Consultant for Crisis Analysis Funding Models

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization founded on the belief that a better world is possible. Established to address the challenges faced by communities in crisis, Mercy Corps operates in more than 40 countries worldwide, employing over 60 analysts, data scientists, and subject-matter experts. The organization focuses on providing bold solutions to help people overcome adversity and build stronger communities from within. The Crisis Analysis Team at Mercy Corps combines traditional research methods with advanced data science tools to navigate complex, high-risk environments affected by climate change and conflict, ensuring that donor investments yield measurable and sustainable impacts through coordinated interventions.

Job Overview:
The Consultant for Crisis Analysis Funding Models will play a crucial role in developing a go-to-market strategy for sustainable, mission-aligned funding models for Mercy Corps’ Crisis Analysis function. This position is vital as the organization seeks to diversify its funding streams and recover costs in light of declining institutional donor grant funding. The consultant will be responsible for producing a comprehensive strategy that includes cost-recovery and fee-for-service models, as well as subscription or membership options for standardized outputs. The consultant will engage in market analysis, stakeholder mapping, and feasibility assessments to ensure that the proposed funding models align with the organization's humanitarian principles and objectives. The consultant will work closely with the Director of Global Crisis Analysis and the Manager of Global Crisis Analysis, as well as pilot country-level teams, to ensure the successful execution of the strategy.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key activities and deliverables throughout the engagement. Initially, they will lead a diagnostic and landscape review, conducting a feasibility assessment that includes market analysis and peer mapping across sectors. This will involve designing key informant interviews (KIIs) and surveys to gather insights from priority prospects and peers. The consultant will then draft a go-to-market strategy based on these findings, which will include a segmented target prospect list and recommended messaging for different audiences. Following this, the consultant will design a costing methodology for the proposed funding models, including pricing logic and service level agreement templates. The consultant will also define pilot parameters, governance, metrics, and evaluation frameworks for the models, ensuring clear roles and responsibilities are established. Additionally, the consultant will develop a communication strategy to enhance visibility and outreach efforts. Finally, the consultant will execute pilot outreach based on the established plan and review pilot data to provide consolidated recommendations for scaling the funding models.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 7-10 years of experience in strategy, costing, and market analysis, preferably within the INGO or non-profit sector. They should have a proven track record in designing cost-recovery, fee-for-service, or subscription-based funding models for non-profits. The ability to translate operational costs into transparent pricing models that align with the organization's mission is essential. Familiarity with budgeting, costing templates, and financial sustainability approaches is required, along with experience in stakeholder mapping and needs assessments. Candidates should also have experience in designing pilots or small-scale rollouts of new service models in multi-country settings, as well as strong communication skills for conveying new products and funding models to diverse audiences. Strategic thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a multi-country organizational structure are also critical.

Educational Background:
While the specific educational background is not explicitly stated, candidates are typically expected to hold a relevant degree in fields such as business administration, international development, economics, or a related discipline. Advanced degrees may be preferred, particularly for roles that require extensive analytical and strategic skills.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically a minimum of 7-10 years in relevant fields such as strategy development, market analysis, and financial modeling. Candidates should have hands-on experience in the non-profit sector, particularly in roles that involve designing funding models and engaging with stakeholders across various sectors.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international scope of the organization. Additional languages may be beneficial, particularly those relevant to the countries in which Mercy Corps operates, to facilitate communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last between 10-12 weeks, with a total of 18 billable consultant days. The provisional schedule includes various phases such as diagnostic reviews, product and costing design, pilot design, communication strategy development, pilot execution, and final review and recommendations. The consultant will work part-time at various stages throughout the engagement. This position emphasizes collaboration and engagement with a variety of teams, reflecting Mercy Corps' commitment to building an effective and diverse team.