Technical Data Specialist, IRiS Midterm Evaluation

Social Impact (SI) 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 non-profit.

Background:
SI is conducting a process evaluation for USAID/Somalia’s Inclusive Resilience in Somalia (IRiS) Activity. The IRiS activity is focused on efforts to support transformational change in Somalia by strengthening key market systems aimed at creating long-lasting economic opportunities for marginalized populations. The goal of IRiS is ”to accelerate economic development for marginalized groups in the targeted areas of Somalia by increasing individual, household, business, community, and system-wide resilience through rural and urban livelihood diversification and promoting inclusive economic market systems to combat real and perceived grievances that contribute to violent extremism and conflict”. Thus, IRiS is focused on integrating people displaced by drought and marginalized communities into local economies and helping those economies grow. Under the IRiS activity, USAID promotes climate-smart agriculture practices for Somalia’s largely agro-pastoralist population and supports new livelihood opportunities through affordable training and access to financial services. SI will conduct a mid-term evaluation to measure the progress against the activity’s objectives.

Purpose:

SI is looking for an experienced Technical Data Specialist to support process evaluation efforts of USAID’s IRiS activity. The Technical Data Specialist will be expected to design and implement a comprehensive data collection system with elements that include the development of data collection instruments and workflows. This would encompass developing and maintaining a codebook standardizing data coding, developing an overall data analysis plan, both for qualitative and quantitative methods, and extensive data analysis in extracting actionable Insights. In addition, the Technical Data Specialist will be expected to develop analytical tools and scripts feeding into effective data analysis to ensure that data is accurate, and methods used are keeping with the principles of data integrity for the entire evaluation process.

Specific Tasks:

The consultant will undertake the following specific tasks:

• Design processes of data collection instruments and schema workflows, ensuring the generation of multiple rounds of validation, leading to the development of an elaborate data collection system tailor-made according to the needs of the evaluation.
• Develop, create, and maintain a codebook to standardize coding practices that are used on the data to give consistency and accurate meaning across the dataset.
• Develop a fully detailed data analysis plan providing methodologies and procedures for qualitative and quantitative data. This data analysis plan will guide the analytical process and ensure its relevancy to the evaluation objectives.
• Analyze both qualitative and quantitative data in great detail. Interpret data into actionable insights that further the objectives of the evaluation.
• Design and implementation of analytical tools or scripts for an effective data analysis. This includes using data collection software to collect the evaluation data.
• Ensure throughout the evaluation that data quality, and the validation of that data, is done. Implement necessary mechanisms to assure accuracy and integrity of data.
• Analyze the quantitative and qualitative data using statistical software analysis and interpretation.
• Provide training support to field staff undertaking data collection.
• Support the TL in drafting a comprehensive evaluation report and two-page summary findings report.

Deliverables:

The consultant will produce the following deliverables and submit them to the ELMI Evaluation Director:

• A fully designed and implemented data collection system with detailed instruments of data collection and established workflows.
• A comprehensive codebook for standardizing data coding and consistency across the dataset is maintained.
• A detailed plan stipulating the methodologies and procedures for conducting qualitative and quantitative data analyses.
• Analytical tools and scripts developed to facilitate effective and efficient data analysis.
• Summary data analysis report with findings and visual for presentation to stakeholders
• Data analysis report on both quantitative and qualitative data, showing trends and patterns.
• Final evaluation report with detailed findings, conclusion, and recommendations.
• Notes from the validation Stakeholder Feedback session.

Please Note: This is a local position. Only Kenyan and Somali citizens will be eligible to apply.

Period of Performance:

The anticipated period of performance is on or about Sep 9, 2024, to December 31, 2024

Work and travel within Mogadishu is required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, in statistics, data science or a related field.
• Over 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in evaluation related data analysis for USAID or major development partners
• Understanding and knowledge of market systems, value chains and economic growth issues in East Africa, especially Somalia is preferred.
• Experience in GIS, QGIS, or ArcGIS for mapping analysis is preferred.
• Data visualization experience, including experience with platforms such as Microsoft PowerBI, Tableau, or similar
• Previous experience in conducting USAID evaluations, preferably economic growth, and market systems programs.
• Strong skills in quantitative and qualitative data analysis and collection.
• Excellent knowledge of Stata, R, SPSS and Nvivo or Tableau for qualitative analysis.
• Knowledge and previous evaluation experience in Somalia, Kenya, or other similar East African countries strongly desired and experience working USAID Economic Growth portfolio will be an added advantage.
• Proven strong leadership and team-work skills and ability to deliver results within specified and often changing timeframes.

Level of Effort:

The level of effort for this assignment is approximately 20-30 days.

Reporting: The Consultant will report to ELMI Evaluation Director.