Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Forvis Mazars, founded in 1945, is a global, integrated, and independent advisory firm headquartered in Paris. With over 40,000 professionals operating in more than 100 countries, Forvis Mazars provides a wide range of services including socio-economic and sectoral research, social impact assessments, evaluation of government programs, and corporate social responsibility initiatives. The firm's consulting services also encompass financial advisory, government advisory, transaction advisory, audit, accountancy, tax, and legal services.

Role - The SME in this role will be responsible for leading and executing comprehensive research, developing and managing proposals, and handling RFPs and RFIs for evaluation studies within Australia's social and development sectors. Expertise is required in agriculture, health, education, public policy, public health, impact studies and related domains. The SME will design research methodologies, align project deliverables with client and funding requirements, provide technical guidance on policy and program evaluation, oversee data analysis, and translate findings into actionable recommendations. Additionally, capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and quality assurance efforts will be crucial for driving effective project implementation and impact assessment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead in-depth research across social development, agriculture, health, education, and public policy sectors within Australia's context.
• Design and develop proposals responsive to RFPs and RFIs, ensuring alignment with donor and government expectations.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance throughout evaluation studies, including impact assessments and program monitoring.
• Review and validate rigorous methodologies, data collection tools, and analysis plans.
• Analyse complex data, synthesise findings, and generate practical policy and program recommendations.
• Support capacity building by training team members and stakeholders in research and evaluation techniques.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement to incorporate Australian community perspectives.
• Ensure compliance with ethical standards and quality assurance protocols in all research phases.
• Prepare detailed reports, presentations, and documentation for government agencies, funding bodies, and implementation partners.
• Advise on evidence-based policy formulation and strategic development.
• Stay updated on sector trends and best practices relevant to evaluation methodologies.
• Communicate complex technical content clearly to diverse Australian audiences.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams integrating findings into national development initiatives.

 Qualifications:

• MBA or equivalent advanced degree in social development, public policy, agriculture, health, education, or related disciplines from a recognised Australian or international institution.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years’ experience in social sector research, evaluation, proposal development, and project management within relevant domains in Australia or similar contexts.

Skills:

• Proven ability in research design, impact assessment, stakeholder engagement, and policy analysis.
• Strong documentation, technical writing, and data analysis skills with familiarity in Australian policy environments.
• Experience responding to RFPs/RFIs, engaging with government and donor stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with cultural awareness of Australia’s diverse communities.

 Languages:

• Proficiency in English is essential; knowledge of additional community languages is advantageous.

Interpersonal Skills & Cultural Awareness:

• Ability to work collaboratively with indigenous and multicultural stakeholders, respecting Australia’s social and cultural diversity.

Benefits:

• Competitive hourly rates.
• Professional growth opportunities and involvement in impactful national and regional projects.
• Contribution to shaping Australia’s social and development policies.

Key Selection Criteria:

• Demonstrated expertise in Australia’s social and development sectors including agriculture, health, education, and public policy.
• Experience designing and managing complex evaluation projects and proposals aligned with Australian government standards.
• Capacity to deliver high-quality data analysis, technical reports, and policy advice.
• Effective stakeholder engagement considering Australia's multicultural environment.
• Strong understanding of ethical research practices and quality assurance specific to the Australian context.
• Excellent communication skills tailored for government, donor, and community audiences.
• Prior experience with Australian government agencies, NGOs, or international organisations in Australia preferred.

Application Procedure

Applicants must apply online at anirudh.saini@mazars.co.in.
Hard copies will not be accepted.
Applications require:

• Updated resume with three professional referees' contact details.
• Cover letter detailing skills, experience, and interest.
• Responses to all screening questions.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please submit documents in Microsoft Word or PDF format.

Screening Questions:

1. Please describe your experience leading research and evaluation studies in Australian social development sectors such as agriculture, health, and education. Provide examples where you designed methodologies, managed data analysis, and translated findings into actionable recommendations.
2. Explain your role in proposal development, including responding to RFPs and RFIs within the Australian context. How do you ensure your proposals meet government and donor requirements?
3. Share an example where you provided technical guidance on policy or program formulation in Australia based on your evaluation findings. How did your input influence strategic decision-making?
4. How do you ensure culturally sensitive and inclusive research when engaging with Australia's diverse communities, including Indigenous stakeholders?
5. Explain the end-to-end process of identifying, bidding, and pursuing opportunities in the social sector through RFP, RFQ, etc