Notetaker/Junior Evaluation Specialist, DOS Evaluation of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Program, Dominican Republic

Social Impact (SI) is a global development management consulting firm providing 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.

Introduction

In August 2020, the United States Department of State’s (DOS) Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Bureau awarded SI the Evaluation of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Program, which provides women entrepreneurs with the skills, resources, and networks needed to start and scale successful businesses. Through AWE, women entrepreneurs participate in a facilitated entrepreneurship program supplemented with localized content as well as networking and mentorship opportunities. Public Diplomacy Sections in U.S. embassies overseas design and implement their own AWE model based on local conditions, contacts, networks, and needs. During its inaugural year, over 2,000 women across 24 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, as well as Spain and Papua New Guinea, graduated from the AWE program.

The purpose of this evaluation is to determine how successful AWE is in meeting program aims. This evaluation will assess the impact of AWE on program alumnae and their businesses, determine if and how AWE furthers networks between participants and other ECA alumni, and identify best practices and lessons learned for future cohorts of the program. This will involve carrying out a series of Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), Small Group Interviews (SGIs) and one Case Study in five of the 24 countries, including Dominican Republic.

Position Description:

SI is seeking a Junior Evaluation Specialist who will be responsible for coordinating and implementing in-country evaluation activities in Dominican Republic. These evaluation activities will include KIIs, SGIs, and Case Study-related data collection. The Specialist will be working alongside an in-country Senior/Mid-Level Evaluation Specialist and will be managed by the US headquarters-based Team Leader. They will also work in close collaboration with the headquarters-based Qualitative Research Specialist and the Women’s Economic Empowerment Specialist, also based remotely.

The expected period of performance is from mid-January and through mid-March and will require 15 days of effort.

Local COVID-19 Protocols:

The SI AWE team will follow all local protocols to protect all in-country consultants and interviewees from the spread of COVID-19. If possible, interviews will be carried out face-to face, for which the in-country team may be required to travel to different parts of the country. If this is not possible due to COVID-19-related restrictions, the interviews will be conducted remotely. Final data collection methodology and implementation will be confirmed with the Team Leader prior to the start of KIIs and SGIs. SI’s priority is to ensure the safety of staff and evaluation participants.

Responsibilities:

The Specialist will:

• Review material related to the AWE program including evaluation design, methodology, and data collection instruments to become familiar with the program and assignment.
• Participate in a remote training concerning evaluation tools and protocols.
• Lead note taking for KIIs, SGIs, and Case Study-related data collection with program alumnae and mentors. The Case Study will likely involve note taking for a set of qualitative interviews, observations at an entrepreneur’s business, and collection of selected business metrics.
• In collaboration with the Senior/Mid-Level Evaluation Specialist, submit in-depth notes of each data collection event (e.g., KII, SGI, etc.) within 2 business days.
• Assist as needed with follow-up with alumnae for ongoing qualitative data analysis.
• Collaborate with the remote Evaluation Team throughout design, implementation, analysis, and report writing.

Candidate Qualifications:

• Preference for candidate holding a degree in international development, business, gender & women’s studies, or a related field.
• Must have 2-3+ years of evaluation experience, including experience taking notes for KIIs and SGIs/FGDs, and/or gender related assessments/studies.
• Exceptional organizational, analytical, and English writing skills.
• Experience with qualitative data analysis and coding is a plus.
• English fluency required, including ability to write clear and concise reports and summaries. Spanish fluency required. Additional local language ability preferred.
• Familiarity with US Government (USAID, DOS, MCC etc.) evaluations and assessments is a plus