Capacity Building 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 Capacity Building 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 (MEL) of USAID/Europe and Eurasia projects and activities to help the Bureau meet Agency requirements, make better informed strategic and management decisions, and advance Agency learning. Target countries include Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Russia, Serbia, and Ukraine.

Job Summary

The Capacity Building Specialist will plan, prepare, deliver and oversee training, on-the-job coaching, and other forms of capacity building for staff from USAID, implementing partners, and a range of other institutions. An understanding of organizational development will be valuable. An emphasis will be placed on consultative development of learning activities, and participatory approaches to all capacity building.

The position will be based in Washington, D.C. Please note that the position is contingent upon award and funding.

Required Qualifications

The candidate must possess the following qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in a relevant field, such as international development, public policy, organizational development, or communications.
• At least five years of experience leading the development and implementation of courses, training and/or technical assistance, including:
  • Conducting needs assessments;
  • Preparing technical assistance plans;
  • Drafting training materials;
  • Conducting capacity building activities;
  • Capturing and disseminating lessons learned.
• Experience providing coaching and mentorship on Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning skills.
• Ability to travel within Europe and Eurasia as necessary.
• Oral and written communication and presentations skills in English.
• Excellent communications and interpersonal skills required.

Preferred Qualifications

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

• Strong familiarity with USAID’s Evaluation Policy and Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting(CLA) practices;
• Understanding of knowledge management as it relates to USAID programs;
• Familiarity with one or more of the following sectors: democracy and governance; economic development; energy; health; and/or youth, education, and vulnerable populations.
• Working experience in Europe or Eurasia.
• Language proficiency in: Albanian, Armenian, Azerbaijani, Bosnian, Croatian, Georgian, Greek, Macedonian, Montenegrin, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Turkish, or Ukrainian.

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 – Capacity Building 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.