Junior Evaluation and Research Support Specialist

Democracy International; Chicago (IL); Remote; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Junior Evaluation and Research Support Specialist for a crucial four-month consultancy aimed at evaluating a significant climate adaptation program. This role involves designing data collection tools, analyzing data, and preparing evaluation deliverables. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in program evaluation, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to work independently within a multidisciplinary team. This is a remote position with potential travel, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful climate resilience initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant fields like Development Studies or Economics.
• 2+ years of experience in program evaluation with a focus on VfM assessments.

Responsibilities

• Assist in designing data collection tools like surveys and interviews.
• Contribute to qualitative and quantitative data analysis.
• Support preparation of evaluation deliverables including reports and presentations.

Skills

Program Evaluation

Data Analysis

Research Methodologies

Communication Skills

Analytical Skills

Gender-sensitive Evaluation

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Development Studies

Master's Degree in Public Policy

Job description

Position:Junior Evaluation and Research Support Specialist

Location: Remote

Job Id:1037

# of Openings:1

Junior Evaluation and Research Support Specialist

Democracy International (DI) is seeking to hire a Junior Evaluation and Research Support Specialist 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.

Essential Job Duties

The position’sresponsibilitieswill include:

• Assist in designing and implementing data collection tools, including surveys, interviews, and focus groups.
• Contribute to the analysis of qualitative and quantitative data.
• Support the preparation, including required formatting, of evaluation deliverables, including presentations, briefs, draft reports, and evaluation data visualizations.
• Conduct background research on project activities, stakeholder context, and adaptation outcomes.
• Contribute to the assessment of program effectiveness, gender outcomes, and VfM analysis.
• Participate in virtual stakeholder meetings and support logistics for evaluation missions.
• 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

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Development Studies, Economics, Public Policy, Climate Change, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in program evaluation, including involvement in VfM assessments and climate adaptation initiatives.
• Familiarity with OECD-DAC evaluation criteria and gender-sensitive evaluation approaches. Demonstrated experience working with OECD-DAC evaluation criteria and gender-sensitive evaluation methodologies.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail in both qualitative and quantitative data handling.
• Excellent writing and communication skills in English; knowledge of French is an asset.
• Ability to work independently and in coordination with a multidisciplinary team.
• 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 within a multi-person research team.
• Prior exposure to evaluations involving Multilateral Development Banks (e.g., AfDB, World Bank) is an advantage.
• Experience working in or on development programs in Africa is desirable.
• Motivated, adaptable, and eager to build expertise in climate adaptation evaluation.

Reporting

• The Junior Evaluation and Research Support Specialist reports to the Evaluation’s Team Leader and DI's Director of Program Management.

Application Process

Interested applicantsMUST 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.