Position Description

Making Cents International is recruiting for a Principal Investigator for a USAID-funded impact evaluation (IE) of the Serbia Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Activity. The SME Activity is currently being competed and the impact evaluation is expected to follow the Activity from its inception throughout its implementation. Design and implementation of the IE will be closely coordinated with USAID/Serbia and the Activity implementing partner.

This position is contingent upon winning a contract award.

Responsibilities

• Lead conceptualization and development of the impact evaluation approach, methods, and deliverables to assess the effects of interventions undertaken by the Activity. The evaluation may involve experimental or quasi-experimental methods, depending on the IE design proposed and ultimately agreed on by USAID/Serbia and the Activity implementing partner.
• Collaborate with the implementing partner of the SME Activity and its local partners to incorporate impact evaluation tasks with the Activity.
• Provide input and guidance on deliverables, including the IE design proposal, a mid-term report, and draft and final evaluation reports.
• Participate in and contribute to workshops and presentations on IE findings as needed.
• High-level communication and coordination with project staff based in Serbia and Making Cents’ technical staff based in the United States.
• Possible periodic travel to Serbia as COVID-19 protocols permit, such as an initial scoping trip, field visits to ensure adherence to quality standards and an in-person mid-term briefing and final presentation for USAID/Serbia.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• PhD in economic science or related discipline with focus on economic and SME development and/or economic assistance
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in designing and implementing quantitative and qualitative impact evaluations using controlled group design
• Minimum 3 years of experience in developing countries, preferably in the region (Serbia or the Balkans)
• Ability to work with various counterparts, implementing partners, and host country government stakeholders
• Ability to travel to remote and challenging areas to conduct evaluation activities and provide technical expertise
• Superior written and oral communication skills in English