Field Researcher - Final Evaluation (GZD-CADP)

Project Summary: 

In May 2015, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) awarded a five-year performance management support contract – PERFORM to Management Systems International (MSI). Under PERFORM MSI provides monitoring support, evaluations, assessments, and learning support services to USAID. These services provide evidence-based data and information and high-quality analysis that USAID program managers use to target resources and inform project design and implementation to improve project results and achieve objectives.

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

Position Summary:

MSI is seeking two field researchers for a midterm evaluation of the Gomal Zam Dam Command Area Development Project (GZD-CADP).The project is a $34 million USAID-funded G2G project designed to improve water use efficiency and agricultural productivity in 191,000 acres of irrigated land in the Gomal Zam Dam command area through integrated development of on-farm water management, productivity enhancement, introduction of high value crops and livestock, processing, and effective marketing. The evaluation will examine the design and management of the project with the objective of identifying issues for USAID to consider in future G2G projects. It will also explore the project’s contribution to achieving its development objectives.

The evaluation will begin on or about March 25, 2019 and conclude on or about the end of June 2019. The anticipated level of effort for each field researcher is approximately 40-45 person-days. The assignment team will include a team lead, subject matter experts, assignment manager and other support staff as necessary.

Responsibilities

In collaboration with evaluation team lead, subject matter experts, and MSI staff, the field 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;

·         Facilitate in conducting key informant and group interviews with various government department representatives, 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 or PERFORM staff.

Qualifications

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

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

·         Ability to conduct field work, including interviews with government officials, project beneficiaries, and community members in Peshawar, D.I. Khan, and Tank;

·         Fluency in local languages (e.g., Pashto) is a must;

·         Ability to accurately translate interviews from local languages to English;

·         Previous work experience in the command area of the Gomal Zam Dam is a plus; and

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

*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 or selected for this assignment. MSI/PERFORM 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.