Team Leader, Evaluation of Advancing Livelihood through Support to Agricultural Markets in Syria (AAMS) Activity

Team Leader

Advancing Livelihood through Support to Agricultural Markets in Syria (AAMS) Activity Evaluation

Introduction

USAID is conducting a final performance evaluation of the Advancing Livelihood through Support to Agricultural Markets in Syria (AAMS) Activity, which is being implemented under the “Supporting Livelihoods in Syria” (SLS) Annual Program Statement (APS). The SLS APS was developed for use in Syria following an identified need to find ways to better link the types of in-kind assistance typically provided under humanitarian assistance (HA) programs with broader rehabilitation and stabilization assistance efforts in the livelihoods sector. This USAID-funded Activity was implemented by Near East Foundation (NEF) beginning in December 2017 to improve the livelihood opportunities of smallholder agricultural producers and processors in non-regime held areas. AAMS enables farmers and processors to improve production and leverage identified opportunities within the value chains for dried fruits and herbs, pickled vegetables, jams and jellies. The project was designed to facilitate the formation of producer and processor groups, to provide technical assistance and financial support, and to encourage the standardization and bundling of improved-quality outputs to support access to wider sales channels and marketing opportunities. Assistance is provided through siraj centers, technical assistance hubs offering training space and access to processing equipment and supplies.

This evaluation will help USAID better understand whether AAMS was able to achieve its intended objectives as well as gather evidence related to AAMS’s contribution to SLS.

This evaluation will help USAID better understand whether AAMS was able to achieve its intended objectives as well as gather evidence related to AAMS’ contribution to SLS.

The purpose of this evaluation is:

1. To assess the effectiveness of the results of the AAMS activity toward achieving its intended objectives in the context of the SLS APS.
2. To serve as a pilot for the evaluations of two additional SLS activities that will take place in the next 1-2 years, including providing a methodological foundation and collecting data/identifying results that can inform the findings, recommendations and/or lessons learned of the later evaluations (e.g., comparisons of results if relevant).

Position

Social Impact Inc. is seeking an individual to fill the role of the evaluation Team Leader (TL) on this evaluation. The TL will manage and oversee the evaluation team (ET) and all client deliverables. In addition, the TL is responsible for coordinating research activities and ensuring the production and completion of the final report in conformance with the scope of work and timelines. The TL will guide the development of the evaluation design, research methods, instruments, and protocols. The TL will direct data collection and compilation, facilitate interviews, focus group discussions, and/or surveys, conduct data analysis and coordinate technical inputs of evaluation team members and lead the drafting and finalizing of a final report. The TL will ensure quality assurance and timeliness of all deliverables, including adherence to SI’s quality assurance standards.

This is a temporary position reporting to the U.S.- based SI Project Director and working closely with the SI management team, as well as other ET members with evaluation, technical, and logistical support expertise.

Duties

General

• Manage a research team, including a food security sector expert, a monitoring and evaluation specialist, and other team members to design and implement the evaluation and produce a report and disseminate the findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Maintain clear and regular communication with the research team and HQ support staff and ensure the HQ team is made aware of any risks, problems, or challenges that arise in a timely manner.
• Lead the development and finalization of project deliverables, including the inception report, draft report, final report, and presentations.

Evaluation Phases (NOTE: the approximate period of performance for this evaluation will be November 2020-February 2021)

Phase 1 (Approximate LOE: 15 days): Desk Review and Inception Report

• Lead a desk review of documents relevant to the Activity and relevant Project/ Portfolio and conduct related research on the Syrian livelihood, humanitarian, and resilience context.
• Lead development and finalization of an inception report outlining the evaluation design and methodology, including draft data collection instruments and a work plan.
• Lead submission and approval of study through SI’s Internal Review Board.

Phase 2 (Approximate LOE: 25 days): Data Collection & Analysis

• Organize and conduct focus group discussions (FGDs), semi-structured interviews, and/or surveys of beneficiaries and partners of the AAMS Activity in Syria as well as relevant USAID staff.
• Ensure all team members carefully and properly collect, clean, store, and manage both qualitative and quantitative data
• Present initial project findings to key stakeholders (USAID, project staff, etc.)
• Ensure quality work in all deliverables; implement SI quality assurance processes
• (Note: If data collection is conducted either partially or entirely remotely, data collection strategies and implementation will be modified as needed, with the TL supporting these changes).

Phase 3 Objectives (Approximate LOE 20 days): Report Writing

• Lead data analysis and drafting of findings, conclusions, and recommendations matrix
• Prepare a draft report and ensure the quality of its contents.
• Incorporate feedback from the client to produce a high-quality final report for submission

Minimum Qualifications

• 10 years of experience conducting mixed-methods research on livelihoods, resilience, food security, market systems, and/or related fields within a humanitarian or emergency context.
• Master’s degree in international development, public policy, sociology, anthropology, social work or other relevant field with a focus on topics related to international development
• 5 years of experience conducting research in the Middle East and/or North Africa
• Experience in and/or knowledge of the Syrian context
• Experience conducting data collection with vulnerable populations
• Exceptional organizational, analytical, writing, and presentation skills
• Fluency in English speaking, reading, and writing

Desired but not required qualifications

• Prior experience as a Team Lead
• Experience working with USAID as a client
• Fluency in Arabic speaking, reading, and writing

Come join our energetic and innovative team! We offer you the opportunity to play a leading role in the growth of our company, work as part of a creative and committed team, and make a difference in the well-being of our world.

To learn more about Social Impact, please visit our website: http://www.socialimpact.com

SI is an EEO/AA/ADA Veterans Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Only selected candidates will be contacted for an interview. Please, no phone calls.