Short Term-Social Scientist - IQ Talent Marketplace

Project Summary: 

MSI is implementing the Performance Monitoring and Evaluation Services (PMES) activity in Iraq. PMES provides the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) with support in the areas of project/activity monitoring, evaluation, research, organizational learning, and knowledge management. USAID/Iraq has requested PMES’ support to undertake a mid-term evaluation of a USAID-funded stabilization activity in Ninewa.

**Please note: Only Iraqi nationals are eligible**

Position Summary:

For this task, PMES requires the services of a short-term social scientist. Under the direction of the Team Lead and in close coordination with other team members, the social scientist will be expected to 1) help design the evaluation and prepared the inception report, 2) participate in planning, scheduling, and conducting primary data collection activities (e.g., key informant interviews, focus group discussions), 3) code and analyze qualitative data, 4) participate in team debriefing meetings and the development of findings, conclusions and recommendations, 5) contribute to report drafting, and 6) participate in drafting and delivering presentations on findings and recommendations at various stages of the research.

The Social Scientist will report to PMES Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist. The level of effort for the position is 60 days, allocated between March 15 and October 15, 2023. The position requires travel for primary data collection, although some interviews may be conducted virtually. It is anticipated that the social scientist will travel within Ninewa and Erbil city to conduct key informant interviews and focus group discussions, and to Baghdad to participate in presentations.

Responsibilities:

• Support the Inception Report and evaluation design
• Support the development of data collection instruments
• Participate in data collection, including key informant interviews and focus group discussions
• Support qualitative data analysis, including coding transcripts
• Contribute to data collection notes, including transcripts from interviews
• Contribute to evaluation report—draft versions and final—including development of findings, conclusions and recommendations
• Participate in drafting and delivering presentations on research methodology, findings, conclusions and recommendations

Qualifications:

• Strong written and spoken English and Arabic required.
• A master’s degree in a social science field or related discipline required.
• At least five years of relevant experience required.
• Expertise in the dynamics of Ninewa governorate required.
• Experience in qualitative research methods, tool development, conducting data collection interviews and focus group discussions, and coding and analyzing qualitative data that can be applied to this evaluation’s scope of work required.
• Strong communication skills required.
• Must be able to maintain stable internet, use video conferencing software, and be available for travel, if required. Must be available for all or most of the period of performance listed above.

MSI is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We strive to develop and maintain a culture that honors the perspectives and identities of our employees, our communities and those impacted by our work.

We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute, including race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. In accordance with applicable law, we make reasonable accommodations for applicants’ and employees’ religious practices and beliefs, as well as any mental health or physical disability needs.

To apply: Please visit our website, www.msiworldwide.com