Background:

Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible. To do this, we know our teams do their best work when they are diverse and every team member feels that they belong. We welcome diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be stronger and have a long-term impact.

Purpose / Project Description:

The Inclusive Security and Resilient Youth (ISRY) project is funded by the Conflict, Stability, and Security UK Fund and implemented by the Mercy Corps (MC) Jordan office. The project aims to equip the Jordanian community with the tools, skills, knowledge, and inclusive environment to engage in meaningful dialogue mechanisms. This contributes to destabilizing tensions and increasing mutual trust and accountability of the security sector, according to the theory of change’s (ToC) impact statement.

The project started on 1 March 2022 and is expected to run for three years. The project works at the national level with a specific focus on three governorates representing each region, namely, Jerash (north), Zarqa (center), Karak (south), and the newly added Sahab (Center).

The YPS-JoNAP Drafting and Resource Mobilization Consultant, engaged for the consolidation phase, will assume comprehensive responsibilities. These encompass the finalization of the Youth Peace and Security (YPS) Jordanian National Action Plan (JoNAP) for the Implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2250, the YPS-JoNAP document itself. Additionally, the consultant will spearhead policy and advocacy activities throughout the drafting phase. This role will extend to critical events such as resource mobilization meetings and validation workshops. Finally, the consultant will provide expert recommendations for Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) indicators that ensure seamless alignment with the Ministry of Youth's (MoY) newly established M&E system.

Consultant Objectives:

1. Facilitate Securing the  Resources and Building Partnerships:
   • Support MC in mobilizing resources through targeted meetings with the private sector, donor community, and government focal points to implement the YPS-JoNAP initiative effectively.
   • Foster stakeholder buy-in and commitment to the YPS-JoNAP through successful advocacy efforts.
2. Produce a High-Quality YPS-JoNAP Document:
3. Deliver a comprehensive and well-drafted YPS-JoNAP document that effectively outlines the action plan for youth meaningful participation in peace and security in Jordan.
4. Achieve alignment with MoY standards and ensure the document is ready for official adoption/endorsement.
5. Develop a clear and measurable system for tracking progress and evaluating the impact of the YPS-JoNAP initiative.
6. Ensure seamless integration with the MoY's existing M&E system to facilitate data collection and reporting.
7. Establish a Robust Monitoring & Evaluation Framework:

Consultant Activities:

1. Spearhead Policy and Advocacy Efforts (Drafting Phase):

a. Co-design and Co-facilitate the resource mobilization meetings to secure funding and support for the YPS-JoNAP objectives and goals.

b. Co-design and Co-facilitate the validation workshops to gather feedback from stakeholders on the YPS-JoNAP document.

2. Finalize the YPS-JoNAP Document

a. Refining the theory of change (ToC) related to the YPS-JoNAP and contributing to the consultations methodology building with the JoNAP consortium, this process will ultimately aim for a robust, refined ToC and a well-defined methodology that informs the JoNAP drafting.

b. Refine and complete the YPS-JoNAP document based on National Consultations’ reports and the Youth Meaningful Participation Barriers/Opportunity Mapping conducted by MC.

c. Ensure the document adheres to MoY and GoJ formatting and style guidelines, this also includes a frequent response to the comments of the Governmental endorsement committee/body.

3. Recommend M&E Indicators

a. Analyze the MoY's newly established M&E system and its relevant indicators.

b. Propose a set of Monitoring & Evaluation indicators specifically tailored to the YPS-JoNAP logical framework.

c. Ensure the recommended indicators seamlessly integrate with the MoY's existing M&E framework.

Consultant Deliverables:

The consultant's deliverables will focus on the finalization of the YPS-JoNAP document, successful policy and advocacy efforts during the drafting phase, and establishing a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework aligned with the MoY's system, as follows:

1. Submit a  high-level draft of the JoNAP and the reflection document, this will include the consultant onboarding materials reflection on how the Barrier and Opportunity Mapping for the youth meaningful participation was conducted by MC on Feb2024, will inform the Theory of the change (ToC) of the YPS-JoNAP. As a result, The consultant will draft the high-level JoNAP copy, accordingly, the consultant will be well-equipped to contribute to the national consultation methodology meetings with the JoNAP consortium which contains the youth core group and the Consultancy team leading the consultations, Ensuring the JoNAP Theory of Change (ToC) resonates with the existing work done by the consortium, clarifying the "why" behind the JoNAP and its contribution to a brighter future for Jordanian youth. Through a collaborative approach, the consultant will submit a refined ToC to reflect the established methodology and guide the next drafting phase. (Deadline: During the first week of May 2024) 

2. Co-design and co-facilitate  at least 2 general resource mobilization meetings, and at least 8 separate meetings for the resource mobilization and partnership commitment, this deliverable will include conducting  Resource Mobilization Meetings’ schedule, design, presentation, and agenda. Co-facilitating the meetings. Report summarizing the outcomes and key takeaways from resource mobilization meetings. (Deadline: During the third week of May 2024) 

3. Submit the Finalized YPS-JoNAP Document ( Arabic and English versions):  This will include A comprehensive YPS-JoNAP document that includes and is not limited to the rationale of building the YPS-JoNAP document structure, the action plan of the timelined and budgeted (Costed) activities, linked with the M&E indicator plan. Also, it will include the JoNAP Draft Validation Meetings’ schedule, design, presentation, and agenda. and the validation workshops report including participant feedback and recommendations incorporated into the YPS-JoNAP document. (Deadline: The first week of July 2024, and will need frequent review upon the endorsement committee comments.)

