Midterm Performance Evaluation USAID Trade and Competitiveness GESI Trade and Competitiveness Evaluator

Midterm Performance Evaluation USAID Trade and Competitiveness GESI Trade and Competitiveness Evaluator

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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 GESI Expert (consultant) to conduct a Midterm performance evaluation of USAID’s Trade and Competitiveness (T&C) program in Nepal. The purpose of this performance evaluation of USAID’s Trade and Competitiveness (T&C) activity is to provide USAID/Nepal with an analysis on the effectiveness of the activity in achieving its overall objectives, assess the progress toward achieving it’s goals of increasing Nepali Private sector participation in global value chains, enhancing competitiveness, and fostering inclusive economic growth with a focus on inclusion of women and other marginalized populations as Business development Service Providers, catalyzation and effectiveness, innovation and opportunities, and policy advocacy. 

The evaluation should provide actionable insights to strengthen the remainder of the current T&C program as well as provide insights on the current challenges of the civic space. Findings for the evaluation will be used to strengthen current T&C activities, plan for future activities, and provide evidence of private and public sector competitiveness in Nepal. By leveraging lessons learned and best practices, the evaluation endeavors to strengthen the current program and ultimately provide support to public and private sector actors so sector’s competitive participation in targeted global and domestic markets will increase and the economy will become more resilient to external shocks.

Objectives of the assignment 

• Assess the progress that has been made in the T&C program 
• Determine the continued relevance of the program’s interventions towards achieving the project’s objectives 
• Document lessons learned and suggest any important or necessary modifications or course corrections to ensure achievement of the shared objectives within the lifetime of the project 
• Provide evidence-based findings to contribute to ongoing and future activities of USAID/Nepal and share good practices with stakeholders in Nepal 
• Provide perspectives on how the Mission is making progress towards the following Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) 2020–2025 learning agenda questions with specificity to market competitiveness.

Roles and Responsibilities 

The GESI expert will be a member of a broader consultancy team and work in close coordination with the other consultants. Their role will be to provide technical inputs by applying a gender and social inclusion lens to the project design, implementation, analysis, and all deliverables. They will contribute to the preparation of the design report and final evaluation report by providing GESI analysis, findings, and recommendations ensuring that the report reflects a GESI-sensitive perspective.

Specific Responsibilities of the GESI Expert

• Review USAID/Nepal Trade and Competitiveness (T&C) activities’ document and other relevant documents to the assignment.
• Provide expert review of all project materials on GESI.
• Review and provide technical insights in the inception report, focusing on evaluation design, work plan, tools, and methodology, working approach and reports through a GESI perspective.
• Ensure the project design and implementation takes into account GESI to ensure equitable representation within the sample.
• Develop data collection protocol in accordance with GESI perspective.
• Conduct FGDs and KIIs with relevant stakeholders, program participants, local government contact points and USAID staff, traveling as needed. 
• Conduct field data collection and observations.
• Support and provide input to prepare report and presentation, providing guidance to the team on integrating GESI perspectives effectively into the report.
• 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 

• Bi-weekly check-in meeting with the Learning for Development team.
• Draft and final design report including evaluation tools and workplan incorporating Gender perspective.
• Draft initial findings report and presentation slide deck for the Mission.
• Conduct a presentation and workshop with USAID and Learning for Development on initial findings. 
• Draft Evaluation report and presentation by adding the GESI perspective

Knowledge and Qualifications 

• Master's degree in Gender Studies, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Sociology, or a related field.
• 5+ years of working experience in related field
• In-depth understanding of gender equality, social inclusion issues, and their application in trade, value chain, tourism and M/SMEs related projects will be an asset.
• Strong understanding of inclusive economic growth strategies, gender integration, and the participation of marginalized groups in economic activities.
• Strong experience of applying a GESI lens to similar programs.
• Experience conducting qualitative research and interviews.

Timeline, Location, and Level of Effort (LoE) 

The assignment will last from approximately October 2024 through March 2025, with an estimated total of 45 days of LoE. The assignment will be fully or nearly fully remote, with a possible travel required to collect data in the project location.

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

Bixal is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, national origin, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, genetic information, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within our organization and beyond.

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