Evaluation Advisor with Security Clearance

Competitive Innovations, LLC (CI) is seeking an Evaluation Advisor to support a contract with the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Budget and Planning (BP). The Evaluation Specialist/Social Science Researcher will augment BP's (OPP/PRE) strategic performance and evaluation staff in fulfilling elements required by the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) of 1993 (P.L. 103-62) and the GPRA Modernization Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-352), the Foundations for Evidence Based Policy Making (P.L. 115-435) (Evidence Act), and OMB Circular A-11 including designing evaluations, formulating research questions, conducting studies of programs and policies, and developing metrics, in addition to other social science research methods and activities. This is a full-time position located in Washington, D.C with a flexible/hybrid work environment. Responsibilities:
Provide facilitation and consultation to working groups in the development of new learning agenda research and evaluation activities. The Evaluation Advisor may be asked to facilitate or consult on program design, qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques, results interpretation, the development and monitoring of evaluations, and the incorporation of methodological rigor and scientific integrity. Provide training and coaching on social science research and evaluation methods for performance and evaluation analysts. Lead Needs Assessments for development of strategic planning and evaluation courses. Supporting the completion or implementation of the Annual Evaluation Plan, Capacity Assessment, and Learning Agenda required under the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act. Design and conduct research activities to examine topical best practices across the federal government. Support PRE's efforts to engage and support Department stakeholders (i.e., Performance Improvement Officer) in implementing strategic planning, performance management, and performance analysis initiatives. Facilitate and coach teams to build their expertise. Must work on designing effective evaluations and review current evaluations for methodological rigor for effectiveness. Able to provide help with needs assessment of course they are transitioning. Able to bring innovation and creativity toward research and evaluation.
Design and/or help teams design evaluations and provide problem solving. Assist department with identifying what can be evaluated. Train staff to think in terms of plans and activities to help translate into possible evaluation criteria.
Support other activities as required including known and emergent PRE day-to-day activities and reporting requirements. Minimum Qualifications:
Active Secret Security Clearance
Master's Degree in field related to social science research or evaluation
4+ years of related experience Strong social science research background
Substantial experience in assisting clients to develop program design, monitoring and evaluation plans
Substantial experience developing and implementing components of evidence gathering such as research and fact-finding, performance measurement, policy analysis, and/or program evaluation
Experience working with and guiding multiple teams of people of varying levels of experience engaged in social science research
Experience with standard software, including the complete Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, SharePoint), and an ability to learn and work with other software, as well as database applications
Knowledge of the principles and methods applicable to researching, analyzing, and writing material Familiarity with principles and practices of knowledge management
Familiarity with formulating, writing, and implementing reporting mechanisms, policies, processes, and procedures
Experience in formulating and writing office management policies, processes, and procedures Experience in developing reports with quantitative and qualitative data
Demonstrated skills or knowledge of global internet access and research capabilities
Experience in program administration, operating procedures, oversight, and monitoring
Strong, timely, and precise organizational skills and multi-tasking abilities Strong critical and creative thinking and analytical skills
Strong written and oral communication skills
Strong ability to work independently, with minimal supervision, and multitask in a high volume, fast-paced work environment. Strong ability to also have a flexible, team-oriented approach to work
Excellent ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with colleagues
Ability to exercise personal and professional discretion in handling projects of a sensitive nature. Preferred Qualifications:
Recognized by the professional community as an "expert" in their field
Knowledge of the principles and methods applicable to researching, analyzing, and writing regulatory material and related issue/policy memoranda and interpretations
Experience in tracking document flow and clearance processes and distribution of documents to appropriate personnel. Experience assisting clients in developing "Evidence Act" deliverables Exposure to U.S. foreign affairs agencies Experience working with federal government agencies