Performance, Collaboration, and Communications Consultant - Uganda Learning Activity

QED is a global consulting firm with more than 20 years of experience providing data-driven and insightful solutions in close to 100 countries. We are passionate about transforming lives through knowledge-based solutions. Leveraging deep expertise in monitoring, evaluation, global health, and learning, we help our clients collect, analyze, visualize, and ultimately use data in more effective ways. Our work maximizes results through the use of cutting-edge technologies and innovation, organizational development, and evidence-based decision-making.

The purpose of the USAID Learning Activity (ULA) is to further strengthen USAID/Uganda performance and improve the performance of its implementing partners, with a focus on collaborating, learning and adapting, in order to enhance the impact and sustainability of USAID-supported contributions to Ugandaâs development. ULA will achieve this through three objectives:

Collaboration: Strengthened collaboration, both internally and with external stakeholders, enables USAID to better leverage expertise, learning and resources; and deepens local ownership. Learning: Systematic learning, through applied research, monitoring and evaluation, informs and improves the relevance, quality and cost- effectiveness of programs and operations Performing: Adaptive management of program implementation and meta-level interventions to improve the quality of USAID program outcomes.

Position Overview:

The short-term Performance, Collaboration, and Communications Consultant will be primarily responsible for providing technical hands-on support to the Performance Improvement Pillar to lead and contribute to activities depicted in ULAâs workplan, with a focus on supporting the delivery of high-quality final products for USAID/Ugandaâs Program Monitoring Planâs (PMP) annual learning questions, the delivery of high-quality client-focused finalized communications products, ULAâs final reporting process, ULAâs close-out learning event and final learning products, and the delivery of high-quality meaningful collaboration events for USAID/Uganda and its IPs and other stakeholders. This work will be done in close collaboration with ULAâs CLA Program Advisor, Senior Communications Specialist, Learning Pillar Program Advisors, the Activity Leadership Team, and other ULA consultants.

Period of Performance:

Approximately December 2023 to May 2024

Level of Effort Expectations:

This position is expected to have an LOE of 96 days.

Responsibilities:

Provide high-level support to the Performance Improvement Pillar in the areas of communications, planning, coordination, and facilitation of meetings and trainings, particularly in support of the delivery of high-quality PMP learning and adaptive management products and events, collaboration activities, USAID learning hours, and other events as described in ULAâs work-plan. Provide support on quality assurance of SOWs, evaluations, assessments, and other pieces produced by the Learning Pillar, including ensuring clarity of findings and recommendations. In close collaboration with Learning Pillar Program Advisors, the Senior Communications Specialist, and the client, conceptualize and develop high-quality, substantive, timely, and client-centered technical learning adaptive management briefs (policy, action, or program briefs) based on evaluations, assessments, learning reviews and in response to USAID/Ugandaâs annual learning questions. In close collaboration with Learning Pillar Program Advisors and the CLA Program Advisor, support the facilitation and planning of technical learning and adaptive management sessions to ensure the socialization, uptake, and use of evaluations, assessments, learning reviews, and technical learning briefs. Support final preparation/packaging of high-quality PMP Learning Questions briefs and presentations for the portfolio review meeting. Lead and drive the completion of ULAâs Final Report in close collaboration with the Learning and Performance Pillar and Finance and Administration teams. In close collaboration with ULAâs CLA Program Advisor, support the conceptualization and implementation of ULAâs close-out event and final learning products. Support the delivery of ULAâs CLA Masterclass. Support additional activities and tasks in line with this scope of work at the direction of the COP.

Requirements:

A masterâs degree in a field relevant to USAID/Ugandaâs CDCS with at least 10 yearsâ experience in international development (in addition to the five yearsâ experience below in managing performing teams and a complex portfolio). At least 10 years of progressive experience with adaptive management, organizational learning, leadership development, capacity development, training, and facilitation. 15 years of experience preferred. At least 5 years of managing a complex portfolio of contracts. At least 5 years of experience managing high performing teams. Preferably, three yearsâ experience living and working in developing country environments, preferably East Africa. Demonstrated experience in virtual and hybrid learning utilizing innovative tools and strategies. Demonstrated ability to organize and effectively communicate results and impact to a variety of audiences. Experience in using project management tools and software to inform allocation of tasks and responsibilities across a diverse team. Superior communication, relationship building, interpersonal, management, and leadership skills. Experience across multiple geographies on strategic and organizational issues. Commitment to developing and staying up to date on company policies, practices, and trends. Previous experience on USAID-funded contracts. Fluency in written and spoken English. Extensive and up to date understanding of USAID program cycle, ADS requirements and experience working with USAID missions. Demonstrated experience managing client relationships positively and successfully. Demonstrated facilitation skills for strategic planning, results review, pause and reflect, and after-action review sessions with a variety of stakeholders, including USAID, other development partners, implementing partners, government entities and other local stakeholders.