Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Consultant

Location: Remote

Approximate Duration and Level of Effort: Varies based on assignment

Summary

The Solidarity Center is seeking statements of qualifications from qualified individuals to identify a cadre of consultants to perform a variety of monitoring, evaluation, research and learning (MERL) assignments.  Each assignment will require a dynamic individual with extensive research and evaluation experience in labor/social justice/civil society programs; strong interpersonal, communication and writing skills; a sharp focus on details; familiarity with a range of methodologies; proven quantitative and qualitative data analysis skills; and a willingness to promote learning and information sharing.

Assignments

Assignments may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Design the scope and methodology for an evaluation that focuses on crisis adaptation and recovery, conduct the evaluation, and write the report;
• Design and conduct an organizational MEL assessment;
• Provide technical expertise and/or training in variety of areas, including quantitative and qualitative methodologies to inform the conduct of evaluations, project design and proposal development for competitive opportunities, development and operationalization of MEL tools and resources; and/or
• Other technical needs as identified by the Solidarity Center.

All assignments will require close collaboration with staff and have an underlying theme of fostering learning and capacity building.

Statement of Work/Key Services

While each assignment will have a specific statement of work, following are overall key services for which the Solidarity Center is seeking applications:

• Provide technical expertise on the design of scope, methodology and instruments for research and/or evaluation projects, taking into consideration existing resources and capacities
• Conduct desk review of existing documentation
• Collaborate with staff and value their technical expertise in such areas as worker rights, union building, equality and inclusion, rule of law, informal economy, etc., as well as regional expertise
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative data analysis and produce written report(s)/deliverables
• Develop tools for organizational use, as needed
• Assess organizational strengths, needs and gaps, and make recommendations to strengthen MERL capacity
• Advise, mentor and train staff on the design and conduct of research and program evaluations, as well as other areas of technical expertise
• Provide assistance with the identification/selection of in-country researchers/evaluators, as needed

Requirements:

• Master’s degree in social science, social justice, human rights, international relations or related field; PhD preferred

• Minimum of 15 years of experience, specifically in designing and implementing research projects, in designing quantitative and qualitative tools and performing analysis, and in conducting and/or managing program evaluations for labor/social justice/human rights/civil society programs

• Experience living or working overseas and on international development projects; multiple language skills are a plus

• Demonstrated experience in mentoring and building capacity of staff on technical areas of expertise

• Proven quantitative and qualitative data analysis skills and experience using statistical data analysis software

• Strong analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills

• Excellent oral communication, interpersonal and people skills and ability to interact with host country-based, HQ and donor staff

• Excellent writing skills and ability to transform empirical findings into a concise, cohesive and compelling story supported by data visualizations

• Fluency in English (verbal and written)

• Familiarity with a broad range of methodologies and approaches, such as surveys, focus group discussions, Outcome Harvesting, Most Significant Change

• Familiarity with MEL requirements from USG agencies, such as USAID, DOS/DRL or DOL

• Familiarity and comfort working remotely and collaborating via video-conferencing

• Openness to input from program and country teams on the social and political context in which programs are operating and experience balancing political and cultural sensitivities in communication, evaluation design, data analysis and report writing

• Keen attention to detail

Instructions for Application

Please submit a resume and cover letter that includes the following:

1. Statement of qualifications to provide MERL services as described above;
2. Relevant examples of past performances of similar services provided;
3. Areas of specialty/types of assignments of interest;
4. Hourly/daily rate(s) and anticipated types of expenses not covered in rate(s);
5. Names and contacts (telephone and e-mail addresses) of three professional references familiar with your qualifications and work experience, ideally clients or supervisors for whom you have consulted or worked;
6. Availability in the next five months and preference, if any, for length of assignment; and
7. Confirmation of eligibility to work in the United States and ability to comply with USG;     regulations and requirements regarding the conduct of research and evaluations.

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed and assessed in accordance with the responsibilities and requirements outlined above. As assignments materialize, select candidates will be contacted and provided a more detailed scope of work in order to provide a proposed approach and best offer quotation for services. Final selection will be based on a combination of factors, including but not limited to, ability and skill sets to meet the technical requirements, previous experience/knowledge of particular subject matter area, positive references and best value for money. Preference will be given to the applicant who can address the full technical requirements of the assignment, although the Solidarity Center at its discretion may issue a partial consultancy agreement or split the assignment among various consultants, if in the best interest of the Solidarity Center.

Background

The Solidarity Center is the largest U.S.-based international worker rights organization. Its programs are based on the principle that, by exercising their right to freedom of association and forming trade unions and democratic worker rights organizations, working people can collectively improve their workplaces, call on governments to uphold laws and protect human rights, and be a force for democracy, social justice and inclusive economic development.  Its programs in more than 60 countries focus on human and worker rights awareness, union skills, occupational safety and health, gender equality, migration and human trafficking and pro-legal strategies, as well as bolster workers in an increasingly informal economy. The primary sources of funding are from the National Endowment for Democracy and U.S. government agencies, such as the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Department of State’s Bureau for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) and the Department of Labor (DOL), in the form of cooperative agreements or grants.

The Solidarity Center cultivates the values of diversity, equality, and inclusion among its staff and partners. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected under applicable law. Candidates from traditionally underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for this position, please contact us at information@solidaritycenter.org.