The Specialist, Inclusive Research, Evaluation, and Learning (IREL) provides research and evaluation support on Making Cents' projects related to inclusive development. They also may occasionally support projects in other Making Cents' practice areas including: youth development; agriculture, food security and nutrition; entrepreneurship and enterprise development; financial inclusion; workforce development; and women’s empowerment.

This role entails work on research and evaluation study design, implementation, analysis, and reporting, using frameworks developed by Making Cents and others. The Specialist focuses on making research and evaluation processes inclusive and participatory, as well as developing findings that are useful and practical for a variety of audiences. In addition, the Specialist applies their expertise to promote the adoption of inclusive development approaches.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Service Delivery

• Organize, write, and/or contribute to desk reviews or systematic reviews of existing literature and research related to marginalized populations, participatory research methods, and/or the efficacy of development interventions for marginalized populations.

• In collaboration with other team members, develop qualitative and participatory data collection protocols for key informant interviews, focus groups discussions, etc.

• Conduct in-depth interviews or focus groups.

• Analyze qualitative data (thematic analysis, content analysis, etc.) using Atlas.ti (training to be provided as necessary). 

• Conduct small-scale quantitative analyses of surveys, pre/post measurement tools, or training evaluation forms using Microsoft Excel or SPSS.

• Collaborate with other team members on writing a range of products, including briefs, toolkits, or reports summarizing key project and research activity findings, potential recommendations for improvement, and practice-focused lessons learned.

• Provide topical and methodological support to develop new content-specific measurement processes, templates, tools, and guidance frameworks.

• Contribute to developing and implementing innovative approaches by supporting monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning activities that are inclusive, trauma-informed, gender-responsive, community-based, participatory, and apply a do-no-harm approach.

• Implement monitoring and evaluation activities on assigned projects, including developing, tracking, and reporting on project indicators.

• Develop and facilitate training on inclusive research, monitoring, and evaluation processes with project staff and Making Cents staff, including occasional support of online learning events.

• Design and lead an annual MEL Satisfaction Survey.

• Track and report on project-specific MEL indicators.

  Project Management

• Lead search efforts for consultants and staff for evaluation and research-related projects, including providing input into scopes of work.

• Support consultant teams to plan, implement, and complete evaluation and research-related projects.

• Lead efforts to secure Institutional Review Board approval for research projects as required.

• Provide input into work planning and logistics preparation for research and evaluation studies.

• Collaborate with team members to develop work plans for projects, identifying tasks to be accomplished, mechanisms for completion, and realistic client-focused timelines.

• Support Task close-out including uploading any public information to the USAID Development Experience Clearinghouse (DEC).

  Essential Competencies and Skills required of all positions:

  Making Cents expects all staff to possess the essential competencies and skills of Teamwork, Communication Skills, Creativity and Innovation, a Focus on Quality, Knowledge Management, and Leadership and Development. More detailed information about essential competencies and skills may be found within the HR folder in the Making Cents International Team.

   

  Required Experience, Certifications and Education:

• BA/BS in international development, international affairs, international relations, social development, social work, social inclusion, political science, sociology, monitoring and evaluation, or a related field and six (6) years’ work experience, or an MA/MS with four (4) years’ work experience, or a PhD with two (2) years’ experience

• Experience in international contexts in qualitative and quantitative research and evaluation design and implementation, data collection and analysis, reporting, and related understanding of key ethical considerations

• Experience conducting research with marginalized populations

• Experience in research and technical writing and communication

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

• Written and oral fluency in English

• Ability to work in the US without employer sponsorship

   

  Preferred Experience, Certifications and Education:

• MA/MS or PhD

• Experience with participatory research methods

• Experience analyzing disparities between groups (qualitatively and quantitatively)

• ​​​​​​​ Proficiency in another language such as Arabic, Spanish, or French

  Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

• Regular travel, including international travel

   

  Working Conditions:

  This position is eligible for a flexible work arrangement where the employee regularly conducts their work from a telework location and occasionally from Making Cents’ Washington, DC office. For this position, the employee will be expected to work from the company’s Washington, DC office three to eight times annually.

Making Cents International is a certified B Corporation, founded on the principles of social entrepreneurship. Since 1999, we have supported the well-being of youth and adults globally through high-impact programs that bolster those who serve people living in vulnerable contexts in low- and middle-income countries. As a purpose-driven small business, we have implemented more than 130 projects in over 60 countries and are a trusted partner to public- and private-sector clients who benefit from our expertise and broad industry exposure.

Making Cents International is an equal opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, age, or other legally protected characteristics.

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