Consultant at Oxfam

Background

The Horn, East & Central Africa Region (HECA) is one of the poorest and least developed regions of the world, and one of the largest regions where Oxfam works. All ten countries in the region were Oxfam works are currently affected by natural and/or man-made humanitarian crises, and this is having an impact on Oxfam’s role in the Region. In addition to country specific Oxfam strategies in each of the 10 countries for the period 2015-2019, Oxfam also has a statement of strategic intent for the region, reflecting the key strategic priorities and objectives for the entire region. They include prevention and response to humanitarian crises; enabling women in HECA to claim their social, economic and political rights; supporting the development of civil society, and the improvement of accountable, democratic governance; and supporting the improved resilience of those with vulnerable livelihoods to climate change, insecurity and other risks.

The Assignment

Oxfam seeks to contract a competent individual consultant or consultancy firm to undertake a comprehensive baseline study on value chain work across the program countries (yet to be selected out of the maximum of 9: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, DRC, Ethiopia, Somalia and South Sudan). For this study, Oxfam country offices in these countries will collect and provide the basic data and information on the selected value chains per country. The consultant will process and analyse this data, complement it with data that may be lacking and provide a broad overview as program baseline. This study will serve as the benchmark for the development of this new program with national, sub-national, multi-country and regional elements.

The Person

• Proven experience and technical competence in value chain work with ability to apply underpinning knowledge in the context of programming in the Horn East and Central Africa region.
• At least 5 years’ experience of conducting similar assignments.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of value chain programming approaches to benefit small producers, especially the Youth and Women. Ensure program quality in all its dimensions, including program design and development, monitoring, evaluation and learning, partnership, gender mainstreaming, achieving leverage through influence and ensuring impact at scale.
• Demonstrable experience of developing and delivering successful programme strategies particularly at national, sub regional and regional levels using regional and international frameworks in support of value chain programme to work for small producers.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills, diplomacy, tact and negotiation skills, team skills. Flexible and creative approach in recognising and responding to challenges and opportunities, coupled with a drive to achieve results.