Mercy Corps is Seeking a Qualified Consultant – Apply Before 18 March 2026

Overview

Mercy Corps is seeking a qualified consultant for a 40-day remote consultancy to develop a Regional Guideline for Safe Programming in Partnerships within its East & Southern Africa (ESA) Region. This role will support Mercy Corps’ Safe, Diverse and Inclusive (SDI) commitment by integrating safe programming principles into partnerships with private sector actors involved in Market Systems Development (MSD) programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop a practical, region-wide guideline to integrate safe programming principles into partnerships.
• Standardize safe programming integration across ESA country offices.
• Strengthen partner systems and accountability mechanisms.
• Embed safeguarding and protection principles throughout the program cycle.
• Support inclusive and ethical private sector collaboration.
• Assess current definitions and understanding of safe programming within partnerships.
• Conduct literature reviews on safeguarding, GESI, protection, and CARM in partnership management.
• Facilitate consultations with implementing partners.
• Analyze protection and safeguarding risks through a GESI lens.
• Explore best practices in working with private sector actors in fragile contexts.
• Facilitate validation sessions and integration discussions with internal teams.
• Develop an inception report, data collection tools, assessment reports, and presentation materials.
• Draft and finalize the Regional Safe Programming Guideline, including guiding principles and a socialization plan.
• Support launch webinar facilitation and prepare concluding consultancy report.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in International Development, Social Sciences, Human Rights, Law, or related field.
• 7–10 years of experience in Safe Programming, Safeguarding, Protection, CARM, and GESI.
• Experience conducting similar assessments and developing strategic frameworks for international NGOs.
• Strong qualitative research and facilitation skills.
• Excellent writing and presentation abilities.
• Fluency in English.
• Experience within East & Southern Africa and familiarity with Mercy Corps’ operating model are desirable.

Benefits

This consultancy offers an opportunity to shape regional standards for safe and inclusive partnerships in fragile contexts while contributing to long-term systems change.

Location

Global (Consultancy specifically within East & Southern Africa Region)

How to Apply

Interested candidates must apply via the Jobvite platform by March 15, 2026. Applications should include: CV and cover letter outlining relevant experience, work plan detailing deliverables and timelines, and financial proposal.

Deadline

March 15, 2026