Researcher, USAID/RDMA Pacific Islands Foreign Assistance Act 118/119 Analysis

Social Impact is a global development management consulting firm. We provide monitoring, evaluation, strategic planning, and capacity building services to advance development effectiveness. We work across all development sectors including democracy and governance, health and education, the environment, and economic growth. Since 1997 we have worked in over 100 countries for clients such as US government agencies, bilateral donors, multilateral development banks, foundations, and nonprofits.

Project Objective:

USAID programs by law cannot contribute toward or exacerbate direct threats to conservation, whether intentionally or not. Preventing unintended degradation is one of the primary reasons for Sections 118 and 119 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, and for requiring an analysis of tropical forests and biodiversity (FAA 118/119 Analysis) as part of each USAID Mission’s strategy. The purpose of this project is to conduct an analysis of tropical forest and biodiversity in the Pacific Islands in alignment with FAA 118/119 and in compliance with ADS 201 guidelines.

The Analysis will examine the forest and biodiversity conservation needs in the Pacific Islands and the extent to which USAID activities addressed the identified needs for forest and biodiversity conservation. The Analysis will also consider the unique, coordinating/convening role played by USAID, as well as the role of regional institutions and partners in environmental protection and natural resource management.

Under Task Order 46 of the Asia Learning Monitoring and Evaluation (ALME) program, the USAID Regional Development Mission for Asia (RDMA) has requested Social Impact to complete a high-level analysis on relevant biodiversity and forestry issues in the Pacific Islands and to adequately respond to the questions for FAA 118 and FAA 119, also known as “actions necessary” and “extent to which.”

Position Description:

Social Impact is seeking a Researcher to support this 118/119 Analysis. The researcher will be responsible for assisting with literature review, qualitative data collection, and preparation of client deliverables. The project is anticipated to start in late 2021 and will last five to six months.

Please note: This is a local position. Only candidates based in the Pacific Islands will be considered.

Responsibilities:

• In collaboration with the Team Leader and other team members, support the FAA 118/119 analysis on biodiversity and forestry conservation issues in the Pacific Islands.
• Conduct qualitative data collection and analysis, including literature review and key informant interviews.
• Maintain clear and regular communication with the research team and HQ support staff, and inform the HQ team of any risks, problems, or challenges in a timely manner.
• Contribute to the development and finalization of project deliverables, including the work plan, oral presentations, draft report, and final report.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in environmental policy, natural resource management, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of five years of experience conducting research in environmental issues including biodiversity and forestry conservation, or three years of experience with a master’s degree.
• Expertise in assessing environmental threats.
• Experience working with USAID preferred.
• Exceptional organizational, analytical, writing, and presentation skills.
• Oral and written fluency in English required.