Description

Background:The \"Fresh Horizons: Cold Chain Solutions for Fisheries in Yemen\" project aims to integrate sustainable cold chain technology into the fisheries sector in Aden Governorate. The goal is to enhance food security and increase incomes for vulnerable communities, focusing on women, men, and youth, following the principles of Market Systems Development (MSD). The project is a 4 month pilot, and is subject to scale up based on results. Purpose / Project Description:The project will pilot the use of solar cold chain technology to improve fish preservation, increase market availability, and enhance the livelihoods of small-scale traders and fishermen. Importantly, it aims to develop a business case for a wider rollout beyond the pilot phase. Consultant Objectives:

• Provide Technical Guidance on establishing and implementing a comprehensive system for monitoring market systems changes, ensuring the integration of these systems into Mercy Corps Yemen's overall MEL systems and processes.
• Develop Measurement Methodologies for capturing the impact and outcomes, including a business case for cold chain technology in the fisheries sector
• Analyze collected data to produce actionable insights on market behavior and program impact, informing strategic decisions and potential adaptations.
• Create Donor-facing Documentation: Develop comprehensive documentation and success stories for donors, showcasing the impact of the interventions and highlighting the systems changes achieved in Yemen.
• Development of the logical framework for a multi-year at scale intervention to pitch to donors in the future. Consultant Activities:The Consultant will conduct the following activities:
  • Design and implement a comprehensive system for monitoring market systems changes, ensuring integration into the overall Mercy Corps Yemen MEL systems and processes
  • Coordinate with the program team to align and frame program activities using MSD principles
  • Establish methodologies for measuring systems change
  • Develop a robust data management system to capture the effectiveness of cold chain solutions in Yemen's fisheries market.
  • Analyse data to produce insights on market behaviour and program impact
  • Mentor and build the capacity of local program staff and partners to implement and track MSD and MEL activities effectively.
  • Develop donor-facing documentation and success stories to showcase the impact of interventions in Yemen. This includes inputs on the following donor deliverables:
    • Market Research Report: Provide insights and analysis for a market research report on solar cold chain technology, detailing market demand and willingness to pay, segmented by target group and product type. Evaluate the usability of cold storage solutions, identifying enablers and barriers to adoption.
    • Business Case for Solar Cold Chain Pilot: Develop a detailed business case outlining the value proposition for solar cold chain products. Conduct a micro-level analysis of costs versus income potential for individual traders, and contribute projections of revenue increases based on current business trajectories. Integrate findings into the overall market research.
    • Behavioural Change Observation Report: Utilize survey results to produce a Behavioural Change Observation report. Analyze the capacities and incentives of the target group, identifying motivations for scaling up.
    • Maintenance Service Provider Profile Report: Assist in mapping the locations and technical capacities of maintenance service providers, ensuring the existing market can support the ongoing repair and maintenance of new technologies.
    • Develop the logical framework of a multi-year MSD proposal that will be developed in parallel to the implementation of this pilot project, including the incorporation of the results of the project. Consultant Deliverables:The Consultant will develop the following deliverables:
      • Inception report, following an initial assessment of program deliverables, identifying systems, timeframe and frequency for data collection and tools to be developed.
      • Yemen MEL program staff oriented and trained on systems and tools for measurement
      • Systems and tools developed
      • Inputs into donor-facing learning products (as detailed above)
      • Logical framework for an at-scale proposal
      • Consultancy Report developed and submitted. Timeframe / Schedule: This consultancy will be part-time and is expected to start by November 20th 2024 and will last until 31st March 2025. Maximum level of effort expected is 45 days throughout the duration of the assignment. Tentative schedule for deliverables (can be adjusted based on pending program approvals):DeliverableDeadlineInception report30th November 2024Orientation of MCY MEL staff5th December 2024Systems and tools developed and staff trained10th December 2024Inputs into donor productsThroughout assignment based on needsMarket Research reportFirst draft by 31st January 2025Maintenance service provider profile reportFirst draft by 31st January 2025Business case for solar cold chainFirst draft by 15th February 2025Behavioural change observation reportFirst draft by 15th February 2025Logical framework for MSD at scale proposalOn-going throughout the assignment – to be completed by 15th March 2025Consultancy reportFirst draft by 15th March 2025 The Consultant will report to: MSD Program Manager/or Regional Market Systems Advisor - Middle East The Consultant will work closely with: The program Manager, Director of Programs, Program Performance and Quality Coordinator, project MEL Officer, proposal development team, regional Market Systems Advisor and the regional evidence and learning unit. Required Experience & Skills:
        • Relevant advanced degree required.
        • 5-7 years’ professional experience in design and management of monitoring and evaluation systems for complex, multi-sectoral projects.
        • Familiarity with the Donor Committee for Enterprise Development (DCED) Standards is essential
        • Demonstrated experience monitoring facilitative project interventions using a “Making Markets work for the Poor (M4P)” approach and/or a value chain development approach.
        • Experience in training, capacity building of partners and team members.
        • Experience in impact assessment.
        • Experience in providing written analyses of complex market systems, and development of system for knowledge management and dissemination.
        • Fluency in spoken and written English. Arabic is preferred.

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