Background
SoCha LLC is preparing to provide contracted support to the United States Agency for International Development Regional Mission for Central Asia (USAID/RMCA) to complete a comprehensive analysis of the non-governmental organization (NGO) landscape in Central Asia (consisting of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan). This effort, consistent with the Agency’s localization initiative, is required to evaluate the capacity of local NGOs to effectively implement USAID/RMCA regional and bilateral activities, identify key actors, and understand the overall ecosystem in selected technical areas, including Global Health Security, across Central Asia. The assessment will enhance understanding of the capabilities and potential for further engagement with a wider set of local partners in development in Central Asia, including additional capacity strengthening opportunities for local organizations.
The primary objectives of the NGO landscape analysis are to:
- Identify and map active NGOs across Central Asia, including their geographic presence and areas of focus.
- Assess the capacity and effectiveness of these NGOs to implement USAID/Central Asia regional and bilateral activities.
- Provide recommendations for strengthening partnerships between USAID and local NGOs to enhance their capacity for implementation.
- Inform ways to improve local ownership and sustainability in USAID-supported programs.
SoCha is seeking a qualified Lead Assessment Coordinator to lead this assessment including design, analysis, and report writing for the upcoming NGO landscape analysis in Central Asia.
Scope of Work
The Lead Assessment Coordinator will provide technical leadership to the Landscape Analysis team through a short-term consultancy of 50-70 days over a period of approximately 4 months, beginning in October 2024. She/he will report to the SoCha Project Director. The consultant will have the following responsibilities:
- Serve as the technical lead for the assessment.
- Coordinate and participate in research activities of the assessment, including identifying data sources and conducting a document review to identify and map active NGOs across Central Asia.
- Develop the work plan and design for the assessment, which will include developing assessment questions and tools, and facilitating co-creation workshops with USAID as needed.
- Guide and oversee data collectors in data collection from NGOs.
- Conduct interviews (mostly virtual) with various local NGO representatives and other stakeholders.
- Conduct synthesis and analysis of assessment findings and serve as lead author of the report.
- Develop and conduct final presentation to USAID on assessment findings.
Minimum Qualifications and Experience
- Advanced degree in a relevant field such as monitoring and evaluation, social science, or international affairs.
- More than six (6+) years of demonstrated professional experience in designing/conducting assessments in related areas.
- Experience with institutional capacity building, especially with NGOs.
- Strong understanding of USAID localization efforts.
- Proven skills and experience to develop methodological tools and instruments for assessments such as interview protocols or questionnaires, data processing sheets, etc.
- Prior experience in Central Asia highly preferred.
- Past experience managing USAID-funded programs, assessments, grants under contract, or assessments is highly desired.
- Strong English communication skills are required, both interpersonal and written.
- Proficiency in Russian is highly desirable.
Location
The majority of this work will be performed remotely. Some limited travel to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and/or Uzbekistan may be required.
How to apply
To submit your application, kindly provide your CV via the following link:
