Chemonics
- Background. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded Cross-Border Community Resilience (CBCR) Activity is designed to enhance resilience and thus reduce the need for humanitarian assistance among communities in the cross-border clusters of Karamoja, Moyale and Mandera. Focusing on communities that live across the borders of Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan and Somalia, the activity aims to empower local entities, including communities, civil society, private sector and governments, to chart their own pathways for addressing conflict, improving livelihoods and/or reducing the risks of shocks and stresses. CBCR will work to foster local ownership of development investments by supporting local leadership in work planning, implementation, and monitoring. Specifically, CBCR is supporting innovative participatory research activities given that they have demonstrated the value of community engagement in learning processes to improve the design, implementation, and management of local development activities. CBCR launched a series of assessments (see box) by local organizations within the three clusters. Part of CBCR’s work within each cluster is to support the development of learning agendas and facilitate co-creation activities. These learning agendas will be informed by specific findings in the assessments and then developed and led by local researchers and LDOs, engaging experienced development practitioners, community leaders, private sector actors, women, young people, and other community stakeholders to tap into their deep understanding of communities. Priority areas of learning will focus on critical community resilience capacities and support collaboration, strategic programming, and adaptive management.
- Purpose. The objective of this assignment is for the ST Senior Research Specialist to support the finalization and analysis of the research products (to inform overarching analysis and cluster-level learning agendas). This will be accomplished by 1) aggregating each assessment report to draw parallels and distinctions from each cluster; 2) reviewing each report to assure quality, accuracy and clarity; and 3) providing summary reports and aggregate recommendations across all reports. Specifically, the short-term consultant will work closely with the CBCR project team and sub-awardees by delivering quality content on tight deadlines. They will:
- In collaboration with the sub-awardees and CBCR, lead the review and analysis of assessment reports including the draft and final reports around the thematic areas investigated by the Activity which are Conflict and Climate Assessment, Social Network Analysis (SNA), Natural Resource Management Analysis (NRM), Labor Market Assessment (LMA) and Political Economy Analysis (PEA);
- Review and ensure the accuracy, clarity and conciseness of the reports while also working towards rectifying errors and ambiguities.
- Compile all specific questions by report, send them to and follow-up in a timely manner with sub-awardees- ensure all revisions are incorporated in final reports.
- Ensure the reports are excellent in terms of relevance and quality and take a uniform approach in presentation.
- Propose the appropriate uniform template that can be used by the CBCR partners for the purpose of the assessments.
- Participate in select validation meetings conducted by the partners institutions to help shape the reporting and have better understanding of the best approach for the compiling of the reports.
- Provide staff members of the partner organizations submitting documentation with information on specific aspects that may assist them in the preparation of their reports.
- Guide CBCR team on signing off the assessment deliverables mainly the draft and final reports to indicate compliance of the set presentation approach.
- Share ideas around disseminating of the evaluation results including ideas around preparing the reports for publishing.
- Provide advice for improving the quality of similar studies that may be conducted by the Activity.
- Conduct analysis of each of the five reports by cluster to identify commonalities and differences.
- Draw conclusions based on findings.
- Share lessons, highlight significant accomplishment from the reports and offer recommendations for improvement.
- Deliverables:
- Up-front inception report with refined protocol deliverables
- Revised and final assessment reports reflecting high quality content and clear format.
- Develop PowerPoint presentation drawing parallels and differences by Cluster across the five thematic areas that will inform co-creation, cluster-level learning agendas, and other foundational discussions.
- Consolidate all recommendations and factors to consider in an MS Excel sheet or similar chart with proposed leads, timelines, resources, and rationale.
- Conduct briefing for CBCR team and for backbone LDOs as needed.
- Reporting and Supervisory Requirements. Reporting to CBCR Chief of Party.
- Location of Assignment. The location of assignment will be remote and/or in Nairobi, Kenya.
- Qualifications.
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10 years of combined experience developing and implementing research; supporting MEL reporting and activity communications; and/or a related field.
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Advanced degree in economics, finance, rural development, international relations, or related subjects.
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Professional experience in one or more of the following:
- Capacity building of institutions to develop and enhance their research capacity
- Comparative analysis approaches and methodologies
- Interpret large, complex, qualitative data and information
- Linking recommendations with relevant and appropriate evidence
- Technical writing, research, and data analysis skills
- Oral and visual presentation skills
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Versatile, a strong communicator and self-motivated.
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Highly organized, attention to detail and analytical skills.
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Computer skills particularly Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
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Strong oral and written communication and interpersonal skills and proficiency in English, both verbal and written.
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Successful experience with MEL and CLA on a USAID or other donor-funded Activity.
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Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with culturally diverse staff.
- Timing and Level of Effort. The assignment is scheduled to take place on or around October 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022, for up to 20 (twenty) days of effort.
How to apply
Method of Application: If you meet the above qualifications and you are interested in working on the CBCR Activity, please send your CV and cover letter in M.S. Word or PDF format to [email protected] with the subject line: “[Last Name], [First Name], CBCR ST Senior Research Specialist Application”. The closing date for this application is Sunday, September 18, 2022, at 4:00 p.m. EAT.