Midterm Performance Evaluation USAID Trade and Competitiveness Evaluation Specialist (Mid)

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Background 

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Learning for Development Activity is a 5-year award led by Bixal Solutions, Inc. that provides USAID/Nepal with technical and advisory services in planning, designing, conducting, and learning from the monitoring and evaluation of the Mission’s strategies, projects, and activities in an efficient manner. USAID Learning for Development supports USAID/Nepal by providing services including a) learning and knowledge management; b) evaluations, study and other studies; c) performance monitoring technical support; d) capacity building; and e) development outreach and communications support. 

Purpose 

USAID Learning for Development seeks to hire Evaluation Specialist (consultant) to conduct Midterm performance evaluation of USAID’s Trade and Competitiveness (T&C) program in Nepal. The purpose of this performance evaluation of USAID’s Trade and Competitiveness (T&C) activity is to provide USAID/Nepal with an analysis on the effectiveness of the activity in achieving its overall objectives, assess the progress toward achieving it’s goals of increasing Nepali Private sector participation in global value chains, enhancing competitiveness, and fostering inclusive economic growth with a focus on inclusion of women and other marginalized populations as Business development Service Providers, catalyzation and effectiveness, innovation and opportunities, and policy advocacy. 

The evaluation should provide actionable insights to strengthen the remainder of the current T&C program as well as provide insights on the current challenges of the civic space. Findings for the evaluation will be used to strengthen current T&C activities, plan for future activities, and provide evidence of private and public sector competitiveness in Nepal. By leveraging lessons learned and best practices, the evaluation endeavors to strengthen the current program and ultimately provide support to public and private sector actors so sector’s competitive participation in targeted global and domestic markets will increase and the economy will become more resilient to external shocks.

Objectives of the assignment 

·       Assess the progress that has been made in the T&C program 

·       Determine the continued relevance of the program’s interventions towards achieving the project’s objectives 

·       Document lessons learned and suggest any important or necessary modifications or course corrections to ensure achievement of the shared objectives within the lifetime of the project 

·       Provide evidence-based findings to contribute to ongoing and future activities of USAID/Nepal and share good practices with stakeholders in Nepal 

·       Provide perspectives on how the Mission is making progress towards the following Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) 2020–2025 learning agenda questions with specificity to market competitiveness.

Roles and Responsibilities 

The Evaluation Specialist will support the team to design the evaluation framework and take lead for data collection and analysis. Assist the team in developing evidence-based findings by synthesizing, coding, editing, and analyzing qualitative and secondary quantitative data. This includes support to create a comprehensive codebook and a findings, conclusions, and recommendations (FCR) matrix. Additionally, the Evaluation Specialist will contribute drafting the evaluation report and provide need-based support to the team.

Specific Responsibilities of the Evaluation Specialist

·       Review USAID T&C activity documents and other relevant materials.

·       Support the team in drafting design report that outlines the evaluation framework, including methodologies, tools, and timelines.

·       Assist in preparing data collection tools and instruments that align with assignment objectives and based on evaluation questions.

·       Conduct focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs) with stakeholders including program participants, Government representatives, and USAID staff, implementing partners which may involve coordination with research participants and travel to field locations.

·       Perform field data collection and synthesize data, conduct detailed analysis, and draft the findings, conclusions, and recommendations (FCR) matrix to document evaluation results.

·       Play an active role to ensure the quality of data adhering to research credibility.

·       Contribute to prepare preliminary findings report and presentation with the team.

·       Attend regular check-in meetings with the USAID Learning for Development team.

·       Provide need-based support to the evaluation team, including logistical coordination and data management, and collaborate closely with the USAID Learning for Development team.

Deliverables 

·       Weekly or bi-weekly check-in meeting with the USAID Learning for Development team 

·       Draft and finalize tools and methodology

·       Draft and finalize data transcription 

·       Draft and finalize codebook and the FCR matrix.

Knowledge and Qualifications 

·       Bachelor’s degree in in Economics, Development Studies, Social Sciences or a related field.

·       At least 3-4 years of experience in relevant work.

·       Prior experience conducting and analyzing qualitative data.

·       Prior experience in designing research tools and analysis of findings. 

·       Familiarity with the trade and competitiveness sector desired.

Timeline, Location, and Level of Effort (LoE) 

The assignment will last from approximately October 2024 through March 2025, with an estimated total of 35 days of LoE. The assignment will be fully or nearly fully remote, with a possible travel required to collect data in project locations.

Please note that candidates selected may undergo a background investigation and, if applicable, meet eligibility requirements for suitability.

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