Localization Expert (USAID/Vietnam)

Background

USAID renewed their longstanding commitment to localization in 2022, aiming to pursue locally led action for sustainable solutions. Localization, for USAID, is a set of internal reforms, actions, and behavior changes that it undertakes to ensure their work puts local actors in the lead, strengthens local systems, and is responsive to local communities. The commitment focuses on shifting more leadership for priority setting, project design, implementation, and measuring results to the people and institutions with the capabilities and credibility to drive change in their own countries and communities.

USAID/Vietnam requested USAID Learns to support the Mission in conducting a localization assessment which will help document and inform the Mission about the status, best practices, and lessons learned for all stages of the program cycle regarding localization in Vietnam. Primary users of this assessment are USAID/Vietnam technical staff involved in design and implementation (primarily A/CORs and office directors and deputies). The conclusions from this effort will also be transparently shared with local stakeholders engaged in data collection and sense-making.

About Social Impact

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.

SI is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

To learn more about Social Impact, please visit our website:http://www.socialimpact.com

Job Details

Location: Hanoi, Vietnam

Timelines: September 2023 – February 2024

Level of effort (LOE): up to 40 days

Deadline: 20/8/2023

Deliverables and Timelines

The assessment is set to commence in September 2023. Desk review will take place in September, allowing for in-depth interviews in October 2023. The validation and sense-making session is expected in November 2023, and the draft report should be available mid-December 2023. An indicative list of deliverables and their corresponding timelines is set out in the table below.

Deliverables

Involved stakeholders

Purpose

Tentative Timeline

Desk Review and Data Collection USAID, USAID Learns Review of available documentation and conduct necessary interviews
September - October 2023

Final presentation USAID and USAID Learns Final presentation that highlights the findings, conclusion, and recommendations of the assessment.
November - December, 2023

Final report USAID, USAID Learns Production of the final report
December 2023 – February 2024

Deliverables	Involved stakeholders	Purpose	Tentative Timeline
Desk Review and Data Collection	USAID, USAID Learns	Review of available documentation and conduct necessary interviews	September - October 2023
Final presentation	USAID and USAID Learns	Final presentation that highlights the findings, conclusion, and recommendations of the assessment.	November - December, 2023
Final report	USAID, USAID Learns	Production of the final report	December 2023 – February 2024

Responsibilities

Review documentation related to USAID’s commitment to localization

Reviewing documentation regarding the Mission’s best and worst cases in localization.

Conduct interviews with USAID staff and local counterparts if necessary to gain deeper insights into the cases.

Draft case studies and other aspects of reporting as assigned by the Research Director and/or the Senior Governance and Learning Specialist.

Revise the report based on feedback and comments from USAID.

Prepare the presentation to showcase the assessment results with the Mission.

Requirements

A senior professional with at least ten years of experience in development research and/or programming.

Master’s degree in a discipline related to development, political science, social policy, or similar.

Significant expertise in qualitative research, analysis and report writing.

Experience working with senior stakeholders (donors, implementers, government officials) in Vietnam.

Specific experience in participatory approach, community-based or local-led programming and implementation.

Previous experience with USAID

Fluency in English and Vietnamese.

Excellent oral and written skills.

Ability to work independently to meet deadlines and adhere to high-quality standards.

How to Apply

To apply, please merge both your CV and a cover letter into one pdf file and submit it through the online portal.

https://phg.tbe.taleo.net/phg02/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisitionorg=SOCIIMPA2&cws=39&rid=4556

The closing date for application: August 20, 2023. Selection and interviews will be performed constantly and interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Only selected candidates will be contacted for an interview. Please, no phone calls, no visits.