Monitoring and Evaluation Research Analyst

Overview

The Office of Policy, Planning, and Resources for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs’ Research and Evaluation Unit (R/PPR/REU) is needing a Monitoring and Evaluation Analyst (MRPT) to: 1) Design and conduct mixed-method evaluations of Public Diplomacy programs and initiatives; 2) Develop reliable ongoing monitoring systems for Public Diplomacy programs and initiatives; and, 3) Develop and deliver technical and professional support to field practitioners in the area of monitoring and evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Design and conducted mixed-method program evaluations, including: experimental and quasi-experimental design; pre-post testing and difference-in-differences; qualitative research including observations, interviews, focus groups. 
• Design rigorous sampling plans for both quantitative and qualitative data collection. 
• Design survey questionnaires and interview protocols  
• Provide oversight and quality assurance for research field work and data collection.  
• Design and implement program/performance monitoring systems 

• Conduct background research, literature reviews, and desk reviews.  
• Design and conduct on-site and training in performance monitoring, evaluation, and research techniques for personnel. 
• Develop M&E related guidance and support material for field teams.  
• Design, issue, and monitor contracts for international research projects with third party research firms.  
• Work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders to integrate research findings into business processes and organizational routines

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s Degree is required; a Master’s Degree is preferred. Training should reflect training in qualitative or quantitative research methods. 
• Experience collecting qualitative or quantitative data in foreign countries , including selecting, training or supervising local research teams; overseeing translation of instruments, protocols, and other research materials; and administering instruments in English (or other language, as necessary). 
• Experience with performance monitoring for large-scale initiatives or for organizational-wide objectives, including developing performance indicators, establishing data collection business processes, creating data management practices, and creating monitoring reports. 

• Experience with Stata, R, or comparable statistical analysis software. 
• Familiarity with data visualization software such as Tableau or Gephi. 
• Experience with traditional program evaluation methods, including but not limited to: focus group facilitation, content analysis, textual analysis, and network analysis, as well as familiarity with non-traditional techniques such as participatory evaluation, process mapping, and visual data analysis.  
• Experience conducting research on one or more of the following topics: politics, media, strategic communication, democracy, development, security, education, nation branding, trust, public opinion, women’s empowerment, or youth. 
• Exceptional communication skills, with fluency in communicating user-centric design processes. 

• Ability to approach problems analytically and holistically, considering the individual problem and the impact on the larger system. 
• Ability to work on complex projects within a multidisciplinary team. 
• Ability to work flexibly and efficiently in a rapidly changing environment, exercising a balance between research rigor and client needs. 
• Demonstrated curiosity in continued learning and growth on the job. 
• Openness to critique (including from other disciplines), curiosity to learn from a spectrum of perspectives, and experience or strong interest in collaborating closely with others. 

• Strong ability to focus on and understand the needs of clients, as well as build and maintain strong working relationships. 
• Experience working with a major development research organization or on programs funded by major international development funders (e.g., USAID, DFID, World Bank) is preferred.