Crisis Analysis Consultant

Description

Mercy Corps is seeking a consultant with extensive experience in humanitarian cash programming, particularly in the Middle East/North Africa region, with a focus on Yemen. The consultant will develop a research design, conduct key informant interviews, and synthesize qualitative data into a research paper.

Purpose / Project Description

The consultant will support upcoming research projects focusing on humanitarian cash programming, including MPCA, Cash Plus, Digital Cash, and Anticipatory Cash. The research is centered on Yemen but also considers broader regional contexts. Experts with experience in cash programming coordination and digital cash delivery are especially encouraged to apply.

Consultant Deliverables

• Develop a research design based on qualitative data collection and analysis.
• Arrange and conduct key informant interviews with cash actors, social protection actors, coordination bodies, and financial service providers.
• Synthesize collected qualitative data into a polished research paper, collaborating with the Crisis Analysis Team.

Timeframe / Schedule

The consultant should be available for 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.

Required Experience & Skills

• Extensive experience (>5 years) researching humanitarian cash programming, with at least one project concerning the Middle East/North Africa region.
• Significant experience (>1 year) supporting the Yemen response, specifically in cash programming in a management coordination role for an INGO.
• Experience working within local NGOs or the UN.
• 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.
• Highlight 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.

Team Efficiency and Effectiveness

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. 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 to strengthen our ability to solve complex challenges and drive innovation.

Safeguarding & Ethics

We actively engage communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring, and evaluation of our field projects. Team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our stakeholders and to international standards guiding international relief and development work.