World University Service of Canada
WUSC – World University Service of Canada – is a leading Canadian non-profit organization in international development, committed to providing education, economic opportunities and empowerment opportunities that improve the lives of millions of disadvantaged youth around the world.
Purpose of the assignment.
The West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU region) faces growing displacement due to conflict, political instability, and climate change. As of March 2025, more than four million people are forcibly displaced in Senegal, Togo, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, and other surrounding countries. Despite this, many RDPs remain underserved in national development plans, especially in the agrifood sector.
WUSC is commissioning a desktop analysis to address the following research questions:
- What are the current opportunities and barriers for the inclusion of RDP youth in the agrifood systems of Senegal, Togo, Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire?
- What skills, assets, and capacities do RDP youth possess – and what gaps exist – that influence their ability to access dignified work within agribusiness and related sectors?
- What can be done to strategically support inclusion of RDP youth (18-35 years, especially young women) and scale effective models for economic inclusion of RDP youth in agrifood systems, especially through programmatic and policy alignment?
In answering these questions, the analysis:
- Fills knowledge gaps regarding RDP youth engagement in agrifood systems;
- Identifies viable inclusion opportunities for Refugees and Displaced Persons’ inclusion in agrifood systems
- Guides future impactful programming and partnerships for RDP youth in agrifood systems in the WAEMU region.
- Supports the systemic and sustainable integration of RDP youth into value chains across the region.
Objectives of the Contextual Analysis
The contextual analysis will inform a strategy to support 400,000 RDP youth in accessing dignified work in agrifood systems. Specifically, it will:
- Map current agrifood initiatives targeting RDP youth (ages 18-35) in four focus countries (Senegal, Togo, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire).
- Identify viable RDP inclusion opportunities with a particular emphasis on the dairy value chain in Senegal.
- Analyze existing skills among RDP youth and identify skilling gaps and employment potential in agrifood systems.
- Assess governance and policy structures supporting or limiting RDP inclusion.
- Recommend practical and scalable interventions and provide a baseline for future programming.
Geographic Scope of the Contextual Assessment
The primary countries of focus are Senegal, Togo, Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire. While Mali and Benin are referenced in regional displacement trends, they are excluded from this specific assessment.
Methodology
The analysis will involve secondary data collection, referencing recent research work on Refugees and displaced persons in the region (a comprehensive review of recent academic literature, project documentation, government and agency reports, and policy briefs). The analysis should, however, focus on youth (18-35 years) with a strong focus on young women.
The analysis should identify areas where there are gaps in knowledge on RDP inclusion in agrifood systems, to inform future research work by WUSC.
Timelines
This assignment will commence on the 11th of August, 2025, for 14 days.
- 24th July 2025 to 7th August 2025: Application process by consultants
- 11th to 15th August 2025: Shortlisting, interviews and contracting (this will be done on a rolling basis)
- 25th August to 11th September: desktop review
- 12th September: Submission report
- 18th September: report presentation
Deliverables
- A Word document contextual analysis report not exceeding 40 pages.
- A report brief of the contextual analysis, highlighting key findings and recommendations, not exceeding 3 pages.
- A PowerPoint presentation deck of the report.
Qualifications of the Consultants
The Consultant(s) are expected to have:
- Significant familiarity with the RDP context in the WAEMU region, preferably with experience working in the region
- Experience working on refugee initiatives and with agencies working in various camp settlements
- Ability to write and speak insightfully and concisely in English and French
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Significant experience conducting research
- Lived experience as a refugee or displaced person will be an asset
How to apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications here by August 7, 2025.
Candidates should submit:
- A proposal that clearly demonstrates: an outline of how the consultant(s) plans to approach the assignment; previous experience in conducting similar assessments; a proposed budget that includes daily rate and levels of effort; and Curriculum Vitae
- Three samples of similar studies, reports, or analyses previously conducted.
- Three references from similar assignments.
Please Note:
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Only applicants shortlisted for interviews will be contacted.