Localization Approach Expert- Ethnic Inclusion Assessment

at  Panagora Group

JOB DESCRIPTION

Panagora Group is a U.S. small business that provides technical and advisory services related to monitoring, evaluating, and learning USAID/Colombia’s strategy and activities. The Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Short-Term Activity (MELSA) provides monitoring support services: designing and implementing performance and impact evaluations, as well as other studies and assessments, supporting their use and dissemination, and developing collaboration, learning, and adapting initiatives.
USAID/Colombia has requested the USAID/Colombia Short-Term Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Activity to develop a study on the key elements of its ethnic inclusion policy. The study aims to inform the design and planning of the forthcoming Country Development Cooperation Strategy. The Mission has undertaken long-term work with ethnic communities. It has invested significant resources in advancing the protection of their rights, supporting economic empowerment, strengthening their structures and territorial governance capacities (including those related to environmental conservation), and overcoming racial discrimination and exclusion. Currently, USAID/Colombia requires consolidating a review of the results achieved for the period 2009-2023, the review of lessons learned as part of its localization efforts, and an analysis of the current challenges and opportunities arising from the implementation of the Ethnic Chapter of the Peace Agreement within the role of the United States government as its leading international partner.
The consultant serving as the expert in USAID/Colombia’s localization approach will be responsible for contributing to the development of Question 3 of the study: “What lessons should the Mission incorporate, as part of its localization approach, in future efforts to directly fund ethnic organizations, particularly concerning the design process, management requirements, and sustainability of outcomes?” To this end, the consultant will support the team by conducting two field visits and developing a document that outlines the findings, conclusions, and recommendations related to Question 3, following the guidelines provided by the team leader. Additionally, this professional will be responsible for facilitating follow-up meetings with USAID.

REQUIREMENTS

• A professional degree and experience closely related to the consultancy topic are mandatory.
• At least seven years of direct and applicable experience in the field of study.
• Deep understanding and mastery of the localization approach, organizational strengthening, and ethnic inclusion.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the ethnic differential approach, demonstrating a critical understanding of its principles and applications.
• In-depth knowledge of the working methods of ethnic organizations in Colombia and their interactions with international development agencies, indicating an understanding of the dynamics and opportunities for collaboration between these entities and international development frameworks.
• Innovative perspectives for working with ethnic communities and organizations towards empowerment, capacity building, and enhancing their roles within development and peacebuilding processes.
  If you are interested in this position, it is mandatory that you upload your labor certificates and proof of education in the Attachment Information. Only candidates who have attached these documents will be reviewed.
  No telephone inquiries, please. Finalists will be contacted. Only applicants who include the required application components will be considered.

Panagora Group is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

• Note: Panagora does not offer visa sponsorship at this time.

• Conduct two field visits with ethnic organizations, following the guidance of the assessment team and the MELSA research component.
• Attend and facilitate follow-up meetings with USAID, contributing to consensus building.
• Develop inputs to address Question 3 of the study based on the analyses conducted by the research team.
• Support the development of conclusions and recommendations related to Question 3 of the study.
  Note: all deliverables must adhere to Panagora’s format and style guides.