Data Collection and Analysis 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 Data Collection and Analysis 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 Data Collection and Analysis Specialist will support instrument design, selection of data collection firms, tools testing, training of enumerators and interviewers, oversight of field work, data entry, data quality review, and data analysis. The Specialist will support the development of a data collection plan, including an overview of the data collection instruments and a list of key stakeholders to interview. S/he might will also play a key role during interviewers training and pilot data collection. The Specialist will support data analysis, triangulate of quantitative and qualitative findings, and write sections of reports and deliverables as needed.

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:

• Bachelor’s or higher degree in a relevant field in a relevant field, such as international development, social sciences, public policy, public health, statistics, or economics.
• At least five years of relevant work experience, including:
• designing and testing data collection instruments;
• leading enumerators and interviewers training;
• supervising quantitative and qualitative data collection fieldwork;
• conducting data quality assessments to ensure data is clean, accurate and correctly recorded; and
• analyzing quantitative and qualitative data.
• Ability to travel within Europe and Eurasia as necessary.
• 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:

• Demonstrated strong reporting skills;
• Experience with qualitative data analysis software (Dedoose, NVivo);
• Experience with quantitative data analysis software (SPSS, Stata, SAS, R);
• Experience with computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI) software (ODK, SurveyCTO, Nfield)
• Experience working with USAID;
• Familiarity with USAID performance data information systems, or other such systems;
• Strong attention to detail; and excellent organizational skills;
• 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 – Data Collection and Analysis 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.