International Consultant – Kenya-ITC-KOICA Project: Partnerships and Economic Inclusion Advisor

Result of ServiceEXPECTED OUTPUTS AND TIMELINES: Output 1: A comprehensive stakeholder engagement and partnership development strategy is established, detailing a framework for ongoing collaboration with government bodies, UN organizations, development partners, NGOs, and the private sector. This strategy includes the identification of potential partnerships and the establishment of formal technical working relationships (MoUs) with key project partners to ensure project implementation efforts are amplified and sustainable. The strategy also encompasses solutions to support capacity building of institutional partners to promote inclusive economic opportunities for refugees and host communities. (By July 2024). Output 2: An in-depth analysis of local strategic plans, policies, frameworks of the Kenyan government, and organizational plans of relevant stakeholders is conducted to identify alignment opportunities and foster collaboration in support of the project's objectives. This analysis will inform the coordination with government actors to ensure project interventions are in sync with national strategic priorities, contributing to policy dialogues and reforms that support the economic inclusion of refugees and host communities. A report outlining the findings and proposed collaboration opportunities is developed and presented to the project team. (By December 2024). Output 3: A series of (at least 6) forums, workshops, and meetings are facilitated, focusing on collaborative planning and knowledge exchange with a wide range of stakeholders. A summary report of outcomes, action plans, and stakeholder commitments is compiled and shared with the project team. (by March 2025). Output 4: A set of advocacy and policy recommendation documents is created in collaboration with selected stakeholders, promoting policies and practices that enhance the economic inclusion of refugees and host communities. These documents advocate for innovative market-based approaches to livelihood development and entrepreneurship, aligned with national and regional development plans, and document best practices in economic integration of the target groups. (By September 2024). Output 5: Comprehensive reports on project progress, challenges, and achievements, incorporating insights from monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities, are prepared and submitted. These reports provide regular updates on the impact and effectiveness of partnership and inclusion strategies, contributing to knowledge management efforts by sharing best practices, lessons learned, and successful approaches. (Monthly reports, with final consolidated report by November 2024). Output 6: MoUs with selected partners are agreed upon and signed (By March 2025). Work LocationNairobi, Kenya Expected duration12 months, 01.05.2024 – 30.04.2025 Duties and ResponsibilitiesITC works with people in vulnerable and forced displacement contexts through a unique market-led approach that promotes inclusive and sustainable economic growth. The approach deploys innovative ways to harness the productive potential of refugees and local communities in the displacement contexts to enhance shared growth through promoting the development of commercially valuable skills and supporting local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in creating value and employment in the host countries through increased national, regional and international business. OBJECTIVE: In the context of this work, ITC partners with Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) to implement a project titled “Promoting sustainable socio-economic development and creating market-based livelihood opportunities for refugees and host communities” in Kenya during 2023-2027. The project’s goal is to enhance the employability and competitiveness of social MSMEs in refugee settings and host communities in Turkana. It specifically aims to improve the livelihood and self-reliance of refugees and host communities in the targeted region through the following objectives: Output 1.1: Technical skills of refugees and host communities are developed in selected value chains. Output 1.2: Social entrepreneurship, business development capacities and market access of project beneficiaries are strengthened. Output 1.3: Institutional capacity to promote inclusive economic opportunities for refugees and host communities is improved. To support this ITC-KOICA intervention, the project is looking for a Partnerships and economic inclusion advisor based in Kenya. DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: Under the supervision and guidance of the Country Manager and Programme Coordinator, designated project staff at ITC HQ and technical sections; as well as with staff from the project office in Kenya, the Consultant will be actively involved in supporting the sustainability of the intervention. The Partnerships and Economic Inclusion Advisor is central to driving the project's success through strategic partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and promoting economic inclusion. This role emphasizes aligning project objectives with national economic integration and refugee empowerment agendas, and it involves close coordination with various local government actors and other stakeholders. The International Consultant will carry out the following tasks: 1. Stakeholder Engagement and Strategic Partnership Development: • Identify potential partnerships and collaborations with government agencies, NGOs, private sector entities, community-based organizations and other stakeholders to leverage resources, expertise, and networks to leverage their roles as catalysts and amplifiers for project implementation efforts; and enhance project impact and sustainability. • Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with government bodies, UN organizations, development partners, NGOs, and the private sector. • Support the establishment of formal technical working relationships (MoUs) with selected project partners. • Identify solutions to support the capacity building of institutional partners to promote inclusive economic opportunities for refugees and host communities. 2. National Strategic Alignment: • Analyse the local strategic plans and other policies and frameworks of the Kenya government in relation to the economic integration agenda, as well as key related priorities from the strategic development Framework of the UN in Kenya to identify alignment and opportunities for collaboration. • Coordinate closely with government actors to ensure project interventions align with national strategic priorities, contributing to policy dialogues and reforms that support the economic inclusion of refugees and host communities. • Implement engagement strategies to include a wide range of stakeholders in project planning and execution, emphasizing collaboration with government agencies to align efforts with national policies and strategies. • Organize, facilitate and participate in forums, workshops, and meetings for collaborative planning and knowledge exchange, ensuring project initiatives support Kenya's economic integration priorities. 3. Economic Inclusion Advocacy: • Offer technical advice on economic inclusion, partnership models, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring project activities complement national strategies. • Promote policies and practices that enhance the economic inclusion of refugees and host communities. • Advocate for innovative market-based approaches to livelihood development and entrepreneurship, aligning with national and regional development plans. • Document best practices in promoting economic integration of target groups. 4. Program Support, Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Reporting: • Monitor trends and developments to inform project strategies, preparing regular reports on progress, challenges, and achievements for project stakeholders and development partners. • Assist in implementing monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess the impact and effectiveness of partnership and inclusion strategies. • Facilitate learning and knowledge sharing among stakeholders, providing regular updates and comprehensive reports to the donor, government partners, and other relevant parties on project outcomes. • Contribute to knowledge management efforts by sharing best practices, lessons learned, and successful approaches through various channels, fostering sustainability and scalability of project interventions. In carrying out his/her responsibilities above, the Consultant will be expected to work closely with technical and communications staff in the ITC HQ, Country Office and other project partners, including UNHCR, NRC, Good Neighbours, ILO, Government institutions, etc. Copyright Clause: The Consultant has to ensure that s/he has obtained the necessary permissions with regard to intellectual property rights required to perform his/her services under this consultancy contract and for the subsequent dissemination by ITC in any form. Documentary proof is to be submitted to ITC. Should any license fee be due for the use of copyrighted materials of third parties, the Consultant shall request prior written permission from ITC. S/he has further to ensure to obtain accreditation to event(s), if required. ITC champions workforce diversity, inclusion, gender equality and gender parity and considers all qualified persons - of all genders - equally, including those with disabilities, without discrimination or prejudice of any kind. Qualifications/special skillsMaster’s degree in International Development, Economics, Business Administration, Social Sciences (human rights, gender/women's studies) or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in project or programme management, partnership development, public relations, and advocacy, or related area. Experience in partnership development, economic development, stakeholder engagement, and working with government agencies, especially in development projects focusing on vulnerable populations, refugee-related issues and livelihoods programming, in human rights and with vulnerable populations, gender equality, etc. LanguagesAdvanced command of oral and written English is required. Knowledge of Swahili is an asset. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.