Team Lead – Project Evaluation in Iraq (Anticipated)

Title: Team Lead – Project Evaluation in Iraq

Project: Navanti – Project Evaluation for Livelihoods and Food Security Programming in Iraq

Location: Iraq (with potential remote components)

Employment Type: 1099/Independent Contractor (ad hoc – effort details to be determined)

Anticipated Period of Performance: April – May 2025 or May – June 2025 (2 months)

POSITION NOT YET FUNDED. SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS FROM INTERESTED CANDIDATES FOR ANTICIPATED CONTRACT AWARD.

Project Overview

Navanti is seeking a highly qualified Team Lead to oversee the evaluation of a livelihoods and food security programming initiative in Iraq. This project focuses on assessing the impact and effectiveness of interventions related to food and agricultural systems, cash and voucher assistance, market-based approaches, and agricultural value chains. The evaluation will employ participatory methodologies, with a strong preference for Outcome Harvesting as a key evaluation approach.

Role Description

The Team Lead will be responsible for managing and conducting the evaluation, coordinating with project stakeholders, ensuring rigorous data collection and analysis, and leading the synthesis of findings into a comprehensive evaluation report. The ideal candidate will bring extensive expertise in project evaluations, particularly in livelihoods, food security, and agricultural infrastructure within the Middle East, preferably Iraq.

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluation Oversight: Lead and coordinate all aspects of the project evaluation, ensuring adherence to best practices in participatory and Outcome Harvesting methodologies.

• Project Coordination: Develop an evaluation framework and work plan, aligning with project goals and donor expectations.

• Data Collection & Analysis: Design and oversee quantitative and qualitative data collection, including fieldwork, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Coordinate with implementing partners, local stakeholders, and relevant government bodies to facilitate evaluation processes.

• Reporting & Documentation: Prepare and submit comprehensive evaluation reports, including evidence-based findings and actionable recommendations.

• Financial & Logistical Oversight: Manage project evaluation resources efficiently within the agreed budget and timeline.

• Knowledge Sharing: Present evaluation results to key stakeholders and contribute to discussions on future program strategies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Advanced degree in international development, agricultural economics, social sciences, or a related field.

• Professional Experience:

  • Minimum 10 years of experience in project/program evaluations, with a strong emphasis on participatory evaluation methodologies.

  • At least 5 years conducting organizational quantitative and qualitative reviews and/or evaluations.

  • Over 5 years of experience in livelihoods and food security programming, with a focus on food and agricultural systems and infrastructure in the Middle East.

  • Minimum 3 years of professional experience in Iraq or a similar context.

• Technical Expertise:

  • Proven experience in Outcome Harvesting or similar participatory evaluation methodologies.

  • Expertise in cash and voucher assistance (CVA) and market-based approaches.

  • Experience in market systems development and sustainable agricultural value chains.

• Language Proficiency:

  • Strong proficiency in English (written and spoken); knowledge of Arabic or Kurdish is an advantage.

• Soft Skills: Excellent analytical, leadership, and communication skills; ability to work in challenging and politically sensitive environments.

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications, including a CV and a brief cover letter outlining relevant experience.