Qualitative Researcher

Project Summary 

In May 2015, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) awarded a five-year contract to Management Systems International (MSI) to provide performance management support to USAID-sponsored development programs throughout Pakistan. The Performance Management Support Contract (PERFORM) serves as a centralized management support mechanism that provides services in (1) monitoring, (2) evaluation, (3) assessment, and (4) learning support. PERFORM provides data and information to help USAID/Pakistan project managers improve results through better implementation, design, and learning, enabling it to better target its programming and achieve its goals and objectives.

**Please note: Only citizens of Pakistan are eligible for this position. **

Position Summary

MSI is seeking qualitative researchers for the final performance evaluation of the Pakistan Transition Initiative program implemented by USAID/Pakistan’s Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI). The program works in Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) regions. It provides small grants to the government to support schemes that will enhance service delivery, and to address the capacity constraints of government agencies to deliver essential services (e.g., water, transportation, education, health, and livelihoods). Over its 11-year history, the program has implemented more than 3,000 infrastructure and non-infrastructure activities in the FATA and KP areas.

The final evaluation seeks to assess (a) the extent to which the program achieved its primary objectives, (b) identify which program components were most successful to achieving those objectives, and (c) document how the program objectives contributed to longer-term engagement between the government of Pakistan and communities. The evaluation will use a mixed-methods approach to data collection and analysis.

The evaluation will begin on or about May 2018 and finish by the end October 2018. The anticipated level of effort for the qualitative researcher is approximately 50-60 days. The evaluation team will include a team leader, stabilization and governance experts, researchers, analysts, and other support as necessary.

Responsibilities

In collaboration with evaluation team lead, subject matter experts, and MSI staff, the researcher will:

·         Participate in a team planning workshop to design the evaluation.

·         Support the team in developing/refining data collection instruments and a data collection plan.

·         Attend relevant meetings/trainings to achieve complete familiarity with the data collection instruments.

·         Conduct key informant and group interviews with project beneficiaries and community members.

·         Write detailed notes of key informant and group interviews.

·         Participate in a data analysis workshop.

·         Undertake other tasks required for the successful completion of the study under the direction of the team lead and MSI staff.

Qualifications

·         At least a master’s degree in relevant social science disciplines, including economics, political science, sociology, anthropology, public administration/policy;

·         At least five years of demonstrated experience in conducting/moderating group interviews;

·         Native Pashtu speaker with ability to converse and understand different dialects of Pashtu;

·         Familiarity with values and tribal culture of FATA;

·         Sound verbal communication skills with ability to initiate, process, and conclude discussions among groups members;

·         Experience participating in stability and governance programs and studies preferred.

·         Reasonable English writing skills, particularly writing notes and summaries.

*Position will be filled on a rolling basis*

Candidates that have a real or potential conflict of interest in this evaluation will not be considered for this assignment. MSI will require a written statement to this effect before formal engagement on this assignment. Conflict of interest in this context includes, but is not limited to: close and/or family relations with the individuals that are related to the project, financial interest in the implementing organization(s) or grantees, current or previous experience with the project being evaluated or the USAID requesting office, etc.

Only candidates who have been selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

MSI is an EEO/AA/ADA Veterans Employer.