Social Impact is a global development management consulting firm. We provide monitoring, evaluation, strategic planning and capacity building services to advance development effectiveness.
Study Methodologist- Consultancy
USAID Tanzania Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Adaptation Activity (USAID T-MELA)
Social Impact (SI) is a global development management consulting firm. To advance development effectiveness, we provide monitoring, evaluation, strategic planning, and capacity-building services. We work across all development sectors including democracy and governance, health and education, 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.
USAID T-MELA Description:
On January 19, 2023, USAID/Tanzania awarded International Business Initiatives (IBI) and SI a four-year contract for the Tanzania Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Adaptation Activity (USAID T-MELA). This activity is to assist the USAID/Tanzania Mission with strategy- and activity-level performance monitoring, evaluation, and learning. This activity will also provide data gathering and verification, data visualization (including Geographic Information Systems), data quality Studies, impact and performance evaluations, Studies, organizational learning, and collaboration among USAID’s implementing partners and DO teams.
Background:
Access to clean and safe drinking water is a fundamental human right, and it is essential for promoting public health and well-being. In some rural Tanzanian communities, access to clean and safe water is available, yet a huge portion of the population does not have access to clean and safe water due various operational challenges such as; unavailability of water quality services in their local areas, lack of treatment/disinfection units and high cost of disinfectant. Furthermore, conducting regular water quality monitoring is an essential component for detecting existing issues and preventing potential problems harmful to human health. While this is crucial, in many water supply schemes no routine water quality monitoring is undertaken.
During the Technical Working Group 02 meeting held on October 11, 2023, participants raised concerns regarding the approaches utilized particularly the associated expenses, by water quality laboratories in determining the suitability of water for drinking purposes. There is suspicion that the approaches used may be a contributing factor to the reluctance to assess water quality, leading to the use of untreated water from various sources. This situation poses a threat to the joint efforts of government and development partners in achieving the objectives outlined in the Water Policy, particularly in providing clean and safe water to the population and ensuring public health.
In response to these challenges, the Ministry of Water, through the Director of Water Quality Services, has reached out to USAID Tanzania, for collaborative efforts on conducting a study on the factors influencing people to use unsafe water, reasons behind the lack of routine water quality monitoring in rural areas and to propose reasonable costs of water quality testing services (laboratory service charges).
Rationale and Statement of Purpose:
The primary purpose of this study is to identify and analyze the factors that contribute to the non-utilization of safe water and the lack of application of routine water quality monitoring in Tanzania's rural areas.
Study Objectives:
i. To identify socio-cultural, economic, and infrastructural factors that hinder the use of treated/safe water sources.
ii. To assess factors contributing to not conducting routine water quality monitoring in rural water schemes.
iii. To assess the prevalence and geographical distribution of treated water sources within the chosen rural communities.
iv. To propose reasonable costs of water quality testing services (laboratory service charges).
Position Description:
SI is seeking a Study Methodologist to support T-MELA with this study. The Methodologist shall be an English speaker with experience designing and implementing research tailored to addressing objective and study questions. They should have experience designing mixed-methods studies and supporting all steps, including, desk review, study design, tool development, enumerator training, piloting, data collection, data analysis, and reporting. Strong candidates will also be familiar with the water sector development program (WSDP I), WSDP II and the current WSDP III addressing water challenges in rural areas. The TL will liaise closely with the other Team members, governmental bodies and provide technical leadership during the conduction of this important assignment. This is a consulting position with an estimated period of performance of November – May 2025. The estimated level of effort (LOE) for the Methodologist will be 65 LOEs.
Responsibilities:
The Study Methodologist shall have the following responsibilities, under the supervision of the Team Lead:
1. Document key water interventions and results through a comprehensive desk review and contribute expertise and technical inputs to the work plan.
2. Support the design of the study, methodology, development of instruments, data collection, synthesis of data, presentations, and reports.
3. Schedule and conduct interviews with key stakeholders.
4. Travel within selected councils and regions and conduct in-person and remote interviews and/or group discussions.
5. In consultation with the Team Leader and USAID-TMELA, support the team's ongoing analysis of qualitative and quantitative data.
6. Contribute to the consultant team’s collaborative production of the following high-quality deliverables (outlined below).
7. Support PowerPoint presentations to USAID/Tanzania.
Deliverables:
With support from USAID/T-MELA and Study Team members, the Team Lead will be expected to take overall responsibility for the production and management of the following:
1. Final Study Design: A detailed, full study design and work plan following an initial consultation with USAID and MoW that will include chosen methodologies and data collection tools.
2. In brief presentation: A PowerPoint presentation summarizing the methodological approach to be used to execute the Study for USAID/T-MELA and MoW prior to the launch of data collection.
3. Findings Conclusions and Recommendations (FCR) Matrix: An internal USAID-T-MELA analysis tool through which data is triangulated and findings, conclusions, and recommendations specific to each study question are produced. Two FCR matrixes are expected, a preliminary document at the conclusion of data collection (prior to the Preliminary Findings PPT), and a final matrix at the end of the data analysis period (before drafting the study report).
4. Preliminary Findings PPT: The team will present the key findings to the wider USAID/Tanzania Mission and MoW and Development Partner Group for Water (DPG) - WASH through a PowerPoint.
5. Draft Study Report: A draft study report with fully developed findings, conclusions, and recommendations, no longer than 30 pages excluding annexes, will be submitted to the T-MELA COP who will submit to the USAID COR for T-MELA activity. The format will include an executive summary, table of contents, methodology, findings, and recommendations. USAID/T-MELA and key local stakeholders will provide comments on the draft report.
6. Final Reports: The team will submit a final report that incorporates responses to USAID's/partner's comments and suggestions. The report will be submitted electronically in English. The report will be disseminated within USAID and key stakeholders.
Qualifications and Skills:
The Study Methodologist must be have/hold:
1. Advanced degree in Monitoring & Evaluation, Public Policy, or a related field.
2. 7+ years of experience in conducting evaluations, studies, assessments, particularly in the water sector.
3. Strong familiarity with USAID evaluation standards and guidelines.
4. Must be proficient in English for effective communication with USAID, international donors, and stakeholders.
5. Skilled in developing study designs and work plans using USAID frameworks, with a track record of leading complex, multi-faceted research projects.
6. Capable of guiding field data collection, including piloting, and overseeing national-level stakeholder interviews.
7. Proficiency in using data analysis software like SPSS, STATA for quantitative, and Dedoose for qualitative analysis.
8. Experience in writing comprehensive reports, synthesizing findings into actionable recommendations, and presenting results to USAID and Ministry of Water.
9. Strong ability to facilitate co-creation workshops with USAID and MoW, as well as validation workshops to ensure alignment on findings and recommendations.
10. Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with rural communities and understand socio-cultural factors that influence water usage, particularly in Tanzania.
Expected timeline: November 2024– May 2025
The closing date for application is October 10, 2024 at 05pm EAT. The selection and interview will be performed on a rolling basis, and interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
To apply, please merge both your CV and a cover letter into two different PDF files and submit it through the online portal.
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. Please, no phone calls.