Mennonite Economic Development Associates is hiring a
Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) invites applications for a Consultant to join our dedicated and talented team on our mission to create business solutions to poverty!
Organization: Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA)
Location: Honduras
Expected work period: April to May 2024
BACKGROUND
Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) requires the services of a qualified research consultant or consulting firm to gather data from potential project clients and conduct analysis and write a comprehensive report.
MEDA is an international economic development organization that creates business solutions to poverty. MEDA has worked in over 70 countries and brings a unique market systems approach to project design and integrates technical assistance and access to capital. MEDA works in agri-food market systems, focusing primarily on women and youth in rural communities.
In December 2023, the Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) launched the initiative Opportunities for Circular and Inclusive Diversification in Agriculture (OCIDA). OCIDA is a five-year initiative funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) that has the goal of improving the socioeconomic wellbeing of diverse women and youth producers in the Dry Corridor of Honduras. The OCIDA project expects to increase prosperity and decent job opportunities for 7,000 women and youth small-scale producers and 80 micro-small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through developing more environmentally sustainable, equitable, inclusive, and profitable cacao and coffee market systems in Honduras.
OCIDA will create opportunities that support producers and enterprises to diversify products, markets, and income streams through circular economy strategies, by adopting from a variety of activities to efficiently use inputs and natural resources, ultimately buffering the effects of climate change, and becoming more environmentally and economically resilient.
Starting in 2024, MEDA is conducting an inception process with the aim of updating the background information on the project and gathering additional data to support the development of the OCIDA’s Project Implementation Plan (PIP).
In pursuit of the above, MEDA intends to conduct a baseline survey to collect data from coffee and cacao producers with reference to its performance management framework (PMF). The data collected in the baseline will serve as a reference to inform setting project targets and comparing results at the end of the project.
Study Purpose
The purpose of the baseline study is to understand the current situation and gaps related to project results outlined in the PMF. The baseline study will measure the status of all PMF indicators to understand the starting point of key elements of the project against which later progress will be assessed. The study will also enable the project team to set indicator targets and track progress on an ongoing basis. Additionally, baseline survey data will also be helpful for undertaking impact evaluation at later stage of the project.
Scope of the Study
The baseline study will gather data from potential project clients and partners, including women and men producers; MSMEs, cooperatives and/or producers’ associations in the cacao and coffee sectors, at all relevant levels: production (farming), processing and commercialization.
The geographic locations include the departments of Copan, Santa Barbara, Ocotepeque, Lempira, Intibucá, and La Paz. The specific areas for the development of the study - at the municipal and community level - will be confirmed by MEDA and co-implementing partners.
Study Approach and Methodology
The researcher will work with an Advisory Committee that will guide the study process, including approval of key deliverables. The study will use both qualitative and quantitative methods to gather data from potential clients (i.e., producers). The sampling methodology utilized by the consultant should ensure equitable representation of diverse men, women, young men and young women across the project’s target geography and sectors as described above. Ideally, tools should be co-created and validated with respondents.
Researcher’s Tasks and Responsibilities
Under the overall guidance of the Advisory Committee, the Researcher will prepare a detailed work plan that provides information on the study to be carried with timelines of each activity. At minimum, the work plan should include the following:
Deliverables
The following products will be produced as part of the study.
Logistical Arrangements
The researcher will be responsible for making logistical arrangements for field visit and scheduling interviews with clients. MEDA local staff and co-implementing partners may support by facilitating contacts and providing relevant context information when needed.
Time frame
All activities will be conducted during the following timeframe:
Activity 1: Kick-off call with the Advisory Committee
Timeline: After contract signed
Activity 2: Desk review and Research Methodology and Work Plan developed (sampling, tools, research matrix, etc).
Timeline: 2 weeks, depending on deadline
Activity 3: Field work in country
Timeline: last week of April
Activity 4: Draft report submitted
Timeline: May 20th, 2024
Activity 5: Final report submitted
Timeline: May 31st, 2024
Required competencies
Experience and qualification
Reporting
The successful consultant or consulting firm will report directly to MEDA’s Impact Knowledge Management (IKM) expert and will work closely with MEDA’s Advisory Committee.
Timeline and remuneration
The assignment is expected to be completed by the end of May 2024.
The consultant will be reimbursed for the professional services provided based on the agreed value proposition.
Submission of applications
The interested consultant or consulting firm is required to present:
1- a value proposal in USD, indicating the number of days in which expect to complete the assignment within the timeframe provided, and their daily rate. The rate must be inclusive of all costs needed to complete the assignment.
2- an updated resume (no more than 3 pages) demonstrating key qualifications and experience.
A remote video interview may be part of the selection process.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Monday, April 1st, 2024 @ 3:30pm Eastern Time