Moldova Rule of Law Expert, USAID/Moldova Whole of Project Evaluation "Accountability in Moldova"

Job Description

Moldova Rule of Law Expert, USAID/Moldova Whole of Project Evaluation “Accountability in Moldova”, Moldova

Project Objective:

Social Impact has been asked to conduct a whole of project review of the performance of USAID/Moldova’s Accountability in Moldova (AIM) Project. Despite some progress, key constraints to Moldova’s democratic development remain, namely: state capture; endemic corruption (including within the judiciary and law enforcement institutions); media consolidation and few financially-viable independent media outlets, limited citizen engagement in civic and political processes and a deep sense of dissatisfaction with the country’s trajectory, often leading to decisions to out-migrate; as well as weak government capacity with over-centralized control of resources and political power.

USAID’s 2012 DRG Assessment, which fed into the writing of the AIM PAD predicted the short-term trend is one of halting improvement, as changes for the better come about in disjointed fashion, and corruption and clientelism live on. As a result, it determined that Moldova’s most pressing DRG challenges lay in accountability, the rule of law and government effectiveness, with an emphasis on implementing reforms and combatting corruption. The AIM project focused on improving accountability structures by engaging with citizens, civil society, political parties, the judiciary, and local governments.

The project aims to answer the following questions:

1. How is the project making progress toward the achievement of its purpose?
2. What are the strengths and weaknesses (gaps) of the project’s theory of change?
3. Within Objective 3 (Local Government is More Responsive to Citizens’ Needs), what impact did activities have on financial viability of LPAs, and other institutions? How well were activities coordinated between varying State institutions with responsibilities for LPA revenue generation and overall decentralization (e.g. State Chancellery, Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Finance, etc.)
4. Several activities used or proposed technological solutions to improve transparency. To what extent has IT investment been successful and sustainable? How well have these activities been institutionalized within the Government of Moldova.
5. How did existing whole of project indicators capture results and what recommendations for sector indicators might capture data better for future projects.

The estimated LOE for this project is 45 days, with a period of performance from September 2019 through February 2020 with fieldwork in late October/early November 2019.

Position Description:

SI is seeking an individual with Moldova DRG expertise to fulfill the role of the Moldova Rule of Law Expert. The Expert will provide in-depth analysis of the opportunities for and barriers to rule of law and justice in Moldova. Tasks include supporting the desk review and development of a research plan and instruments; collecting and analyzing data; and producing draft and final reports as the main deliverable.

This is a part-time position reporting to the U.S.-based SI Technical Director and working closely with the SI management team, as well as other team members with evaluation and logistical support expertise.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct a desk review of documents relevant to USAID and Moldova DRG research and programming
• Participate in developing the evaluation design and data collection instruments
• Conduct key informant interviews (KIIs) with stakeholders in Moldova
• Conduct focus group discussions (FGDs) and/or surveys with local partners and beneficiaries in Moldova
• Contribute to the development of project deliverables, including the inception report, draft report, final report, policy brief and presentations
• Support the presentation of project results to key stakeholders (USAID, project staff, etc.), other relevant development partners, and AIM subgrantees in Moldova
• Ensure quality work in all deliverables; implement SI quality assurance processes
• Work closely with SI HQ team and communicate in a timely and effective manner with all project personnel

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or higher in political science, international relations, social sciences, economics or any other relevant field
• At least five years of experience conducting research and programming, including implementing various data collection and analysis approaches and methods and developing reports
• Experience working in Moldova and extensive knowledge of the DRG sector and specifically rule of law and justice in Moldova
• Experience working on a team to conduct fieldwork is required
• Strong professional written and verbal proficiency in English and Moldovan is required. Experience effectively presenting findings and communicating with client, government, and non-government stakeholders
• Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to work independently to meet deadlines and adhere to high quality standards
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills are required
• Ability and willingness to travel in Moldova for fieldwork
• Experience working with USAID is desirable

Come join our energetic and innovative team!  We offer you the opportunity to play a leading role in the growth of our company, work as part of a creative and committed team, and make a difference in the well-being of our world.

To learn more about Social Impact, please visit our website: http://www.socialimpact.com

SI is an EEO/AA/ADA Veterans Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Only selected candidates will be contacted for an interview. Please, no phone calls.

About the Organization

Social Impact is a global development management consulting firm. We provide monitoring, evaluation, strategic planning, and capacity building services to advance development effectiveness. We work across all development sectors including democracy and governance, health and education, the environment, and economic growth. Since 1997 we have worked in over 100 countries for clients such as US government agencies, bilateral donors, multilateral development banks, foundations, and nonprofits.