Consultant - Cryptocurrency in Uganda Scoping Assessment - Bidibidi Refugee Settlement, Uganda

About Mercy Corps:

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and for the future.

Background:

Mercy Corps has had a presence in Uganda since 2006, and began leveraging cryptocurrency as a cash transfer modality in the country in 2019. Together with Rippleworks and Coinbase, Mercy Corps is partnering in Uganda to advance economic empowerment and financial inclusion through the use of different kinds of blockchain technology. The program consists of two pilot projects that will utilize cryptocurrency and digital IDs to reach these goals for refugees in Bidibidi.  The program in its entirety aims to reach 7,000 households (35,000 individuals) with ~$2 million USD over the course of 24 months.

Objectives:

The purpose of this consultancy is to conduct research and scoping that will contribute to the overall design and implementation of a pilot project that will test the feasibility, impact and scale potential of a cryptocurrency solution in Uganda. The consultant will subsequently develop a report that informs Mercy Corps’ decisions about targeting, scope, and impact of the pilot: in essence outlining the problem in order to create a problem statement. The consultant will be equipped with the prime contacts, Key Informant Interview instructions, and other pertinent information in order to complete a comprehensive context analysis with Mercy Corps staff representing the Innovation/Ventures team, Technology for Development, Economic Growth  and Uganda Country Office.

Activities:

The below activities should be conducted with a focus on refugee populations in rural areas as target participants, recognizing that some of the assessments will require a more macro view of the enabling environment in Uganda.

1. Perform an assessment of context and digital ecosystem (cryptocurrency and digital ID) in Uganda
2. Develop stakeholder mapping of relevant actors in the digital ecosystem in Uganda

Deliverables:

1. Digital ecosystem assessment for cryptocurrency, digital cash, and digital ID in Uganda
2. Stakeholder mapping

Required Experience and Skills:

• 5-10 years experience in a relevant technical field
• Master’s degree or equivalent experience and education
• Strong experience conducting research for international development or learning projects
• Prior experience with cash transfer programming
• Experience conducting qualitative research including KIIs
• Detail-oriented to ensure quality and consistency
• Ability to remotely manage and coordinate with stakeholders and implementers
• Strong work ethic and the ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
• Written and oral fluency in English required

Timeframe / Schedule:

The grant is structured to begin implementation in July 2022. The consultant should aim to complete the assessment by the end of June 2022

The consultant will report to:

• Senior Advisor, Digital Cash and Voucher Assistance, Technology for Development Team

The consultant will closely coordinate with:

• Mercy Corps Ventures
• Mercy Corps Technology for Development (T4D) Team
• Mercy Corps Uganda

**Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
**Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.

We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.

Equal Employment OpportunityWe are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.

Safeguarding & EthicsMercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our stakeholders and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.