DescriptionAbout the jobQED is a global consulting firm with more than 20 years of experience providing data-driven and insightful solutions in close to 100 countries. We are passionate about transforming lives through knowledge-based solutions. Leveraging deep expertise in monitoring, evaluation, global health, and learning, we help our clients collect, analyze, visualize, and ultimately use data in more effective ways. Our work maximizes results through the use of cutting-edge technologies and innovation, organizational development, and evidence-based decision-making.The ULA Will Achieve This Through Three ObjectivesThe purpose of the USAID Learning Activity (ULA) is to further strengthen USAID/Uganda performance and improve the performance of its implementing partners, with a focus on collaborating, learning and adapting, in order to enhance the impact and sustainability of USAID-supported contributions to Uganda’s development.Collaboration: Strengthened collaboration, both internally and with external stakeholders, enables USAID to better leverage expertise, learning and resources; and deepens local ownership.Learning: Systematic learning, through applied research, monitoring and evaluation, informs and improves the relevance, quality and cost- effectiveness of programs and operationsPerforming: Adaptive management of program implementation and meta-level interventions to improve the quality of USAID program outcomes.The Feed the Future Uganda Inclusive Agricultural Marketing (FtF IAM) Activity, is a USAID-funded, five-year Activity, implemented by DAI Global LLC, USA, and its strategic partners Market Share Associates and TechnoServe. FtF IAM interventions are aimed at increasing incomes and improving the livelihoods of households. These interventions are being achieved through agriculture-led inclusive economic growth in 38 districts across the four regions of Uganda: Western, Eastern, Northern, Karamoja sub-region and selected refugee hosting districts, using a market system development approach. The Activity focuses investments on cross market functions that enhance systems change. The Activity partners with agribusiness firms, government of Uganda institutions and market actor associations by aligning incentives and creating opportunities for these partners to invest in developing the market system that is economically viable, inclusive and resilient. The Activity seeks collaboration with other development partners, civil society organizations and the Government of Uganda to address other constraints to the agriculture market system.The Activity was designed to contribute to USAID’s Global Food Security Strategy (GFSS) Uganda Country plan goal of reducing hunger, malnutrition and poverty; and the USAID/Uganda’s Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS 2016 - 2021) Development Objective Three (DO3): “Key systems more accountable and responsive to Uganda’s development needs” and the new CDCS (2022-2027) Development Objective Two (DO2): Resilient Growth Enhanced.The purpose of this mid-term evaluation is to examine the extent to which the FtF IAM Activity has achieved the intended results and provide lessons learnt and recommendations for future programming, including new Activity designs and scaling into the resilience zone.Period Of PerformanceJune 19 – November 30, 2023Position OverviewThe Agricultural Expert, who will also serve as the Team Leader for this assignment, will spearhead the development, implementation and delivery of all mission deliverables for the IAM mid-term evaluation.Level Of Effort ExpectationsThis position is expected to have an LOE of 60 days.ResponsibilitiesProvide overall leadership for the evaluation team.Lead the finalizing of the evaluation design.Consolidate individual input from team members and coordinate the process of assembling the final findings and recommendations into a high-quality document/report.Ensure the deliverables are delivered within the provided timelines.Coordinate activities, including arranging periodic meetings.Lead the preparation and presentation of the key evaluation findings and recommendations to the FtF IAM staff, USAID/Uganda and other major stakeholders.DeliverablesIn-briefingInception reportPresentation of preliminary findingsDraft evaluation reportFinal evaluation reportRequirementsPostgraduate degree (Master/PhD) in an appropriate field, with an area of expertise in evaluation, market systems strengthening, agricultural economics, agricultural value chains or another related field.12-15 years of professional experience in conducting development evaluations and qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis.Strong familiarity with USAID systems and regulations, including performance monitoring, gender policies and guidance, project management, reporting, and evaluation procedures.Excellent report writing skills.Experience in international development program management and overseeing multiple program areas simultaneously.Relevant experience in the sub-Saharan region, particularly in Eastern/Southern Africa.Please note that applications submitted by other means; or without either a resume/CV and/or biodata may not be considered. Only finalists will be contacted; no phone calls please.A submitted application to QED in response to a position on a bid or proposal, indicates your agreement to be included in our submission to the client at least on an illustrative named basis.The QED Group, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. AA/V/D. Reasonable accommodation requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.