Qualitative Specialist - Regional Integration Strategy

at  Panagora Group

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Panagora Group, a U.S. small business, plays a pivotal role as a key partner in this project. Their technical and advisory services are instrumental in monitoring, evaluating, and learning USAID/Colombia’s strategy and activities. The Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Short-Term Activity (MELSA), led by Panagora Group, provides invaluable 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 entrusted MELSA with a crucial task to develop research related to the regional integration strategy (RIS) contained in the Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) 2020-2025. This work, spanning several years, aims to deepen the impact of Mission programs and promote transformative change through the strategic identification and implementation of Regional Integration Opportunities in selected and specific territories of Colombia.
The overall objective of the research is to identify and contribute with actionable recommendations aimed at enhancing the RIS’s capacity to contribute to regional development outcomes, advance strategic goals, and inform the design and implementation of the upcoming CDCS 2025-2030. The Assessment aims to achieve the following general objectives: (i) Analyze the evolution and engagement of RIS; (ii) Assess the Effectiveness of RIS; (iii) Identify gaps in Governance and Knowledge Management; and (iv) Provide Recommendations for improvement RIS.
The consultant who fulfills the role of qualitative specialist will be in charge of the whole gathering and data analysis that comes from the qualitative data collection. The consultant will ensure compliance with established deadlines and USAID/Colombia quality standards. Additionally, he/she will provide the depth and relevance of the findings, conclusions, and recommendations. He/she will be in charge of the presentation of results, the writing of the final report, and the implementation of the study’s use and dissemination plan.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Advanced degree in social sciences, anthropology, sociology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience designing and implementing qualitative research methodologies, such as interviews, focus groups, and case studies.
• Expertise in qualitative data analysis techniques, including coding, thematic analysis, and triangulation.
• Proficiency in qualitative data analysis software (e.g., NVivo, Atlas.ti) and other relevant research tools.
• Strong understanding of ethical considerations in qualitative research and experience ensuring compliance with research ethics protocols.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex findings clearly and concisely.
• Intermediate English skills.
  Note: all deliverables must adhere to Panagora’s and USAID’s format and style guides.
  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.

• Support the Team Leader with the evaluation design, including constructing indicators and data collection methods for qualitative information.
• Support the design of the instruments for the primary data collection.
• Participate in the data collection from secondary sources.
• Ensure the quality of qualitative data collection for the evaluation.
• Perform the qualitative analysis for the final evaluation report.
• Evaluate different sample frames and sampling methods for qualitative data collection.
• Support the Team Leader in preparing reports and presentations for USAID/Colombia.