Consultant Responding to Urgent Needs and Investing in Recovery

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Position Title: Consultant Responding to Urgent Needs and Investing in Recovery
Location: Bambari
Country: Central African Republic
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a global humanitarian organization that has been working in various regions affected by conflict, disaster, and economic collapse. Established in 1980, Mercy Corps aims to help communities recover from crises and build resilience against future shocks. The organization operates in over 40 countries worldwide, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to providing emergency relief and sustainable development solutions. Their mission is to alleviate suffering, promote sustainable change, and support community-led initiatives that empower individuals and families to improve their livelihoods and well-being.

Job Overview:
The Consultant will play a crucial role in evaluating the DECLIC program, which focuses on enhancing the entrepreneurial capacity and livelihoods of households affected by the crisis in the Ouaka region of the Central African Republic. The consultant will be responsible for conducting a performance evaluation that assesses the project's effectiveness, relevance, and sustainability. This evaluation will involve gathering qualitative and quantitative data to measure the program's impact on security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and livelihoods, as well as identifying lessons learned to inform future programming. The consultant will work closely with Mercy Corps staff and local stakeholders to ensure that the evaluation is comprehensive and reflective of the community's needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's primary responsibilities will include leading a desk review of existing program documentation, drafting an inception report, developing a robust methodology for data collection, overseeing field data collection, ensuring data quality, analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data, and presenting initial findings to the Mercy Corps team. Additionally, the consultant will be tasked with writing and validating the final evaluation report, which should include a detailed analysis of the program's outcomes and recommendations for future initiatives. The consultant will also be responsible for engaging with local enumerators and stakeholders to gather insights and feedback throughout the evaluation process.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in monitoring and evaluation, particularly in humanitarian and development contexts. A proven track record of conducting evaluations in similar settings is essential. The consultant should have excellent analytical skills, experience with mixed-methods research, and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are necessary to effectively present findings and recommendations to stakeholders. Familiarity with the Central African Republic's socio-economic context and challenges will be an advantage.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in a relevant field such as international development, social sciences, or public policy is required. Additional certifications in monitoring and evaluation or related disciplines will be considered an asset. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to ethical research practices and a thorough understanding of evaluation methodologies.

Experience:
The consultant should have at least 5 years of experience in monitoring and evaluation, with a focus on food security, livelihoods, or related sectors. Experience working in conflict-affected regions, particularly in Africa, is highly desirable. The consultant should also have experience in leading evaluations and managing data collection processes, as well as familiarity with the challenges and opportunities present in the Central African Republic.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, while proficiency in French is highly desirable. Knowledge of local languages spoken in the Central African Republic will be considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with beneficiaries and stakeholders during the evaluation process.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to start in June 2024 and will last approximately 43 days. The consultant will be required to remain available for reviews and improvements until the final report is validated by the program leader. The work will involve both remote and in-country activities, with specific tasks outlined in a suggested timeline. The consultant will be compensated according to Mercy Corps' standards for consultancy work, and additional benefits may be provided based on the terms of the contract.