Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible. To do this, we know our teams do their best work when they are diverse and every team member feels that they belong. We welcome diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be stronger and have long term impact. The Asia region is comprised of Afghanistan, Georgia, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Thailand, Timor Leste, and Uzbekistan. Programming in these countries focuses on humanitarian response, economic and market systems development, resilience, financial inclusion, food security, nutrition, sustainable energy, Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), among others. Common themes include community engagement, inclusive development, gender, and working in partnership with local government, the private sector and civil society actors. Our locally led approach emphasizes the need to consider and integrate community voices and our partners who are on the frontlines to direct our technical approach and work together. Background Mercy Corps has a long history of programming in Asia, across a wide variety of sectors. Over the years, these programs have collected evidence to demonstrate the impact of their interventions and approaches and are very well regarded by stakeholders in the countries in which they operate. However, learning products have not been produced with an eye towards a broader audience, limiting the opportunity for learnings to be shared more widely beyond the context in which the programs were implemented. Objectives of the Consultancy The primary objective of the consultancy would be to produce a set of learning products, which could be used by the regional teams for internal, as well as external cross-learning purposes. This would be achieved largely based on existing evidence and not through collection of new data. At the end of the consultancy, it would be expected that the consultant share reflections based on their observations of MCโs evidence and learning processes. Specific Objectives and Deliverables of the Consultancy: Activity 1: Develop three (3) learning products (e.g. evidence briefs, case studies, technical approach learning briefs, impact briefs, human angle outcome stories) for the most impactful programs in the region aligned with the regional business development strategy, to demonstrate capacity in key areas NB: the tasks below are to be carried out for each set of learning products
Task 1.1: Review existing primary data, documentation and evidence productsTask 1.2: Put together a workplan for the development of the learning productsTask 1.3: Communicate and/or meet with key stakeholders (program/country/regional teams) to help fill knowledge gapsTask 1.4: Review relevant secondary evidence sources, as necessary[Task 1.5: Develop draft learning product/s (each ranging from 5 to 15 pages long) and share for feedbackTask 1.6: Incorporate feedback from Mercy Corps key stakeholders and finalize learning productTask 1.7: Coordinate with graphic designer for final version, as neededTask 1.8: Hold meetings/consultations with key stakeholders, as needed Timeframe / Schedule The proposed activities and schedule for the consultancy are summarized in the table below. The number of days required for each activity is a best-guess estimate based on past consulting experience. The consultant will charge Mercy Corps for the days used, not the estimated level of effort. Should the work require more time than the estimate, the consultant will agree on priorities and confirm changes to the consultancy workplan in writing before exceeding the agreed-upon estimate. The anticipated completion dates are based on an expect commencement of the consultancy agreement on February 1, 2025 and ending on June 30, 2025. The total estimated LOE is 45 days. Table 1 - Consultancy Tasks and Estimated Level of Effort Activity 1: Develop three (3) learning productsTasksLOE Task 1.1: Review and compile existing primary data, documentation and evidence products3 daysTask 1.2: Put together a workplan for the development of the learning products.5 daysTask 1.3: Communicate and/or meet with key stakeholders (program/country/regional teams) to help fill knowledge gaps2 days Task 1.4: Review and compile relevant secondary evidence sources, as necessary1 daysTask 1.5: Develop draft learning product and share for feedback5 daysTask 1.6: Incorporate feedback from Mercy Corps key stakeholders and finalize learning product1 dayTask 1.7: Coordinate with graphic designer for final version, as needed1 dayTask 1.8: Hold meetings/consultations with key stakeholders, as needed2 daysAdministrative Tasks (planning calls, etc.).5 daysTotal per product15 daysTOTAL for 3 products45 days Mercy Corps Responsibilities Mercy Corps will provide the Consultant with the necessary support to undertake and implement the assignment and execute the objective of this SoW. Such responsibilities include:
Provide relevant documents and technical support to the Consultant.Orient the Consultant on any relevant program and institutional information.Inform Consultant as to each product focus, type and audienceProvide the Consultant with necessary documents. Introduce Consultant to relevant program and country team members.Include Consultant in relevant conversations.Monitor regularly, provide feedback, and ensure the effectiveness of the tasks and deliverables. Hire graphic designer.Disburse payment as per the agreed schedule in the Consulting Contract.Provide details on the primary audience for learning products and advise on how to tailor them to the audience/s. Skills and Knowledge Requirements
Minimum of three years of experience with documenting learning for humanitarian or development programs, ideally in relevant country contexts.Bachelorโs degree or equivalent required in Development Studies, Sociology, Agriculture or other a related field. Masterโs degree preferred.Specific experience and expertise in data analysis and synthesis. Experience in processing and analyzing qualitative data.Excellent writing skills. Ability to work effectively and collaboratively under tight deadlines in a variety of cultural contexts.Knowledge of relevant sectors preferred.Required languages: English. Fluency in other relevant regional language a plus. The consultant will report to:Regional Technical Resources & Quality (TRaQ) Director โ Asia The Consultant will work closely with:The Regional MEL Senior Advisor, members of targeted program and country teams, as well as members of global TRaQ teams and the Evidence & Learning Unit. HOW TO APPLYTo apply for this opportunity, the consultant should provide the following documents:
CV A cover letter describing their relevant experience, and a proposed daily rate. 1-2 short writing samples. Diversity, Equity and 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 worldโs 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.
