About QED:
The QED Group, LLC is a full-service international development firm that provides practical solutions to social problems through sound analysis, proven management techniques, and creative implementation. We focus our efforts on two core practice areas: Monitoring & Evaluation and Knowledge Management. We work with U.S. agencies and overseas governments, international donors, private-sector clients, and PVOs/NGOs in more than 80 countries around the world. Key clients include USAID, the U.S. Department of State, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency.

About USAID:
USAID/Uganda will approach the development and launch of its Next CDCS as an opportunity to engage all staff in the process of learning from past experience, surveying the current context, and incorporating both proven/existing approaches that work, as well as new, enhanced approaches based upon the specific needs of Uganda’s people, and USAID’s areas of core competency. USAID Uganda will put attention to maximizing the value of the process of preparing the next CDCS, taking advantage of key activities to sharpen staff expertise and engage cross-functional teams across the Mission, as well as value in achieving an approved finished product, a new strategy that launches October 1, 2016. The Program office will be taking the lead in developing the next CDCS and QED/the Learning Contract will support the program office in a variety of ways, including:
Work plan Design;
Analytics, Evaluations, Learning Activities, Reviews;
Convening, Facilitating;
Speaker series;
Secretariat and Project Management Support.

Job Summary: The primary objective of this Research position is to provide services for research requests that will cover a wide range of governance, economic and social development, conflict, and humanitarian topics. The researcher must have the flexibility and willingness to engage rapidly with a variety of subjects. Researcher must quickly understand and clarify clients’ needs, consult with a wide range of experts, carry out online research, and prepare clear, comprehensive, and policy-relevant reports.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Work with existing Learning Contract staff and STTA and USAID/Uganda to identify research topics and carry out online research;
Prepare and submit summary reports and synthesis of existing studies;
Responsible for developing and designing communication products.
Suppoer in tracking of the learning agendas and advice on what reports/synthesis or pieces of information that should be provided to advance the learning agenda;
The researcher is obligated to work within the required deadlines and be available to QED/The Learning Contract and USAID/Uganda for comments and corrections;
Oversee and ensure alignment with other Learning Contract activities and team members.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
The ideal candidate should preferably hold a University degree in international development or related field that has an international policy orientation. Educational background should support providing communications, research, and development aptitudes;
Broad knowledge and understanding of development with two to three years prior experience working in development, program management, and/or community improvement, preferably in a field context;
Exceptional written and oral communication skills, project management skills/experience and a highly collaborative self-starter, who is willing to take initiative and work with little supervision, while synthesizing diverse views into a shared vision and broad engagement;
Ability to thrive and maintain sensitivity in diverse and challenging work environments;
Able to make a 3-month commitment, subject to extension based upon performance.

How to Apply:
All suitably qualified and interested Candidates who meet the above criteria should send their CV, Cover letter and Bio Data Form, download here, expressing interest to qed.recruitment.me.specialist@gmail.com with the subject line as “ATTN: Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS).” Only qualified applicants will be contacted.

Deadline: 10th September, 2015 by 5:00pm.