Company Profile
SoCha, LLC is an independent professional services and consulting firm that provides bespoke localization services to clients working in international development. We are a US-registered, veteran-owned small business with a headquarters in Mauritius and projects in Africa and Asia.
Background:
SoCha, through the USAID-funded Monitoring, Reporting, and Capacity Strengthening Activity (MRCS), is preparing for a two-phase activity comprising of 1) an evaluation of on-going activities and 2) an ex-post evaluation of USAID/Niger’s Resilient Governance in Niger (RGN) Activity. The purpose of the evaluations is to inform USAID/Niger of sustainability efforts within the context of the Complex Crisis Fund (CCF) governance interventions in Niger using a conflict sensitivity approach, and ultimately determine the extent to which sustainability and resilience were achieved. The current evaluation is expected to start as soon as possible while the ex-post evaluation is scheduled for January 2026.
The evaluation will assess how and whether CCF funding contributes to programmatic results. In addition, the evaluation will inform the donor on the effectiveness of 1) different categories of governance strengthening interventions and conflict sensitivity in mitigating fragility and instability, and 2) allow the donor to learn and plan/design next generation activities under the newly approved Niger Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS). Participation, Inclusion, Transparency and Accountability (PITA), conflict sensitivity, resilience, humanitarian-development-peace nexus, and the integrated Development Objectives (DOs), particularly DO 1 and DO 2 of the CDCS, will be a particularly important focus of this evaluation.
Scope of Work:
To support the work of the activity, SoCha seeks an experienced international expert to serve as Team Leader. The Team Leader will be responsible for the management of the entire evaluation and technical management of the evaluation team in close coordination with MRCS staff. Responsibilities include:
- Serve as the chief technical advisor and subject matter expert for the assessment.
- Design and implement appropriate evaluation methodologies.
- Ensure the quality, accuracy, and rigor of the evaluation process.
- Manage and coordinate the evaluation team’s activities and tasks in coordination with MRCS staff.
- Liaise and coordinate with implementing partners.
- Ensure timely delivery of evaluation deliverables and reports.
The tasks outlined above are indicative but not exhaustive for the role, and other tasks may be assigned by the Project Lead or their designee.
The Team Lead’s activities in support of Phase 1 of the activity are expected to require up to 55 days of effort over the course of up to six months. A separate contract will be issued for Phase 2 (ex-post evaluation) with approximately the same number of days of effort, with dates to be determined in late 2025.
Minimum qualifications and experience:
- Advanced degree in a relevant field such as monitoring and evaluation, public policy, social science, or international affairs.
- More than eight (8) years of relevant experience.
- Demonstrated professional experience designing/leading local governance program evaluations in developing countries using conflict sensitivity approaches, including civil society participation.
- A minimum of five (5) years of experience in the design, implementation, and analysis of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies and data.
- Familiarity with Sahel local government systems, especially those of Niger, strongly preferred.
- Experience in formulating recommendations to enhance sustainability.
- Experience in conflict mitigation.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in French and English.
- Ability and willingness to work with and coordinate closely with the implementing partners.
- High level of tact, communication, and intercultural skills are essential.
Location:
Combined remote work with some field work in Niger.
Start date:
Immediate for Phase 1.
How to apply
To submit your application, kindly provide your CV via the following link:
Applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis until filled; early applications are strongly encouraged.