ToR - Compensation Benchmarking Study and Salary Structure Review

Plan International (India Chapter)

Apply by: 06 Aug 2026

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Highlight areas where ranges may be outdated, inconsistent, or overlapping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