The timeline for finalizing this deliverable hinges on receiving and addressing the government endorsement committee's comments, especially if they involve technical aspects of the draft.

4. Submit the M&E Framework for YPS-JoNAP, A report outlining the proposed M&E indicators specifically tailored to the YPS-JoNAP initiative. This report should demonstrate how the recommended indicators seamlessly integrate and align with the MoY's established M&E system. (Deadline: The second week of July 2024)

5. Submit a final report summarizing the consultant's overall activities and contributions to the YPS-JoNAP consolidation phase. (Deadline: Last week of July 2024)

 Timeframe / Schedule: 

This consultancy will be implemented between May 2024 - July 2024.  Given the involvement of multiple stakeholders, this timeline is a working estimate and may be subject to change based on ongoing discussions. So, the timeline remains flexible and may require adjustments to accommodate input from various stakeholders

Payment Terms :
The consultant will receive the payment for every two deliverables according to the achieved.

Note: Mercy Corps will not cover the transportation for the consultant within Amman and from and to any governorate. However, this consultancy will require frequent field visits to Amman governorate.

The Consultant will report to:
The Youth, Peace, and Security Team Leader

The Consultant will work closely with:

1. This position will administratively and technically report to the MC and will be part of the ISRY Project.
2. This position will directly work with the Minister’s Office and other relevant directorates and units at the MoY.
3. This position will work closely and meet frequently with the JoNAP Development consortium and governance system; The national consultations Youth Core Group, The YPS Gov. Focal Points Group, the relevant NGOs, and the MC consultancy team.

Required Experience & Skills:

The project seeks to appoint a senior professional who is equipped with the technical knowledge and competencies to translate policies into practice within the context and mandate of the YPS agenda led by the MoY. The consultant must possess the following minimum qualifications:

1. 10 years of demonstrated experience in public policies and management, or a Master’s degree in public policy, Business or Public Administration, Political Sciences, Human Resources, Social Sciences, International Relations, Social Development, or related fields with at least 8 years of demonstrated experience.
2. Experience in the field of youth policies, the YPS Agenda, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) system is highly favorable.
3. The ability to produce high-quality written documents, including the YPS-JoNAP document and reports.
4. Demonstrated practical experience in planning, monitoring, evaluating, and reporting.
5. Practical knowledge and experience with government systems and reforms.
6. Strong understanding of the Jordanian donor landscape and proven ability to cultivate partnerships with private sector entities, particularly those with established Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
7. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including experience in working with government or national stakeholders.
8. Understanding Jordan's Context by familiarity with Jordan's socio-economic landscape and youth development priorities would be a significant advantage.
9. Fluency in Arabic and English is essential for effective communication with stakeholders and project deliverables.
10. A strong understanding of strategic planning principles and experience developing comprehensive action plans like the YPS-JoNAP.
11. Proven experience in crafting effective policies and leading successful advocacy activities to garner support for initiatives.
12. In-depth knowledge of M&E frameworks and the ability to design a system aligned with the MoY's existing structure.
13. Proven ability to manage projects effectively, ensuring deliverables are met within deadlines and budget constraints.
14. Experience in analyzing data and translating findings into clear and concise reports and documents.
15. The ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders, facilitate workshops, and collaborate effectively with the MoY team and other project partners.
16. Self-motivated and able to work with tight deadlines.
17. Proficiency with relevant computer software programs; particularly MS Office.

HOW TO APPLY: Interested applicants must submit their applications to [اضغط هنا لمشاهدة البريد اﻹلكتروني]. The last date for submission is on the 11th of April, 2024 indicating the title of the consultancy "YPS JoNAP Drafting and Resource Mobilization Consultant" in the subject line. 

Applications must include the following:

➔ Technical Proposal

Interested consultant(s) must submit a technical proposal covering but not limited to the following:

 Consultant experience and qualification: Brief about the applicant and CVs of the team members/researchers who will be part of the assignment.

➔ Financial Proposal

Applicants must provide details of the financial offer by including any cost of resources, travel expense, communication, and venues. The overall proposed amount should include tax and a work plan for the consultancy with clear objectives and timeline.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Achieving MC's 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity
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, marital status, military veteran status, or any other protected group in the locations where we work.

Safeguarding & Ethics
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our stakeholders and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring, and evaluation of our field projects. Team members are expected to conduct themselves professionally and respect local laws, customs, and MC's policies, procedures, and values always and in all in-country venues.