MOD Lessons Learned Report - International Consultant, Sri Lanka

Position Description

MOD Lessons Learned Report - International Consultant

Location Sri Lanka

Department Programs

Employment Type Consultant

Scope of Work

Consultant - (International and Local team)

Title : Report on Market-Oriented Dairy Project Approach, Products and Outcomes

Program: Market-Oriented Dairy (MOD) Project

Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka

Start Date: May 02, 2024

LOE: Local - International - 30 days

1. Objective : The objective of this consultancy is to document the approaches, products and outcomes of the MOD project into a project lessons learned document that it would leave behind beyond the project period as a contribution to the sectoral stakeholders as well as decision makers to reflect, learn and adopt for the future progress of the sector. These can be either tangible or intangible, deliberate or unintentional, permanent or temporary, ie.,visible in a physical product, such as machinery or document or in an emotion produced by the project on the target groups as well as the impact on broader development approaches.

2. Relevance : Improving Economies for Stronger Communities (IESC), formerly known as the International Executive Service Corps, is a leading U.S. nonprofit organization that fosters private sector development in the economically developing world. Since 1964, we have delivered lasting solutions that have resulted in more than 1.5 million jobs in 137 countries. We partner with businesses, cooperatives, entrepreneurs, jobseekers, and governments to sustainably build capacity, create jobs, and grow enterprises, sharing proven skills and experience that improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities around the world. Our major funders today are the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), among others.

The Market-Oriented Dairy (MOD) project, funded by the USDA Food for Progress Initiative and implemented by IESC, which was initiated in 2017 mainly targeting at enhancing the farm productivity and developing the entrepreneurial capacity of dairy farmers to meet the national milk consumption demand. To achieve this, the project adopted a holistic approach at various levels of the dairy value chain such as farms, processors, input suppliers, extension services etc. In addition, MOD has also made a significant impact in the enabling environment related to dairy through the collaborative efforts with processor companies, trade associations and its government counterparts such as DAPH and the Ministry of Agriculture - livestock division by addressing some of the key structural issues that inhibits the progress of the industry. In summary, project has worked in four key domains, in collaboration with spectrum of stakeholders. The four domains are,

- Productive and sustainable dairy farm management

- Supply chain strengthening

- Financing and investment

- Stakeholder collaboration and fostering enabling environment.

As the project is due to be phased out in Septhember 2024, this assignment intends to produce an account of project approaches, products and outcomes in a comprehensive project lesson learned document which the project can leave behind as a contribution to the sectoral stakeholders as well as decision makers to reflect, learn and adopt for the future progress of the sector. It is also anticipated to recognize and put on record the contribution that MOD has made in making the industry productive and sustainable by transforming a significant number of dairy farmers into dairy entrepreneurs with this knowledge product.

3. Approach:

The proposed approach for the assignment;

a. The consultant/s is expected to carryout a background study project documents, meet with project team including field team and home office, and selected number of target group representatives.

b. Present a draft structure for the overall document after gaining comprehensive understanding of MOD including its development approach and the MOD products used based on the findings above to the MOD team.

c. Once draft structure is approved, the consultant/s should conduct in-depth consultation process with the selected project staff, beneficiaries, and set of selected stakeholders to generate the required inputs to the document through extensive field visits.

d. The consultant/s are also expected to conduct a reflective session with the staff on lessons learned to further enrich the content developed.

e. Prepare and present report to the MOD team in draft for review.

f. Finalize report.

4. Tasks : 1. Develop and propose a plan of action for the assignment

2. Conduct document reviews, consultations with internal staff and external stakeholders

3. Conduct lessons learned session with the staff

4. Compile the final document

5. Deliverables:

1. Plan of action for the assignment with the timeframes

2. Session plan and outcomes of the lessons learned session with MOD staff and facilitation

3. Final document after addressing the review inputs

6. Level of Effort :

• International - 30 days to be completed within a period of three months.

7. Administration and Logistics:

The MOD Project Office will book and pay for any accommodation if s/he requires travel outside of her/his home residence. MOD will pay per diem based on the project's per diem policy. Transportation will be provided for work-related travel outside of Colombo. The consultant is required to have his/her own computer and all written products need to be in Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint.

8. Reporting Relationship:

The consultant will work closely with MOD Communications and Outreach Specialist and will report to MOD Project Director.

9. Qualifications:

Interested candidates must meet the following qualifications:

International Consultant

• Hands-on extensive work experience in development sector
• Good understanding of the dairy value chain is preferredeID1WdF R6xE8
• Strong background in project evaluation, assessment studies is a must
• Excellent articulation and analytical skills
• Candidate must be well-conversant in English and excellent report writing skills
• Skills in designing and conducting reflective learning sessions is preferred
• As an independent thinker, must show commitment and dedication to deliver quality product

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