Position: Data Quality Assessment (DQA) Assistant, Somalia

Background

Social Impact (SI) is a global development management consulting firm. We provide monitoring, evaluation, strategic planning, and capacity building services to advance development effectiveness. Our mission is to help global development organizations and programs be more effective at improving people’s lives.

SI is implementing the USAID Somalia’s Evaluation, Learning, and Monitoring Initiative (ELMI) Activity which provides support for monitoring, evaluation, and program related services to USAID/Somalia. The current USAID (United States Agency for International Development) strategy for Somalia aims to build a durable foundation for a more stable, democratic, and prosperous Somalia in three primary technical areas: (1) democracy, stabilization, and governance; (2) education; and (3) economic growth.

USAID/Somalia regularly collects performance data from its Implementing Partners (IPs) and analyses it to make management decisions. Since poor quality data could affect conclusions about performance and lead to faulty decision making, USAID requires that all Missions / Offices conduct regular DQAs to ensure that the USAID staff are aware of the: strengths and weaknesses of the data, as determined by applying the five data quality standards; and extent to which the data integrity can be trusted to influence management decisions (ADS 201).

A DQA often entails site visits to physically inspect records maintained by IPs. However, travel restrictions for USAID staff in Somalia limit the ability of Activity Managers to conduct site visits, hence the need for DQA consultancy services.

Position Summary

SI is recruiting DQA Assistants (at least two) to support the DQA process for up to 21 indicators for five USAID projects in the health, democracy, stabilization and governance and economic growth sectors. Working closely with DQA Consultants, the DQA Assistants will undertake desk review of project documents, conduct primary data collection at the IP, sub-IP and field level, and support data analysis and report writing.

The assignment is expected to run for a period of approximately three months beginning on/around August 15, 2024, to October 15, 2024. The actual level of effort (LoE) for each DQA Assistant will be determined in consultation with SI during the negotiation and contracting phase. The place of performance will be in Somalia (in locations where USAID Somalia has funded activities).

Responsibilities and Tasks

With technical guidance and oversight from the DQA Consultant, the DQA Assistant will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Desk Review: The DQA Assistant will support the Lead Consultant to review relevant project documents; the Activity Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan (AMELP); Indicator Performance tracking tables; IP quarterly reports; and USAID Standard or Custom indicator lists and definitions, among other documents, to inform tool development and identify issues to be covered in the subsequent steps of the DQA process.
• Development and/or finalization of data collection tools and protocols: The DQA Assistant will support the Lead Consultant to develop all the required data collection tools and protocols for the DQA. This may also entail reviewing and customizing existing data collection protocols and checklists.
• Data Collection: The DQA Assistant will conduct primary data collection and verification and administer a system assessment protocol both at the IP and sub partners’ level. They will also conduct site visits to selected primary data collection sites.
• Debrief meeting with IP and USAID: At the end of the data collection exercise, the DQA Assistant will participate in a debrief session with the IP and USAID staff to share any emerging issues from the DQA process.
• Data Analysis: The DQA Assistant will support the Lead Consultant with initial data analysis and drafting of the DQA findings.

Qualifications:

• A degree in social sciences, international relations, economics, statistics, and/or any other relevant field from a recognized university.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in monitoring and evaluation in USAID context.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting DQAs for USAID projects.
• Familiarity with USAID ADS 201 policy and requirements on DQAs.
• Good analytical and writing skills, with proven experience in synthesizing and analysing data into summarized reports and findings.
• Good English writing skills and speaking ability.
• Good written and oral proficiency in Somali.
• Good understanding of Somali operating environment or conflict affected and fragile states.
• Willingness and ability to travel to different parts of Somalia as needed.

Deliverables:

All deliverables must be consistent with USAID ADS directives, as informed by TIPS #12: Data Quality Standards. SI anticipates the DQA Assistant to support the Lead Consultant in producing the following deliverables:

• Completed DQA Checklists with input from field level data collection.
• Complete data sets for all the DQA data collections tools.
• Summary of key findings from the data collection process.

The final list of deliverables will be included in the consultant agreement.

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.

Applications should be received by close of business (East African time) on Wednesday August 7, 2024