Summary:

IFPRI is contracting a consultant to provide support for the implementation of a Risk-Contingent Credit (RCC) project in Kenya. RCC is a linked financial product that embeds within its structure an insurance protection which, when triggered, offsets loan payments due to the lender. RCC seeks to address the challenges of weather production risks, poor access to credit market, and high credit default rates among smallholder farmers. The project is being implemented in partnership with Family Bank, Equity Bank, APA Insurance, Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Transition Economies, and the University of Greenwich. The project is being implemented across three in Machakos and Embu counties and is targeted to reach about 3,500 households.

Background:

The consultant will provide support in designing farmer training tools (including translating materials to local language), working with the local government to mobilize farmers for farmer-field days, training the farmers about RCC, supporting the farmers to open bank account with the Bank, follow up with the farmers post-implementation. This will include the following activities:

• Provide inputs on farmer training materials
• Translate the training materials to local language
• Mobilize farmers across two counties for focus group discussions
• Conducting location level training for the farmers about RCC, using different gender appropriate approaches
• Liaise with the two Banks to support the farmers in opening bank accounts
• Support the farmers to apply for loans, and help them in acquiring inputs from local agro-dealers
• Conduct qualitative interviews on gender learning approaches
• Support endline data collection activities

Qualifications:

Qualifications and skills required include:

• · Masters’ degree in Applied Economics, Agricultural Economics, Development Economics, or related field
• · Demonstrated professional experience coordinating farmer training and conducting qualitative surveys.
• · Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• · Excellent writing skills
• · Experience in the area of climate risk management.
• · Experience in working in sub-Saharan Africa

Preferred Qualifications:

• · Fluency in Swahili language
• · Experience in working in sub-Saharan Africa