Consultancy – MENA-E Local Research Partners Mapping

Description

Background 

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. 

In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. 

Mercy Corps’ Middle East, North Africa, and Europe (MENA-E) team continues to respond to humanitarian and development needs across Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Yemen, and Ukraine by forging meaningful and trusted partnerships and designing impactful programming. In line with Mercy Corps’ Global Strategy Review, the MENA-E Regional Team is in the process of kick-starting our locally-led vision in MENA-E region through an evidence-based partnership approach with the establishment of a pool of local research partners across our countries of operations to support our new business, implementation and evidence generation work.

Project/Consultancy Description 

The purpose of this consultancy is to support a comprehensive identification and mapping (via meetings, capacity analysis) of 20 local research partners (academics, research firms, think tanks etc.) in our 7 countries (Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine Syria, Ukraine, Yemen), with the likelihood to include the 3 prospective countries (Moldova, Turkey and Egypt). Research partners will ideally have a focus on climate, water security, food security, economic opportunity, and peace and good governance in alignment with the outcome areas of Mercy Corps’ global strategy. This will allow for the development of a pool of pre-identified strong local research partners in our region. We will aim at setting up an MoU with at least 5 local research partners, to support our commitment to collaborating with them in the future. We also aim at collaborating with one of the shortlisted/selected potential partners to identify and develop a specific research idea that aligns with both parties’ goals for future implementation. 

Consultant Objectives 

The Consultant’s overall objective is to conduct partners mapping for potential local partners where MC operates in the MENA-E region, and to conduct capacity assessments for the shortlisted pool of partners to support our new business, program implementation, and evidence generation work. Mercy Corps will expect, at a minimum, the following requirements to be met: 

Target:  

• Mapping of 20 Local Research Partners (to be mapped out with capacity analysis, this may include, but not limited to, CSO, Academic Institutions, think tanks, NGOs, CBOs)
• Signing of at least 5 MoUs for future engagement
• Engagement of at least 1 in the Phase II Research project

Sector: Four Pathway to Possibility (P2P) outcome areas (Economic Opportunities, Food Security, Water Security, Peace and Good Governance) as well as Climate, Energy, Water Governance, and Markets

Location: MENA-E Region (7 countries) plus the prospective countries Egypt, Moldova, and Turkey

Consultancy Activities 

The consultant should engage in activities as required to produce the deliverables listed below, 

which could include, but are not limited to: 

Step 1: Preparation and Kick-off the project (Led by MC Regional Staff) 

Duration: 1 week 

Key Activities:  

• Kick-off Meeting
• Review the project Objective plan and timeline.
• Align with the consultant on the proposed main methodology, key deliverables and their due date.
• Identify roles and responsibilities between MC team and the consultant
• Set up weekly/bi-weekly check-in calls to track progress

Step 2: Mapping and Capacity Analysis Process (Led by Consultant)  

Duration: 8 weeks 

Key Activities:  

• Develop Methodology and tools
• Design Methodology, tools and criteria for mapping local research partners.
• Design the Capacity Analysis tool and Report template
• Determine and finalize the selection criteria, include geographical location, focus outcome/sector areas and any other relevant criteria.
• MC staff to review designed Methodology, tools and to approve implementation
• Conduct Desk Review/Research
• Gather initial information on potential local research partners (academics, firms, think tanks, CSOs, CBOs, NGOs) in each of the targeted geographical location
• Identify and Contact Potential Partners
• Reach out to identified research partners, who fit the criteria, for preliminary engagement.
• MC staff to review the identified partners list to approve engagement.
• Schedule meetings and plan for the capacity analysis.
• Conduct Capacity Analysis
• Meet with local research partners to assess their capabilities and alignment with project goals, using the capacity analysis tools approved by MC.
• Collect data on their expertise, resources, and previous work related to climate and MC P2P outcomes, with special focus on the chosen focus areas/sectors.
• Document findings and evaluate potential partners based on capacity, relevance, and alignment with project objectives.
• Reporting
• Develop Partners Database, using the database template approved by MC
• Compile all data into Capacity Analysis Report with key recommendation, using the report template approved by MC.
• Prepare Slides to present main findings to MC staff

