Consultant – Senegal Program Engagement – Senegal

Background:

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Mercy Corps Senegal began operations in 2023, following its global merger with Energy for Impact, operational in Senegal since 2012 providing increased access to sustainable, renewable energy across communities in 8 parts of the country. With funding from Energia/SIDA, GIZ, and private foundations, its current small portfolio is focused on supporting the development and growth of small and medium enterprises to deliver energy products and services to vulnerable populations, through advisory business services and access to financial resources to grow and expand their businesses. Mercy Corps Senegal also hosts a small regional team that is managed separately through the Regional structure, but that works closely with the Senegal country team. As Mercy Corps Senegal develops its country strategy in line with Mercy Corps Global strategy, the Pathway to Possibility (P2P), this is a critical turning point for the Senegal portfolio to grow and diversify our focus areas and funding base, as well as our partnerships moving forward. Notably, we are working to expand our work beyond energy into areas including climate resilience, economic development, and agriculture and value chains development.

The Advancing Public-Private Engagement in Climate Services for Small Scale Producers program is a two-year engagement working in Kenya and Senegal, that aims to develop and pilot innovative public-private partnership or engagement (PPP/PPE) models that support effective and sustainable weather and climate service (WCS) delivery for improved agricultural decision making. The ultimate goal of the program is to increase the resilience of small-scale producers to the impacts of climate variability and change.

The intended outcome of this program is improved access to and uptake of WCS which improve agricultural decision making at the meso-scale as a result of sustained engagement in innovative PPP/PPE to support wider adoption and scale up. Four Outputs will contribute to the achievement of this goal:

1. Country level context analyses that map the hydromet value chain, key public and private sector stakeholders, challenges and priority opportunities for greater private sector engagement, and relevant regulatory frameworks and policies.
2. Effective public private collaboration in pilot projects founded upon clear, transparent, and equitable PPP/PPE frameworks.
3. Pilot projects that deliver innovative, effective, and sustainable WCS solutions for smallholder agriculture that tap into the strengths of both public and private sector actors with a focus on addressing the gap between demand and supply of targeted WCS.
4. Evidence generated and shared to inform scale-up of pilots and wider uptake of pilot approaches.

Program Summary

Mercy Corps is seeking a Program Engagement Consultant for our Advancing Public-Private Engagement in Climate Services for Small Scale Producers program. This two-year program aims to develop and pilot innovative public-private partnership or engagement (PPP/PPE) models that support effective and sustainable weather and climate service (WCS) delivery for improved agricultural decision making. The ultimate goal of the program is to increase the resilience of small-scale producers to the impacts of climate variability and change.

General Position Summary

The Senegal Program Engagement Consultant, working under the supervision of the Global DCSA Director and in conjunction with other relevant stakeholders, is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the program in Senegal, and for managing the delivery of key inception phase outputs including country level context analysis and WCS needs assessment. The Program Engagement Consultant will support the development of pilot projects built upon clear transparent and equitable PPP/PPE frameworks, to deliver innovative, effective, and sustainable WCS solutions for smallholder agriculture. S/he will liaise with a diversity of internal and external stakeholders throughout program implementation to ensure that the team is identifying and implementing innovative WCS pilots, and evidence is captured and shared to inform scale-up and wider uptake of these approaches. In addition to a strong background in research and partnership/program development the Program Engagement Consultant will bring an in-depth understanding of the role of the private sector in delivering weather and climate services for climate change adaptation.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

STRATEGY AND VISION

• Work under the guidance of the DCSA Director to identify, engage, and achieve buy-in of key counterparts in priority countries, including NHMS Directors, private sector representatives, and information end-users, and secure commitments to the aims and objectives of the project.
• Play a key role in developing the program strategy and direction for Senegal-based activities by prioritizing and organizing actions and resources to achieve objectives.
• Manage engagement with key public and private sector stakeholders in Senegal. Relevant organizations are likely to include the National Agency for Civil Aviation and Meteorology (ANACIM), micro insurance providers, agribusiness, private sector producer cooperatives, agricultural research and extension services (ISRA (Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles)/ Senegalese Institute of Agricultural Research: ISRA is the primary agricultural research institution in Senegal (research on various crops, livestock, and agroecological systems to develop and disseminate improved technologies); ANCAR (Agence Nationale de Conseil Agricole et Rural)/ National Agricultural and Rural Advisory Agency: ANCAR is the national agricultural extension agency in Senegal (responsible for providing advisory services and disseminating agricultural technologies to farmers); telecoms companies, agriculture finance and technology institutions, and renewable energy companies.
• Contribute to the program’s learning and influencing agenda, working with relevant stakeholders including HQ based research staff to integrate and advance learning, adaptation and scale up within the program and more broadly, including the management of an informal online learning network.
• Recognize opportunities for innovative action and create an environment where alternative viewpoints are welcomed.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in climate science; ongoing initiatives (donor-led programs/government program) and incorporate relevant findings into program strategies under the leadership of the Program Director.
• In collaboration with relevant Mercy Corps team members, represent the program in key forums and donor meetings.
• Identify, build and manage collaborative partnerships with relevant regional and national agencies active in relevant technical fields, including donors, other organizations, local authorities and local partners. Attend relevant coordination forums to identify synergies.

