Team Lead - Evaluation / Assessments

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.

Position Summary:

The Team Lead for Evaluation and Assessments is a member of the PERFORM senior management team. S/he will support PERFORM by providing technical and managerial support to the development and execution of a wide range of research-related activities related to USAID/Pakistan’s portfolio. These may include formative evaluations, summative evaluations, impact evaluations, project-level assessments, context assessments, baselines, exploratory research and special studies. The Team Lead will work with PERFORM staff, consultants and USAID/Pakistan staff to finalize statements of work and design evaluations, assessments and other research activities. S/he will develop data analysis plans and refine research and data collection tools, analyze quantitative and qualitative data, provide technical inputs to evaluation reports, and provide overall quality assurance for deliverables. The Team Lead will work with senior management to help manage 10 - 12 evaluation/assessment unit staff, assemble teams that may include short-term consultants, sub-contractors and external data collection firms, oversee and/or participate in specific evaluations, assessments or other research activities, and ensure that high quality work is done in a timely and efficient manner.

The Team Lead, Evaluation and Assessments will report to the Evaluations and Assessments Advisor. This is a full time position based in Islamabad, Pakistan. It is expected to begin immediately and last through April 2020.

Responsibilities:

• • Provide technical support and quality assurance for evaluation, assessments and research-related activities, including:
  • Work with USAID/Pakistan and PERFORM staff to develop an overall approach and design activities.
  • Develop assignment work plans based on statements of work received from USAID for evaluations, assessments and other research activities.
  • Design and operationalize research methodologies and tools including evaluation and assessment data analysis plans; data collection instruments and data collection plans;
  • Conduct data analysis.
  • As necessary, serve as lead writer or as a technical reviewer of deliverables, including data analysis plans, data collection instruments, reports, presentations, summaries and briefs.

• Assemble evaluation, assessment and research teams, including:
  • Work with senior management to identify internal and external staffing needs;
  • Work with HR staff to recruit external consultants.
  • Identify data collection firms, think tanks and other institutions required to complete the assignment.
  • Write consultant statements of work (SOWs).
  • Write or contribute to the writing SOWs for RFPs and/or subcontractors to undertake data collection.
  • As necessary, facilitate team planning workshops prior to the commencement of field work.

• Management of staff and evaluation and assessment teams, including:
  • Supervise evaluation/assessment unit staff who are assigned to manage and provide quality assurance for evaluations, assessments or other research activities.
  • Manage evaluation/assessment unit work flow in consultation with the Evaluation/Assessments Advisor to ensure smooth workflow processes and that assignments are properly managed and meeting PERFORM requirements.
  • Work with evaluation / assessment unit staff to manage subcontractors to ensure the timely collection of high quality quantitative and qualitative data.

• As required, engage with USAID/Pakistan’s technical offices regarding current and future assignments.
• As required, lead interim and final debriefing sessions, including the production of supporting materials such as hand-outs and power-point presentations.
• Work with PERFORM staff, including monitoring, evaluation and MIS/GIS/IT staff to maintain a regular flow of communication throughout the assignment.
• Interact frequently with sector experts and other donors and implementing partners working in areas related to PERFORM’s research assignments.
• Participate in activities to ensure research data and information contributes to USAID/Pakistan’s learning and adaptive processes.
• Travel outside Islamabad, as required.
• Carry out additional responsibilities, as assigned by the Evaluation/Assessments Advisor or Chief of Party. 

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in economics, statistics, social sciences, international development, public or business administration, or other relevant fields. PhD in a relevant field preferred. Exceptional candidates with other degrees will also be considered.
• Minimum eight (8) years of diverse experience in the field of development, including socio-economic research and/or monitoring and evaluation (M&E) in donor-assisted projects.
• Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods.
• Considerable experience in directly conducting and leading evaluations and research projects in developing countries, preferably in Pakistan.
• In-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis tools and methods.
• Demonstrated project or team management ability.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.
• Excellent English language verbal and written communication skills
• Experience working in complex environments.