External Evaluation Consultant in Education sector At Development Aid

DRS is looking, on behalf of our client, an international NGO, for a skilled Lead consultant for an external evaluation responsible for the Final External Evaluation of the Leonel Velásquez Intercultural Bilingual Education Program 2021-2024 in Guatemala.

Job Title: Lead Consultant for an External Evaluation

Location: Guatemala

The Leonel Velásquez Intercultural Bilingual Education Program (EBI Program), technically and financially supported by EdM, has accumulated over 20 years of experience. It was conceived at the request of the Ministry of Education of Guatemala (MINEDUC) to contribute to improving intercultural bilingual education following successful collaborations in the Alta Verapaz region from 2000 to 2009. Its main objective is to develop, within an interinstitutional framework and in close collaboration with MINEDUC, both with the General Directorate of Intercultural Bilingual Education (DIGEBI) and with the Departmental Directorates of Education (DIDEDUC), processes of training, pedagogical support, and technical advice aimed at improving the quality of intercultural bilingual education in the departments of Alta Verapaz (AV) and Chimaltenango (CH).

The Lead Consultant for the Final External Programme Evaluation will be responsible for overseeing and conducting the comprehensive evaluation of the programme. This role involves planning, coordinating, and executing all evaluation activities to ensure the assessment meets high standards of accuracy, relevance, and usefulness.

Main Responsibilities

• Evaluation Design and Planning:
  • Develop a detailed evaluation plan, including methodology, tools, and timelines.
  • Ensure the evaluation design aligns with the programme’s objectives and evaluation questions.
  • Coordinate with stakeholders to refine evaluation scope and objectives.
• Data Collection and Analysis:
  • Lead the design and implementation of qualitative and quantitative data collection methods (e.g., surveys, interviews, focus groups, field observations).
  • Oversee data collection activities to ensure high-quality, reliable, and valid data.
  • Analyze collected data using appropriate statistical and qualitative methods.
• Team Leadership and Coordination:
  • Assemble and lead a team of evaluators, ensuring clear roles and responsibilities.
  • Provide guidance, support, and supervision to team members throughout the evaluation process.
  • Facilitate effective communication and coordination within the evaluation team and with external stakeholders.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Engage with programme staff, beneficiaries, and other stakeholders to gather insights and feedback.
  • Conduct stakeholder meetings and workshops to validate findings and recommendations.
  • Maintain open and transparent communication with all stakeholders throughout the evaluation.
• Report Writing and Presentation:
  • Compile and synthesize evaluation findings into a comprehensive final report.
  • Ensure the final report is clear, concise, and addresses the evaluation objectives and questions.
  • Present findings and recommendations to EdM, programme management, , and other key stakeholders.
• Quality Assurance and Ethics:
  • Ensure all evaluation activities adhere to ethical standards and best practices in evaluation.
  • Implement quality assurance measures to maintain the integrity and credibility of the evaluation.
  • Handle sensitive data with confidentiality and integrity.
• Logistical and Administrative Oversight:
  • Manage the logistical aspects of the evaluation, including travel, scheduling, and resource allocation.
  • Ensure the evaluation stays within budget and meets all contractual obligations.
  • Inform EdM on the progress of the evaluation process and products.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in evaluating projects and programs in the field of basic education, specifically those involving activities aimed at improving quality and teaching/learning practices.
• Extensive experience working in the education sector.
• Comprehensive knowledge and experience with local and international NGOs.
• Proven expertise in supervising and coordinating external evaluations.
• In-depth understanding of the general and educational contexts of Guatemala, particularly Intercultural Bilingual Education.
• Proficiency in international languages: Spanish and English (Spanish is essential).
• Excellent writing skills.
• Proficiency in computer systems and tools.