IRS23135 Consultancy - SASAS Implementation Advisor, Crisis Transition

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, known by its Spanish acronym, CIMMYT®, is not-for-profit agricultural research for development organization with partners in over 100 countries. Please refer to our website for more information: www.cimmyt.org

CIMMYT is looking for an outstanding, self-motivated, and result-oriented professional for the consultancy of SASAS Implementation Advisor, Crisis Transition.

The Implementation Advisor will act as security advisor on SASAS, the CIMMYT point for communications with USAID Bureau, USAID Sudan Mission, SASAS Project Lead, and carry out analysis of the situation. All recommendations developed will be made with oversight by SASAS Project Lead.

This position will be home-based.

Main Responsibilities:

• Convey clear CIMMYT communication with all partners, and keep fully informed with frequent updates USAID Sudan Mission, Bureau, and other interested USAID parties. Develop recommendations on program modifications as situation evolves and convey clear CIMMYT messaging on programmatic modification requirements based on discussion with CIMMYT and USAID.
• Collect information around how SASAS can adapt and perform in this conflict crisis, and make recommendations to SASAS Project Lead and CIMMYT leadership.
• Play a primary role in supporting field staff (esp. COP), who are juggling work and life in an acute conflict.
• Support partners to adapt and finalize concept notes and draft out step by step implementation for the remaining duration with contingencies and scenarios - e.g., peace resumes very soon, in 3 months, in 6 months. Consider alternate geographies if needed, along with shrinking vision where needed.
• Support SASAS Project Lead to coordinate with last mile partners and understand whether and how they will be impacted by an uptick in humanitarian need - do they have the staff and capacity to balance both.
• Identify areas for coordination, discussion and planning that can take place even during a temporary stop in work, including keeping a community of practice on seeds and one on ag advisories going once the immediate crisis passes. These could be done remotely as needed and make use of potential down time.
• Carry out security analysis, supported by RMU, and other sources assess priorities regarding safety, and Sudan food security, and brief full span of SASAS partners and CIMMYT.
• Collect information from partners/ others about the degree of disruption and anticipated impact on the planting season, access to farms, labor, fuel etc. and food security.
• Encourage/design/facilitate ground assessments to determine impact on SMEs and viability of some proposed activities in concept notes.
• Develop recommendations, with oversight by SASAS PL.

• Risk Management and Crisis Management experience.
• Experience with International Organizations, and NGOs.