Technical Director, Impact Evaluation, Social Impact, Arlington, VA

Social Impact is a trusted provider of independent, rigorous impact evaluations and large-scale survey research. SI’s Impact Evaluation (IE) Division emphasizes methodological rigor, while realizing that each evaluation occurs in a unique operating environment. We customize every impact evaluation to meet client needs and to align with programmatic realities. SI frequently employs mixed-methods approaches, building on the strength of both quantitative and qualitative techniques, rather than relying on a narrow set of approaches. Utilizing a range of impact evaluation methodologies, including randomized control trials (RCTs) and a suite of quasi-experimental designs (QEDs), we draw from deep expertise with up to date, effective, and innovative methodologies and data collection techniques. SI IE staff possess in-depth knowledge of emerging and innovative evaluation trends. Our team has experience using up-to-date methodologies including a range of experimental and quasi-experimental methods, electronic and mobile data collection, sensors, randomized response strategies, geospatial data collection and analysis, and others. SI has developed common system, processes, and tools for all stages of the data collection process.

The Technical Director (TD) has senior level technical service delivery responsibilities on projects and is qualified to serve in the following roles: Project Director, Team Leader, Principal Investigator, and/or Senior Technical Advisor. He/she also plays a significant role in proposal development and in creating and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders among SI’s clients and partners. The TD is a thought leader and technical resource in the company. He/she is a recognized expert in impact evaluation as well as in a particular sector/content area in which SI works such as democracy and governance, economic growth, conflict and crisis, education, etc.

Social Impact will consider full-time and part-time candidates for this position.

Responsibilities:

Service Delivery (75-90%)

• Serves as Principal Investigator/Team Leader, Chief of Party (COP), Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) or other senior technical roles in leading SI evaluation teams, providing technical quality assurance, introducing and infusing new technical approaches and methods, and representing SI in the wider development community.
• In cases where they are not serving in a leadership role on a project, the TD may serve in the capacity of the Senior Technical Advisor (STA) on specific projects, providing technical advice and quality assurance services to the team implementing the contract. In this role, the STA will provide guidance to internal Team Leaders and oversight to external team leaders in terms of technical quality.
• Is engaged throughout the evaluation cycle, with responsibilities including conceptualizing evaluation designs, leading scoping trips, designing sampling strategies, developing instruments, overseeing data collection, designing and carrying out analysis, and disseminating results through written reports and conference presentations.
• Troubleshoots, coordinates, and enhance the technical quality of the work of SI’s staff in the above listed areas, including provision of support and on-the-job learning for SI staff across SI’s entire portfolio of evaluation projects.

Business Development/Revenue Generation (5-15%):

• Serves as the technical lead or as a technical writer on multiple proposals a year.
• Applies advanced technical knowledge and skills to develop winning technical approaches for SI proposals.
• Identifies technical experts and team leaders to be included on proposals. Interviews and assesses technical capacity of the proposed staff.
• Provides guidance on the development of a budget in terms of time needed to carry out particular technical tasks.
• Contributes to the identification of new opportunities for SI, and monitors upcoming initiatives carried out by various international donors.

Thought Leadership (1-5%):

• Is a recognized technical expert in the industry in impact evaluations (applying both qualitative and quantitative methods) and in a sector in which SI works, and applies that expertise to SI projects and proposals.
• Develops knowledge assets and new technical approaches to differentiate SI in the marketplace.
• Participates in relevant external communities of practice and represents SI at technical conferences, meetings, and with clients.

Other Functions (1-5%):

• Serves as a coach/mentor to junior technical staff (Technical Specialists, Senior Technical Specialists). While the Technical Director is not the supervisor of these staff, the technical coaching provided by the TD is an important aspect of the junior staff members’ professional development.
• Supports internal initiatives at the departmental and company level, as time permits.

Qualifications:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated expertise in leading impact evaluations from start to finish, including familiarity with IE methodologies as well as experience with large-scale surveys and data collection. This includes academic training and practical experience in quantitative research/evaluation and statistical analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to oversee and lead multiple complex projects simultaneously and provide advice and guidance in a timely fashion.
• Ability to travel overseas for short-term assignments.
• Fluency working in Stata or similar statistical software package.
• Demonstrated expertise in at least one technical sector related to SI’s work.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise good judgment and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Able to work effectively under tight deadlines.

Education and Experience:

• A minimum of a Masters, plus 10 years of relevant professional experience or a Ph.D. with 7 years of professional experience in relevant subject area (economics, statistics, public policy, development, etc.).
• Demonstrated experience leading/conducting impact and performance evaluations or research on donor projects/activities.
• Demonstrated experience managing and providing technical guidance for impact and performance evaluations including both experimental and quasi-experimental designs.
• Field experience in managing large-scale data collection activities and surveys.
• Experience working in developing countries.

Preferred:

• Experience working with USAID, MCC, DOS, USDA, DFID and other donors.
• Fluency in foreign languages, particularly French.
• Demonstrated experience in developing, updating, and delivering training on impact and performance evaluation.