Cooperatives Data and Technical Integration Expert

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 disaster and hardship, Mercy Corps operates in over 40 countries worldwide. The organization partners with local communities to implement bold solutions that help individuals overcome adversity and build stronger communities from within. One of its key initiatives is Energy 4 Impact (E4I), which focuses on increasing access to energy and promoting productive use of energy (PUE) for vulnerable populations in Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and other developing markets. E4I collaborates with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to foster business growth, trial innovative business models, and secure funding for sustainable energy solutions.

Job Overview:
The Cooperatives Data and Technical Integration Expert will play a crucial role in the Community Owned Rural Electrification (CORE) project, which is a collaborative effort between the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Mercy Corps Energy 4 Impact (E4I), Murty International, Kigali Collaborative Research Centre (KCRC), and local innovation hubs. This project aims to pilot Renewable Energy Users Cooperative Societies (REUCS) to enhance governance, promote productive use of energy, and establish sustainable rural electrification models. The consultant will be responsible for aligning REUCS with Nigeria's existing agricultural cooperative structures under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD). This position requires a dedicated consultant to gather and analyze data on cooperatives, identify synergies, and ensure that proposed REUCS reforms are integrated smoothly with REA's internal processes and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant will undertake several key responsibilities, including:

• Data Gathering and Analysis: Collect and review existing cooperative data from FMARD and related agencies, analyze cooperative structures, governance models, and performance trends, identify opportunities for synergy between REUCS and agricultural cooperatives, and develop a database/mapping tool of relevant agricultural cooperatives for project use.
• Technical Support and Institutional Alignment: Provide technical input to the REA REUCS unit and CORE project team on aligning reforms with existing REA SOPs, review institutional processes, recommend adjustments for smoother integration of REUCS within REA's framework, and support the preparation of technical briefs and internal memos to guide REA's management decisions on REUCS integration.
• Capacity Building and Knowledge Transfer: Support the design, planning, and execution of Train-of-Trainers (ToT) initiatives to REA, cooperatives, and local innovation hubs, develop training content, manuals, and facilitation guides in collaboration with REA and the CORE team, and provide technical backstopping during ToTs, cooperative workshops, and trainings to local innovation hubs.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will possess a Master's degree in Cooperative Development, Rural Development, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field. Additionally, they should have 3-5 years of experience in cooperative development, data analysis, or institutional strengthening, preferably within the agriculture or energy sectors. A strong understanding of Nigeria's cooperative movement and agricultural institutions is essential, along with experience working with public sector SOPs, reform processes, or organizational alignment. The candidate must demonstrate the ability to conduct data-driven analysis and produce actionable recommendations, possess strong facilitation and training design skills, and exhibit excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Knowledge of local languages is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Master's degree in a relevant field such as Cooperative Development, Rural Development, Economics, Business Administration, or a related discipline. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of cooperative structures and the socio-economic factors influencing rural electrification and energy access.

Experience:
The position requires 3-5 years of relevant experience in cooperative development, data analysis, or institutional strengthening. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in agriculture or energy sectors, with a strong understanding of Nigeria's cooperative movement and agricultural institutions. Experience with public sector SOPs and reform processes is highly desirable, as is the ability to conduct thorough data-driven analyses and produce actionable recommendations.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as the role requires excellent written and verbal communication skills. Knowledge of local languages is considered an asset and may enhance the consultant's ability to engage with local communities and stakeholders effectively.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy assignment is expected to take no longer than 56 days, spanning from February 2026 to October 2026, subject to performance and fund availability throughout this period. The consultant will report to E4I's Regional Commercial Advisor – Energy Access and will work closely with E4I's Head of Energy Research and Innovation, the CORE Project Manager, the CORE M&E team, the Murty International team, the KCRC team, and REA. The position emphasizes safeguarding responsibilities, team engagement, and effectiveness, and adheres to Mercy Corps' commitment to equal employment opportunities and ethical conduct.