Organizational Development and Capacity Building Specialist, DEGRA
Management Systems International (MSI), a Tetra Tech Company, is a Washington, D.C. metro area management consultancy with a 40-year history of delivering results for our clients. Our expertise is in the fields of monitoring and evaluation; democracy and governance; peace and stability; rule of law and accountability; education; gender and inclusion; strategic communications; and leadership and organizational development. MSI has implemented projects in 90 countries around the world such as Colombia, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Syria and Ukraine, and works domestically. We support clients ranging from the U.S. Government (e.g., the U.S. Agency for International Development, U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Departments of State and Labor, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation) to large bilateral and multilateral donors (e.g., the World Bank and the United Nations Development Program). We also work with national and local governments, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), think tanks, foundations and universities. For more information, please visit our website at www.msiworldwide.com.
Project Summary:
Through the USAID/Ethiopia and Djibouti Learning Analytics Activity (LAA), MSI is tasked to conduct an endline evaluation of the Djibouti Early Grade Reading Activity (DEGRA). DEGRA is a five-year (February 2019 - September 2024) Activity that aims to improve reading proficiency in primary schools (grades 1 - 5) with more than 55,000 children and was implemented in Djibouti (country-wide) by FHI 360. The activity implemented a coordinated approach to engage teachers, communities and MENFOP (Ministry of Education and Vocational Training) to catalyze change and create an inclusive, gender-equitable and enriching environment for reading at school, community, and policy levels. With the development of quality material and teacher’s training, the activity aimed to ensure the use of instructional practices for reading, tailored to children's needs and based on regular assessments. Parent-teacher associations (PTAs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) were also supported with activities that encourage reading in the community such as festivals, tutoring, and reading at home. The Activity helped also MENFOP establish a technical commission to make a policy decision that will formalize the reading reforms supported by the activity.
**Please note: All citizenships are eligible for this position**
Position Summary:
The Capacity Building and Organizational Development Specialist will be a core member of the Evaluation team and provide subject matter expertise in Early Grade Reading and evaluation expertise to the team. The estimated level of effort (LOE) is tentatively 45 days, and the expected performance period for this activity is to start in the third week of July 2024 and is expected to be completed in December 2024. The LOE will be finalized during revised once the evaluation design is complete.
Responsibilities:
- Provide capacity development expertise for the evaluation.
- Participate in the development of a work plan that includes a draft timeline, evaluation milestones, schedule of field visits and data collection efforts, proposed evaluation methodology and evaluation team members.
- Contribute to developing instruments, respondent selection, and secondary data review.
- Ensure data quality throughout the evaluation process, including data processing and report writing.
- Ensure incorporation of gender considerations.
- Utilize vital evaluation and research methods in both quantitative and qualitative approaches.
- Apply analytical skills to interpret the findings and make actionable recommendations.
- Participate in PowerPoint preparation and presentation of evaluation design, write-up, and preparation of high-quality reports, presenting evaluation findings and recommendations to USAID/Djibouti.
- Work closely with team members to ensure effective coordination and collaboration.
- Provide effective collaboration with the implementing partner of the DEGRA and its local partners to ensure timely and accurate reporting of study results.
- Participate in data collection and capture efforts, including conducting interviews, document reviews, and direct observations.
- Collaborate with the other evaluation team members to analyze data, draft evaluation reports, and presentations to USAID and other relevant stakeholders.
- Address comments given at all stages of the evaluation and deliver quality products including the overall delivery of the evaluation deliverables.
Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in public administration, education, social sciences, or a related field required, preferably focused on capacity building of public institutions.
- Minimum five years of experience in evaluations, capacity building, training and organizational development programs in emerging countries is required.
- Experience in social research and evaluations.
- Experience in qualitative and quantitative research studies and evaluations design methodology, qualitative data collection through key informant interviews, focus groups, and analysis.
- Experience in developing, implementing, and evaluating training curricula.
- Experience working with government institutions and donor community, preferably in Africa.
- Experience participating in performance and impact evaluation of donor-funded development projects, preferably in Africa.
- Experience undertaking content analysis and write a full or components of an evaluation report.
- Knowledge and experience in community mobilization and involvement of communities including PTAs and CSOs around reading activities.
- Knowledge and experience in early grade reading, child protection, safeguarding, capacity building, inclusion, and gender.
- Familiarity with USAID Evaluation Standards and requirements required.
- Strong attention to detail and analytical and problem-solving abilities required.
- Written and verbal proficiency in English required. Proficiency in local languages is advantageous.
MSI is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We strive to develop and maintain a culture that honors the perspectives and identities of our employees, our communities and those impacted by our work.
We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute, including race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. In accordance with applicable law, we make reasonable accommodations for applicants’ and employees’ religious practices and beliefs, as well as any mental health or physical disability needs.
MSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action/Americans with Disabilities/Veterans Employer.
Reasonable Accommodations:
MSI is dedicated to hiring an inclusive workforce. If you would like to request reasonable accommodations during the application process, please visit Tetra Tech’s Disability Assistance Page. Our recruitment team looks forward to engaging in an interactive process to provide reasonable accommodations for candidates.
Only candidates who have been selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.