Agriculture Private Sector Evaluator

Agriculture Private Sector Evaluator —USAID Nepal Learning for Development Activity

Who we are

At Itad, we work to make international development as effective as possible to improve more lives. We have done so since 1984. This means giving organisations the information and insight they need to make development work smarter and produce better results. It is complex, meticulous monitoring and evaluation work involving many different stakeholders across many different scenarios – exactly the kind of challenge on which we thrive. We work with governments, non-profits, universities, foundations and the private sector to support organisational learning and programme adaptation across a wide variety of international development contexts. To learn more about Itad, please visit our website: www.itad.com

Location: Kathmandu and some travel outside of Kathmandu to other provinces

Description of Consultancy

USAID Learning for Development Activity is a five-year contract with USAID/Nepal to provide monitoring, evaluation, learning, knowledge management, and strategic communications services to the Mission. The Learning for Development Activity is implemented by Bixal and Itad.

Itad is seeking an local Agriculture Private Sector Evaluator in Nepal that specializes in measurement related to agriculture value chains, private sector strengthening, and transaction costs for a baseline evaluation of a new USAID-funded agriculture program. This role will be part of an evaluation team and will run from January 2024 (estimated) and last for approximately 7 months. The expected Level of Effort is 40 days (estimated). Please note this may change based on the finalized scope of work prepared by USAID.

The anticipated baseline evaluation will provide a baseline for a new USAID-funded agriculture program in Nepal. The purpose of the new program is to increase the availability, accessibility, and use of agricultural inputs and technology to improve Nepal’s agricultural productivity. This will contribute to improved resilience, competitiveness, and inclusion in the agriculture sector. We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated subject matter expert who will serve as part of the evaluation team.

Duties and responsibilities

The Agriculture Private Sector Evaluator will lead the development of the baseline methodology related to the private sector, including overall approach, sampling, data collection tools, supporting data collection through a combination of enumerator training and conducting fieldwork, and analysis and deliverable development. The Agriculture Private Sector Evaluator will contribute to other parts of the baseline as needed under the coordination of the baseline Team Leader.

Itemized responsibilities:

• Lead the components of the baseline related to the private sector, ensuring the effective collection, analysis, and reporting of data related to agriculture value chains and private sector. Ensure the issues of private sector (seed company, agri-tool market, agrovets, cooperatives) are captured in the baseline questionnaire and other materials.
• Support the team in identifying relevant private sector actors (seed company, agri-tool market, agrovets, cooperatives) in the Activity Zone of Influence.
• Lead on the analysis related to private sector and transaction costs during the analysis and interpretation of baseline data.
• Liaise with Learning for Development Activity team, government agencies, local partners, and community representatives to ensure their involvement and support in the baseline evaluation process.
• Conduct field visits to project sites to monitor data collection activities, ensure quality control, and address any challenges or issues that arise.
• Conduct, observe, and take notes during data collection as part of the team
• Analyze and interpret baseline data, identifying trends, patterns, and key findings to inform program design and strategy.
• Contribute writing and analysis to a comprehensive baseline evaluation report and deliverables, including clear and actionable recommendations for program implementation.
• Collaborate with the Learning for Development Activity teams to integrate baseline findings into program planning, monitoring, and evaluation processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant sector including agriculture, agribusiness, agriculture economics, or another relevant field, Advanced degree preferred but not required
• 7+ years’ experience working on agricultural private sector and value chains, and agriculture inputs (seed, agriculture equipment, fertilizer, irrigation, digtial tools) with relevant experience in measurement and evaluation
• An in-depth knowledge of the agricultural private sector landscape in Nepal
• Past experience working on evaluations or studies/assessments
• Familiar with the environment for attracting private sector investment and increasing agricultural participation among women, youth and disadvantaged communities in Nepal
• Demonstrated experience in quantitative and qualitative research methods, data analysis; experience with statistical tools preferred
• Proven leadership skills, with the ability to effectively manage teams, coordinate activities, and meet deadlines
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders
• Experience undertaking research with marginalized populations in Nepal
• Fluency in English and Nepali is required
• Nepalese national

If you are interested in this consultancy, please email your CV that includes your daily rate in USD to Alexandra.cervini@itadinc.com with the subject line ‘Application for Agriculture Private Sector Evaluator’ by January 26, 2024. We are looking for candidates that can start the consultancy immediately.

Itad is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

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