Vacancy: Consultant, Development of a Case Study on 4H Ghana’s participation in 4R Champion program

Company Profile

The Cooperative Development Foundation (CDF) is an international non-governmental and non-profit organisation that promotes self-help and mutual aid in community, economic, and social development through cooperative enterprise.  CDF Canada is currently implementing the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Project in the Eastern Corridor of Northern and Savana Region of Ghana. The multi-partner project is funded by the Global Affairs Canada (GAC) with co-funding from CDF and Fertilizer Canada. The 4R-NSP aims at improving the socio-economic wellbeing of 30,00 smallholder farmers in East Gonja Municipality, Kpandai District, Nanumba South District and Nanumba North Municipality.

Gender mainstreaming is one of the key components of the project that will ensure that gender issues are addressed in the project location. The gender component focus on enhancing the representation and influence of women in leadership positions and across decision-making structures, especially within the co-operatives.

Job Description

Terms of Reference (ToR) 

Development of a Case Study on 4H Ghana’s participation in 4R Champion program

Background

The 4R-Nutrient Stewardship Project (4R-NSP) is a five-year initiative funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and implemented by the Co-operative Development of Foundation of Canada (CDF Canada), Fertilizer Canada (FC) and African Plant Nutrition Institute (APNI). The goal of the project is to improve socio-economic well-being and resilience of 80,000 (50 per cent women) smallholder farmers in Ethiopia, Ghana and Senegal through improved agricultural productivity and sustainability. The 4R-NSP is a science-based use of fertilizer (Right Source @ Right Rate, Right Time, Right Place ®) that improve environmental sustainability, improves farmer productivity, and increase farmer-based income and profitability.

One key result area of the project is to increase integration of gender sensitive 4R principles in relevant standards and policies (globally and nationally). As part of this, one of the major activities we carried out was the 4R Champion program. 

4H-Ghana through a fund received from Fertilizer Canada participated in the 4R Champion program. It engaged its clubs to train them on 4Rs and carry out 4R micro projects through its students and clubs in Ghana. The program equipped over 1,500 youth and 50 Club Advisors with knowledge and know-how on proper crop nutrient management. Over 1,200 small holder farmers made up of parents of 4-H members also benefitted from this program through Farmer Field Days organized by the various clubs. 

The clubs had the option to select one of the three following options as their 4R Champion grant project:

• In-field application: In a group or individually, club members could conduct 4R micro projects on applying 4R principles. 


• Youth-to-Youth educational videos: Club members could also choose to record videos to explain the 4Rs to young people in Ghana. Individual club participants would learn about the 4Rs and each would be asked to prepare a short video which will be supplied to 4H Ghana and for potential use by the 4R Program. 


• Essay contest: Individuals within the clubs could submit an essay of 1000-1200 words. Each Club Advisor and some 4-H Club members were also to undertake the eLearning of 4R Essentials - A Short Course in 4R Nutrient Stewardship by Fertilizer Canada. 

Objective

To develop one case study and one synthesized ‘fact sheet’ related to the 4R micro projects

Case Study

• Document preparations/processes undertaken to successfully participate and implement the 4R Champion program by 4H Ghana


• Document testimonials from participants/beneficiaries on the impact of the 4R Champion program


• Document how the program is operating since the program ended with Fertilizer Canada


• Synthesize and highlight the successes, lessons, opportunities, and gaps of the 4R Champion program implementation with 4H Ghana

Fact Sheet

Synthesize all the submitted 4R micro project reports, and project end report into a more user-friendly communication material such as a fact sheet/infographic etc.

Scope of Assignment and Timeline

The anticipated period of performance for this consultancy is approximately 27 days from July 18 to August 25, 2022.

Submission of Proposal

Consultants that can perform the task as per this Terms of Reference should submit their proposal. The proposal should take the following aspects into consideration:

• Relevance to Terms of Reference (ToR)


• Methodology and Timeline


• Budget breakdown


• Professional, academic qualifications, and contact details for two references


• Experience of case study development


• Examples of previous work

Reporting 

• The Consultant will directly report to CDF Canada’s Ghana country office for day to day to matters, and will be strategically supervised/reported by/to Fertilizer Canada


• The Consultant is expected to use own computer, workspace and other equipment required for the task


• The Consultant will meet biweekly with FC, CDF Ghana to report on progress and any challenges; and undertake mix of in-country and distance mode of working, such as virtual meetings on WhatsApp, Microsoft Team etc. from time to time with Fertilizer Canada

Scope of financial proposal 

• The Consultant will be offered a lump sum fee inclusive of any per diems, travel cost


• The payments will be made in installments based upon outputs/deliverables specified in the payment schedule of this ToR

Payment schedule

• 20% on signing the contract and submission of a draft methodology and workplan for the whole task


• 40% on receiving the first draft of the case study and infographic


• 40% on receiving the final case study and infographic

Required Skills or Experience

This task will require a consultant who have the following key qualifications and experience:

• Knowledge and experience in writing for impact, conducting case study research, and participatory methodologies and approaches related to international development initiatives and reporting


• Familiarity with the 4R Solution project, its programme framework, and/or other relevant development frameworks in Ghana is a plus;


• Knowledge of key policy issues within the agricultural and developmental sectors in Ghana 


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English


• Experience in using graphics software to create communication materials; including good editing skills and strong attention to detail


• Experience and/or training in facilitating FGDs, informative interviews, and knowledge of ethical interviewing methodologies;


• Excellent time management skills and ability to meet deadlines.