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

• Manage the development and implementation of pilot interventions that deliver innovative, effective, and sustainable WCS solutions for smallholder agriculture that tap into the strengths of both public and private sector actors.
• Provide management and oversight for Senegal-based program activities, in partnership with key program stakeholders, including national partner organizations, private sector organizations, local civil society organizations, local and national government officials, research institutions and universities, other international agencies on the ground, and key donors.
• Ensure program implementation is on time, target and budget, using effective M&E systems to reach desired impacts, and develop mechanisms for targeted research to inform program design and implementation.

TEAM MANAGEMENT

• Oversee performance of partners, and provide implementing partners with information, tools, and resources to improve performance & reach objectives.
• Regularly coordinate with the DCSA director, program staff and support departments to ensure smooth planning, preparation, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of program activities.
• Contribute to country team-building efforts, help team members identify problem-solving options and ensure the integration of all team members into relevant decision-making processes.

SECURITY MANAGEMENT

• Support the DCSA Director to ensure that pilot programs are designed and implemented with a clear analysis and understanding of security.

MONITORING & EVALUATION AND REPORTING

• Work closely with the program MEL team member to ensure that effective M&E systems and processes are embedded within the program and that data is collected, analyzed, and used to inform ongoing adaptation of pilot program strategies and delivery approaches.
• Assess and analyze impact and adaptively manage pilot programs to meet results.
• Oversee the scheduling and production of formal and informal reports and work plans on all aspects of program delivery in a timely and efficient manner. Indicative deliverables include an Inception Report incorporating country-level context analysis, needs, market, and regulatory assessments, and a Final Investment Report summarizing progress and achievement of selected pilot interventions.
• Ensure learning is blended back into program implementation, creating a cycle of adaptation and program improvement.

Consultant Deliverables:

The consultant will work to produce the following deliverables:

Consultant Deliverables:

The consultant will work to produce the following deliverables:

1. A report with the Senegal country level context analysis and WCS needs assessment.
2. Partner Prospecting and Project Development: Support the pilot programs’ partner identification efforts and project development including participating in due diligence exercises, populating partner proposals and participation in update meetings.
3. Project implementation and partner relationship management: Support implementation of identified pilot projects including kick off meetings, ideation workshops, internal update meetings and regular updates with the partners to ensure project success. A monthly report accounting for activities outlined and time sheet.
4. Monitoring & Evaluation: Support the team to ensure that evidence is captured and shared to inform scale-up and wider uptake of these approaches.
5. Project and program learning and reporting: Support when required end of project and program reporting including documenting lessons learnt and achievements of projects under the advisory of the consultant, support program learning initiatives both internal and external where scheduled. A monthly report specifying support provided to project and program reporting and timesheet. This will also include support for research activities under the ongoing initiative funded by the Gates Foundation.

Timeframe / Schedule:

The Timeframe will be between April 1, 2024 – November 30, 2024

The Consultant will report to:

Task Manager is Global DCSA Director, Elias Nure for final sign-off on deliverables and invoices.

The Consultant will work closely with:

Mercy Corps AgriFin’s Technical Team and Mercy Corps Senegal team.

Required Experience & Skills:

A minimum of 8 years of experience required, including 5 years in a management position.

1. Bachelor’s degree in relevant field, such as natural resources/rangelands management, agricultural economics, climate change adaptation, meteorology etc. Master’s degree qualification is preferred.
2. Demonstrated experience leading interventions in these fields, including private sector engagement.
3. National networks with organizations working on WCS including experience working with host governments at the national and sub-national level, donors, and private sector organizations.
4. Experience of working on WCS, agriculture and climate change adaptation in Senegal.
5. Proven experience in leading research teams and managing complex projects.
6. Strong understanding of the Senegalese agricultural landscape and climate challenges.
7. Strong commitment to local capacity building and the ability to engage local stakeholders in pilot project design and implementation.
8. Experience managing complex programs, coordinating multiple activities, developing synergies and creating opportunities for collaboration.
9. Sound understanding of financial, procurement, administration, and logistics management systems, including remote management.
10. Excellent organizational and project management skills; detail-oriented; and possessing an ability to anticipate program and operational needs.
11. Proven ability to work cooperatively with others in a team environment and to a diverse group of national and international staff.
12. Persuasive written and oral communication in English, including report writing.
13. Demonstrated proficiency with the MS Office software (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint) required.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.

We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.

Equal Employment Opportunity
We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.sene

Safeguarding & Ethics
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our stakeholders and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC’s policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.