making processes, and legal structures.
• Assess revenue models and financial sustainability approaches.
• Analyze strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and risks of each model.
• Evaluate alignment with social enterprise principles and community empowerment goals.

Phase 2: Early Marketplace Design

Deliverable: Concept Framework for Marketplace Development

Once the deliverables of Phase 1 are approved, the Consultant will support HOT to:

• Define roles, responsibilities, and interdependencies across all stakeholders.
• Identify value propositions for each stakeholder group (HOT, community vendor, client).
• Analyze value flows (financial, social, knowledge, capacity-building).
• Assess power dynamics and potential inequities within different marketplace models.
• Identify key success factors from a social enterprise perspective Outline basic legal, technical, and financial considerations for piloting.

Proposed Process

We envision a collaborative and iterative approach throughout the six-month engagement period. The consultant will:

• Participate in fortnightly meetings with the project team to share progress, insights, and emerging findings.
• Maintain open communication channels for ad-hoc consultation and feedback.
• Facilitate collaborative working sessions and workshops to co-develop concepts.
• Share interim outputs and draft materials for iterative review and input.
• Engage key stakeholders at critical decision points throughout the process.
• Provide regular written progress updates aligned with phase milestones.

Who will you be working with on our team?

The consultant will report to Senior Director of Global Programs Fabrizio Scrollini and Executive Director Rebecca Firth with regular check-ins throughout the engagement.

Proposal & Timeline

Proposal Requirements

We seek an experienced firm or professional with proven expertise in sustainability models, digital platforms, and work with civil society organizations.

A. Relevant Experience and Track Record

• Demonstrated experience designing or advising on digital marketplace platforms
• Proven work with civil society organizations, NGOs, or the humanitarian sector
• Track record in developing sustainability and business models for social enterprises
• Experience with community-led initiatives, participatory design approaches, and open source communities
• Case studies or examples of similar marketplace or platform projects
• Understanding of development/humanitarian sector dynamics and challenges

B. Technical Expertise

• Deep knowledge of digital platform economics and marketplace design
• Expertise in sustainability models (financial, operational, social)
• Knowledge of inclusive innovation and capability-building frameworks

C. Methodological Approach and Work Plan

• Quality and feasibility of the proposed research methodology
• Realistic timeline and phasing
• Clear articulation of how deliverables will be produced
• Risk management and contingency planning
• Alignment with HOT’s mission and values

We will receive proposals which should include background information of the consultant, the preferred methodological approach for carrying out the consultancy, as well as the estimated budget.

We are seeking to engage with consultancy firms that can provide expert advice within the areas in scope for the duration of an initial 3-6 months. We estimate the level of effort at 40-60 working days over this period.

Please submit proposals to fabrizio.scrollini@hotosm.org by the deadline listed below.

Timeline

Activity	Date
Request for proposals opened	14 October 2025
Deadline for submission of written proposal	27 October (23:59:59 EST)
Selection process completed	7 November 2025
Begin collaboration	Mid November 2025