Evaluation Specialist - International Development - Part-time

• Are you passionate about conducting research that helps make global development more effective?
• Do you have a practitioner or research background in designing and conducting evaluations and assessments?
• Are you skilled at leading multidisciplinary global research teams to design and execute high quality research for global clients?
• Do you want to work for a small mission-driven business that offers flexible work schedules, a supportive work environment, and values equity?

As a women-owned small business, Cloudburst has a reputation for delivering high quality assessments, evaluations, and research studies for our global clients including the US Agency for International Development and the Millennium Challenge Corporation. In support of this growing portfolio, Cloudburst is seeking a PhD level Evaluation Specialist to work across a portfolio of rigorous evaluations and assessments on our Global Development Research and Evaluation team.

This Evaluation will support the planning and implementation of studies (evidence and literature reviews, case studies, policy analysis and guidance), assessments, and evaluations (experimental, quasi-experimental, and non-experimental) that address global democracy, human rights, and governance issues. This will include informing research designs; conducting program monitoring, evaluations, and assessments; conducting quantitative and/or qualitative analysis; presenting findings and recommendations, including in learning events; and providing technical assistance.

This remote position is part time (32 hours per week) or full-time (40 hours per week) and based in Metro DC area (may consider alternate location as long as candidate has the ability to travel to DC, as necessary) and reports to the Global Development Lead. The position will lead individual assignments and have supervisory responsibility of working with consultant experts.

Projected Salary Range: $70,000 to $94,000,000, yearly (pro-rated according to PT or FT status)

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage, coordinate, and facilitate studies, assessments, and evaluations across the Global Development research portfolio, particularly for USAID's Center for Excellence on Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance.
• Scope new research efforts, ensuring that the approach is clear and feasible with a clear use for the research.
• Recruit consultant teams to conduct research assignments.
• Manage research workplans and timelines, including oversight of consultant teams to ensure timely and quality deliverables.
• Manage and coordinate quality control process to ensure that research deliverables meet USAID's evaluation policy and Cloudburst's standards of quality.
• Lead communications with and engage USAID, government partners, implementers, and stakeholders for collaborative inputs in the design, implementation, and utilization of research findings and recommendations.
• Guide research teams on research design, implementation, data collection, reporting, and utilization.
• Support the collection, aggregation, synthesis, analysis, and interpretation of data.
• Perform analysis using several analytical software packages, such as STATA or R, and qualitative analytical software packages such as Dedoose, NVIVO, or Atlas.ti (preferred).
• Develop research briefs and products based on full reports.
• Ensure high quality of consultant work and mentor to improve quality as needed.
• Identify risks and risk mitigation strategies, and address challenges and obstacles in conducting research assignments.
• Directly participate in or conduct research activities where and when appropriate.
• Identify and cultivate new business opportunities, establishing and maintaining key relationships with clients, partners, and industry organizations.
• Serve as a technical writer in response to Request for Proposals or other types of solicitations.

• PhD in international development, research, social sciences, public health, public policy, or related fields.
• 5-7 years of experience in conducting and managing research assignments.

Prior experience ideally includes:

• Work in the field of research and evaluation of development programming.
• Experience coordinating, conducting, and/or managing research using both quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Demonstrated knowledge of research methodologies and their practical applications.
• Experience conducting qualitative and quantitative research, including experience with STATA, R, and Nvivo.
• Experience conducting econometric analysis in the context of experimental or quasi-experimental research designs preferred.
• Familiarity with utilization-focused evaluation a plus.
• Familiarity with the USAID development programming strongly preferred.
• Sector expertise in DRG or environment and climate change strongly preferred.
• Sector expertise in gender/DEIA a plus
• French or Spanish language skills a plus.
• Experience writing funding proposals a plus.

Required coordination and management skills:

• Must have exceptional organizational, analytical, writing, and presentation skills.
• Ability to organize, manage, prioritize, and follow through on multiple tasks in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.
• Proven capacity to take initiative and willingness to learn new skills as needed.
• Demonstrated ability to manage high-level relationships with client, partner organizations, and global experts.
• Strong written and oral communications skills.

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