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Position Title: Evaluation Director, USAID/Somalia ELMI Project
Location: Nairobi
Country: Kenya
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
Social Impact (SI) is a Washington, DC-area international development management consulting firm established to create significant improvements in the performance of organizations and programs that enhance the social and economic well-being of people globally. SI provides a comprehensive range of management consulting, technical assistance, and training services aimed at strengthening international development programs, organizations, and policies. The firm operates in various sectors including democracy and governance, health and education, environment, and Economic Growth, serving clients such as US government agencies, bilateral donors, multilateral Development Banks, foundations, and non-profits. SI is committed to delivering high-quality services and has a diverse team of professionals dedicated to making a positive impact in the communities they serve.

Job Overview:
The Evaluation Director will play a crucial role in overseeing the management and execution of evaluations and the portfolio monitoring system for the USAID/Somalia Evaluation, Learning, and Monitoring Initiative (ELMI) project. This position is vital for ensuring that the evaluations conducted are of high quality and that they effectively measure the performance of USAID implementing partners in Somalia. The Evaluation Director will be responsible for leading a team in the Design and implementation of evaluation methodologies, Data Collection processes, and ensuring the integrity of Data Quality throughout the evaluation lifecycle. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including USAID and local partners, to establish evaluation questions and outcomes of interest. The Evaluation Director will also be responsible for producing comprehensive evaluation reports and providing Capacity Building to stakeholders on evaluation policies and processes. This position is based in Nairobi, Kenya, with travel to Mogadishu, Somalia, and is expected to last for the duration of the five-year project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Evaluation Director will oversee all aspects of evaluation, including the design of methodologies, data collection, and Analysis. Key responsibilities include:

• Managing the evaluation process from inception to completion, ensuring adherence to timelines and budgets.
• Collaborating with USAID and ELMI leadership to define evaluation questions and key outcomes.
• Designing and producing four activity-level evaluation reports and two strategy-level evaluations, including testing development hypotheses.
• Recruiting and managing high-caliber evaluation team members with the necessary technical expertise.
• Conducting security assessments for site visits and coordinating logistics with field staff.
• Ensuring quality assurance on evaluations and the portfolio monitoring system, including data quality control.
• Leading communications with USAID, government partners, and stakeholders to incorporate feedback into evaluation processes.
• Providing capacity building to USAID staff and stakeholders on evaluation guidelines and processes.
• Supporting overall project management to meet performance and reporting requirements.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a graduate degree in a relevant field and have a minimum of eight years of professional experience in evaluation design, management, and implementation. Proven skills in both quantitative and qualitative methodologies are essential, along with excellent Data Analysis capabilities, including proficiency in statistical software such as SPSS, STATA, or Epi Info. The ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment, along with strong oral and written communication skills, is critical. Experience in drafting evaluation reports and providing training on evaluation-related subjects is also required. Previous experience with USAID-funded contracts is highly desirable, as is experience working in Somalia.

Educational Background:
A graduate degree in a relevant field is required for this position. This could include degrees in international development, public policy, social sciences, or related disciplines that provide a strong foundation for understanding evaluation methodologies and practices.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of eight years of professional experience in the field of evaluation, including design, management, and implementation of evaluations and assessments. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing evaluation teams and delivering high-quality evaluation reports. Experience working with USAID-funded projects is preferred, as well as familiarity with the specific challenges and contexts of working in Somalia.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Somali or other relevant languages would be considered an asset, enhancing communication with local stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
This is a local position, and only Kenyan and Somali citizens are eligible to apply. The role is full-time and is expected to last for the duration of the five-year project. Social Impact is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Selected candidates will be contacted for interviews, and no phone calls are requested.