MEDA Seeks a Consultant to Assist with Research, Documentation and Dissemination of Learning Topics
MEDA (Mennonite Economic Development Associates) is a Canadian not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization operating in Ethiopia. Currently, MEDA is implementing a project titled EMERTA: “Ethiopians Motivating Enterprises to Rise in Trade and Agribusiness.” The project contributes to increased income and employment opportunities for 16,000 individual entrepreneurs and 275 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in three selected value chains: rice, vegetables, and gemstones.
Objective of the Consultancy
The objective of the consultancy is to provide insight into the four learning topics detailed below and make information available in the form of deliverables for use within MEDA’s EMERTA project.
Scope of the Consultancy
MEDA will pursue four learning topics/agendas in 2019, each requiring research and documentation. The consultant will be expected to collaborate with MEDA staff in pursuit of gaining clarity about these four topics.
These are:
1. A comparative study of challenges and strengths against gender strategies within the informal vegetable market;
2. An evaluation of the potential value and interest in the role of a trade association amongst gem (gemstone) exporters/brokers/wholesalers;
3. A review of rice market efficiency (minimal cost, easily obtainable) for enhancement of the sector.
4. Challenges, strategies and value of developing linkage between female small-holder farmers and interested MFIs/other financial institutions.
MEDA estimates up to 40 days’ billable time for this assignment within calendar year 2019, beginning as early as March. Actual days spent on activities related to the learning topics will be agreed to between the consultant and MEDA. Learning topics 1,3 and 4 above will focus largely on Amhara Region; topic 2 is focused on Amhara Region and other areas such as Addis Ababa.
Required from the Consultant
· Master’s degree in Marketing, Management Information Systems, Social Sciences, Statistics, Economics, Public Administration or other relevant discipline.
· MEDA seeks candidates with research, documentation and/or communications backgrounds with a minimum of 10 years’ experience, preferably in an international context. Candidates must be based in Ethiopia.
· He/she must be flexible, able to work cooperatively with national and international staff and willing to work from Bahir Dar and Addis Ababa.
· He/she should be familiar with data/information collection techniques and able to gather, synthesize, collate and document information in ways useful to MEDA’s EMERTA project.
· The successful candidate must be fluent in English and able to present deliverables in various formats mutually agreed to between MEDA and the consultant: presentations, research papers/briefs, promotional materials, policy recommendations, etc.
· A statement of the consultant’s expected daily rate/fee.