Consultant for Solar Lantern Intervention

Job Posting Organization:
The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) is a renowned research organization that focuses on food policy and its implications on global nutrition and health. Established in 1975, IFPRI operates in over 40 countries and employs a diverse team of experts dedicated to improving food systems and alleviating hunger. The organization aims to provide evidence-based solutions to enhance security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and nutrition, particularly in developing countries. IFPRI collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and private sectors, to implement innovative projects that address the challenges posed by climate change and economic disparities. The current project, funded by the Japanese Government’s FY2025 Supplementary Budget, exemplifies IFPRI's commitment to leveraging advanced technologies to improve livelihoods in refugee-hosting communities.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in implementing the solar lantern intervention aimed at enhancing educational outcomes and overall welfare in refugee-hosting communities in Northern Uganda. This position requires a proactive approach to engage with local schools and communities, ensuring that the solar lanterns are effectively distributed and utilized. The consultant will be responsible for preparing the groundwork for the intervention, which includes selecting appropriate schools and communities, sensitizing the target population about the benefits of solar lanterns, and monitoring their usage. The overarching goal is to create a sustainable impact on the lives of children and families by providing them with the means to extend their productive hours beyond daylight, thereby improving educational and economic opportunities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will encompass a wide range of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Supporting the selection process of schools and communities that will participate in the intervention.
• Storing and managing the solar lanterns prior to distribution.
• Conducting sensitization sessions for both the intervention group (beneficiaries) and control groups to ensure understanding and acceptance of the solar lanterns.
• Implementing the distribution of solar lanterns to the selected treatment and control groups.
• Monitoring the usage of solar lanterns to assess their impact on educational outcomes and household welfare.
• Providing ongoing technical support to beneficiaries to ensure proper usage and maintenance of the solar lanterns.
• Supporting data collection efforts throughout the intervention to evaluate its effectiveness and gather insights for future projects.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate outstanding experience in NGO activities specifically within refugee hosting communities and refugee camps. A proven track record of engagement with local schools in the target area is essential. The consultant should have established partnerships with national and local governments in Uganda, showcasing their ability to navigate the local landscape effectively. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are mandatory to facilitate collaboration with various stakeholders and ensure the success of the intervention.

Educational Background:
While specific educational qualifications are not explicitly stated, it is implied that candidates should possess relevant educational backgrounds that align with the responsibilities of the role, particularly in fields related to education, social work, or community development. A degree in a related field would be advantageous.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience in managing field operations, particularly in the context of educational interventions in refugee settings. Candidates should have a history of successfully implementing similar projects and demonstrating the ability to adapt to the unique challenges presented in these environments. Experience in international collaborations and partnerships with NGOs focused on vulnerable populations is highly preferred.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication for the project. Additionally, knowledge of local languages spoken in the target communities would be beneficial, facilitating better engagement and understanding with the beneficiaries.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is expected to last from April 2026 to March 2027, with the anticipation of signing a contract as soon as possible. The consultant will be engaged on a full-time basis, and the role may involve travel to the intervention sites in Northern Uganda. Compensation and benefits will be discussed during the hiring process, and candidates are encouraged to submit a comprehensive application that includes a CV for the project leader and field supervisor, a firm or institution profile, a list of past and current projects with brief descriptions, a cover letter, and a technical proposal not exceeding three pages.