Panagora/ USAID MEL-P Vacancy: Senior Research Advisor

 Job Description

Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Platform (MEL-P)

Senior Research Advisor

 

Background

 

Panagora Group, is a woman-owned small business providing novel and integrated solutions in global health and international development, implementing the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Platform (MEL-P) Activity funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission in Indonesia since August 18, 2020.

MEL-P’s purpose is to support the implementation of the USAID/Indonesia Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) for Fiscal Years 2021-2025 by providing technical, consulting, and advisory services related to monitoring, evaluation, and learning and other relevant short-, medium-, and long-term technical expertise. The Activity will also provide support to USAID initiatives, such as the Indo-Pacific Strategy, and the newly enacted Foundations for Evidence Based Policy Making Act. These combined efforts will facilitate and inform program management decisions within the Mission, shape the long-term strategic direction of programs, and enable USAID/Indonesia to comply with Agency policy and guidance, including USAID Automated Directives System (ADS) Chapter 201.

Panagora Group seeks an experienced Senior Research Advisor for the USAID/Indonesia MEL-P Activity. The position is accountable and reports to the MEL-P Chief of Party or designated staff. It is a full-time position based in Jakarta, Indonesia with travel to Indonesian provinces as needed.

 

 

Primary Responsibilities:

The Senior Research Advisor is responsible for the design, execution, and management of MEL-P’s research and other studies, including but not limited to assessments, surveys, and case studies. The following list captures the primary responsibilities for this position.

·       With the Chief of Party, develop and sustain processes to effectively consult with the USAID Contracting Officer’s Representatives (COR) for the MEL-P Activity (and other pertinent USAID Mission staff) to determine USAID ongoing priorities for research and other studies; develop participatory processes (e.g., co-creation) to design, carry out, and learn from the studies with USAID and other key partners; and, when called for, initiate plans to collaborate with key Indonesian or international entities in the pursuit of undertaking joint research initiatives.

·       Develop respectful and collegial relationships with USAID, implementing partners (IPs), Government of Indonesia (GOI) ministries and departments, and other key partners and stakeholders.

·       Provide leadership and demonstrated excellence in research; data collection methods; analysis/interpretation and visualization; utilization principles (e.g., participatory design and the development of “actionable recommendations”); collaboration- and learning-centric models; dissemination practices; and project management.

·       Actively engage and partner with staff from the other MEL-P technical (monitoring, evaluation, and learning) and operations/support teams on a daily basis resulting in integrated MEL-P operations and joint management and coordination, which ensure effective and innovative processes meet USAID’s needs.

·       Assist  USAID/Indonesia staff and partner with the MEL-P team to determine USAID’s evolving priorities and needs and identify additional areas for research and MEL-P support, respectively. Note that USAID priorities and MEL-P research areas and additional support may be derived from examining/identifying knowledge and evidence gaps from the Mission’s CDCS and the local context in Indonesia.

·       Further investigate the findings and trends emerging from MEL-P’s efforts, including the monitoring, evaluation, and learning components and other initiatives (such as the context monitoring dashboard) to provide USAID/Indonesia with more credible information related to the CDCS and, thus, help Mission staff make informed decisions. This includes:

o   Collecting additional or complementary data on selected CDCS assumptions and risks, which may target  USAID priority provinces,

o   Conducting in-depth analyses of USAID’s operating environment (i.e., contextual information).

o   Informing key USAID/Indonesia sectoral or cross-cutting issues such as water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH); priority health issues; democratic resilience and governance; economic gender gaps; social inclusion; environment; or climate change.

·       For the preparation stage of research and study tasks, formulate study objectives and design approach/methods; develop and refine research (or learning) questions; create study team composition with qualifications, and roles and responsibilities; (as needed) draft job descriptions and support recruitment of external consultants (or, home office staff); integrate these components into a comprehensive statement of work (SOW) / work plan (including process steps and illustrative schedule); and, with the Chief of Party, spearhead engagement of USAID to ensure participatory/joint processes.

·       Develops or oversees production of data collection instruments and, when needed, pre-test the tools. Observes data collection activities and reviews data as necessary to ensure data quality.

·       For surveys and other primary data collection efforts, ensure enumerators are properly trained in the administration of data collection instruments.

·       Manages day-to-day activities of study teams encompassing technical oversight and quality, as well as overseeing project management functions.

·       Completes interviews, other data collection, and fieldwork as needed; compiles, reviews, and analyzes primary and secondary data findings; leads data analysis and report drafting (or oversees production of deliverables).

·       Supervises all consultants and research and other study team members.

·       For studies with external consultants, assists Team Leaders in identifying findings and formulating conclusions and recommendations, and, when needed, supports the Team Leaders in drafting study reports. Assists Team Leaders in presenting findings, conclusions, and recommendations.

·       Organizes internal and external meetings to present research and other study findings. Leads discussions with USAID and other partners and stakeholders.

·       Plans all necessary logistical support, including travel arrangements (with required USAID clearances), meeting and interview arrangements, computer support, team planning facilitation, and report editing and dissemination.

·       Ensure quality control and overall responsiveness of technical assistance provided under the contract, including necessary adjustments to operations to fit USAID requirements

·       Uphold Panagora’s code of business ethics and conduct and ensure there are no incidences of conflict of interest or organizational conflict of interest

·       Foster a gender and socially inclusive, nondiscriminatory, and empowering work environment, following USAID policies on gender and people with disabilities

·       Ensure the Mission receives timely, appropriate, and relevant research and other study findings that meet the stated expectations and are constructed to promote learning, action, and use by USAID (and, as appropriate, other target partners and stakeholders).

·       Develops and maintains database(s) to house all research study qualitative and quantitative raw data and ensure security of all data

·       Supports the drafting of MEL-P’s annual work plans, weekly bullets, progress reports and other reports as needed

·       Participates in all MEL-P technical and staff meetings as needed

·       Completes any other tasks as assigned by his/her supervisor and/or the Chief of Party.

·       Prepares and/or co-facilitates internal and external meetings to present the proposed studies and secure USAID staff buy-in or validation

Qualifications:

·       Minimum of eight years of experience designing, implementing, and managing research efforts, including expertise in quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, and, ideally, would have experience in the international development setting, including experience with and knowledge of USAID or other international donors

·       An advanced degree (bachelor or, preferred, master) in social sciences, statistics, research methods, international development, or a related field

·       Familiarity with USAID’s ADS 201 and Evaluation policy is preferred or a willingness and commitment to learn and use them

·       Proficiency managing research project responsibilities (notes, meetings, vendor communications) and synthesizing data from disparate sources into a clear, cohesive, and concise narrative

·       Proven organizational skills with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities with competing deadlines

·       Proven data analysis and problem-solving abilities in a highly dynamic and collaborative environment

·       Proven organizational and management skills, ability to work independently and in teams in a multi-cultural context

·       Proven ability to meet tight deadlines and juggle numerous projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment

·       Demonstrate good judgment, possesses sensitivity and understanding of how messaging impacts diverse audiences

·       Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate successfully with individuals and teams at all levels

·       Excellent computer skills in a full range of software, including: MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), Adobe Creative Suite, and infographics software

·       Proven ability to organize, summarize, and rewrite technical information for non-expert audiences.

·       Fluency in written and spoken English and Indonesian

·       Must be Indonesian

 

How to Apply

Fill out the online application (here). Please include a cover letter and resume. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.  Please apply before September 11, 2022

No telephone inquiries, please. Finalists will be contacted. Only applicants who include the required application components will be considered.

Panagora Group is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

*Note: Panagora does not offer visa sponsorship at this time.