Description
Project/Consultancy Title: Cooperatives Data and Technical Integration Expert
Project Location(s): Nigeria, Africa
Background:
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 โ helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within.
Energy 4 Impact (E4I), the energy innovation platform of Mercy Corps, manages programs that increase access to energy and productive use of energy (PUE) for poor and vulnerable communities in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA), Asia and other developing markets. We do a lot of work with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to help them grow their business, trial new business models and technologies, and raise capital.
Purpose / Project Description:
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA), in partnership with Mercy Corps Energy 4 Impact (E4I), Murty International, Kigali Collaborative Research Centre (KCRC), and local innovation hubs, is implementing the Community Owned Rural Electrification (CORE) project funded through UK PACT.T The project is piloting Renewable Energy Users Cooperative Societies (REUCS) to enhance governance, drive productive use of energy (PUE), and establish sustainable rural electrification models.
A critical success factor is aligning REUCS with Nigeriaโs existing agricultural cooperative structures under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD). This requires a dedicated consultant, directly supporting FMARD and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to gather and analyze data on cooperatives, identify synergies, and ensure that proposed REUCS reforms integrate smoothly with REAโs internal processes and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Consultant Objectives:
The Cooperatives Data and Technical Integration Expert will support the mapping, analysis, and integration of agricultural cooperative data with REUCS models, starting with the CORE project sites. The consultant will also provide technical support to REAโs internal REUCS unit and project partners, ensuring alignment of reforms with SOPs. Additionally, the role will support the planning and implementation of Train-of-Trainers (ToT) capacity building activities to REAโs internal REUCS unit and the cooperatives.
Consultant Activities:
The Consultant will undertake the following responsibilities:
Data gathering and analysis (February 2026)
Collect and review existing cooperative data from FMARD and related agencies.
Analyze cooperative structures, governance models, and performance trends.
Identify opportunities for synergy between REUCS and agricultural cooperatives.
Develop a database/mapping tool of relevant agricultural cooperatives for project use.
Technical support and institutional alignment (February 2026)
Provide technical input to the REA REUCS unit and CORE project team on aligning reforms with existing REA SOPs.
Review institutional processes and recommend adjustments for smoother integration of REUCS within REAโs framework.
Support preparation of technical briefs and internal memos to guide REAโs management decisions on REUCS integration.
Capacity building and knowledge transfer (March โ August)
Support the design, planning, and execution of ToT initiatives to REA, cooperatives, and local innovation hubs.
Develop training content, manuals, and facilitation guides in collaboration with REA and the CORE team.
Provide technical backstopping during ToTs, cooperative workshops, and trainings to local innovation hubs.
Consultant Deliverables:
The Consultant will deliver the following:
Data gathering and analysis (February 2026)
(January 2026) Comprehensive analysis of cooperative structures, governance models, and performance trends for CORE project sites
(February 2026) Comprehensive analysis of cooperative structures, governance models, and performance trends for other cooperatives as directed by FMARD and REA.
(February 2026) Database/mapping tool of agricultural cooperatives suitable for the REUCS model
Technical support and institutional alignment (February โ April 2026)
(February 2026) Recommendations on institutional adjustments for smoother integration of REUCS within REAโs framework
(April 2026) Technical briefs and internal briefs and internal memos for REA decision making on REUCS integration
Capacity building and knowledge transfer (February โ August 2026)
(March 2026) Confirmed inputs to materials and tools for ToT to REA and cooperatives.
(February 2026) Training content, manuals, facilitation guides for agreed topics with REA and the CORE team
(After each activity) Post event/activity reports from ToTs, cooperative workshops, and trainings to local innovation hubs.
Timeframe / Schedule:
This assignment will take no longer 56 days between February 2026 to October 2026, subject to performance and fund availability throughout this period.
The Consultant will report to:
The consultant will report to E4Iโs Regional Commercial Advisor โ Energy Access.
The Consultant will work closely with:
E4Iโs Head of Energy Research and Innovation, the CORE Project Manager, the CORE M&E team, the Murty International team, the KCRC team, REA.
Required Experience & Skills:
Masterโs degree in Cooperative Development, Rural Development, Economics, Business Administration, or related field.
3โ5 years of experience in cooperative development, data analysis, or institutional strengthening, preferably in agriculture or energy
Strong understanding of Nigeriaโs cooperative movement and agricultural institutions
Experience working with public sector SOPs, reform processes, or organizational alignment
Demonstrated ability to conduct data-driven analysis and produce actionable recommendations
Strong facilitation and training design skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, knowledge of local languages is an asset.
Safeguarding Responsibilities
- Actively learns about safeguarding and integrates it into their work, including safeguarding risks and mitigations related to their area of work.
- Practices the values of Mercy Corps including respecting the dignity and well-being of participants and fellow team members.
- Encourages openness and communication in their team; encourages team members to submit reports if they have any concerns using reporting mechanisms e.g., Integrity Hotline and other options.
Team Engagement and Effectiveness
Achieving our mission starts with how we build our team and collaborate. By bringing together individuals with a variety of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives, we strengthen our ability to solve complex challenges and drive innovation. We foster a culture of trust and respect, where every team member is valued for their contributions, empowered to reach their full potential, and motivated to do their best work.
We recognize that building a strong and effective team is an ongoing process, and we remain committed to learning, improving, and growing together.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under applicable law.
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 e-learning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.