Evaluation Expert

Democracy International; Chicago (IL); Remote; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Evaluation Expert for a crucial consultancy role focused on evaluating the African Adaptation Acceleration Program. This position involves assessing the program's effectiveness and efficiency while ensuring alignment with international evaluation standards. The expert will work remotely, with potential travel to key locations. This role is perfect for someone with a strong background in program evaluation and a passion for climate resilience initiatives. Join a dedicated team making a significant impact on vulnerable communities worldwide.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in program evaluation with climate adaptation focus.
• Strong understanding of OECD-DAC evaluation criteria and methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Support evaluation design and methodology, ensuring alignment with frameworks.
• Oversee collection and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data.

Skills

Program Evaluation

Climate Adaptation

Value for Money Analysis

Qualitative Research

Quantitative Research

Stakeholder Engagement

Report Writing

Communication Skills

Education

Advanced Degree in Development Studies

Advanced Degree in Economics

Advanced Degree in Public Policy

Advanced Degree in Climate Change

Job description

Democracy International (DI) is seeking to hire an Evaluation Expert for a four-month (June-September 2025) assignment, “Evaluation of the African Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP)” co-designed by the African Development Bank and the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA).

Since its launch in January 2021, GCA’s technical adaptation support under the AAAP Upstream Financing Facility is delivering results for the continent’s most vulnerable people. In partnership with governments, academia, community-based organizations, and international financial institutions (IFIs), GCA has helped shape over $16 billion in investments financed by International Financial Institutions (IFIs) that will build climate resilience for 82.5 million climate-vulnerable people in 40 countries.

The GCA is seeking an external evaluation of AAAP with a particular focus on the value for money (VfM) of the program, learning capture, overall program results, and the evaluation criteria. The evaluation will provide an important tool for the GCA and its partners to assess the full impact and achievements of AAAP from 2021-2025, as well as a tool to inform the design of the AAAP’s second phase

from 2026-2030. The evaluation aims to assess the effectiveness, efficiency, impact, relevance, coherence, and sustainability of AAAP’s interventions.

This consultancy will be based remotely with potential travel. This will be a consultancy and will be contingent on award and funding.

The position’s responsibilities will include:

• Providing support for the evaluation design, methodology, and work plan, ensuring alignment with OECD-DAC and GCA evaluation frameworks.
• Oversee and implement aspects of the collection and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data.
• Guide the assessment of various aspects of VfM analysis, climate adaptation results, and gender equality outcomes.
• Manage stakeholder engagement in coordination with evaluation team members, as necessary.
• Ensure timely delivery of contributions to high-quality reports and presentation deliverables for GCA and AfDB stakeholders.
• Travel to Rotterdam and/or select countries of AAAP implementation for coordination meetings and data collection activities, as necessary based on the evaluation methodology.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Development Studies, Economics, Public Policy, Climate Change, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in program evaluation, including experience with climate adaptation and direct experience conducting value for money analysis, including rate of return calculations.
• Strong understanding of OECD-DAC evaluation criteria and gender-sensitive evaluation approaches.
• Expertise in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
• Prior experience evaluating programs for Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), such as AfDB or World Bank.
• Demonstrated experience presenting complex findings clearly to diverse stakeholders
• Excellent writing and communication skills in English; knowledge of French is an asset.
• Proven ability to produce high-quality research methodologies and deliverables, including policy briefs, analytical reports, and evidence-based recommendations.
• Strong ability to manage research timelines, meet deadlines, and adapt to evolving project needs.

Reporting

• The Evaluation Expert reports to the Evaluation’s Team Leader and DI's Director of Program Management.

Application Process

Interested applicants MUST submit a CV and cover letter. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will be filled as soon as a qualified candidate is identified. DI will only contact candidates of interest.

Democracy International maintains the highest ethical standards. We are committed to the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment as well as other ethical breaches. All our positions are therefore subject to stringent vetting and reference checks.

About the Organization

DI provides technical assistance, analytical services and project implementation for democracy, human rights, governance and conflict mitigation programs worldwide for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. State Department and other development partners. Since its founding in 2003, Democracy International has worked with civil society organizations, political parties, election-management bodies, government agencies, legislatures, justice-sector institutions, and others in 80+ countries.

DI welcomes and supports a diverse and inclusive work environment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities (EEO) for all applicants seeking employment and for DI employees. DI makes employment decisions based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, personal appearance, military status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, political affiliation, educational status, unemployment status, place of residence or business, source of income, or reproductive health decision making. Additionally, harassment or discrimination based on these characteristics will not be tolerated at DI. To perform the essential functions of this position, reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities.