Management Systems International (MSI), a Tetra Tech Company, is a Washington, D.C. metro area management consultancy with a 40-year history of delivering results for our clients. Our expertise is in the fields of monitoring and evaluation; democracy and governance; peace and stability; rule of law and accountability; education; gender and inclusion; strategic communications; and leadership and organizational development. MSI has implemented projects in 90 countries around the world such as Colombia, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Syria and Ukraine, and works domestically. We support clients ranging from the U.S. Government (e.g., the U.S. Agency for International Development, U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Departments of State and Labor, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation) to large bilateral and multilateral donors (e.g., the World Bank and the United Nations Development Program). We also work with national and local governments, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), think tanks, foundations and universities. For more information, please visit our website at www.msiworldwide.com.
Project Summary:
MSI anticipates implementing an Iraq Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance (DRG) Assessment for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Iraq to inform strategy efforts and portfolio planning. The DRG Assessment will focus on civil society, governance, civic engagement, economic governance and cross-cutting themes. The outputs will provide key analysis and actionable recommendations aligned with the USAID Iraq Mission’s strategic goals to guide CDCS development and current and future programming.
**Please note: All citizenships are eligible for this position**
Position Summary:
The Team Leader will be on a short-term assignment to serve as the lead researcher and writer for the assessment. The Team Leader will oversee data collection and analysis conducted by a team including both US/TCN and Iraqi-based experts, providing leadership, supervision, and mentorship. The Team Leader will provide critical technical expertise and will be responsible for producing high-quality deliverables, including a final report. The Team Leader will carry out the tasks in coordination with MSI and USAID/Iraq. The anticipated timeline for this assignment is December 2024 through mid-April 2025.
Responsibilities:
Design and develop the Inception Report, which is submitted to USAID for review, to include the overall DRG Assessment work plan, research design, methodology, timeline/schedule, initial research questions, list of key informants (KIs) and desk research sources in coordination with the Activity Manager. Conduct desk research including review of identified background documentation from the USAID Iraq Mission and other sources and synthesize into succinct analysis. Manage the formulation of the final interview protocol for planned semi-structured interviews with KIs and potential focus group discussions in virtual/and or in-person formats, guiding the local level data collection and complement gaps identified during the desk analysis. Supervise two teams remotely of approximately six Qualitative Researchers with subject matter expertise in 2-3 field sites in Iraq. Oversee and ensure timely coordination of the SME’s field work and consolidation of the information. Participate in planning and biweekly update meetings with the USAID Iraq Mission, MSI and SME teams, as needed. Oversee the research team in qualitative data analysis and synthesize findings. Prepare a Mid-Point DRG Assessment workshop session and presentation with the USAID Iraq Mission focused on key findings and recommendations as well as respond to queries and incorporate feedback and requests for revisions received. Write and draft the Final DRG Assessment Report for submission outlining the comprehensive assessment findings with actionable recommendations tailored to inform the USAID Iraq Mission´s DRG strategic goals and objectives and to guide current and future programming decisions. Respond to request for revisions and consolidate USAID Iraq Mission and MSI feedback, recommendations and incorporate into the Final Report. Prepare a Final DRG Assessment workshop session and presentation with the USAID Iraq Mission focused on the complete analysis, key findings recommendations. Deliver briefings as requested by USAID providing findings, conclusions, and recommendations to USAID/Iraq and/or ME/TS stakeholders. Travel to Iraq as necessary to provide final briefings and/or assessment utilization workshops.
Qualifications:
Master’s degree required. Minimum 10 years of professional work experience required, related to the areas of civil society, governance, civic engagement, and economic governance. Experience serving as Team Lead/Senior Researcher managing highly specialized, culturally diverse assessment teams with qualitative research SMEs in dynamic international development programs is required. Experience designing and conducting virtual and in-person USAID funded DRG assessments, desk and field research is preferred. Experience engaging and/or working in Iraq. Experience consolidating and analyzing DRG assessment information to produce findings and recommendations presentations, briefings and reports for USAID audiences. Knowledge of the country’s political system, civil society, governance and economic landscape is required. Strong writing, analytical, time management, organizational, interpersonal, and communications skills. Ability to adapt in meeting the client’s needs and requirements. Fluency in English and working knowledge of Arabic required.
MSI is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We strive to develop and maintain a culture that honors the perspectives and identities of our employees, our communities and those impacted by our work.
We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute, including race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. In accordance with applicable law, we make reasonable accommodations for applicants’ and employees’ religious practices and beliefs, as well as any mental health or physical disability needs.
MSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action/Americans with Disabilities/Veterans Employer.
Reasonable Accommodations:
MSI is dedicated to hiring an inclusive workforce. If you would like to request reasonable accommodations during the application process, please visit Tetra Tech’s Disability Assistance Page. Our recruitment team looks forward to engaging in an interactive process to provide reasonable accommodations for candidates.
Only candidates who have been selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.
Project opportunity
U.S. Teams and Clients
Democracy, Rights, and Governance (International Development)
Stabilization (International Development)
Additional Information Organization: 216 MSI