Consultant for Yemen Case Study Assessment

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization that operates in over 40 countries, dedicated to the belief that a better world is possible. Established with a mission to help people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities, Mercy Corps focuses on disaster response and development efforts. The organization values diversity and inclusion, recognizing that a diverse team enhances its ability to create long-term impacts. Mercy Corps has developed a Crisis Analysis function to support programming in complex contexts, including regions like Syria, Yemen, Iraq, and Palestine, providing timely and relevant analytical products to inform humanitarian and development responses.

Job Overview:
The position involves leading the Yemen case study assessment for the 'Fragile Borderlands: Drivers of Drought Adaptation and Instability in MENA' project. The consultant will conduct a comprehensive desk review and analyze primary data collected through key informant interviews (KIIs). The project aims to understand how drought-driven livelihood stress affects informal and illicit cross-border trade in fragile border regions, specifically focusing on the dynamics of governance, market structures, and local power relations. The consultant will synthesize findings into a case study report that informs policy briefs and other outputs, contributing to more inclusive and conflict-sensitive climate adaptation policies in the MENA region. The role requires a strong analytical background and familiarity with the socio-political landscape of Yemen, as well as the ability to engage with local stakeholders effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key deliverables, including:

• Developing a contextualized desk review that covers governance and access arrangements, market dynamics, local power dynamics, and vulnerabilities.
• Reviewing and adapting the semi-structured interview guide and key informant list for local relevance.
• Conducting high-priority KIIs as needed and feasible.
• Analyzing primary data collected through KIIs and synthesizing it with desk evidence into a concise case study assessment.
• Providing technical review of project outcomes to ensure accuracy.
• Participating in workshops and donor meetings to support engagement and validation of findings.
• Delivering a consolidated Yemen case study assessment that documents governance arrangements, market dynamics, and vulnerabilities, serving as the evidence base for policy briefs and presentations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess 5-10 years of analytical experience in a think tank, research institution, consulting firm, UN agency, or NGO, with strong field experience in Yemen. They should have proven expertise in fragile and conflict-affected settings, particularly in political-economy analysis and governance. The ability to conduct applied market and livelihoods analysis is essential, as is experience in producing high-quality analytical outputs. Excellent English-language analytical writing skills and strong oral Arabic language skills are mandatory. Familiarity with informal economies, climate vulnerabilities, and market systems is strongly preferred.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree or equivalent experience in political science, international relations, public policy, investigative journalism, geography, environmental studies, or a related field is required for this position. Candidates should demonstrate a strong academic background that supports their analytical capabilities and understanding of the socio-political context in Yemen.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5-10 years of relevant analytical experience, particularly in contexts similar to Yemen. Candidates should have a strong understanding of the local dynamics and challenges faced in fragile settings, as well as experience in conducting research and analysis that informs policy and practice.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent analytical writing skills. Strong oral proficiency in Arabic is also required to effectively engage with local stakeholders and conduct interviews. Additional language skills may be considered an advantage, particularly if they relate to the regions of focus.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last between 15 to 20 days, depending on the consultant's expertise and project needs. The study will take place from March to November 2026, covering the entire cycle from initial framework adaptation to final reporting. The consultant will report to the Regional Crisis Analysis Senior Manager and will work closely with the Regional Crisis Analysis team and Technical Advisors. The position is part-time and may involve remote work, depending on the consultant's location and the feasibility of conducting fieldwork in Yemen.