Midterm Performance Evaluation USAID Biodiversity Activity Natural Resources Management Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Midterm Performance Evaluation USAID Biodiversity Activity Natural Resources Management Subject Matter Expert (SME)

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Bixal is a consulting company based in Fairfax, VA, working alongside governments and organizations to help them deliver better services and experiences to the communities they serve. Using evidence-based knowledge and technology, Bixal empowers clients to deliver on their missions more effectively by fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement.

Background 

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Learning for Development Activity is a 5-year award led by Bixal Solutions, Inc. that provides USAID/Nepal with technical and advisory services in planning, designing, conducting, and learning from the monitoring and evaluation of the Mission’s strategies, projects, and activities in an efficient manner. USAID Learning for Development supports USAID/Nepal by providing services including a) learning and knowledge management; b) evaluations, study and other studies; c) performance monitoring technical support; d) capacity building; and e) development outreach and communications support. 

Purpose 

USAID Learning for Development seeks to hire a Natural Resources Management evaluation consultant to lead and conduct a Midterm performance evaluation of the USAID Biodiversity Activity, also called Jal Jangal, in Nepal. USAID Biodiversity aims to reduce threats to biological diversity and lessen vulnerabilities worsened by climate change, safeguard aquatic and terrestrial natural resources, and enhance well-being within the four biodiverse landscapes recognized by the Government of Nepal. The activity integrates a whole-of-landscape approach to conserving nature, enhancing communities’ well-being, and safeguarding Nepal’s biodiversity to improve the health of ecosystems, fight environmental crimes, and improve the ability of communities to prepare for and adapt to the impacts of climate change and recurring natural disasters. USAID Learning for Development is conducting the midterm performance evaluation of USAID Biodiversity.

The purpose of this performance evaluation is to provide USAID/Nepal with an analysis on the effectiveness of the activity in achieving its overall objectives, with a focus on the management and governance achieved by communities and governments at the local level.  Findings from the evaluation will be used to strengthen current activities and plan for future activities.

Roles and Responsibilities 

The Natural Resources Management (NRM) Subject Matter Expert will be a member of a broader consultancy team and work in close coordination with the other consultants. They will ensure the entire process and outputs of this assignment incorporate NRM sectoral knowledge, preferably with a focus on biodiversity issues in Nepal. They will contribute to a detailed design report for the evaluation, advise on the evaluation methods and data collection instruments, conduct interviews as part of qualitative data collection, and support team members in the analysis and final report of the assignment.

Specific Responsibilities of the NRM Subject Matter Expert

• Review USAID Biodiversity activity documents and other relevant documents. 
• Provide inputs to prepare inception report detailing the evaluation design and work plan, including the evaluation tools, methodology and schedule for data collection.
• Develop data collection tools – including translation and back translation, and schedule to ensure smooth data collection. 
• Conduct FGDs and KIIs with relevant stakeholders, program participants, Local Government contact points, and USAID staff, which requires coordination and travel to activity locations. 
• Conduct field collection and observations. 
• Work close coordination with the team for preparing a preliminary finding report and presentation. 
• Contribute to prepare consolidated evaluation report and presentation.
• Coordinate with the USAID Learning for Development team to ensure high-quality products. 
• Attending regular check-in meetings with the USAID Learning for Development team. 

Deliverables 

• Weekly or bi-weekly check-in meeting with the USAID Learning for Development team 
• Draft and final design report including evaluation tools and workplan. 
• Conduct data collection and field work
• Draft initial findings report and presentation 
• Conduct a presentation and workshop with USAID and Learning for Development on initial findings 
• Contribute to develop final evaluation report and presentation slides

Knowledge and Qualifications 

• Master's degree in environmental studies, natural resources management, development studies, or relevant subject area
• 7+ years of professional experience in evaluations or research related to NRM, preferably specifically with experience in biodiversity, required
• Strong understanding of the NRM and biodiversity landscape in Nepal
• Demonstrated skills in facilitating participatory processes to interpret and develop recommendations from research
• Strong communication skills, management, and writing skills required 

Timeline, Location, and Level of Effort (LoE) 

The assignment will last from approximately January through June 2025, with an estimated total of 45 days of LoE. The assignment will be primarily remote, with occasional in-person meetings at the USAID Learning for Development office and/or USAID and aniticipated data collection at USAID Biodiversity activity locations.

Please note that candidates selected may undergo a background investigation and, if applicable, meet eligibility requirements for suitability.

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