Facilitator - Staff Retreat at Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA)

Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) is an international economic development organization, whose mission is to create innovative business solutions to poverty. Founded in 1953 by a group of compassionate business professionals, we partner with the economically active poor to start or grow small and medium-sized businesses in developing regions of the world. Our expertise includes a full range of economic development tools: financial services, gender responsive and environmentally sustainable technology, business training, access to market information, better access to markets and equity investment. Our work most often focuses on women, youth and the rural poor and agricultural development. We believe that all people deserve the opportunity to earn a livelihood and that unleashing entrepreneurship is a powerful way to alleviate poverty

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Facilitator - Staff Retreat (4day Team Building Retreat)

Location: Bauchi
Employment Type: Contract

Nigeria Way Project Summary

• MEDA’s Youth Entrepreneurship and Women’s Empowerment in Northern Nigeria project (Nigeria WAY) in Bauchi state is a seven-year project aimed at assisting poor, economically active women, and youth to increase their income, specifically, those who are involved in Agro-processing in the rice, soybean, and groundnut value chains.
• Using a private sector approach, MEDA Nigeria works with small scale businesses particularly those led by women and youth, to ensure they are included in market systems, supporting Agro-processing with smart incentives. Additionally, the project works with communities and families to improve the environment where girls grow up and join the market economy.
• The overall objective of the Nigeria WAY project is to increase the contribution by entrepreneurs and small-scale businesses particularly those owned by women and youth to Nigeria’s Economic Growth.

Problem Statement

• MEDA Nigeria is entering into its final implementation year for The Nigeria WAY Project which implies that staff members need to work strategically, stay focused and work optimally in other to achieve all the requirements of Nigeria WAY project based on contribution agreement entered between MEDA and Global Affairs Canada (GAC).
• It is on this basis that MEDA is organising a 4-Day staff team building retreat to promote an optimal work environment were staff are focused and remain motivated. Specifically, the retreat is expected to:
• Provide staff with keys to stay focused, think strategically and work optimally.
• To support deep individual and collective reflection on the Nigeria WAY project activities, its implementation successes, challenges and future approaches to effective project management.
• Improve conflict sensitivity, compassion, and commitment to do no harm to enhance mutual support and trust levels among staff.
• Improve staff awareness on compliance in security conscious environment.

Expected Deliverables
Nigeria WAY project seeks a consultant to coordinate the Four (4) day retreat to be held in the first week (3rd to 6th) of January 2023, by:

• Assessing the team’s working dynamics through interviews with staff and key management team members.
• Lead the design and develop the agenda and delivery methodology of the teambuilding retreat, in consultation with the management team.
• Facilitate the retreat, including developing activities and exercises aimed at strengthening and encouraging efficient and effective communication, team building, knowledge, and information sharing.
• Write a retreat report that includes the results of the assessment of working dynamics, identified strengths and weaknesses in communication and collaboration within the team and recommend how to build on strengths and address weaknesses.

Key Competencies, Technical Background and Experience Required

• Doctorate Degree
• At least 10 years of current and relevant work experience, with a focus on facilitating meetings or workshops for international development organizations.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing a wide range of interactive methods to strengthen teams and improve communication in the workplace.
• Cultural sensitivity and experience moderating meetings of culturally diverse groups.
• Fluency in English and Hausa.
• Effective communication skills and report writing skills.
• Experience working on or knowledge of agricultural market systems, women and gender development issues are added asset.

Application Closing Date
16th November, 2022.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should their Proposals (bids and attachments) to: [email protected] using "Team Building Event" as the subject of the email.

The Proposal should include:

• A brief profile of the firm/Individual and the CV of the Facilitator/s clearly highlighting the bidder’s suitability and capacity for the provision of services required.
• Contact information for three professional references with whom the prospective consultant has provided similar services in the last three years.
• A summary of the proposed approaches and methodology and a detailed work plan for the effective delivery of the organizational team building event.
• A financial bid incorporating all elements of the expected deliverable (as above) and broken down to show the bidder’s daily rate. Prices should be in Nigerian Naira.

Note: Only shortlisted bids will be contacted.