Local Governance and Human Rights Expert, Maldives DRG Assessment

The Cloudburst Group frequently develops and implements evaluations, assessments, and other learning tools for USAID/DRG. To support these projects, Cloudburst seeks qualified experts with experience across a variety of DRG subject matter and methodologies.

Cloudburst is currently seeking consultants to support a Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance (DRG) assessment in the Maldives. The position will require travel within the Maldives to help identify and prioritize areas of effective interventions and windows of strategic opportunity to contribute to the design of the next phase of USAID's DRG programming in Maldives. The consultant will be part of a small team of researchers, using the Strategic Assessment Framework methodology, including a Desk Review, Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). After collecting and analyzing this data, the consultant will support the team lead in authoring an Assessment Report summarizing the findings of the research and presenting findings to key stakeholders.

Part-time consultancy, October 2024 through March 2025

Illustrative Duties/Tasks and Responsibilities:

• In consultation with Cloudburst and the team lead, develop a detailed work plan/research design for the assessment.
• Collaborate with the assessment team and Cloudburst to design and implement a DRG assessment using USAID's Strategic Assessment Framework methodology.
• As directed by Cloudburst and the team lead, conduct fieldwork to support assessment, including a desk review, KIIs, and FGDs.
• Support the team lead in preparing an out brief and findings presentation for Mission staff at the conclusion of fieldwork.
• As directed by Cloudburst and the team lead, support the drafting of an assessment report, responding to USAID's questions and criteria, with an emphasis on analysis-based, actionable, and operational recommendations that can assist with strategic decision-making and programmatic decisions.
• Present findings to USAID and other key stakeholders.

Minimum Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• At least 5 years of extensive analytical experience in governance and human rights in the Maldives.
• Experience applying political economy analyses.
• Master's degree or higher in a relevant field is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with USAID's objectives, approaches, and operations.
• Prior experience with evaluations and assessments for USAID an asset.
• Knowledge of evaluation and assessment methodology, including desk review, qualitative data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Deep familiarity with developing country contexts.
• Superior writing, communication, and analytical skills.
• English fluency required