Senior Evaluation Specialist - USAID Europe and Eurasia MELDS

Background

Established in 1941, NORC at the University of Chicago is one of the largest and most respected social science research organizations in the U.S. NORC conducts groundbreaking research using innovative methods and tools, and advances principles of scientific integrity and collaboration around the world. Today, government, corporate, and nonprofit clients around the world partner with NORC to transform increasingly complex information into useful knowledge. NORC’s International Programs Department designs and implements evaluations, data collection, and other analytical projects in over 100 countries and has developed close collaborative relationships with researchers, survey firms, and policy think tanks. NORC is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Senior Evaluations Specialist for an upcoming USAID Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning & Decision Support (MELDS) Activity. The Activity is expected to provide technical and advisory services related to the monitoring, evaluation, and learning of USAID/Europe and Eurasia projects and activities to help the Mission meet Agency requirements, make better informed strategic and management decisions, and advance Agency Target countries include Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Russia, Serbia, and Ukraine.

Job Summary

The Senior Evaluation Specialist will provide technical leadership of impact, performance, and mid-term evaluations as well as various research studies and assessments. Responsibilities will include oversight of evaluation and study designs (e.g., sampling design, data sources and collection methods) with well thought-out evaluation questions and associated indicators; development of data collection tools including surveys and interviews and focus groups guides; key informant interviewing and focus group discussions; managing survey data collections including data quality insurance, reviewing data and preparing datasets, analyzing quantitative or qualitative data to measure program impact and implementation performance, and report writing.

It is expected that s/he will serve as evaluation team leader for some evaluations conducted under this contract. In addition, s/he will also contribute to the learning component of this contract, overseeing the development of learning products (e.g., interactive dashboards, graphic summaries) and participating in workshops and capacity building as needed. The Senior Evaluation Specialist also has significant managerial responsibilities, including the recruitment and management of team members and short-term technical experts and local data collection firms.

The position will be based in Washington, D.C. Please note that the position is contingent upon award and funding. It will be full-time over a multi-year period, at competitive rates.

Required Qualifications

The candidate must possess the following qualifications:

• A Master’s Degree or higher in a relevant field, such as international development, social sciences, public policy, statistics, or economics.
• A minimum of ten years of progressively more responsible experience in leading the monitoring, evaluation, and analysis of donor development projects.
• Working experience in Europe or Eurasia.
• Thorough technical knowledge of monitoring and evaluation methods including quantitative and qualitative research methods and sampling, and performance management.
• Experience in the design, testing, and deployment of data collection instruments (e.g., questionnaires and interview guides).
• Familiarity with USAID’s Evaluation Policy and Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) practices.
• At least 5 years of project management experience. Relevant skills include management of evaluations and oversight of project and short-term staff and data collection partners.
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated and successful work in an intercultural team environment in a development context.
• Oral and written communication and presentations skills in English.

Preferred Qualifications

The candidate would be considered more competitive if s/he possess the following qualifications:

• Familiarity with one or more of the following sectors: democracy and governance; economic development; energy; health; and/or youth, education, and vulnerable populations.
• Language proficiency in: Albanian, Armenian, Azerbaijani, Bosnian, Croatian, Georgian, Greek, Macedonian, Montenegrin, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Turkish, or Ukrainian.
• Experience performing data quality review, analyzing large datasets, and de-identifying data for public release.

How to apply

Interested candidates should email a CV and cover letter to MELDS@norc.org. Please use the following subject line in your email: “MELDS Application – Senior Evaluation Specialist.” Please also contact us at this email with any questions.

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement

As a condition of employment, all NORC employees and contractors – including those working remotely - must be fully vaccinated (as defined by current CDC guidance) against COVID-19.

Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) Statement

NORC is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer that values and actively seeks diversity in the workforce. NORC evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and other legally- protected characteristics.