Evidence Advisor, USAID Office of the Chief Economist - Resonance

Position:Evidence Advisor, USAID Office of the Chief Economist

Location: Washington, DC

WHO WE ARE
Come grow with us! If you are a passionate change agent who thrives in a collaborative, entrepreneurial and inclusive, culture committed to operational excellence, we would like to meet you.

At Resonance, immediate hands-on experience alongside our clients as we work to build sustainable, positive impact. Our teams are autonomous and self-sufficient. You get to weigh in with founders and leaders on how to drive change and grow the movement while growing the company.

Resonance is an award-winning, Certified B Corporation consultancy that delivers market-based solutions to address the world's toughest challenges. We enable a variety of donor, commercial, and investor clients around the world to catalyze lasting impact. Resonance seeks to catalyze large-scale social, environmental, and economic change by fostering new and dynamic forms of collaboration. We do this by fostering public-private partnerships, facilitating sustainable investment, and providing deep analytical insights in frontier markets .

POSITION MANDATE
The Evidence Advisorwill work on the USAID-funded Private Sector Engagement Modernization Institutional Support Contract (PSEMC) supporting PSE within USAID.
This role is expected to support the independent Office of the Chief Economist (OCE), which supports USAID in improving the effectiveness of its programming by bringing stronger economic evidence, theory, and tools to bear on the Agency’s work. Toward this end, OCE
1. Promotes the use of high-quality evidence of “cost-effectiveness” (i.e., how much impact does an intervention deliver per dollar spent) in Agency decision-making;
2. Promotes the generation of more cost-effectiveness evidence that the Agency is uniquely placed to catalyze;
3. Provides analysis and advice to Agency leadership on pressing macroeconomic issue s.

This is a full-time position based in Washington, DC, with the possibility for remote work however, in person availability is strongly preferred. It is currently envisioned to last two years, with the possibility for extension.

OUTCOMES / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Evidence Advisor will support OCE efforts to increase the use of evidence in program decision-making at USAID (such as adopting proven, cost-effective interventions for key development outcomes in USAID programs) and supporting USAID to generate more evidence where there are evidence gaps. This will involve exciting opportunities to collaborate with technical teams and Missions across the Agency on specific programs and bodies of evidence as well as to identify opportunities to strengthen processes, policies, systems, and capacity related to evidence use and generation. Essential functions for this role are outlined below:

Synthesize Global Evidence and Provide Actionable Insights from Evidence to Support USAID Decision-Making (40%)

●Carry out syntheses of cost-effectiveness evidence related to specific development outcomes. Includes conducting both in-depth and rapid syntheses, drawing on existing evidence synthesis where available, incorporating external program cost data to complement impact evaluation evidence, and providing clear guidance to Agency colleagues.

●Collaborate with USAID colleagues in other offices to co-create syntheses of cost-effectiveness evidence related to specific development outcomes.

●Stay abreast of the latest external randomized evaluation evidence from academia and other research institutes; identify and execute on new opportunities to apply insights from emerging evidence to USAID’s work.

●Compile and communicate information to USAID colleagues about the relative cost-effectiveness of different development interventions—and the strength of underlying evidence—in user-friendly, actionable ways to guide Agency decision-making.

●Track the team’s portfolio of engagements as directed/needed, including key indicators on number of engagements, dollar value of activities being informed by cost-effectiveness evidence, and likely impact of the team’s advising.

Build Capacity through New Tools, Guidance, and Products (25%)

●Engage with a broad range of USAID stakeholders to understand how, when, and why they do—or don’t—use cost-effectiveness evidence or generate new evidence as part of USAID-funded programs.

●Develop tools and guidance that can support USAID colleagues in using cost-effectiveness evidence and/or generating new evidence as part of program design and implementation.

●Identify and execute new approaches to strengthening the knowledge and abilities of Agency staff in using evidence from randomized impact evaluations and cost-effectiveness analyses.

●Periodically seek input on tools, guidance, and/or products from expert individuals or groups outside of USAID.

●Support the development of internal and external communication products about cost-effectiveness evidence and OCE’s work on evidence generation and use.

Provide Technical Assistance to USAID Operating Units (35%)

●Make recommendations to Missions and other Operating Units on how they can assess program effectiveness and cost-effectiveness and significantly change their programs through greater use of evidence and generation of evidence.

●Build and manage strategic relationships with a wide range of USAID Missions and other Operating Units to surface collaboration opportunities.

●Understand the problems that colleagues in Missions and other Operating Units face in using cost-effectiveness evidence in their programming and in integrating high-quality randomized impact evaluation and cost-effectiveness analysis into program evaluation.

●Provide high-quality hands-on technical assistance to USAID Missions and other Operating Units on use and generation of evidence, including through virtual and in-person support (requiring overseas travel).

Perform Other Duties as Assigned

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

•Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and at least five (5) years of experience in a relevant technical area, such as economics, international affairs, finance, statistics, and public policy, OR Master’s degree in a relevant field and three (3) years of relevant experience

•Demonstrated experience in the application of research and evidence for decision making

•Strong analytical skills and the ability to assimilate and process large amounts of information into a coherent and compelling narrative

•Proven experience building personal networks, resulting in securing new opportunities

•Excellent communication (written and oral), interpersonal, and collaboration skills

•Highly developed cultural awareness and the ability to work collaboratively in an international environment with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures

•Problem solving orientation and ability to manage dynamic workflows and priorities with multiple stakeholders

•Eligibility to work in the U.S.

