Consultancy: National Experts – Access to Land and Credit

The International Development Law Organization (IDLO) in Tunisia is launching the “Access to Land and Credit” project aimed at promoting the creation of sustainable, innovative, and high-value job opportunities within the Tunisian agri-food sector.

To support this initiative, IDLO is assembling a team of experts to conduct a series of assessments aimed at identifying obstacles hindering successful land consolidation processes and the economic empowerment of food producers in Tunisia. As part of this endeavor, National Experts are currently being recruited to lead the analysis and mapping exercises outlined within the project, which include:

• Assessment of the impact of preexisting and emerging disputes on land consolidation;
• Assessment of obstacles to swift registration of consolidated parcels;
• Organizational assessment of the Agence Foncière Agricole (AFA) in Tunisia;
• Assessment of existing legislation governing land consolidation;
• Assessment of the need for economic and legal empowerment tools for cooperatives, SMSAs, other SMEs and GDAs;
• Mapping development partners’ initiatives targeting the agri-food sector to identify best practices and insufficiencies in coordination that affect integration of activities.:

The Assignment

In coordination with the Project Team, the National Experts will develop the assessment reports. For each assessment, the selected National Expert will conduct the following tasks:

• Conduct a review of the assessment's scope, to ensure comprehensive coverage of all relevant aspects.
• Develop a detailed research methodology and plan.
• Identify key stakeholders, with a particular focus on women and youth, to be interviewed and involved in the exercise.
• Review existing studies and research findings relevant to the assessment.
• Conduct fields visits and gather primary data in areas undergoing consolidation processes.
• Analyze and synthesize the primary data gathered.
• Develop a draft report with preliminary findings, conclusions and recommendations for discussion with relevant stakeholders.
• Produce a final report according to IDLO proposed format.

Education and Professional Experience

• Master's degree or higher relevant to land management, agricultural economics, development studies, or a related discipline.
• At least 7 years of progressive experience in land consolidation, land administration, agricultural development, access to credit, or related fields, with a proven track record of leading similar assessments and projects.

Specific knowledge, skills and competencies

• In-depth knowledge and understanding of land consolidation processes, land tenure systems, land administration, access to credit, and relevant legal frameworks in the context of Tunisia and/or similar contexts.
• Technical knowledge and expertise in designing a research methodology, including the development of research tools, data collection, quality control, data processing, and data analysis.
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills.

Languages

• Fluent in French and Arabic. English is an asset.

The team conducting the assessment shall be composed of a maximum of three experts. Candidates are invited to submit their Expression of Interest, CV, and Cover Letter detailing their expertise and interest in leading specific assignments. Teams of consultants are encouraged to submit individual applications indicating that they have worked with the specific team. Preference will be given to applications from teams with prior collaborative experience. 

The contract is expected to start between 15^th April and 1^st May 2024 and conclude in December 2024. Payments will be made upon submission of agreed-upon deliverables. Each deliverable is linked to a specific payment tranche, contingent on quality and timely submission as well as acceptance by the Project Coordinator and the Country Representative for IDLO Tunisia Country Office.

For performing all tasks and services under each assessment, IDLO shall compensate the Contractor the amount of two hundred and fifty euros (EUR 250) per day (VAT included) for a period ranging from a minimum of ten (10) days to a maximum of thirty (30) days per assessment. The specific allocation of days will depend on the specific tasks assigned to each expert.

IDLO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in all areas of its operations. We welcome applications from qualified and diverse candidates. 

IDLO is committed to achieving a 50/50 gender balance at all levels within its workforce. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for IDLO vacancies.

IDLO does not tolerate sexual exploitation or abuse, any kind of harassment, including harassment of a sexual nature or discrimination. As such, IDLO will conduct careful reference and background checks of all selected candidates as part of its selection process.

Application deadline: 4 April 2024 (23:59hrs Rome Time)