National Volunteer Evaluation Expert

Job Posting Organization:
VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas) is an international development organization that promotes volunteering as a means to create sustainable change in communities. Established in 1962, VSO operates in over 24 countries, focusing on education, health, and livelihoods. The organization is committed to working with local partners to empower communities and promote social justice. VSO values diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all individuals regardless of their background. The organization employs a range of staff and volunteers, working collaboratively to achieve its mission of creating a fair world for everyone.

Job Overview:
The National Volunteer Evaluation Expert will play a crucial role in the ACTIVE Extension Evaluation Team, focusing on the collection, documentation, and validation of evidence related to Community Support Groups (CSG) sustainability, institutional accountability, and the contributions of volunteering. This position requires the volunteer to work independently as a country-level evaluation researcher, engaging with local community volunteers and CSG members. The expert will support the evaluation team in generating credible qualitative and quantitative evidence through fieldwork, which involves participatory and co-creating processes with CSGs, communities, volunteers, and local authorities. The role emphasizes the importance of collaboration and community involvement in the evaluation process, ensuring that the findings are reflective of the local context and needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct fieldwork to collect qualitative and quantitative data on CSG sustainability and institutional accountability.
• Collaborate with local community volunteers and CSG members to ensure their perspectives and contributions are included in the evaluation.
• Document and validate evidence of volunteering contributions and locally led partnership approaches.
• Analyze data collected from various sources and prepare comprehensive reports on findings.
• Facilitate workshops and discussions with stakeholders to co-create evaluation frameworks and methodologies.
• Ensure that the evaluation process is participatory, inclusive, and respects the voices of all community members.
• Provide recommendations based on evaluation findings to improve future projects and initiatives.
• Maintain effective communication with the evaluation team and other stakeholders throughout the evaluation process.

Required Qualifications:

• Strong understanding of evaluation methodologies and practices, particularly in community development contexts.
• Experience in qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse groups of people.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with community members and stakeholders.
• Familiarity with issues related to sustainability, accountability, and volunteering in development work.
• Proficiency in using data analysis software and tools is an advantage.

Educational Background:
A degree in social sciences, development studies, evaluation, or a related field is required. Additional certifications in evaluation methodologies or community development will be considered an asset.

Experience:
A minimum of 2-3 years of experience in evaluation, research, or community development roles is required. Experience working in a volunteer capacity or with non-profit organizations is highly desirable. Familiarity with the local context and previous work in Nepal or similar settings will be an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory. Proficiency in local languages spoken in Nepal is highly desirable, as it will facilitate better communication with community members and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is a volunteer position, and while an allowance will be provided to cover basic living expenses, it may not be sufficient for sending money home. Accommodation will be basic, reflecting the conditions of the communities VSO works with. The role is remote, allowing for flexibility in working arrangements. VSO promotes equal opportunities and values a diverse workforce, encouraging applications from individuals of all backgrounds.