•Ability to attain and maintain a facilities access or secret-level security clearance

•Ability to travel internationally up to 20% of the time on short notice

Synthesize Global Evidence and Provide Actionable Insights from Evidence to Support USAID Decision-Making (40%) ●Carry out syntheses of cost-effectiveness evidence related to specific development outcomes. Includes conducting both in-depth and rapid syntheses, drawing on existing evidence synthesis where available, incorporating external program cost data to complement impact evaluation evidence, and providing clear guidance to Agency colleagues. ●Collaborate with USAID colleagues in other offices to co-create syntheses of cost-effectiveness evidence related to specific development outcomes. ●Stay abreast of the latest external randomized evaluation evidence from academia and other research institutes; identify and execute on new opportunities to apply insights from emerging evidence to USAID’s work. ●Compile and communicate information to USAID colleagues about the relative cost-effectiveness of different development interventions—and the strength of underlying evidence—in user-friendly, actionable ways to guide Agency decision-making. ●Track the team’s portfolio of engagements as directed/needed, including key indicators on number of engagements, dollar value of activities being informed by cost-effectiveness evidence, and likely impact of the team’s advising. Build Capacity through New Tools, Guidance, and Products (25%) ●Engage with a broad range of USAID stakeholders to understand how, when, and why they do—or don’t—use cost-effectiveness evidence or generate new evidence as part of USAID-funded programs. ●Develop tools and guidance that can support USAID colleagues in using cost-effectiveness evidence and/or generating new evidence as part of program design and implementation. ●Identify and execute new approaches to strengthening the knowledge and abilities of Agency staff in using evidence from randomized impact evaluations and cost-effectiveness analyses. ●Periodically seek input on tools, guidance, and/or products from expert individuals or groups outside of USAID. ●Support the development of internal and external communication products about cost-effectiveness evidence and OCE’s work on evidence generation and use. Provide Technical Assistance to USAID Operating Units (35%) ●Make recommendations to Missions and other Operating Units on how they can assess program effectiveness and cost-effectiveness and significantly change their programs through greater use of evidence and generation of evidence. ●Build and manage strategic relationships with a wide range of USAID Missions and other Operating Units to surface collaboration opportunities. ●Understand the problems that colleagues in Missions and other Operating Units face in using cost-effectiveness evidence in their programming and in integrating high-quality randomized impact evaluation and cost-effectiveness analysis into program evaluation. ●Provide high-quality hands-on technical assistance to USAID Missions and other Operating Units on use and generation of evidence, including through virtual and in-person support (requiring overseas travel). Perform Other Duties as Assigned REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE •Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and at least five (5) years of experience in a relevant technical area, such as economics, international affairs, finance, statistics, and public policy, OR Master’s degree in a relevant field and three (3) years of relevant experience •Demonstrated experience in the application of research and evidence for decision making •Strong analytical skills and the ability to assimilate and process large amounts of information into a coherent and compelling narrative •Proven experience building personal networks, resulting in securing new opportunities •Excellent communication (written and oral), interpersonal, and collaboration skills •Highly developed cultural awareness and the ability to work collaboratively in an international environment with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures •Problem solving orientation and ability to manage dynamic workflows and priorities with multiple stakeholders •Eligibility to work in the U.S. •Ability to attain and maintain a facilities access or secret-level security clearance •Ability to travel internationally up to 20% of the time on short notice
PREFERRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE •Active facilities access or secret-level security clearance •Experience living/working in developing countries •Experience working within large donor agencies or with implementing partners
TRAVEL EXPECTATIONS
The employee must be able to travel domestically and/or internationally and up to 20% for work assignments on short notice.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This position operates in a professional office environment, and routinely requires the use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

As a part of the responsibilities for this job, the employee is required to communicate, detect, converse with, discern, convey, express oneself, and exchange information orally and in writing with others. The employee must be able to remain in a stationary position, sitting at a desk for prolonged periods, move or traverse inside the office and facilities; operate, activate, use, prepare, inspect, place, detect, or position computers and other office equipment, such as a calculator, copy machine, furniture, and computer printer. The employee must be able to make substantial repetitive motions of the wrists, hands and fingers. The employee must be able to lift and move up to 15lbs at times.

WORK AUTHORIZATION / SECURITY CLEARANCE
US work authorization required. Active FAC/ Secret Clearance is strongly preferred.

SALARY RANGE
$85,000- $90,000 annual salary.

AAP/EEO STATEMENT
The Equal Employment Opportunity Policy of Resonance is to provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all associates and job applicants regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity or expression, and sexual orientation) parental status, genetic information (including family medical history) political affiliation, military service, age, veteran status, disability, or marital status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring, appraisal systems, promotions, training, and career development programs. Consistent with these obligations, Resonance also provides reasonable accommodations to employees and applicants with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Resonance believes that employees should be provided with a working environment which enables each associate to be productive and to work to the best of his or her ability. We do not condone or tolerate an atmosphere of intimidation or harassment based on any of the above-mentioned characteristics.

We expect and require the cooperation of all employees in maintaining a discrimination and harassment-free atmosphere.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. No phone calls or emails please.