Step 3: Partner Engagement and MoU Drafting (Led by Consultant under MC guidance)  

Duration: 4 weeks 

Key Activities:  

• Evaluate Research Partners
• Analyze findings from capacity analysis and partners database.
• MC staff to shortlist partners for further engagement.
• MC staff to provide guidance and template of MoU drafts, identifying areas of engagement for each shortlisted partner.
• Develop Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs)
• Conduct meetings with shortlisted research partners to explore opportunities for collaboration and mutual benefits.
• Ensure MoUs reflect commitment, roles, and responsibilities, ways of cooperation, timeline, and other criteria identified by MC staff.
• Draft and review MoUs with the shortlisted research partners.
• Finalize and sign MoUs with the shortlisted research partners.
• Jointly Develop Research Idea
• Collaborate with one of the shortlisted partners to brainstorm and identify a specific research idea that aligns with both parties’ goals.
• MC staff to provide guidance on the research idea, including sector, scope, geographical location, etc.
• Develop a preliminary outline for the proposed research project
• Complete Final Reporting and Handover
• Prepare a comprehensive report summarizing the mapping process, identified partners, and signed MoUs, including lessons learned and any outstanding issues, and key recommendations for ongoing collaboration.
• Prepare main findings into a slide deck to be presented to key MC staff.
• Compile all project documentation and deliverables including the final report, MoUs, partner profiles and any other relevant documentation.
• Consultant’s deliverables to be reviewed and handed to MC staff, ensuring full accessibility.

Deliverables 

Deliverables due date will be determined with the consultant and documented in the workplan 

• Methodology, Proposed Approach, tools and criteria for mapping local research partners
• Final workplan with timeline and deliverables due date
• Bi-weekly updates
• Capacity Assessment Tool and Reporting template
• Capacity Analysis Report with key recommendation, using the report template approved by MC.
• Partners profiles and database
• Presentation slide Deck of main findings to be presented to MC regional staff
• Comprehensive report summarizing the mapping process, capacity assessment, identified partners, including lessons learned and any outstanding issues, and key recommendations for ongoing collaboration.
• Signed MoUs
• Potential Research idea with the selected Partner

Project Timeline 

1st November 2024 – 28th February 2025 (Approximately 4 months) 

Location of Work 

Remote 

The Consultant will report to 

MENA-E Regional Evidence and Learning Senior Advisor – May Hassan

Required Experience and Skills 

• 10+ years of experience in roles related to strategy development, and donor/partners relations, preferably within the international development sector.
• Bachelor’s degree in International Development, Political Science, Social Science, Management, or other relevant fields.
• Preferred experience in sectors related to climate, water, and energy, demonstrating an understanding of the challenges and opportunities within these fields.
• In-depth knowledge of the MENA-E region, including a strong understanding of international aid and development sector entities operating in the area.
• Exceptional analytical and conceptualization skills, with proven expertise in data analysis, functional mapping, research methodologies, and strategic planning.
• Demonstrated experience in organizational capacity assessments and familiarity with best practices in mapping local research partners.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to diverse stakeholders.
• Proven experience drafting and negotiating Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and facilitating agreements between organizations.
• Proficiency in designing and developing research ideas and proposals, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and donor requirements.
• Familiarity with Mercy Corps’ mission and programs is preferred, along with an understanding of its operational context and strategic objectives.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results within tight timelines.
• English proficiency is essential, while knowledge of Arabic is an advantage.

How to apply: interested candidates should send their C.V, Cover letter, Main Methodology and Approach, and a budget through the posting link. 

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion 

Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today. 

Equal Employment Opportunity 

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. 

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