Consultant for Development of Alternative Funding Models and Private Sector Partnerships

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization founded on the belief that a better world is possible. Established to address the needs of communities in crisis, Mercy Corps operates in over 40 countries worldwide, focusing on enhancing resilience in the face of adversity. The organization has a significant presence in Ukraine, especially since the escalation of the war in 2022, where it has supported over 950,000 conflict-affected individuals through various programs, including cash assistance, food and hygiene kits, and psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support. Mercy Corps emphasizes partnerships with civil society organizations to ensure that humanitarian actions are matched with capacity strengthening and a commitment to localization.

Job Overview:
The consultancy role is designed to support Mercy Corps Ukraine in enhancing its programming portfolio by identifying, developing, and mobilizing alternative funding models. The consultant will also be responsible for designing and launching collaborative projects with private sector partners. The primary objectives include advising Mercy Corps Ukraine on alternative funding models for its Economic Recovery Program and developing joint projects with private sector entities. The consultant will conduct research, engage with stakeholders, and create detailed presentations and documents to support these initiatives. This role requires a proactive approach to identifying funding opportunities and building partnerships that align with Mercy Corps' mission to strengthen community resilience.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of tasks, including:

• Identifying, developing, and applying alternative funding models for the Economic Recovery Program.
• Conducting online research on funding models such as Slow Money.
• Engaging with stakeholders to gather insights and test interest in potential funding models.
• Designing and presenting funding models in PowerPoint or concept note format.
• Conducting outreach to potential funders and building out preferred funding models in detail, including governance, policies, staffing requirements, and development outcomes.
• Developing project management documents outlining activities, responsibilities, timelines, and outputs.
• Conceiving, developing, and launching joint projects with private sector partners, including drafting partnership agreements and project management documents.
• Providing advisory support for various activities related to research, stakeholder engagement, fundraising, and training.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in international development, economics, business administration, finance, or a related field, or have equivalent professional experience. A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in international development or humanitarian programming is required, with a focus on economic recovery and private sector engagement. Experience in designing and implementing innovative funding models, as well as a proven track record of building partnerships with private sector actors, is essential. Strong skills in fundraising, business development, and donor engagement are also necessary, along with excellent research and analytical abilities.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as international development, economics, business administration, or finance. Equivalent professional experience may also be considered. The educational background should provide a solid foundation for understanding economic recovery, market systems, and private sector engagement.

Experience:
The consultant should have at least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in international development or humanitarian programming, specifically focusing on economic recovery and private sector engagement. At least one year of experience working on private sector development in Ukraine is required. The candidate should demonstrate experience in designing and implementing alternative funding models and managing partnerships with corporate or private sector entities.

Languages:
Professional fluency in English, both written and spoken, is mandatory. Knowledge of Ukrainian is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication and engagement with local stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 100 working days over a 12-month period. The consultant will report to the Mercy Corps Ukraine director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director and will work closely with various team members, including the Deputy Country Director and Program Leads. The role may require extensive periods of time spent in Ukraine, and the consultant must be able to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality outputs under tight deadlines.