About mercy corps
Mercy corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possibleIn 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 withinNow, and for the futureMercy corps has been operating in nepal since 2005, implementing programs in food security, agriculture, market development, financial services, girl’s education, climate change adaptation and disaster risk reductionWe take a systems-based approach in our programming, with the aim of improving the lives and potential of vulnerable individuals and communities across nepal.
Program summary
The mercy corps stem ii project (supporting the education of marginalized girls) is a three and half year project that aims to improve life opportunities and outcomes of over 6,000 adolescent girls, helping them stay in school and obtain higher levels of math and literacyThis project is now in the final year and will end in march 2021.
Assignment/consultancy summary
Mercy corps is looking for a consultant to support the preparation of different learning materials focusing on how the stem ii project has successfully able to support the marginalized girls to achieve greater learning scores and positive transition in life, how these proven tools and approaches could be replicable and scale at national and international levelThe project has prepared different fact sheets, conducted evaluations in different phases and prepared some how to note which will guide the consultant to prepare international level documents to be shared with donors, policy makers and education stakeholdersThe consultant will work remotely and may be based in nepal or any other country, but must be able to coordinate to a reasonable degree during nepal standard time working hours.
The consultant must be able to complete agreed upon deliverables by 10 feb 2021.
Scope of work
The consultant will conduct a desk review of existing stem ii documentation, and then work with the project staff to provide a high-level learning analysis of stem ii activities, achievements, and limitationsThe consultant will also review the international policy, best practices and trends in adolescents programming and funding landscape as it relates to the field of girls’ education, and based on these activities will create a suite of learning and sharing materials that will:
Support mercy corps in disseminating key project information, sharing learning outcomes, and highlighting significant achievements from the stem ii project to existing project stakeholders
Serve as lasting “quick look” documentation for concise, comprehensive reference when planning future mercy corps programming
Be shared with prospective future donors, government stakeholders, and local partners to facilitate mercy corps’ continued engagement in the field of girls’ education.
Key deliverables
Learning document: review existing project documents and then coordinate with project staff to produce high-quality, polished final products on key project/learning outcomes from the project that are to be compared with national and global level trends and practicesAdditionally, highlight stem ii contribution to sustainable development goals, fcdo girl’s education challenge program and inclusive education( 8-10 pager document with high standard english language using infographics and final layout)
Technical briefing package: this will include but is not limited to concise overviews of project activities, technical aspects of the stem ii approach, and summaries of key indicators and outcomes(4 pager document that explains stem overall program achievements )
Policy briefing package: this will include but is not limited to rapid summaries of the project, an overview of lessons learned, a cogent analysis of policy implications, and a proposed menu of activities for further programming and action to build on the achievements of stem ii(4 pager documents)
Dissemination strategy: this will outline suggestions to mercy corps’ leadership on potential strategies for reaching prospective donors and partners with this information about stem ii, with particular focus on the landscape for future work in girls’ education(2 pager document with communication strategy for sharing the evidence)
Timeline/duration of assignments: 20 -25 days
Reports directly to: stem ii program manager
Works directly with: director of program, mel manager, communications specialist, thematic leads
Knowledge and experience
At least a master level degree in social sciences, development studies/management, or any related discipline
Should have strong experience of writing for audiences within the development sector.
Able to synthesize information from various program documents, and provide cogent and concise summaries and analysis.
Would able able to think critically and work collaboratively with project staff to determine most relevant information, including key project learnings.
An understanding of the education field and girls’ education in particular would also be highly useful.
Excellent research, analytical and writing skills
Demonstrated experience in synthesizing complex information, producing high-quality documentation, and writing for audiences in the international development sector.
Previous experience and background knowledge of the nepal context and international development landscape is highly preferred
Previous experience in the field of girls’ education would be a plus
Demonstrated capacity to work remotely and coordinate effectively with other team members working remotely
High level fluency in written english required
Fluency in written and spoken nepali preferred
Previous experience contributing to design and layout preferred
Mercy corps diversity statement
Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work togetherThrough 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 challengesWe 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 statement
Mercy corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basisWe actively seek out diverse 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 allWe 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.
