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 REA’s 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 REA’s 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 REA’s framework.
- Support preparation of technical briefs and internal memos to guide REA’s management decisions on REUCS integration.
- Capacity building and knowledge transfer (March – 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 – April 2026)
- (February 2026) Recommendations on institutional adjustments for smoother integration of REUCS within REA’s framework
- (April 2026) Technical briefs and internal briefs and internal memos for REA decision making on REUCS integration
- Capacity building and knowledge transfer (February – 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 E4I’s Regional Commercial Advisor – Energy Access.
The Consultant will work closely with:
- E4I’s 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:
- Master’s degree in Cooperative Development, Rural Development, Economics, Business Administration, or related field.
- 3–5 years of experience in cooperative development, data analysis, or institutional strengthening, preferably in agriculture or energy
- Strong understanding of Nigeria’s 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.
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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.
To ensure effective coordination across REA, government entities, project partners, community cooperatives, and donors, the project requires a dedicated and experienced consultant. This role will support internal and external coordination, task order management, and facilitation of administrative approvals and logistics.
Consultant Objectives:
- The Consultant will act as a bridge between REA, the CORE team, REUCS communities, and external stakeholders. The role ensures smooth information flow, supports the facilitation of project approvals, manages stakeholder expectations, and coordinates activities to achieve timely delivery of project milestones.
Consultant Activities:
The Consultant will undertake the following responsibilities:
Stakeholder engagement and coordination (February – November 2026)
- Serve as primary liaison between REA, and the project partners, REUCS cooperatives
- Coordinate consultations, workshops, market/industry events, and validation sessions with cooperatives, mini-grid operators, policy actors, and other relevant stakeholders
- Support task order management to ensure alignment of project activities with REA’s Mini-Grids Sustainability Program and overall milestones
- Facilitate administrative processes, including internal REA approvals and clearances needed for project execution
- Document stakeholder feedback and ensure integration into project design, governance, and operational frameworks
- Draft policy briefs, communiqués, and donor updates to strengthen sector engagement
- Coordinate logistics for training programs (Training-of-Trainers, workshops, cooperative capacity-building)
- Support the development of the REUCS business case for scale-up through effective stakeholder engagement.
Risk & issue management (February– November 2026)
- Identify and escalate emerging risks (institutional, political, operational) that may affect project delivery or stakeholder alignment.
- Recommend mitigation strategies and support proactive engagement to maintain stakeholder confidence.
Consultant Deliverables:
The Consultant will deliver the following:
Stakeholder engagement and coordination (February – November 2026)
- (Monthly, starting February 2026) Monthly stakeholder coordination and task order management reports
- (Monthly, starting February 2026) Documentation of consultations, workshops, market/industry events, and validation sessions carried out with stakeholders, including key outcomes and forward-looking steps
- (Quarterly, starting March 2026) Updated database of stakeholder feedback on the REUCS framework and action taken to integrate inputs into the CORE project
- (Monthly, starting February 2026) Draft policy briefs, communiqués, and donor updates developed to strengthen sector engagements
- (September 2026) Draft REUCS business case for scale-up.
- Risk & issue management (February – November 2026)
- (Monthly, starting February 2026) Updated risk register and issues tracker for the CORE project.
Timeframe / Schedule:
This assignment will take no longer 56 days between February 2026 to November 2026, subject to performance and fund availability throughout this period.
The Consultant will report to:
The consultant will report to E4I’s Head of Energy Research and Innovation.
The Consultant will work closely with:
E4I’s Regional Commercial Advisor – Energy Access, the CORE Project Manager, the CORE Project Coordination and Communications Lead, the CORE M&E team, the Murty International team, the KCRC team, REA.
Required Experience & Skills:
- Master’s degree in Development Studies, Energy Policy, Public Administration, Business, or related field.
- 3–5 years of professional experience in stakeholder engagement, project coordination, or donor/government liaison, preferably in the energy, infrastructure, or development sectors.
- Familiarity with Nigeria’s renewable energy and rural electrification landscape.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder relationships across government, private sector, and development partners.
- Strong communication, negotiation, and facilitation skills.
- Fluency in English (oral and written); knowledge of local languages is an asset.
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