Company Profile

Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) is a faith based international development organization based in Canada and operating since 1963.

Job Description

To support the formulation and implementation of The FEATS project’s strategies, plans and activities, MEDA is seeking the services of a well-qualified Gender, Youth and Communications Consultant to join its project team.

• Duration: March 28^th - September 8^th, 2017
• Level of effort: 90 days’ maximum

Objectives

1. Effectively plan and implement the project’s strategies and activities related to gender, youth and communications in close collaboration with HQ and field project team members, partners and stakeholders, towards the achievement of related targets, deliverables and goals.
2. Devise and implement strategies and plans to improve economic participation rate of youth and women in tree crops farming and value chains, including technical and financial services targeted at women and youth.
3. Collaborate with project team members and ensure that gender and youth components are well integrated across all relevant project activities and are results-oriented.
4. Plan and implement gender sensitization, training and capacity building programs/activities for project staff, partners and stakeholders.
5. Regularly monitor, measure and report on the impacts/results in collaboration with the project’s Gender, Youth and M&E staff.

Activities

1. Review FEATS project documents and other publications, including the Project Implementation Plan, Logic Model, Performance Measurement Framework, Annual Work Plans, Gender Needs Assessment Reports, and hand-over documents.
2. Participate and contribute in team meetings and relevant stakeholder meetings that will help implementation of project’s gender, youth and communication strategies
3. Contribute to improving the business environment for project clients by bringing a gender perspective to mitigation strategies as outlined in the Risk Register, monitoring gender and youth targets, and identifying emerging challenges and promote best practices in gender-equitable participation.
4. Implement media campaigns targeting tree crops farmers and entrepreneurs (especially women and youth) with information on the availability and benefits of planting quality tree seedlings.
5. Contribute to project workplan and annual reports.
6. Other activities as directed by the Field Project Manager (FPM) and relevant MEDA HQ staff.

Deliverables

1. Weekly and monthly reports highlighting key workplan activities and achievements.
2. Review report on project’s gender, youth and communications strategies highlighting shortfalls and key areas for improvement.
3. Powerpoint presentations and briefing papers on key project activities.

Compensation: Commensurate with consultant qualifications, experience, skills and level of effort (TBD)

Reporting: The Consultant will report directly to the Field Project Manager. She/he would also be working closely (including weekly calls) with MEDA HQ based program managers for Gender, Youth and communications. MEDA would provide a working space within the FEATS project offices with voice and data communications tools for Consultant’s use. MEDA’s HQ based Senior Project Manager will also provide guidance to consultant.

Required Skills or Experience

1. A university degree in gender and/or youth studies, community/ socio-economic development, sociology, or a related field required.
2. Demonstrated understanding of gender and youth issues and needs, research and analytical tools, strategies and approaches especially those related to agricultural value chains.
3. At least five (05) years of professional experience, three (03) of which must be gender related in an international development setting
4. Experience conducting trainings, youth and gender analysis and gender integration programming, including on-the-ground participatory approaches
5. Private sector and experience implementing Global Affairs Canada funded projects a plus.
6. Good presentation and communications skills.
7. Critical thinker, ability to problem solve and work collaboratively in a team to achieve results
8. Strong work ethics and ability to carry out duties at a high professional standard.
9. Strong organizational and time management skills
10. Persistent, thorough and ability to deliver timely reports
11. Good listener and ability to exercise confidentiality and diplomacy.
12. Communicate clearly and concisely in English, both orally and written. Candidate should also be proficiency in at least 2 other local languages.
13. Good computing skills including Microsoft office software packages