Remote Evaluation Team Lead

Background

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Laos Mel Support Services Contract is a 5-year award led by Bixal Solutions, Inc. that provides USAID/Laos with technical and advisory services or design, Monitoring & Evaluation, and Learning, Collaboration Learning and Adapting, and Knowledge Management at strategy and activity levels in areas such as health, education, economic development, clean energy, improved governance, rule of law, and persons with disabilities.

The goal of the USAID Laos Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Support Activity is to support USAID/Laos, implementing partners (IPs), and stakeholders to improve evidence-based decision-making through better data use, strategic collaboration, and adaptive management. The project’s two main objectives are as follows: Task 1: Technical Assistance in the Design, Monitoring, and Evaluation of USAID Laos Strategies, and Activities; Task 2: CLA, KM, and Advisory Services at the Strategy and Activity Level.

Among the poorest countries in Southeast Asia, the Government of Laos views the country’s energy sector as a key driver of its economic growth. Development of the abundant hydro generation potential of the Mekong River and its tributaries, coupled with significant investment in transmission and distribution, has resulted in a 95% electrification rate for its citizens. It is also part of the national strategy to become the “Battery of Southeast Asia.

Laos Energy Security is a part of the US Government’s initiative: “Enhancing Development and Growth through Energy” (ASIA EDGE). ASIA EDGE supports expanded access to energy, promotes greater diversity in sources of energy generation, enhances regional energy trade and integration of energy markets, and strengthens energy security throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

Purpose

USAID Laos MEL Support Services seeks to engage a Team Lead evaluation consultant to lead and conduct a performance evaluation of USAID’s Energy Security program in Laos. The purpose of this evaluation of USAID’s Energy Security activity is to provide USAID/Laos with an analysis on the effectiveness of the activity in achieving its overall objectives as well as assess the progress toward achieving its goals of improving energy sector planning; strengthening the policy, legal, and regulatory framework of the energy sector; and improving performance of state-owned utilities.

The evaluation should provide actionable insights to strengthen current and future energy security activities as well as provide insights on the current challenges facing implementation. By leveraging lessons learned and best practices, the evaluation endeavors to strengthen the current and future programs and ultimately provide support to improve the planning, policies, and performance of the Lao energy sector.

Objectives of the assignment

• Assess the progress that has been made in the energy security program
• Determine the continued relevance of the program’s interventions towards achieving the project’s objectives
• Document lessons learned and suggest any important or necessary modifications or course corrections to ensure achievement of the shared objectives within the lifetime of the project
• Provide evidence-based findings to contribute to ongoing and future activities of USAID/Laos and share good practices with stakeholders in Nepal
• Provide perspectives on how the Mission is making progress towards the following Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) 2020–2025 learning agenda questions with specificity to energy security.

Responsibilities of the Team Leader

• Provide oversight and leadership for the team consultants, ensuring all expertise is incorporated into the project design, implementation, and deliverables.
• Develop a project timeline and oversee direction and time management.
• Review USAID energy security activity documents and other relevant documents.
• Draft an inception report detailing the evaluation design and work plan, including the evaluation tools, methodology and schedule for data collection.
• Prepare data collection tools – including translation - and schedule to ensure a smooth deployment of data collection.
• Conduct FGDs and KIIs with relevant stakeholders, program participants, Local Government contact points and USAID staff, which requires travel to field locations.
• Conduct field data collection and observations.
• Prepare a preliminary finding report and presentation.
• Draft a consolidated evaluation report and deliver a presentation of the overall evaluation to the mission.
• Coordinate with the Bixal HO team to ensure high-quality products.
• Attending regular check-in meetings with the USAID Laos and Bixal HO team.

Deliverables

• Weekly or bi-weekly check-in meeting and notes with the USAID Laos and Bixal HO.
• Draft and final inception report including evaluation tools and workplan.
• Draft initial findings report and presentation slide deck for the Mission.
• Conduct a presentation and workshop with USAID and Learning for Development on initial findings
• Final Evaluation report and presentation slide deck
• Other deliverables as required- specified after inception report approval

Knowledge and Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in a related field
• Experience leading and/or evaluating development activities for USAID or other donor agencies, preferably with experience in South or Southeast Asia
• Prior experience of leading similar evaluations or assessments required, preferably in Asia
• Experience working and researching energy planning, generation, and distribution; capacity strengthening in energy security; the use of renewable energy to promote sustainable economic development; strengthening power sector policy and regulatory capacity; and creating and/or improving the efficiency of technical and financial operations of state-owned utility programs; all in an international development context.
• Demonstrated skills in facilitating participatory processes to interpret and develop recommendations from research
• Strong communication skills, management, and writing skills required
• The ideal candidate will have excellent oral and written communication skills in English

The assignment will last from approximately November 2024 through April 2025, with an estimated total of 50 days of LoE. The assignment will be fully or nearly fully remote, with a possible trip required to collect data in Laos.