Consultant to Conduct Special Study on Collective Action

Apply here: https://chp.tbe.taleo.net/chp02/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=SOCIIMPA...

Social Impact (SI) is a global development management consulting firm. We provide monitoring, evaluation, strategic planning, and capacity building services to advance development effectiveness. We work across all development sectors including democracy and governance, health and education, the 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.

Position Description:

SI is seeking a qualified and experience consultant to conduct a special study aiming at analyzing and documenting the collective action process that is taking place via the implementation of the Clean Air Green City funded by USAID/Vietnam and implemented by Live and Learn.

Position Background:

Collective action is a collaborative approach to address a community/social issue by local actors. It is often also referred to as a multi-stakeholder approach. These terms can be used synonymously for the purposes of this activity.

The key themes underlying USAID’s promotion of a journey to self-reliance can be found in the Vietnam Clean Air Green City. This project, implemented by Live and Learn, seeks to establish networks and strengthen linkages among local actors working on air quality and associated health issues. To do this, it creates working groups to identify environment-related health issues, advocate for policy changes on air quality management, mentor youth-led organization and technical groups, and coach students, teachers and other community groups to build capacity, enhance connections, and mobilize local resources for supporting local organizations.

**Please note: This is a local position. Only candidates with Vietnamese citizenship will be considered.**

Responsibilities:

The consultant will conduct a special study to:

Identify, map out, and analyze the challenges and factors that have contributed to the success of collective action in reducing the use of beehive cookstoves. Types of factors MAY include:
- Timing
- Contracting mechanism
- Specific individuals or groups – capacity to influence others
- Ability of specific groups to mobilize
- Ability of specific groups to implement
- Operating environment
Identify, map out, and analyze the challenges and factors that have contributed to the adoption of new environmental policies in Hanoi specifically related to the use of beehive cookstoves. Based on these finding identify what seems to work, does not work and associated recommendations. This refers to Directive 15 CT/UBND issued by Hanoi People’s Committee on October 30, 2019.
Based on overall findings and analysis, map out lessons learned and recommendations for future Collective Action initiatives in Vietnam.

Note: When examining factors of success, the consultant may want to consider the extent to which the collective action module, the profile of the IP, the contract mechanism (fixed award amount) or other key factors may have contributed to the success of the project. It should also be noted that this is not an evaluation of the current project or approach, nor it is intended to evaluate the current implementing partner. USAID hopes to use this study to improve the performance of other local works projects, provide lessons learned on the wider collective action module and how it might apply to other activity designs, and how collective action may be used in other contexts. The consultant may also consider using “Outcome Harvesting” as a process of investigation.

Expected deliverables:

Report of kick off meeting with USAID and Live and Learn
Research Plan – Outline the intended research approach(es) and rational, confirmed timelines and a list of intended Key Informant Interviews. KIIs should include at a minimum: USAID, provincial government officials, local environmental activists, Live and Learn staff, experts in public health/air pollution and private sector stakeholders.
Validation event of topline findings with key stakeholders
Draft report for USAID comments
Learns-facilitated Pause & Reflect event to examine implications on future programming (conducted after USAID has reviewed and commented on Draft 1)
Final Report

Qualifications:

At least five years of experience leading research assignments with a strong qualitative focus especially in areas of environment, development policies and practices required;
Familiarity the concept of Collective Action and locally led development activity strongly desired;
Experience facilitating and collaborating in thematic working groups for civic action and advocacy in Hanoi, strongly desired;
Experience using research results for conceptualizing learning for sharing is a plus;
Experience conducting research using Outcome Harvesting as a research approach desired;
Experience with USAID research assessments and related requirements;
Very strong analytic data, communication, facilitation skills;
Fluency in Vietnamese and in-depth knowledge of the operating environment in Vietnam required;
High degree of fluency in written English required.

Expected timeline (subject to change due to current COVID-19 situation): April 20, 2020 – June 24, 2020

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.