National Evaluation Expert, MCC Solomon Islands Threshold Program (Land Management)

The Cloudburst Group is currently seeking qualified Solomon Islander evaluation experts with experience in Land Management issues, including land access, sustainable tourism, and forest governance. The consultant will work with a team of international evaluators and a local data collection firm to conduct evaluations of land management projects under the MCC Solomon Islands Threshold Program. The evaluations may include a review of pertinent documents and both qualitative (interviews and focus groups) and quantitative data collection. The findings and recommendations will be for the use of MCC in strategic planning and developing further programming.

Illustrative Duties/Tasks and Responsibilities: 

●        Under the direction of the team lead and Cloudburst help to design and implement a rigorous research approach, e.g., the design and methodology for assessments should include the use of both primary and secondary data sources and interviews of with multiple stakeholders including USAID staff, implementing partners, and other key informants. 

●        Participate in fieldwork to support the research, including a desk review and key informant interviews.

●        Coordinate with a local data collection firm as needed.

●        Support the drafting of a findings report, responding to MCC’s questions and criteria, with an emphasis on analysis-based, actionable, and operational recommendations that can assist with strategic decision-making and programmatic decisions.

●        Assist with developing and participate in presenting findings to stakeholders. 

Minimum Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

●        Candidates must be located in the Solomon Islands with deep familiarity with the local context and history.

●        At least 5 years of extensive evaluation experience, knowledge of and experience in evaluating land/forestry topics preferred, including:

○        Access to land for private investment, especially in the tourism sector

○        Policies, laws, and regulations that govern access to land and land rights

○        Political economy challenges related to land access

○        Forest governance and policy

○        Payment for ecosystem services

●       Master’s degree in a relevant social or environmental science field is strongly preferred.

●       Familiarity with MCC’s objectives, approaches, and operations.

●       Knowledge of evaluation and assessment methodology, including desk review, qualitative and quantitative data collection, analysis, and reporting.

●       Superior writing, communication, and analytical skills.

●       Excellent management and leadership skills.

English fluency required, knowledge of local languages an asset.

COMPANY INFORMATION

The Cloudburst Group is a small consulting business with its main office in Landover, MD. Cloudburst is considered a leader in optimizing the effectiveness and sustainability of public/private programs that target underserved populations and support communities domestically and internationally. Our services include research, evaluation, planning, management consulting and technical assistance, communications, and performance measurement.

The work that Cloudburst engages in is guided by a Mission to improve economic, social, and environmental resilience. To this end, many of the populations and communities we work with focus on addressing structural and institutional racism that disproportionately impacts Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Cloudburst believes that effective services and solutions are created with communities historically impacted by the systems we are attempting to transform. We strongly encourage applications from people who are representative of the culturally and ethnically diverse communities we work with.

The Cloudburst Group is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability or genetics, or any other protected class. Cloudburst will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.