Evaluation Team Leader – USAID SEGAR Evaluation

Panagora Group, a woman-owned small business providing novel and integrated solutions in global health and international development, supports USAID/Indonesia in implementing its 2020-2025 Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) through the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Platform (MEL-P). MEL-P provides its services through five components: 1) monitoring support services, 2) designing and conducting performance and impact evaluations, 3) providing research, assessment, and data analysis, 4) providing consulting and advisory services and logistical support services, and 5) initiating collaboration, learning, and adapting activities.

Under MEL-P, Panagora has been assigned to conduct a midterm evaluation for USAID SEGAR. The activity is a five-year (February 2021 – February 2026) activity awarded to Chemonics International, designed to advance Indonesia’s own development goals of balancing biodiversity conservation and sustainable land use with inclusive economic and livelihood development. The Activity aims to (1) strengthen inclusive environmental governance in targeted subnational jurisdictions that advances biodiversity protection and sustainable land use, and (2) increase implementation of environmental and social sustainability goals within private sector natural resource commodity production supply chains that reduces threats to biodiversity and greenhouse gas emissions from land use.

Chemonics International implements the activity in collaboration with its partners: Lingkar Temu Kabupaten Lestari (LTKL), Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN), PT Sinergi Alam Tropika (PT. SALT), and PACT. The activity supports a diverse group of Indonesian stakeholders at the subnational level, including key Government of Indonesia (GOI) institutions, to engender greater capacity and commitment to conservation and good environmental governance, as well as facilitating a greater role for village communities and the private sector, including larger companies and small landowners and their associations. New sustainable livelihood opportunities will be created for women, youth, and marginal populations as part of the Activity. USAID SEGAR works in twelve districts across four provinces: Aceh, West Kalimantan, East Kalimantan, and Central Kalimantan.

The purpose of the independent midterm performance evaluation is to assess the activity's progress toward achieving its objectives and the effectiveness and efficiency of its interventions. The evaluation's results will inform USAID leadership in Environmental Office decisions regarding ongoing programmatic adjustments and future strategies. 

Position Summary

MEL-P seeks an Evaluation Team Leader for the USAID SEGAR midterm performance evaluation. The team leader is responsible for overseeing all aspects of evaluation design, data collection, analysis, presentation, and report writing. Thus, (s)he will supervise the team consisting of two subject matter experts and a research specialist.

The assignment may require an estimated five weeks of in-country fieldwork in Indonesia, starting approximately in November-December 2024. Some preparatory works are required prior to arrival in Indonesia.

Responsibilities

• Effectively manage and supervise the evaluation team at all stages of the evaluation process and in addressing technical concerns of the evaluation. These include:
  
• Produce a rigorous evaluation methodology, work plan, and report (inception report)
  
• Design of relevant evaluation tools, e.g., focus group discussions (FGDs), key informant interviews (KIIs), surveys, etc.
  
• Pilot-testing of the evaluation tools, selection of respondents to KIIs, FGDs, and surveys; and enhancement of the tools based on the feedback during pilot testing
  
• Provide feedback on the evaluation’s progress
  
• Data collection at the national and sub-national level implementing and overseeing data quality protocols
  
• Data analysis of the performance and outcome of the project, ensuring the accuracy, consistency, and completeness of received and generated information and data
  
• Developing preliminary findings, conclusions, and recommendations
  
• Report writing that fulfill the USAID evaluation report requirements
  
• Preparing and presenting on preliminary findings and pause and reflect event to discuss recommendations
  
• Ensure all deliverables are submitted on schedule and in accordance with USAID and Panagora quality standards. This includes responsibility for developing the work plan and evaluation design (inception report), all required presentations, the draft and final evaluation report, and pause and reflect event.
  
• Plan and manage coordination with MEL-P and USAID during the evaluation, including team planning, design and methodology discussions, and periodic progress reviews.
  
• Prepare and present the evaluation design, preliminary findings, and recommendations to USAID, the implementing partner, the GOI, and other relevant stakeholders as required.
  

Reporting

The evaluation team leader will report to the MEL-P Senior Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Advisor and be guided by the Chief of Party (COP).

Period of Performance

The estimated level of effort for the STTA for Evaluation Team Leader will be 65 days. The assignment would intermittently cover the period December 2024 to May 2025.

How to Apply

Fill out the online application. Please include a cover letter and resume. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Please apply before November 30, 2024. 

Please do not make telephone inquiries. Finalists will be contacted. Only applicants who include the required application components will be considered. 

Panagora Group is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. 

*Note: Panagora does not offer visa sponsorship at this time.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in social sciences, public policy, international development, or a related field.
  
• Minimum 15 years of international experience designing, managing, and leading evaluations or development research and practice, particularly in development settings.
  
• Must have prior experience leading evaluations or research related to environmental governance, natural resource commodity production supply chains, and biodiversity protection and emissions reduction, preferably in Indonesia or the broader Asia region.
  
• Prior experience evaluating USAID-funded projects is strongly preferred.
  
• Expert knowledge in quantitative and qualitative evaluation methodology.
  
• Demonstrated leadership experience in managing multi-disciplinary, technical teams.
  
• Ability to adapt evaluation approaches to local contexts, ensuring culturally sensitive and relevant findings.
  
• Demonstrated experience in working with diverse stakeholders, including donors, government representatives, and local communities.
  
• Excellent analytical and interpersonal communication skills.
  
• Excellent report writing and oral presentation skills with the ability to synthesize and present complex findings to diverse audiences.
  
• Familiarity with USAID’s Evaluation Policy.