Short Term Technical Consultant – Evidence Review and Program Design

The individual will utilise their knowledge and experience of delivering similar solutions to conduct an evidence review of wage subsidies to SMEs that fulfil programme objectives and provide recommendations on the design and delivery of the wage subsidy component.

This position requires a candidate with strong experience in the design or evaluation of enterprise development and job creation programmes, and practical know-how in research.

Primary responsibilities

• Develop methodology and framework for evidence review on the use and impact of wage subsidies to micro, small and medium enterprises in the context of Lebanon, the region, and global best practices. This should include a set of learning questions and a list of potential primary and secondary data sources, to be agreed with STEP;
• Conduct an evidence review on the use and impact of wage subsidies to SMEs, involving both key informant interviews in Lebanon, technical literature review and secondary market research and analysis to identify best practices and lessons to implement such an intervention that is relevant to STEP’s existing design and delivery;
• Provide recommendations on the design and operational delivery of the wage subsidy offering of STEP in particular, its suitability to support programme objectives through integration with other programme components: sustainable job creation for Lebanese employees, off-setting conflict-related risks among groups and encouraging employment of vulnerable groups;
• Work closely with the STEP team and partners to evaluate and refine the design of STEP’s SME and beneficiary intervention package, features and delivery model; and
• Support the STEP team to refine the delivery and partnership model and negotiation strategy, including a partner evaluation methodology.

Deliverables

• Evidence review framework, methodology and timeline
• Evidence review report summarizing primary and secondary research and capturing key analysis, findings and lessons learned relevant to STEP
• Report on the design and delivery recommendations for offering STEP’s wage subsidy to SMEs

Required qualifications and professional experience

• Minimum 10 years’ relevant experience working in program design and evaluation, preferably in private sector development, SME support, or employment programs, or related fields
• Experience delivering research, evidence gathering and learning  for job creation programmes;, as demonstrated in written reports and publications
• Strong analytical skills
• Fluency in written and oral communication skills in English

Administrative Scope:

Position: Technical Consultant

Location: Beirut, Lebanon

Number of days: 20 to 25 days, with up to 50% working in Lebanon

Reports to: Technical Manager

Timeframe: Starting SOctober 1, 2018 until November 9, 2018

Conditions: Taxes will be applicable depending on registration and residency status

Submission guidelines: Send a CV and proposal with a recommended methodology, approach and timeline