Summary: Develop a rigorous and polished proposal for pro-poor cocoa industry development in previously devastated, rural Liberian communities. Conduct local and regional (Ghana, Ivory Coast, Guinea and others) value chain assessments to deepen program design in areas such as: the value chain, support markets, civil society, community development, government reform, and demand in regional and international markets. Participate in meetings and provide technical information in support of funding opportunities. Respond to due diligence by funding organizations.
Location: Liberia with possible travel in W. Africa, US, EU Estimated Length: 6 weeks to 3 months
Background: Development in relief environments is Mercy Corps’ specialty. Liberian cocoa crop development presents an opportunity to generate incomes for thousands of farmers and their families, to improve communities and opportunities for women and youth, and to apply what we learn from the experience elsewhere. To help Liberians take advantage of this opportunity, Mercy Corps is developing a project proposal for submission to multiple funding organizations. Since 2002, Mercy Corps has programmed over $16 million dollars in Liberia reaching 600,000 people in 13 out of 15 counties with economic development work that has progressively led communities from recovery to productivity. Mercy Corps programs have helped thousands of farmers, youth, women, and entrepreneurs expand their micro-enterprises, upgrade their livelihoods, improve their farming practices, increase their incomes and create new jobs and opportunities. The consultant will be working in a coordinated manner with Mercy Corps’ Liberia country program, regional program directors and the Washington, DC headquarters office.
Qualifications:
• Cocoa agribusiness, industry and cooperative development experience in W. Africa (at least 3 yrs)
• Assessment, program design and excellent proposal writing skills for agribusiness projects (at least 5 yrs)
• Experience leading and coordinating in teams and synthesizing feedback
• Business acumen to ethically and honestly develop relationships, with and on behalf of Mercy Corps, with major donors and private industry
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Long-Term overseas experience, preferably as an implementer in Africa
Objectives:
• Deepen Mercy Corps’ knowledge and understanding of the Liberian cocoa value chain and its support markets, the need and challenges of cocoa growing communities, international and regional cocoa markets, and government regulation of the industry.
• Prepare and submit a rigorous and polished proposal for demand-driven cocoa industry development in Liberia, focused on the rural poor, women, and youth.
• Assist with developing donor relationships and responding to due diligence as required.
Deliverables
• A complete and rigorous proposal for cocoa industry development in Liberia based on the existing concept note
• A comprehensive report on meetings and key findings during the proposal development phase, with a focus on the development of buyer and trader relationships (local, regional and international)
• A list of key contacts including: local, government, INGO/LNGO, industry (local, regional and international), technical, and other sector players
• Comprehensive responses to all information and due diligence requests from donor agencies
