Research Consultant for Cash Consortium of Sudan

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization established with the belief that a better world is possible. It operates in more than 40 countries, partnering with communities to implement bold solutions that help people overcome adversity and build stronger communities. The Cash Consortium of Sudan (CCS) is a collaborative platform aimed at advancing cash and market assistance to transform humanitarian response and recovery for vulnerable populations affected by conflict in Sudan. The CCS is a multi-donor platform with an initial funding base of $50 million USD, focusing on famine prevention and response in regions such as Greater Darfur, Greater Kordofan, and Khartoum. The consortium is led by Mercy Corps and includes eight international NGOs and eleven Sudanese NGOs, emphasizing the importance of local actors in humanitarian efforts.

Job Overview:
The position involves conducting research to understand the protection, inclusion, and risk implications of Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) via proxy mechanisms in Sudan. The consultant will analyze the functioning of proxy systems among CCS partners, assess risks related to beneficiary safety and dignity, and explore compliance and fiduciary risks associated with these systems. The consultant will also provide recommendations for improving the use of proxies in cash assistance programs, ensuring that humanitarian principles are upheld while addressing the challenges faced by marginalized populations in accessing cash assistance. The research will focus on various aspects, including the context of proxy mechanisms, protection and inclusion risks, compliance considerations, and operational recommendations for CCS partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for reviewing relevant literature on proxy-based cash delivery, mapping current practices among CCS partners, synthesizing findings, developing analytical frameworks, training data collection leads, coordinating data collection, and presenting findings to CCS partners. The consultant will also amend and finalize existing guidance for implementing proxy distributions and document analysis in a brief report oriented toward practitioners. Specific tasks include conducting a desk review, establishing key analysis questions, developing data collection tools, managing data collection, and delivering a program-specific risk matrix and updated guidance for CCS.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate proven experience in cash and markets programming in complex or conflict-affected environments, ideally in Sudan or the Horn of Africa. A strong understanding of financial systems, liquidity dynamics, and the ability to apply humanitarian principles and conflict sensitivity in design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design is essential. Experience in conducting protection or operational research related to financial access and inclusion is required, along with excellent analytical and writing skills. Familiarity with Sudan's current conflict and economic context is crucial, and fluency in English is mandatory, with Arabic language skills being an asset.

Educational Background:
While specific educational qualifications are not explicitly stated, a background in social sciences, humanitarian studies, or a related field is likely preferred, given the nature of the research and analysis required for this consultancy.

Experience:
The consultant should have a proven track record of producing high-quality research pieces, particularly in the context of Sudan or similar environments. Experience in conducting primary data collection and securing necessary permits for research activities in Sudan is essential. The ability to work independently and manage complex research projects is also required.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Proficiency in Arabic is considered an asset, as it may facilitate better engagement with local stakeholders and communities during the research process.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to take place from December 2025 to February 2026, spanning approximately 35 days. The consultant will report to the Cash Consortium of Sudan Deputy Chief of Party and will collaborate closely with various CCS partners and stakeholders. The position may be filled by an individual researcher or a consultancy firm. The application process requires submission of a short proposal, examples of previous work, and a preliminary financial proposal. Mercy Corps is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its hiring practices and is an equal opportunity employer.