[Hiring] Crisis Analysis Consultant @Mercy Corps

Role Description

Mercy Corps’ Regional Crisis Analysis team is creating a roster of consultants with expertise in humanitarian cash programming to support upcoming research projects. Specifically, the team is looking for experts with programmatic, coordination, and/or research experience in:

• MPCA
• Cash Plus
• Digital Cash
• Anticipatory Cash programming

The consultant should be capable of:

• Qualitative research design
• Coordinating and conducting key informant interviews
• Independently writing research findings into publication-level reports

Experts with quantitative analysis skills are welcome to apply, though such skills are not required, as the planned cash research is qualitative. The planned cash research is centered on Yemen; therefore, experts with experience in the Yemen context will be prioritized. However, experts with experience elsewhere are encouraged to apply, as the geographic scope of Crisis Analysis cash research is likely to expand. Lastly, experts specializing in cash programming coordination (particularly its linkages with social protection systems) and digital cash delivery are especially encouraged to apply.

Consultant Deliverables

• Develop a research design, based on qualitative data collection and analysis, to gain information from cash actors in the field about operational realities as related to the topic at hand.
• Arrange and conduct key informant interviews (remotely or in-person) with a wide variety of actors working in the context of interest, such as cash actors, social protection actors, coordination bodies, and financial service providers.
• Synthesize the collected qualitative data into a polished research paper, in collaboration with the Crisis Analysis Team.

Timeframe / Schedule

The consultant should be available for the duration allocated to the research product, which generally spans a three-month period from inception to paper submission.

Reporting Line

The Consultant will report to the Regional Crisis Analysis Senior Manager.

Working Relationships

The Consultant will work closely with:

• Crisis Analysis team
• Mercy Corps’ country teams

Qualifications

• Extensive experience (>5 years) researching humanitarian cash programming, with at least one project concerning the Middle East/North Africa region. Specific citations of the relevant publication(s) are required.
• Significant experience (>1 year) supporting the Yemen response is highly valued; specifically, cash programming in a management of coordination role for an INGO. Experience working within local NGOs or the UN is valued.
• Master’s degree or equivalent experience in political science, international relations, public policy, economics, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience writing research papers published by a humanitarian actor or UN agency.
• Peer-reviewed academic publications are valued.
• Excellent English-language analytical writing skills.
• Fluency in Arabic is valued.

Application Requirements

• An up-to-date CV highlighting relevant cash programming experience, including experience working on the Yemen context; if no Yemen experience, then MENA-related experience.
• A recent and relevant writing sample (in lieu of a cover letter), preferably a humanitarian report or humanitarian-related academic publication.
• Proposed day rate
• Availability

Team Efficiency and Effectiveness

Achieving our mission starts with how we build our team and collaborate. By bringing together individuals with a variety of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives, we strengthen our ability to solve complex challenges and drive innovation. We foster a culture of trust and respect, where every team member is valued for their contributions, empowered to reach their full potential, and motivated to do their best work.

We recognize that building a strong and effective team is an ongoing process, and we remain committed to learning, improving, and growing together.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out different backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact. We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.

Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our stakeholders and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring, and evaluation of our field projects. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs, and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.