Consultant for Cash Consortium of Sudan (CCS)

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization founded on the belief that a better world is possible. Established to respond to disasters and hardships, Mercy Corps operates in over 40 countries worldwide, partnering with communities to implement bold solutions that help individuals overcome adversity and build stronger communities from within. The organization is particularly focused on humanitarian responses, such as the ongoing crisis in Sudan, where it aims to meet the needs of vulnerable populations affected by conflict. The Cash Consortium of Sudan (CCS), established in 2023, is a collaborative initiative led by Mercy Corps, which includes several international partners and local NGOs, all working together to enhance the effectiveness of cash assistance in humanitarian responses. The CCS aims to leverage the collective expertise of its partners to improve cash coordination and provide essential support to conflict-affected populations in Sudan.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in analyzing the relationship between market activity and Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) outcomes in Sudan. This position involves conducting a rigorous, policy-relevant analysis to determine how varying levels of market activity influence the effectiveness of cash assistance programs. The consultant will be responsible for leading technical analyses, reviewing datasets, and developing a methodological framework to assess the impact of cash assistance on market dynamics. The findings from this analysis will inform strategic decisions regarding the design and delivery of market support interventions, ultimately aiming to enhance the welfare outcomes for households receiving cash assistance. The consultant will work closely with the CCS research and markets teams to ensure that the analysis is comprehensive and aligned with the objectives of the CCS.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's primary responsibilities will include:

• Leading the technical analysis of the relationship between market activity and MPCA outcomes, including the development of a robust analytical framework.
• Reviewing and familiarizing with CCS MPCA registration and Post-Distribution Monitoring (PDM) datasets, focusing on indicators related to security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and basic needs.
• Conducting spatial mapping to define market catchment areas for MPCA households and preparing spatial outputs to illustrate locality-market linkages.
• Validating market locations in collaboration with partner organizations to ensure the relevance and accessibility of mapped markets.
• Aligning market activity data with MPCA distribution periods and constructing market indicators to capture fluctuations and volatility over time.
• Performing statistical analyses to explore associations between locality-level MPCA outcomes and market activity indicators, including conducting robustness checks.
• Collaborating with CCS researchers to draft a technical report summarizing findings and producing visualizations to communicate results effectively.
• Identifying follow-on research questions and methods to build on the results of the study.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess advanced proficiency in quantitative and statistical analysis, particularly in multilevel and hierarchical regression models. They should have demonstrated experience working with complex humanitarian datasets, including those that are messy or incomplete. Expertise in GIS tools for spatial analysis is essential, along with the ability to map localities to markets using geospatial methods. Familiarity with satellite-derived indicators for economic activity and the capacity to translate high-frequency datasets into interpretable indicators are also required. Strong communication skills are necessary for translating complex findings into clear insights for donors and stakeholders, as well as for writing technical reports and presentations.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in a relevant field such as economics, statistics, social sciences, or a related discipline is preferred. Candidates with a strong background in quantitative research methods and statistical analysis will be prioritized.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience in quantitative analysis, particularly in the context of humanitarian assistance or development programs. Candidates should have a proven track record of conducting statistical analyses and working with large datasets, as well as experience in spatial analysis and geospatial methods. Familiarity with cash assistance programs and market dynamics in conflict-affected areas will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as all reports and communications will be conducted in English. Proficiency in Arabic is highly desirable, given the context of the work in Sudan and the need to engage with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is a remote position, and the consultant is expected to complete all work by March 30, 2026, requiring an estimated 30 days of work. The consultant will report to Alex Humphrey, Senior Researcher, and will collaborate closely with various team members within the CCS. The role is designed to be flexible, allowing for a balance between independent work and collaborative efforts with the CCS team. Compensation and benefits will be discussed during the hiring process.