Assessment & Design Team Leader, IDAMS

Making Cents is seeking an Assessment and Design Team Leader (ADTL), under the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Inclusive Development Activity for Mission Support (IDAMS), to lead research, technical assistance provision, and development of monitoring, evaluation, learning, and knowledge management (MEL and KM) systems to promote inclusive development among USAID Missions and Operating Units. The ADTL’s work includes global and country-specific research and analysis, provision of technical assistance to USAID Missions and Operating Units, and support for MEL and KM systems. 

IDAMS is a five-year contract (October 2022-September 2027) helping USAID Missions and Operating Units (OUs) to better engage with and support marginalized and underrepresented groups in the development of their communities and countries. Marginalized and underrepresented groups and people in vulnerable situations include women, youth, children in adversity and their families, older persons, persons with disabilities, LGBTQI+ people, displaced persons, migrants, Indigenous Peoples, non-dominant religious groups, non-dominant racial and ethnic groups, people in lower castes, and persons with unmet mental health needs. IDAMS delivers assistance through its three components: 1) analyses further inclusive development; 2) provision of technical assistance; and 3) monitoring, evaluation, research and knowledge management for inclusive development. To date, IDAMS has implemented 20+ diverse Tasks with Missions and Operating Units. 

Responsibilities: 

• Leads research, program design, strategic planning, capacity strengthening, evaluation, and learning strategies and approaches which promote inclusive development practices within USAID and the field of international development.  

• Manages diverse assessment teams to conduct research that uses participatory practices with traditionally marginalized and underrepresented groups and people in vulnerable situations.  

• Provides targeted technical assistance provision to USAID Missions and Operating Units (OU) and implementing partners to develop tools and strengthen capacity to design and implement inclusive development strategies and programs.  

• Supports USAID Missions and OUs in improving MEL and KM systems which support inclusive development.  

• Contributes to building an understanding of inclusive development concepts and issues, while soliciting inputs from members of marginalized groups, and supporting current and future projects for them. 

• Delivers targeted and actionable research including recommendations, identifying innovative solutions for inclusive development challenges that produce positive results, and providing targeted support to strengthen USAID’s and implementing partner capacity to effectively implement inclusive development. 

• Collaborates with multiple stakeholders to ensure IDAMS Tasks are of the highest quality, on time, and on budget. 

• Other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Requirements: 

• Master’s degree or higher in international development, education, social development, international affairs, international relations, political science, public policy, public administration, monitoring and evaluation, or a related field.  

• 4 years’ relevant work experience with a PhD, or minimum 8 years’ relevant work experience with a master’s degree. 

• 8 years’ experience in applied research related to program design, evaluation, and learning.  

• Previous experience in research or project delivery related to inclusive development including working with marginalized populations. 

• Applied and/or academic experience in working with marginalized and underrepresented groups and people in vulnerable situations, including in sectors such as cultural anthropology, human rights, conflict mitigation/prevention, public health, general development. 

• Ability to lead diverse assessment, design, and technical assistance provision teams. 

• Familiarity with USAID strategic planning, activity design and implementation, and policies. 

• Demonstrated expertise in technical writing including reports, blogs, journal articles, and training curriculum/manuals. 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including fluency in English. 

• Experience working in developing countries. 

Physical Requirements: 

• Regular travel, including international travel. Travel is estimated at 15%. 

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 

Working Conditions: 

This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement where the employee regularly conducts their work from both Making Cents’ Washington, DC office and a telework location. For this position, the employee will be expected to work from the company’s Washington, DC office on an episodic basis, at least four times annually. The employee will also be expected to be available for US East Coast working hours.

All Making Cents International staff who travel internationally are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.  As a condition of employment, selected candidates are required to provide proof of full vaccination unless they qualify for a legally recognized medical or religious accommodation. Individuals are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their final dose of the requisite vaccination.  Making Cents International complies with federal, state, and local laws regarding accommodations related to this policy. 

Compensation: 

The starting annual base salary for this position is expected to be between $125,250 to 150,833. Actual offers will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, the applicant’s relevant years of experience, education, certifications appropriate to the position, internal equity, budget; and business or organizational needs.  

Making Cents International is a certified B Corporation, founded on the principles of social entrepreneurship. Since 1999, we have supported the well-being of youth and adults globally through high-impact programs that bolster those who serve people living in vulnerable contexts in low- and middle-income countries. As a purpose-driven small business, we have implemented more than 130 projects in over 60 countries and are a trusted partner to public- and private-sector clients who benefit from our expertise and broad industry exposure.

Making Cents International is an equal opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, age, or other legally protected characteristics.