Economic Analyst/Costing Specialist, Doniya Taabolo Impact Evaluation

Economic Analyst/Costing Specialist, Doniya Taabolo Impact Evaluation

USAID Mali Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Platform

Social Impact, Inc. (SI) 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.

Project Background

On November 10, 2022, USAID/Mali awarded the five-year Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Platform contract to Social Impact, Inc. (SI). The purpose of the MEL Platform is to provide technical and advisory services to design and carry out various monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities for USAID/Mali. This contract has three major components: 1) USAID/Mali monitoring support through a Third-Party Monitoring (TPM) mechanism; 2) Evaluation Services and Surveys; and 3) Collaborating, Learning, and Adaptive Management and Communication Services.

The Doniya Taabolo (DT) Activity is a five-year Education Program under cooperative agreement, which will be implemented by EDC (Education Development Center) in the Regions of San, Segou, Diola, Bougouni, Sikasso, Koutiala, Koulikoro, and Bamako district (Mali). Doniya Taabolo will use the momentum of achievement in Mali to finish the drive to quality primary education for all. Building on proven methods and learning from the lessons of crisis implementation, the evaluation will refine and systematize an approach to foundational skills that is sustainable, adaptable, resilient, and expandable. The USAID Mali Mission requires the services of the Mali MEL Platform to conduct a baseline impact evaluation of the Doniya Taabolo Activity. The purpose of the baseline is to identify the comparison groups or areas and measure baseline indicators prior to project intervention.

Position Description

SI is seeking an Economic Analyst/Costing Specialist to lead the Cost Capture and Analysis of the Doniya Taabolo Impact Evaluation. International candidates who meet the specified qualifications are encouraged to apply. The tentative period of performance for this position is June 2024 – January 2025 and the expected level of effort (LOE) is 15 days.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the MEL Platform Chief of Party (COP) in Mali, the Economic Analyst/Costing Specialist will work directly with the evaluation Project Director (PD) at SI-HQ, the Project Manager at the SI Mali MEL Platform in Bamako, and the Team Leader to design and implement a cost reporting tool and cost analysis plan for this impact evaluation.

The Economic Analyst/Costing Specialist is responsible for advising on the cost components of the evaluation, as well as contributing to the timely production of high-quality deliverables associated with this evaluation in conformity with this Scope of Work (SOW). Responsibilities include:

  • Lead desk review, initial stakeholder consultation, and identify additional information required for the cost analysis.
  • Lead the development of the cost analysis plan and design the cost data collection tools.
  • Oversee the collection of cost data throughout the POP .
  • Support data quality assurance and/or data cleaning of cost data.
  • Conduct well-documented analysis of the cost effectiveness data.
  • Write the related section in the evaluation report or as a stand-alone document in coordination with team members.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree and 10 years of relevant work experience OR a Master’s degree and 8 years of relevant work experience OR a PhD and 4 years of relevant work experience.
  • Proven experience as a cost analyst, cost specialist, or similar role for evaluations, preferably in the education sector.
  • Familiarity with USAID’s cost reporting guidance and ADS 201 requirements for cost analysis in impact evaluations.
  • Knowledge of accounting processes and software.
  • Experience in data, operational and financial analysis.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills and ability to keep to a timeline.
  • Knowledge or working experience in Mali preferred.
  • Professional level English is required; French proficiency is strongly preferred.

The deadline for applications is June 21, 2024.

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 regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

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

How to apply

To apply, please visit the job posting on Social Impact's careers site here.