Economics and Business Management Expert at Social Impact

job Description

Economics and Business Management Expert - USAID Zimbabwe

Social Impact, Inc. (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 U.S. government agencies, bilateral donors, multilateral development banks, foundations, and nonprofits.

The purpose of this evaluation is to assess the contribution of community gardens to household nutrition and income. Community gardens and water supply infrastructure are the most common types of assets created by USAID's Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA)'s Early Recovery, Risk Reduction and Resilience (ER4) awards in Zimbabwe. Most community gardens are established to promote access to nutritious foods and increase household income. The gardens have had mixed success with some continuing to function after activities ends, while some are abandoned after activities end.

This evaluation will look at three aspects related to community gardens: 1) Assess if community gardens are making any meaningful contribution to nutrition, particularly focusing on dietary diversity of women of reproductive age and children 6-23 months old and household income. 2) assess different sizes of plots per participant and establish the minimum plot size necessary for gardens to be effective in improving nutrition and/or income. 3) Assess the functionality and sustainability of gardens focusing on governance, water supply, production, and marketing. The evaluation results will inform BHA on investment in gardens and related infrastructure. It will enable BHA to develop technical guidelines on minimum standards for investment in community gardens and related infrastructure.

Social Impact is seeking a Economics and Business Management Expert consultant to support all technical and management aspects of the Zimbabwe Evaluation. The Economics and Business Management Expert serves as a member of the Team, providing subject matter expertise in Economics and Business Management. The Economics and Business Management Expert is expected to work closely with the Team Leader, Evaluation Specialist, Project Director, the local data collection firm, and the Zimbabwe management team to ensure quality and timely deliverables.

Duties and Responsibilities

Collaborate with the Team Leader on strategic and operational planning, to implement approved evaluation design, and ensure compliance with all USAID contractual reporting and financial requirements for the Zimbabwe Evaluation.
Provide subject matter expertise in Economics and Business Management.
Participate in the design of the data collection tools, particularly ensuring cultural and sectoral appropriateness and ensuring that quality data are collected and reported.
Participate in the data collection and analysis, ensuring data quality.
Support writing all deliverables associated with the evaluation including, but not limited, to the evaluation design (including tools) and the draft and final reports in conformity with SI and USAID regulations, and the Scope of Work (SOW).
Manage all deadlines and record maintenance, including collecting and managing quantitative data and producing notes for all qualitative data collection events for delivery to USAID.
Provide local contextual expertise and knowledge in Economics and Business Management, to ensure achievement of deliverables.
Assist in maintaining good working relationships with USAID, Government of Zimbabwe counterparts, local organizations, and other program partners.
Collaborate with the Program Director and Zimbabwe+ staff with strategic and operational planning to implement the approved evaluation design.

Qualifications and Experience

At least 8 years of experience with Economics and Business Management projects; USAID project implementation experience preferred
Must hold a master's degree in Economics, Social Sciences, Project Management, International Development, Agricultural Economics, or other related fields.
Expertise in Economics and Business Management services at the community; subject matter experience in Zimbabwe is desirable
Experience in conducting USAID evaluations of Economics and Business Management programs/activities
Familiarity with Economics and Business Management programs in Zimbabwe
Experience with community gardens
Proven leadership and organizational skills to successfully support the Team Leader
Excellent interpersonal skills, including experience successfully interacting with host government officials, civil society partners, and other stakeholders
Proficiency in written and spoken English
Good writing skills, including experience writing evaluation and/or assessment reports