Job Description

About Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In 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 within. Now, and for the future.

Program / Department Summary
Mercy Corps has been present in Zimbabwe since 2002, leading innovative programming focusing on evidence-based solutions that have lasting impact and build resilience. Resilience building is an agency priority and involves using a systems-based approach that builds on proven solutions, accesses new ideas and information, and integrates multiple sectors and partnerships to strengthen food and water security, economic opportunities, and climate change adaptation. Zimbabwe continues to experience recurrent environmental and economic shocks that affect the wellbeing of its communities and undermine development investments. Mercy Corps puts resilience at the core of its strategy to contribute to the wellbeing of Zimbabweans by building communities’ capacities and strengthening systems and institutions.
Amalima Loko is a five-year (2020-2025) USAID-funded Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) program designed to improve food and nutrition security in Matabeleland North through increased food access and sustainable watershed management. The project is implemented by Cultivating New Frontiers in Agriculture (CNFA), Mercy Corps, Organization of Rural Associations for Progress (ORAP), Dabane Trust, The Manoff Group, and International Medical Corps. Mercy Corps technically leads Gender, Youth, and Social Dynamics as well as resilience cross-cutting areas.

General Position Summary
The Youth Entrepreneurship and Employment (YEE) Consultant will be responsible for the coordination of youth entrepreneurship and employment interventions and works to ensure their active participation in agri-business, off-farm activities and other livelihood initiatives. He/she will work with Field Officers, district, and community level stakeholders to scan the market and identify the most promising business ideas and pitch a compelling business plan for the youth.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through 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 challenges. We 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.

Safeguarding & Ethics
Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct eLearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.

Ethics and Integrity
All Mercy Corps staff are expected to behave ethically and demonstrate the highest integrity in their professional and personal life. Mercy Corps has zero tolerance to any form of fraud, corruption, abuse, harassment, or exploitation. Any breach of our policies or misconduct will lead to disciplinary action that may lead to termination.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We 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 all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination based on 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.

Duties and Responsibilities

Consultant Specific Activities

The Consultant will:
● Coordinate youth technical skills training in collaboration with partner organizations.
● Support the development and review of technical skills training curriculum in alignment with market requirements.
● Secures job placements for the trained youths and supports the generation of promising business ideas and the development of compelling business pitches and plans for the youth.
● Put in place an internship follow- up and tracking system and provide coaching and mentorship to trained youths.
● Facilitate technical assistance to drive skills transfer, customize capacity-building interventions and provide individual or group mentorship and coaching to the youth entrepreneurs and microenterprises.
● Facilitate linkages between craft producers and retailers and support them to work on approved designs and increase sales.
● Document short learning briefs on youth entrepreneurship and employment.
● Support the business and growth needs of the youth entrepreneurs through business linkages to ecosystems including financial services, technology, business development services and markets.
● Contribute to the M & E framework and flag key youth entrepreneurship and employment tenets for tracking and learning purposes.
● Work closely with the MEL team to ensure proper and timely submission of program reports.
● Provide regular updates on the progress of the program, highlighting any unique challenges as required by the Agriculture and Livelihoods
Technical Lead.
● Document, share and disseminate YEE-related learning and results internally and externally.
● Work closely with the Agriculture and Livelihoods Technical Lead including through participating and documenting monthly performance review meetings.

Consultant Deliverables:
This consultancy falls within an 8- month contracting period and the following are the expected deliverables within the set period.
● 2300 youths trained on technical/vocational skills, supported to secure job placements, and mentored to start their own businesses or
obtain employment.
● At least 50% of the trained youths supported to establish flagship businesses.
● Craft groups supported with market linkages and technical support to expand product offer and increase value of sales.
● 2000 VSL groups,100 livestock and garden groups coached on entrepreneurship to implement business plans.
● Value of income for youth- led businesses and other IGAs tracked and documented.
● 4 learning briefs documented on youth entrepreneurship and employment.

Qualifications and Experience

Knowledge and Experience
• At least an advanced degree in marketing, business management, agriculture economics, economics, entrepreneurship, or a relevant social science degree.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in engaging and motivating young people to utilize livelihood skills that they have been trained in and
working with them to sustain the new livelihoods.
• Strong ability to collaborate with Amalima Loko team members to integrate youth entrepreneurship and employment activities within the
larger project to enhance program impact.
• S/he will also have proven experience in working with cross-cultural teams and capacity building, individual staff development, and strong
coaching and mentoring skills.
• Strong multi-tasking skills, prioritizing, problem solving and simultaneous attention to detail and strategic vision are essential.

How to Apply

How to Apply

Mercy Corps is committed and accountable to the community members we work with and the beneficiaries we serve. As part of this commitment, Mercy Corps has zero tolerance to violations of the Code of Conduct (Sexual Abuse of Beneficiaries and Community Members (PSEA) Policy, Anti-Trafficking Policy, Child Safeguarding Policy, Mercy Corps Ethics Complaint and Whistle-blower Policy, Sexual Misconduct in the Workplace Policy, Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying Policy, Conflict of Interest Policy and Anti-Fraud and Anti-Corruption Policy).
Applicants are required to download and sign the MC Candidate Declaration Form (copy and paste this link to your web browser) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RmlrQfcgAa7S5d5WkcUUHoKTNXXOPD74/edit and submit together with CV and Cover letter to Mercy Corps [email protected] by COB 9 February 2024. Please note that CV and Cover should be on one document.
Applications should be clearly marked with the position applied for in the email subject line.
Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity organization and encourages both female and male candidates to apply. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applicants will be considered on a rolling basis and shortlisting will proceed as applications are received.