CONSULTANCY MID-TERM REVIEW UNDP/BMGF SUPPORT FMARD at UNDP

In 2011, the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGoN), through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), made a bold paradigm shift from a government-led endeavor towards treating agriculture as a business with private sector investment as a driver and the government as a facilitator.

The Agriculture Transformation Agenda (ATA) aims to establish a sustainable agricultural sector in Nigeria that raises incomes of rural population whilst underpinning the national economy.

For introducing and rolling out the ATA with its new approach in a short timespan, FMARD has requested expertise support from UNDP and BMGF. The project provides support in a number of key areas of ATA, especially on Agribusiness Development, Knowledge Management, M&E, Policy and Organization & Management.

In order to review the progress made and identify area for strengthening or future support lessons a mid-term review is organized

For the assignment a combination of skills is sought of M&E expertise on:

• Institutional development and organizational matters including project management, capacity development and institutional change;
• Policy and strategy analysis including policy and program development and implementation on agricultural policy, knowledge management and agribusiness.

Under the overall guidance of UNDP and BMGF and under direct supervision of the UNDP/BMGF Project Management the consultant(s) will produce a report that addresses:

• Results of the UNDP/BMGF upport in terms of contribution to development and implementation of the ATA; Preliminary indications on the degree to which project results are reachable within the programme’s lifetime;
• Processes and structures of the project that have progressed or reduced the efficiency and effectiveness of the project;
• Recommendations for future steps with regards to the results and organizational arrangements.

The report will be based on:

• A document review including on-line material as well as Interviews of selected key stakeholders of the UNDP/BMGF support in FMARD (Top Management and Departments), donor organizations, agribusiness org and CBOs.

ATA approach, policy and program:

• Clear understanding of the vision and main components of ATA (Agribusiness, KM, Policy and Value Chains) and the roles of the various stakeholders (government, privates sector, research and farmers and donors);
• Clear understanding of the Policy and Program cycle, as well as the KM and Learning cycle;
• Clear understanding of investment life cycles, investment facilitation and communication strategy;
• Clear vision on capacity development  and the comparative role of capaicty development and knowledge for the various stakeholder groups in support of institional development processes.

The report will be concise with a clear structure and where relevant contain illustrations to clarify issues.

Core Competencies:

• Acting as a team player;
• Diplomatic skills and behavior.

Functional Competencies:

• Ability to work under pressure and deliver high-quality products in time;
• Accurate and organized mode of working;
• Ability to interact effectively with different stakeholder groups.

Reporting

• Strong analytical skills and reporting skills, both oral and written;
• Good writing skills:
• Ability to review, edit and critique peer reports.

Education:

• University degree in development-related areas as Ecomics, Development Policy, Strategic Planning Business Development, Knowledge Management, Institional Development.

Experience:

• Over 15 years work at international level with reviewing 1) strategic policy programs and processes and/or 2) instrituonal development and organissiational change processes;
• Familiarity with Private/public sector and/or Development Partners work environment;
• Familiarity with financial processes, procurement and project administration;
• Familiarity in working with national UN systems and/or ATA a clear advantage.

Language:

• Proficiency in English