Context
The NORC Department of International Programs at the University of Chicago is currently seeking qualified candidate(e)s(e)s for three (3) Intermediate Level Researcher positions for one performance evaluation (EP) of three Resilience Food Security Activities (RFSA) in the Kasai and Kasai Central provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The objective of the three RFSAs is to achieve sustainable food outcomes, including, nutrition and economic security in Kasai and Kasai-Central provinces through activities aimed at strengthening livelihoods and increasing incomes, with a focus on improving the use of credit and capital, the’increase in the profitability and diversity of enterprises and increase in sustainable agricultural production.
This EP is being conducted as part of the’activity Building Evidence for Decision-Making (BE4D) and funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Humanitarian Assistance Office (BHA)). The objective of this EP is to assess, using rigorous evaluation methods, how the RFSAs have been managed and implemented, their role in improving food security and resilience building outcomes, as well as progress towards sustainability. The PE will run throughout the duration of implementation of the RFSAs using a « mixed methods » approach (combining surveys, interviews and focus groups) with several data collection cycles, including a baseline survey in 2024, and,two cycles of monitoring mixed-method processes in 2025-27 and a final quantitative survey in 2027-28.
Description d’emploi
Intermediate level researchers will be primarily responsible for (1) supporting field coordination of the evaluation of RFSAs, serving as a communication channel between the NORC evaluation team, and, the RFSA implementation partners, the data collection company and the local team of USAID ; (2) observe the implementation of the activities of the RFSA through field visits and regular interactions with the implementing partners of the RFSA ; and (3) support and observe the various cycles of data collection for the PE, and, with responsibility for assisting the NORC evaluation team to ensure that each part of the PE is conducted in accordance with the study design and protocols.
Specifically, its role will include the following responsibilities :
- Facilitate regular communication and coordination between the relevant staff of the RFSAs and the NORC research team.
- Cooperate effectively with all stakeholders involved in the implementation of the evaluation, as well as with representatives of national, regional and local governments, and any other stakeholders or external collaborators.
- Support regular coordination between the NORC research team and the contracted data collection company and its various employees (e.g., survey managers, field team supervisors), and, especially during data collection periods.
- Review some of the key design documents for’EP (e.g., evaluation design report) and RFSA documents (e.g., annual work plans) to gain a thorough understanding of the work to be carried out. Be also prepared to review new documents that reflect any changes to the design and implementation of the PE.
- Review survey and qualitative data collection instruments in French and their translation into local languages (e.g., Tshiluba and Lingala) and provide comments and suggestions.
- Assist in the organisation and planning of quantitative and qualitative training for each data collection cycle, including, then attend these trainings led by NORC principal investigators and observe and report on the piloting of tools in the field that will take place at the end of the trainings.
- Observe independently the work of the survey and qualitative data collection teams during the various field work cycles to ensure data quality (e.g., identify and report any issues and mentor investigators and supervisors, if necessary), take and share detailed field notes while observing data collection efforts.
- Attend and contribute to regular coordination calls that will be organized during field work (these calls will be used to share updates on progress, challenges and solutions, and, as well as lessons learned).
- Conduct regular visits to selected communities in collaboration with the NORC research team to observe the progress, challenges and successes of the implementation of RFSAs. Document these visits for the NORC research team using a checklist.
- Provide input on evaluation deliverables such as the baseline report, process evaluation reports, and final evaluation report.
The study is expected to begin in August 2024 and baseline data collection is scheduled for November 2024. The final data collection is scheduled for the end of 2027 or the beginning of 2028. Therefore, the level of effort of mid-level researchers will vary significantly over the course of the study and will be mainly concentrated around the periods of data collection. Between these, mid-level researchers should be able to ensure coordination and communication between stakeholders and perform occasionally (e.g., every 4 to 6 months) field visits of a few days to observe the implementation of the activities of the RFSAs in the target communities.
Researchers at intermediate level must be based in DRC (ideally in Kasai or Kasai-Central) and must have prior work experience in the DRC and the ability to move to remote communities in Kasai or Kasai-Central in the framework for data collection and field observation.
Qualifications required
The candidate must meet the following qualifications :
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a field such as agricultural economics or agronomy, public health, natural resource management, statistics, economics or sociology.
- At least three years of demonstrated experience in one or more of the following areas : maternal health and child nutrition, water and sanitation, rural agriculture and agricultural value chains, or natural resource management.
- At least two years of demonstrated experience in large-scale studies and/or rigorous social science assessments.
- Demonstrated ability to report effectively and clearly on progress made, challenges and lessons learned.
- Mastery of french.
- Previous professional experience in DRC.
- Proven experience with data quality assurance mechanisms (e.g., assistance and observation of field work, data quality control during collection, etc.)
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate and facilitate communication between different project stakeholders (e.g., evaluation team, implementation partners, local and national governments).
- Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated and successful work in an intercultural team environment in a development context.
Desired qualifications
The candidate will be considered more competitive if he has the following qualifications :
- A master’s or doctoral degree in a field such as agricultural economics or agronomy, public health, natural resource management, statistics, economics or sociology
- Currently based in Kasai or Kasai-Central (e.g., Tshikapa or Kananga)
- Experience in the development, implementation or evaluation of communication activities for social behaviour change (CCSC).
- Experience in planning, organizing and delivering training on surveys and the collection of qualitative data.
- Active mastery of english.
- Demonstrated ability to contribute to the development of evaluation reports.
- Experience in collecting survey data (as enumerator, supervisor, or survey manager and using platforms such as Survey Solutions, Survey CTO, Kobo Toolbox, Tangerine) and/or qualitative data (as a facilitator of individual interviews or focus groups) that is reliable and accurate.
What we are doing
NORC at the University of Chicago is an objective, non-partisan, non-profit research institution that provides reliable data and rigorous analysis to guide programmatic decisions, trade and policies of primary importance. Since 1941, our teams have conducted cutting-edge’ studies, created and applied innovative methods and tools, and advanced the principles of scientific integrity and collaboration. Today, governments, businesses and non-profit organizations around the world are partnering with us to turn increasingly complex information into useful knowledge.
Who are we ?
For more than 80 years, NORC has evolved in many ways, making a difference with groundbreaking research methods, technical applications and research results. But our tradition of excellence, our passion for innovation and commitment to collegiality have remained constant elements of who we are as a brand and as a member of the NORC team. With world-class performance, a laid-back environment and a focus on continuous learning, the, NORC is a place where people come together for the outstanding research and analysis work that makes our reputation and stay for the relationships they build with their colleagues who are proud of the impact of their work on a global scale.
’equality of access to employment
NORC is a positive action and equal opportunity employer that actively values and seeks diversity within its workforce. NORC assesses qualified candidates regardless of race, skin colour, religion, gender, national origin, disability, veteran status, etc, their sexual orientation, gender identity and other characteristics protected by law. Women are strongly encouraged to apply.
How to apply
Interested candidate(e)s(e)s must send by e-mail a CV and cover letter specifically addressing the required (and desired) qualifications mentioned above to be4d_drc@norc.org. Please use the following subject line in your email : « Mid-Level Researchers – DRC RFSA ». Please also contact us at this email address for any questions.
