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Democracy International (DI) is seeking to hire aSocial and Behavioral Science and Learning (SBS and Learning) Graduate Fellowto support monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) for DIs SBS-based international development, democratization, and peacebuilding programs. The Fellow will be a member of the Social and Behavioral Science and Learning Team within the Strategy and Technical Leadership Division.

The Fellow will acquire a range of skills relevant to monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) for international development programs integrating applied social and behavioral sciences. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with diverse international development practitioners to more effectively monitor, evaluate, and learn from their work. DIs SBS and Learning Team is hiring multiple Fellows for Summer 2024, and this role will focus on developing specific sets of guidance, tools, and resources focused on MEL and its integration with social and behavioral science-based approaches and methodologies.

The fellowship start date will be as soon as possible and will be determined in discussion with the successful candidate. The fellowship will end August 15 with the possibility for further extension. The fellow will receive $16-30/hr, depending on experience, for 20-40 hours of work per week.This is an in-person fellowship, requiring location in the Washington, DC area and the ability to travel to DIs office in Bethesda, Maryland.

Essential Job Duties: The SBS and Learning Fellow will lead one or more special projects depending on their available time, interests, and skill set. Potential projects include:

• MEL Tools and Templates:In collaboration with DIs MEL Specialists, design and create standardized Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning tools and templates tailored to SBS-informed interventions.
• Standard SBS Outcome Indicators:Work with other DI staff to develop a list of standard performance indicators for measuring social and behavioral program outcomes.
• Sampling for SBS Outcome Measurement:Develop guidance on sampling techniques suitable for collecting survey data to document the outcomes of DIs SBS-based interventions.
• Support Rigorous Evaluations:Recommend appropriate methodologies for data collection and analysis to enhance the effectiveness of evaluations for SBS-based programs
• Archival Data Analysis for Learning:Collect, clean, and analyze archival project data to extract insights and facilitate evaluative learning. Interpret findings to inform decision-making processes and improve program effectiveness.

Secondary Job Duties:

• Support at least One Bid or Proposal:Tailored to the requirements and capabilities of the SBS and Learning team, provide integral support in crafting and formulating proposals for funding from USAID , incorporating expertise in Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning. The support encompasses 1) conducting desk research to gather the most recent interdisciplinary, evidence-based research and insights on SBS interventions and behavioral measurement, 2) writing concisely and engagingly about social and behavioral science evidence and concepts, aligning them with the objectives of development initiative and MEL requirements, and 3) developing MEL Plans.
• Create Content for External Communications:Create information briefs, blog posts, and other written and visual material for public and funder consumption to explain and communicate the value of DIs SBS practice.

Qualifications:

• Enrolled in a graduate program in behavioral economics, social or cognitive psychology, political science, communications/marketing or a field in the family of behavioral sciences. Given this fellowships focus on MEL, students in applied graduate programs in international development, conflict resolution, public policy, or similar fields with background and/or interest in behavioral sciences are als encouraged to apply. Demonstrated coursework and/or practical experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning, with a focus on international development and SBS-based programs
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in qualitative or quantitative data analysis software (e.g., R, SPSS, STATA, NVIVO) preferred.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey complex concepts clearly and effectively.
• Working knowledge of and experience using quantitative and qualitative research methods in the social and behavioral sciences
• Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to work both independently and in close collaboration with stakeholders in the Washington, D.C. area and DIs field offices
• Experience with field-focused and applied research preferable, especially in low- and middle-income countries

Reporting:

• This position reports to the Director of Social and Behavioral Science and Learning.

Environmental Conditions: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Moderate noise (i.e. business office with computers, phone, printers, and moderate traffic).
• Ability to work in a confined office space/area.
• Ability to sit and/or stand at a computer desk for an extended period of time.

Physical Requirements Required to Perform Essential Responsibilities: While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to;

• Stand, sit; talk, hear, use of hands and fingers, and perform repetitive motions to operate a computer and telephone keyboard.
• Reach, stoop, or kneel, to adjust computer and/or telephone equipment.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer work.
• Hearing abilities required due to telephone.
• Light to moderate lifting is possible.
• Regular, predictable attendance is required; as business demands dictate.

Democracy International is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation in its employment process for individuals with disabilities to meet any and all physical requirements of our jobs.

About the Organization: DI provides technical assistance, analytical services and project implementation for democracy, human rights, governance and conflict mitigation programs worldwide for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. State Department and other development partners. Since its founding in 2003, Democracy International has worked with civil society organizations, political parties, election-management bodies, government agencies, legislatures, justice-sector institutions, and others in 80+ countries.

DI welcomes and supports a diverse and inclusive work environment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities (EEO) for all applicants seeking employment and for DI employees. DI makes employment decisions based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, personal appearance, military status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, political affiliation, educational status, unemployment status, place of residence or business, source of income, or reproductive health decision making. Additionally, harassment or discrimination b