Stabilization Evaluation Specialist

Job Description

Job description
Position: Evaluation Specialist

Social Impact is a global development management consulting firm. We provide monitoring, evaluation, strategic planning, and capacity building services to advance development effectiveness. We work across all development sectors including democracy and governance, health and education, the environment, and economic growth. Since 1997 we have worked in over 100 countries for clients such as US government agencies, bilateral donors, multilateral development banks, foundations, and nonprofits.

Background

Somalia has faced significant instability since the early 1990s, including political conflict, civil unrest, and humanitarian crises. Since 2011, USAID through the Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI), the Democracy, Stabilization and. Governance Office and other offices and programs have implemented a multitude of stabilization efforts that aim to address root causes of violent extremism and instability, while fostering sustainable peace and democracy. USAID/Somalia has invested over $300 million in stabilization during this timeframe.

USAID’s key stabilization programs include:

● Transition Initiatives for Stabilization (TIS)

● Transition Initiatives for Stabilization + (TIS+)

● Transition Initiatives for Stabilization Saddex (TIS3)

● Stabilization Amplification Mechanism (SAM)

● Stabilization and Recovery in Somalia (SRS)

● USAID contribution to the multi-donor Somalia Stability Fund (SSF)

● Somalia Stabilization Initiative OTI Program 2016 – 2020

Purpose of Evaluation:

USAID has commissioned Evaluation, Learning and Monitoring Initiative (ELMI) to carry out an evaluation of its stabilization portfolio. The purpose of the evaluation is to generate a better understanding of the extent to which USAID stabilization programs have achieved their objectives and contributed to USAID’s goal of increased stability in Somalia.

Specific Tasks:

Working closely with the Evaluation Team Leader and the Stabilization Specialist, the Evaluation Specialist will undertake the following specific tasks:

Assist the Team Leader in developing and refining the scope and objectives of the evaluation.
Design and pilot-test the instruments for data collection, such as surveys and interview guides.
Carry out fieldwork with respect to surveys, interviews, and focus groups.
Analyze the quantitative data using statistical software and qualitative data by means of coding and interpretation.
Checking and auditing the data regularly to ensure its accuracy and reliability.
Present findings to stakeholders and obtain feedback to validate results.
Support the implementation of the evaluation framework, adapting methodologies as may be necessary.
Provide training and support to field staff undertaking data collection.
Support the TL in drafting a comprehensive evaluation report and a two-page summary finding report.
Participate in inception meetings with USAID DSG team and other actors to gain a better understanding of the expected deliverables and the proposed assessment approach.
Work with the Team Leader to prepare an inception report which incorporates detailed methodology and data collection tools.
Undertake desk review of existing literature on past and ongoing stabilization efforts in Somalia and other related literature relevant to the study.
Support the development a visual timeline, infographic and other communication products on USAID stabilization work in Somalia since 2011.
Participate in presentations with USAID and other stakeholders to disseminate the findings of the evaluation as needed.
Deliverables:

The Evaluation Specialist will contribute to the following deliverables and submit them to the Stabilization Assessment Team Leader:

· Inception report of the stabilization evaluation.

· A visual timeline that demonstrates how stabilization efforts have unfolded over time, key milestones, etc.

· Development of an infographic of USAID’s stabilization work in Somalia since 2011.

· Power Point presentation for USAID Somalia team on key findings and recommendations.

· Evaluation tools for data collection, including questionnaires, interview guides, and focus group protocols.

· Field teams training plan and conduct training on methods of data collection and evaluation procedures and quality assurance for field staff.

· Data analysis report on both quantitative and qualitative data, showing trends and patterns.

· Final evaluation report with detailed findings, conclusion, and recommendations.

· Notes from the validation Stakeholder Feedback session.

Skills and qualifications
Minimum of a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, in social sciences, development studies or a related field.

· Minimum of five years professional work experience in the design, management, and implementation of evaluations, analyses, and assessments.

· Demonstrated experience working with multidisciplinary teams for large and complex studies, evaluations, or assessments.

· Experience conducting evaluations with USAID, UN Agencies, or multilateral organizations.

· Previous experience in conducting USAID evaluations, preferably stabilization programs.

· Strong skills in quantitative and qualitative data analysis and collection.

· Excellent knowledge of Stata or other similar statistical analysis software.

· Knowledge and previous evaluation experience in Somalia, Kenya, or other similar East African countries strongly desired.

· Demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving skills in an evaluation or other analytical role;

· Experience in Somalia preferred.

· Good oral and written English communication skills.

How to apply
Period of Performance:

The anticipated period of performance is on or about November 2024 to August 2025. .

Level of Effort:

The level of effort for this assignment is approximately 55 days.

Reporting: The Consultant will report to the TO2 Evaluation Director or their designated official.

Come join our energetic and innovative team! We offer you the opportunity to play a leading role in the growth of our company, work as part of a creative and committed team, and make a difference in the well-being of our world.

To learn more about Social Impact, please visit our website: http://www.socialimpact.com

SI is an EEO/AA/ADA Veterans Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Only selected candidates will be contacted for an interview.