Terms of Reference (ToR)
Compensation Benchmarking Study and Salary Structure Review
1. Background
Plan International (India Chapter) is looking to review its current compensation structure to ensure it remains fair, relevant, and aligned with the external market. Over time, with project-based hiring, donor-linked roles, and organisational growth, there is a need to take a fresh look at how our salary grades and ranges are structured.
This exercise is intended to help us understand where we stand in the market, bring more consistency in our approach, and put in place clearer guidelines for future decisions.
2. Purpose of the Assignment
The key purpose of this assignment is to:
- Benchmark our compensation against similar organisations in the development sector
- Review the current grade structure and salary ranges
- Address any gaps or overlaps in how roles are positioned
- Bring in flexibility for donor-funded positions without disturbing internal balance
- Build clear and practical guidelines for salary decisions going forward
333. Scope of Work
The selected consultant/agency will be expected to cover the following:
a. Market Benchmarking
- Identify a relevant set of comparator organisations (INGOs, NGOs, and similar sector players)
- Benchmark key roles across levels
- Share insights on how our current pay compares with the market
b. Review of Existing Structure
- Review current salary grades, designations, bands, and ranges
- Assess alignment with current roles and organisation structure
- Highlight areas where ranges may be outdated, inconsistent, or overlapping
c. Role Positioning and Grade Fitment
- Review how key roles are placed within the current grade structure and propose appropriate alternative designations as per market
- Suggest corrections where roles may not be aligned with job content or market practice
d. Donor-Funded Roles
- Recommend a practical approach to manage roles with donor-prescribed salaries
- Ensure flexibility while maintaining internal fairness
e. Guidelines and Policy Inputs
Develop simple and usable guidelines for:
- Fixing salaries for new hires in core roles and donor projects
- Internal movements and promotions
- Handling exceptions, if required
f. Recommendations
- Propose a revised grade structure with clear salary ranges
- Share a practical approach for moving from the current structure to the proposed one
4. Deliverables
- Brief note on approach and comparator group
- Benchmarking summary with key insights
- Review of current structure with identified gaps
- Proposed revised salary grades, designations and ranges
- Proposed guidelines for salary decisions
- Final discussion with leadership on recommendations and way forward to implement.
5. Timeline
The assignment is expected to be completed within 4–6 weeks from the date of onboarding.
6. Experience Required
- Prior experience in compensation benchmarking and salary structuring
- Understanding of the development/NGO sector will be preferred
- Familiarity with donor-funded programme environments
7. Proposal Submission
Interested agencies/consultants may share:
- Their approach to the assignment
- Relevant experience
- Proposed timelines
- Commercials
8. Point of Contact
The consultant will work closely with the HR team and coordinate with the Sr. Manager – HR & OD and Director HR, OD and Operations for this assignment.
9. Confidentiality
All information shared during the course of this assignment should be treated as confidential and used only for this purpose.
10. Proposal Submission
Interested agencies are requested to submit detailed proposal & time break up of activities and a detailed financial proposal (proposed budget) only in electronic version at procurement@planindia.org within 7 working days of publication of the advertisement.
Please note that no application will be accepted without a proposal budget, and previous reports/write-ups on similar assignments. Only shortlisted agencies will be contacted
Last date for submission: 6th August 2026.
- Plan India reserves the rights to alter the terms and conditions.
- Plan India reserves the right to accept/ reject the quotation without assigning the reason whatsoever.