Subject Matter Experts - USAID/Zambia Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Platform (Z-MELP)

Company Profile:

SoCha LLC (a portmanteau of Social and Change) is an independent company that provides bespoke solutions to social challenges. Working across Asia and Africa, SoCha offers Monitoring, Evaluation, Analysis and Learning (MEL) solutions to bi-lateral, multilateral, and philanthropic foundation donors. SoCha emphasizes the use of robust and rigorous analytical and data collection methodologies to inform decision making. We work actively with clients to ensure the social and economic consequences of policy making decisions are understood and appreciated in non-technical terms.

Background:

The USAID/Zambia Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Platform (Z-MELP) Activity, implemented by SoCha LLC is a five-year Activity (2020-2025) that improves program performance management and efficiency at all levels, helps the Mission meet Agency requirements, makes improved informed strategic and management decisions around program implementation, and advances Agency learning. In addition, Z-MELP provides the Mission access to technical and advisory services to design and carry out specialized multiple, third-party MEL tasks, including practices, processes, and requirements that support Program Cycle implementation. Furthermore, through Z-MELP, the Mission will achieve efficient MEL functions to enhance data-driven decision-making and strategic steering of the Mission’s Country Strategy.

 The USAID/Zambia Program Office (PRM) has engaged Z-MELP to support the Mission’s Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) Mid-Course Stocktaking (MCST). USAID/Zambia’s CDCS runs from 2019 to 2024 and has four (4) development objectives (DOs): DO 1: Citizen and National Self-Reliance Advanced by More Effective, Accountable Governance; DO 2: Rural Poverty Reduced through Enterprise-Driven Inclusive Economic Growth; DO 3: Capacity of Zambia’s Government, Citizens and Private Sector Increased to Improve Health Outcomes and Meet Critical Needs of Vulnerable Populations; and DO 4: Quality of Primary Education Strengthened to Improve Learning Outcomes. Missions need to carry out a mid-course CDCS stocktaking exercise during the implementation of a CDCS to reflect on progress made towards the achievement of CDCS goals and examine changes in the operating environment to inform strategy implementation for the remainder of the CDCS.

Responsibilities:

Z-MELP seeks four (4) Senior Subject Matter Experts in each Development Objective to lead the production of and inputs to the following deliverables:

• Evidence Briefers for each Development Objective (lead)
• Key Assumption Briefs (lead on assumptions within area of expertise)
• Stakeholder Surveys (inputs)
• Interview guides (inputs)
• Key consultation findings report (lead on section within area of expertise)
• Workshop summary report (lead on section within area of expertise)

The total level of effort is expected at around 30 days during the period March 28, 2022 – July 31, 2022.

Qualifications:

Each subject matter expert must have:

• An advanced degree (Masters or PhD);
• At least 10 years of experience in their field of expertise in international development;
• Prior USAID experience is a strong asset;
• Experience working in Zambia or Southern Africa is strongly preferred;
• Excellent English communication and writing skills.

Fields of expertise:

Democracy, Rights and Governance (DRG): Citizen and National Self-Reliance Advanced by More Effective, Accountable Governance

• Strengthened Citizen Engagement In National Development Choices
• Increased Democratic Space for Free Speech and Association
• Effective Use of Public Resources
• Increased Transparency and Credibility of Elections

Economic Development and Environment (EDEV): Rural Poverty Reduced through Enterprise-Driven Inclusive Economic Growth

• Enabling Businesses to Grow and Thrive
• Expanding Markets and Trade
• Powering Communities' Prosperity
• Improving Natural Resource Management
• Improving Access to Water and Sanitation
• Improving Nutrition for Children

Health: Capacity of Zambia’s Government, Citizens and Private Sector Increased to Improve Health Outcomes and Meet Critical Needs of Vulnerable Populations

• Supporting HIV/AIDS Prevention, Treatment, and Care
• Supporting Healthy Mothers and Children
• Increasing Access to Voluntary Family Planning
• Strengthening Health Systems
• Increasing Access to Health Products and Services
• Combating Malaria
• Enhancing Nutrition
• Supporting Tuberculosis (TB) Control
• Combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV)

Education: Quality of Primary Education Strengthened to Improve Learning Outcomes

Strengthening Children’s Ability to Read

• Expanding Learning Opportunities
• Measuring Academic Achievement 

Location: Remote

How to Apply:

To lodge an application, please upload your CV in English via the following link: https://jobs.socha.net/subject-matter-experts-zambia/

Applications close on 21 March 2022. Promising candidates may be selected before the closing date.