Background

Hungarian Interchurch Aid (HIA) is taking part in implementing Qudra 2 Programme in Kurdistan Region of Iraq and Central Iraq, from September 2019 until August 2022. Qudra 2 is a regional action financed by the EU Regional Trust Fund, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Spanish Development Agency (AECID) and seeking to contribute to mitigating the destabilising effects of the protracted Syrian and Iraqi crises and to better respond to the resilience needs of refugees, internally displaced persons (IDP), returnees and host communities.

Activities implemented by HIA aim to improve livelihood opportunities in the field of agriculture and micro-, small- and medium enterprises (MSME) development as a form of secure self-employment; as well as providing capacity building for local civil society actors. Under latter aim, HIA intends primarily to explore the existing structure, capacities and operation of former farmers’ associations, unions, clubs, etc.

Objective

The objective of the consultancy is to investigate organized structures and systems aiming to support farmers in Iraq (specifically in Anbar, Nineveh, Kirkuk and Salahaddin governorates are preferred) and to formulate an expert opinion on potentials in improving and developing these structures building on inputs from the main stakeholders.

Scope

The service provider is required to fulfil an overall investigation on the topic of farmers’ organizations in Iraq; preferably in some or all governorates of Nineveh, Anbar, Kirkuk, and Salahaddin. Investigation shall cover:

• evaluation of the agriculture sector in Iraq in general with special focus on the livelihoods aspect of it;
• exploratory analysis of past history and still existing structures of farmers’ organizations (unions, cooperatives, other community based organizations etc.);
• evaluation on possibility and feasibility of strengthening farmers’ as groups and communities, including recommendations for programming.

Tasks and deliverables

To carry out the investigation described in the scope of this consultancy, service provider is expected to:

• carry out secondary research on the agriculture sector specifics;

• conduct interviews with key stakeholders (ministry and directorate level employees/agriculture experts/professors and fellows of colleges and universities) focussing on the role and potential of civil society structures that can organize and hence support farmers;

• conduct field visits for inputs from the farmers’ communities, mayors;

• conduct interviews with private sector entities on both ends: entities providing inputs to farmers – and entities buying raw materials and products from farmers;

• investigate best practices for farmers’ unions, cooperatives and other organized structures; and their applicability and adaptability in the Iraqi context;

• provide a comprehensive report of the findings; identifying efficient ways for tangible support

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Agriculture, Social Science or other relevant fields.

• Experience in the field of agriculture cooperatives and/or any types of farmers’ organizations is an advantage.

• Experience in research is an advantage.

• Work experience with NGOs, INGOs or development agencies is an advantage.

• Advanced computer skills, data analysis, and reporting skills are required.

• Fluency in both written and spoken English is indispensable.

• Fluency in written and spoken Arabic is indispensable, Sorani/Kurmanji Kurdish is an advantage.

• Iraqi nationals only.

Application process

Interested applicants are kindly invited to submit their

• CV/resume to show qualifications;
• a suggested concise work plan reflecting the expected outputs;
• writing sample (not more than 300 words), preferably in similar topics.
• CVs without work plan and writing sample will not be considered. 
• All applications should be sent to admin.iraq@hia.hu before the closing date March 16, 2021 -5:00 pm.
• Please mention the vacancy title: National consultancy in the subject box of your email.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Shortlisted applicants based on the applications will be invited for an interview.

Timeline of the consultancy

• Induction: March-April 2021
• Conducting research, field visit and interviews: April-May 2021
• Preparation of report: before 15^th June 2021

Additional information

The applicant is responsible for the conditions of their work: obtain a valid work permit for the locations, etc. Covering for accommodation and transportation costs for the consultancy days are to be fixed in the contract.

the locations for the consultancy work is Nineveh, Anbar, Salahadin and Kirkuk.