Programs Department | Boston, MA, United States
PURPOSE OF POSITION: The US Regional Office of Oxfam America leads agency programs on economic injustice and poverty in the United States. USRO’s Decent Work Program focuses on the rights of farmworkers to fair wages and safe and healthy working and living conditions; the Gulf Coast Program seeks to protect the rights of socially vulnerable communities in the Gulf Coast impacted by hurricanes and the BP oil spill. The Planning, Evaluation and Research Coordinator will 1) help USRO maintain high-quality programs by designing and implementing planning, monitoring, evaluation and learning systems/activities for programs and campaigns, and 2) help position Oxfam as a thought leader in program content areas by enabling our team, partners and allies to gain access to relevant research, documentation and analysis. COORDINATES WITH: USRO Regional Director, Program Officers, Program Advisors and Policy Officers; also coordinates with staff of Regional Programs Department; Learning, Evaluation and Accountability Department (LEAD); Communications Department and relevant staff of Resource Development and other units, as relevant to the substantive focus of USRO program work.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: Planning, monitoring, evaluation and learning systems:
In alignment with Oxfam America’s program approach, support USRO program teams by designing and facilitating strategic planning, monitoring, evaluation and learning systems for programs and campaigns.
Maintain a library of USRO learning documents.
Ensure that learning generated through evaluation systems is well integrated into ongoing as well as new program development.
Lead in the production of key written reports of program activities and evaluations for internal purposes (such as the Regional Programs Department, the Regional Leadership Team and the Oxfam America Board of Directors) and external purposes (professional conferences, journals, peer funders and external donors).
Share USRO learning and experience with Oxfam America staff and other regional programs on key themes and evaluation frameworks.
Participate in Oxfam America’s MEL (monitoring, evaluation and learning) network and maintain a relationship with LEAD.
Research:
Identify research and knowledge needs of USRO’s programs, and develop and implement a research agenda for the program.
Identify research centers and consultants/scholars who are focused on issues of relevance to USRO programs and develop relationships with them as potential consultants and external peer reviewers.
Engage consultants to conduct research as outlined in terms of reference and supervise their work, monitoring quality and timing of deliverables.
As appropriate, directly engage in primary or secondary research.
As appropriate, support a broader Oxfam research agenda on poverty and economic injustice at regional and national levels.
Respond to internal requests for information on research and statistics.
Work with USRO’s communications officer to produce publications based on research projects.
Keep abreast of research reports produced by other organizations relating to issues of relevance to USRO programs.
Participate in external meetings and seminars and represent Oxfam America as appropriate.
General:
Participate as an active member of the USRO team and attend program and staff meetings.
Participate in inter-departmental teams as appropriate.
In coordination with the Regional Director, produce concept notes, program strategies and grant reports for fundraising purposes as requested.
EXPECTATIONS FOR THE POSITION:
The incumbent will stay abreast of professional standards, trends and issues affecting this set of responsibilities, demonstrating continuous learning of the field.
S/he will work effectively and collaboratively in support of building a team-based culture of work, will perform all duties appropriately for a multi-cultural environment, treating all persons with dignity and respect, and will be familiar with and committed to Oxfam America’s mission and goals.
Ability to travel periodically, up to 20% of time. Travel is domestic, for the most part.
QUALIFICATIONS:Required:Education:Master’s degree or equivalent experience in a social science or otherwise relevant subject is required. Experience and Skills:
Five to seven years’ experience in strategic planning, implementation and/or evaluation for domestic rights-based social/economic justice programs is required.
Three to five years’ experience conducting and supervising significant research projects, including primary and secondary research of quantitative and qualitative data.
Demonstrated interest and understanding of the causes of poverty, exclusion and social change processes.
Experience managing consultant contracts for quality research within short time frames.
Strong comfort level in networking with high-level researchers in a broad field of disciplines in the social sciences.
Ability to synthesize externally produced research into succinct and clear reports that can inform USRO’s programs and advocacy agenda.
Strong writing and editing skills.
Highly organized with attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to multi-task and prioritize.
Ability to work effectively in a team setting in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent interpersonal skills essential.
Core Competencies:
Substantial rights-based program planning, implementation and/or evaluation experience.
Substantial experience conducting research and supervising research consultants.
Strong English language written and verbal communication skills.
Comprehensive computer skills; fully conversant with Microsoft Office software.
Leadership and meeting facilitation skills.
An ability and aptitude to learn quickly.
A team player who works well in a multi-cultural environment, communicates readily and shares learning with colleagues, partners, allies and others.
Preferred:
Peer-reviewed and journalistic publication on topics of poverty, affordable housing, labor, migration, disasters, community-based development and other relevant issues.
Commitment to Oxfam America’s values and mission.
Understanding of and familiarity with development programs in the US.
Demonstrated problem solving, analytical and research abilities.
Moderate competency in written and oral Spanish-language ability.
Comprehensive knowledge of grant making and institutional fundraising.
Competence in public speaking.
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