Research Specialist: DRC CCF Evaluation

Candidates are reviewed on a rolling basis, early submission is recommended.

Social Impact is a global development management consulting firm. We provide monitoring, evaluation, strategic planning, and capacity building services to advance development effectiveness. We work across all development sectors including democracy and governance, health and education, the environment, and economic growth. Since 1997 we have worked in over 100 countries for clients such as US government agencies, bilateral donors, multilateral development banks, foundations, and nonprofits.

In the DRC, SI will be supporting Integrity to carry out an evaluation of USAID Complex Crisis Fund (CCF) programming ahead of the 2023 election. The evaluation will begin with an electoral landscape assessment, examining the landscape if CCF programming did not take place. The team will then conduct an evaluation to analyze the impact of CCF programming on citizen awareness and behavior towards the electoral process; changes in hate speech, misinformation, and fake news; trust and social cohesion; perceptions of legitimacy for the elections; and the participation of marginalized groups in the electoral process. Findings will be presented in learning products which will provide guidance on how to design future programming.

Project Objective:

USAID/DRC has engaged the PEARL mechanism to conduct a n evaluation of complex crisis fund programming in the DRC. The purpose of the evaluation in the DRC is to explore the following preliminary questions:

• To what extent have civic education efforts and campaigns succeeded in increasing citizens’ awareness and behavior towards the electoral process? In particular, what impact did these efforts have on youth, women, and other marginalized groups during the voter registration process as well as on election day itself?
• In what ways have elections-related and media programming been successful in combating hate speech, misinformation, and fake news?
• To what extent did elections programming help foster dialogue, trust, and social cohesion during the electoral period? Which conflict mitigation approaches were most effective in helping to reduce the potential for electoral violence?
• Considering that a large part of CCF-funded activities are focused on improving the transparency and accountability of the electoral process, what was the impact of large-scale elections observation on the legitimacy (or perceptions thereof) of the electoral process?
• How effective were the CENI’s strategic frameworks for women, people with disability, and youth inclusion in fostering equitable access and participation in the electoral process?

Results will be disseminated through various learning products, such as stakeholder presentations, written reports, and workshops.

Position Description:

SI is seeking a Research Specialist to be an integral part of the evaluation team. The Research Specialist will be a full participant during data collection, responsible for conducting or taking notes during interviews or focus group discussions. Additionally, the Research Specialist will be responsible for supporting fieldwork logistics, including outreach and communications with interviews participants, securing data collection spaces, creating agendas and fieldwork schedules, procuring vehicles and securing travel logistics, and note taking and reviewing interview recordings for quality assurance. After data collection, the Research Specialist will also support in analysis and report writing, offering contextual expertise on the data collected.

The period of performance is July 2023 to June 2024, with an estimated LOE of 20- 25 days. Most of the work is expected to take place between January 2024 and June 2024 when data collection will occur, though a couple of days of preparatory work should be expected between July and December 2023. Travel within the DRC is expected in January or February 2024 and flexibility around changing timelines is bonus.

Responsibilities:

• Create schedules and agendas for data collection activities
• Recruit participants for qualitative interviews
• Organize logistics around qualitative interviews, such as booking of spaces and transport
• Participate in interviews or focus group discussions
• Take notes and ensure notes or recordings are properly submitted
• Adhere to the timeline and teaming plan with support of the team leader
• Support analysis of qualitative data
• Participate in an out-brief presentation to the client at the end of data collection to share emerging themes
• Contribute to the draft evaluation report , taking into consideration feedback from the out-brief presentation
• Work collaboratively with team members throughout design, implementation, analysis, and report writing to complement each other's areas of expertise

Qualifications:

• Minimum of two years of experience in mixed-methods research in the DRC
• Experience managing evaluation logistics and quality assurance
• Experience in qualitative data collection and analysis
• Experience in research or evaluation in electoral programming in complex or transitional environments, including in the DRC
• Advanced degree in international conflict resolution, research, or related field.
• French fluency

Come join our energetic and innovative team! We offer you the opportunity to play a leading role in the growth of our company, work as part of a creative and committed team, and make a difference in the well-being of our world.

To learn more about Social Impact, please visit our website: http://www.socialimpact.com

SI is an EEO/AA/ADA Veterans Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Only selected candidates will be contacted for an interview. Please, no phone calls.

How to apply

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