Team Leader, USAID/RDMA Pacific Islands Foreign Assistance Act 118/119 Analysis, Remote

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 in the Pacific Islands, 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:

SI is seeking an individual to fulfill the role of the Team Leader (TL) for this 118/119 Analysis. The TL will manage and oversee the research team 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 accordance with the scope of work and work plan timelines. The TL will guide the development of the review, direct data collection and compilation, conduct data analysis, coordinate technical inputs of team members and lead the drafting and completion of a final report. The TL will ensure quality assurance and timeliness of all deliverables, including adherence to SI’s quality assurance standards. The project will begin in late 2021 and is expected to last five to six months. The desk review will be performed remotely, and fieldwork may be required depending on the results of the desk review and feedback received from RDMA.

Responsibilities:

• Manage a team of local research and environmental specialists.
• In collaboration with research team, design and conduct the FAA 118/119 analysis on biodiversity and forestry in the Pacific Islands and disseminate the findings, conclusions, and recommendations to USAID/RDMA.
• 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.
• Lead the development and finalization of project deliverables, including the work plan, oral presentations, draft report, and final report.
• Travel to the Pacific Islands for fieldwork as needed.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or higher in environmental policy, natural resource management, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience designing and conducting 118/119 analyses and similar research studies, or eight years of experience with a PhD.
• Knowledge of USAID’s strategic planning process, both broadly and as related to tropical forests and biodiversity.
• Expertise in assessing environmental threats.
• Work experience in the Pacific Island countries, especially with USAID.
• Experience coordinating analyses and leading teams.
• Exceptional organizational, analytical, writing, and presentation skills.
• Oral and written fluency in English required.