Development and building technical director

NORC at the University of Chicago is one of the largest and most highly respected social research organizations pursuing high quality social science research both in the U.S. and internationally. NORC is seeking a Technical Director for the anticipated USAID DDI Building Evidence for Decision Making (BE4D) activity. The overall purpose of the activity is to support USAID DDI and its partners in incentivizing evidence use for decision-making through high-quality monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) and collaboration, learning, and adaptive management (CLA) related services. The activity will achieve its purpose through the following objectives: Design; Performance Monitoring for Learning and Adaptive Management; Evaluations and Other Analyses/Assessments for Learning and Adaptive Management; Training and Advising/Mentoring; Communications, Dissemination, Knowledge Management, and Organizational Learning; and Collaborating, Learning, and Adaptive Management. The award will cover a five-year base period, with two addition option periods for 3 then two additional years, for a total of 10 years. The Technical Director position is preferably based in NORC’s Bethesda location, with the possibility of hybrid or remote working arrangements. This position is contingent on USAID contract award to NORC. Responsibilities: Ensure the high quality and rigor of technical services provided under this Contract, including but not limited to technical aspects of recruitment/staffing, research designs, instrument development, data collection, data security and privacy, data analysis, writing, dissemination, and evidence use. Manage and implement activities all core-funded activities and buy-ins in accordance with USAID regulations, policies and procedures related to data, research, evaluation, learning and the specifications determined in the SOW. Required Experience: Bachelor’s degree in areas such as international affairs, humanities, or social sciences (Advanced degree such as a Master’s preferred, but not required) Minimum of eight (8) years of relevant work experience Required Qualifications: Excellent English oral and written communication skills and the ability to translate highly technical research for a practitioner audience. Experience promoting a culture of evidence use beyond just delivering MEL/CLA services. Experience with collaboration, learning, and adaptive management. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish and sustain professional, collaborative relationships. Strong management skills to be able to effectively deliver against responsibilities outlined above and to ensure the delivery of high-quality contract activities and deliverables and excellent customer service. Ability to manage multiple core-funded activities and buy-ins (from Missions/Bureaus/Operating Units across USAID) simultaneously. Deep expertise in both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Expertise with evaluation methodology (both impact and performance evaluation). Experience with program design, including work collaboratively with stakeholders to facilitate strong program design. Experience with performance monitoring for learning and adaptive management Excellent communication skills to foster open, transparent, and collaborative communications with the Government. Ability to foster transparency and trust with other partners. Able to obtain the Facility Access Clearance. Preferred Qualifications Previous Technical Director experience or similar (e.g., Deputy Chief of Party, Team Leader, or Research Director) on a USAID-funded award. How to Apply Interested applicants should send a CV and cover letter to BE4D@norc.org by April 30, 2023. Please use the following subject line in your email: “BE4D Technical Director – Last Name” in the subject line.