Data Quality Assessment (DQA) Consultant, Somalia

Background

Social Impact (SI) is a global development management consulting firm. We provide monitoring, evaluation, strategic planning, and capacity building services to advance development effectiveness. Our mission is to help global development organizations and programs be more effective at improving people’s lives.

SI is implementing the USAID’s Evaluation, Learning, and Monitoring Initiative (ELMI) Activity which provides support for monitoring, evaluation, and program related services to USAID/Somalia. The current USAID (United States Agency for International Development) strategy for Somalia aims to build a durable foundation for a more stable, democratic, and prosperous Somalia in three primary technical areas: (1) democracy, stabilization, and governance; (2) education; and (3) economic growth.

USAID/ Somalia regularly collects performance data from its Implementing Partners (IPs) and analyses it to make management decisions. Since poor quality data could affect conclusions about performance and lead to faulty decision making, USAID requires that all Missions / Offices conduct regular DQA s to ensure that the USAID staff are aware of the: strengths and weaknesses of the data, as determined by applying the five data quality standards; and extent to which the data integrity can be trusted to influence management decisions (ADS 2 01 ).

A DQA often entails site visits to physically inspect records maintained by IPs. However, travel restrictions for USAID staff in Somalia limit the ability of Activity Managers to conduct site visits.

Position Summary

SI is recruiting a DQA Consultant to plan and conduct DQA for up to 10 indicators for an education sector Activity. Reporting to the Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP), the DQA Consultant will undertake desk review of project documents, conduct primary data collection, submit a DQA report and may also provide associated training and mentoring to ELMI partner staff. The DQA Consultant will liaise with up to three ELMI assigned enumerators in conducting the DQA.

The short-term consultancy is approximately two months beginning from January to February 2023, with up to 25 days of LOE. The place of performance is Somalia. Based on the Activity office locatio ns and implementation sites, the DQA Consultant may travel to some of the following regions to undertake the assignment: Banadir, Middle Shabelle, Lower Shabelle, Bay, Gedo and Lower Juba.

Responsibilities

The consultant will provide technical guidance and oversight of the DQA by completing :

·Desk Review : The DQA Consultant will review relevant project documentation; the Activity Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan; Indicator Performance tracking Tables; IP quarterly reports; and Standard/custom indicator lists and definitions.

·Data Collection : The DQA Consultant will plan, participate in and oversee data collection including desk review, a system assessment protocol at the IP, and sub partners’ level, conduct site visits to verify outputs, conduct stakeholder interviews, and beneficiary spot-check for selected project sites in Somalia. S/he will use the USAID Data Quality S tandard s ( checklist ). including administering

·Data Analysis : The DQA Consultant will lead analysis and writing of findings. S/he will oversee the review of each indicator against the five quality standards and complete a DQA checklist for each indicator.

·Validation and Dissemination of findings and recommendations : Based on the data analysis , the DQA Consultant will give recommendations for both USAID and IP to address any emerging data quality issues. The DQA Consultant will support presentation of findings, key takeaways, and recommendations to the Mission and/or stakeholders, as requested.

·Documentation and Reporting : The DQA Consultant will draft and submit a detailed DQA report to ELMI using a template to be provided. The report will : (i) outline the overall approach and methodology used in conducting the DQA; (ii) present findings in terms of the five data quality standards for each indicator; (iii) summarize recommendations for improving data quality; and (iv) include a completed DQA checklist for each of the indicators.

·Supervisory Responsibility : The consultant will supervise data enumerators who will be contracted separately by SI, to collect data for the DQA process.

·Other activities: The DQA Consultant will participate in regular check-in calls and debriefs with the Mission and ELMI staff and other tasks, as deemed necessary by the DCOP .

Qualifications:

·Master’s degree in social sciences, international relations, economics, statistics, and/or any other relevant field from a recognized university.

·Minimum ten years’ experience in monitoring and evaluation in USAID context. Ability to work with and lead teams.

·Demonstrated experience planning and implementing rigorous DQAs of USAID indicators.

·A firm grasp of USAID ADS 201 policy and requirements on DQAs

·Ability to diplomatically communicate and work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including USAID IPs .

·Strong analytical and writing skills, with proven experience in synthesizing and analysing data into summary and finding reports .

·Excellent English writing skills and speaking ability. Basic written and oral proficiency in Somali is desired .

·Good understanding of Somali operating environment or conflict affected and fragile states . Willingness and ability to travel to various parts of Somalia as needed.

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.