Economist, Manager, Impact Evaluations

1. Summary

Causal Design is an economic consulting firm conducting rigorous program evaluations and analysis for international development organizations. Our evaluations are designed to provide timely and practical information to decision makers working to end poverty and inequality. We are looking for a social/economic researcher to join our team. While we work collaboratively on all our projects, the Impact Evaluation focused Economist will be expected to work fairly independently as they are often on site with our NGO partners (including in the field). This role is primarily focused on impact evaluations but there will be opportunity to learn and apply other methodologies.

 This is primarily a technical role with some client-facing responsibilities. Economist Managers (Grade-9) are expected to spend 75% of their time directly supporting projects; the remaining time will be spent training/supervising staff and supporting proposals for new projects.

The applicant should be experienced at least one, and knowledgeable in most of the following evaluation tools:

• Econometric methods for Impact Evaluation, Cost Benefit Analysis, Cost Effectiveness Analysis, Growth Diagnostics, Program Evaluation, and M&E systems more generally.
• The position is expected to participate in all aspects of our business, but the primary role is to manage a range of evaluations, especially impact evaluations. This position is Denver, CO or Washington D.C. based with remote possibility and the potential for extensive international travel.

2. Responsibilities

This position will be expected to leverage technical expertise to complete and comfortably manage all aspects of Evaluation design and implementation across a range of complexity within individual evaluation projects.

Evaluation and Assessment Design and Management

• Support the evaluation process from design through to dissemination
• Manage all aspects of data collection and data quality exercises
  • Craft quantitative survey tools, sampling plans, and field manuals
  • Ensure implementation of quality assurance protocols and quality control
    activities
  • Lead or oversee enumerator training and management activity
  • Carry out econometric analysis approaches including: Development of econometric analysis plans, including description and justification for the methods used to explore data
  • Lead technical contributions in other Assessments or Evaluation Methodologies, which may include:
  • Literature reviews
  • Cost analyses including cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analysis
  • Qualitative inquiry

Impact Evaluation Team Support

• • Follow standardized IE unit processes and best practices as developed by IE Unit
    management team
  • Train or guide research analysts and economists on relevant aspects of evaluation
  • Support projects effectively, including managing self and team, maintaining timelines and budgets, and coordinating with donors and clients

General Administrative Functions

• • Assist with project proposals, grant applications, or concept notes for future projects
  • Coordinate regularly with management level staff to implement firm-wide initiatives and
    protocols,

3. Qualifications

• • Bachelor’s Degree with 4 years of experience in Impact Evaluation or a Masters Degree with 2 years of experience; in Public Policy, Development Economics, or Statistics
  • Quantitative – a strong applicant will have most, but is not required to have all, of the following:
    • Extensive experience conducting impact evaluations;
    • Experience conducting program performance evaluations;
    • Extensive experience leading data collection (survey design, coding, and enumerator
      management);
    • Co-Authored applied research or policy papers where analysis is tied to practical
      recommendations;
    • Experience working in the field with an NGO/implementor.
  • Qualitative – You should have enough technical experience to be confident in managing qualitative focused evaluations from start to finish. This means translating a client’s Terms of Reference into a meaningful research plan, leading the evaluation, supporting data collection (e.g. leading focus group discussions or key informant interviews), writing in compelling, succinct, and honest language, and delivering a polished report with recommendations tied to analysis and results.
  • Must be an American citizen or have US work authorization.

4. Our Team

We are a small firm with an ambitious vision. Our team is passionate about innovating practical evaluation strategies and providing phenomenal support to our clients working to end poverty. You should be excited about being client facing. Our goal is to support implementers – not just do research. We strongly prefer researchers who have a background or experience in implementing projects, so the more you understand and empathize with the challenges of their work the better.

5. Employment

This is a full-time, exempt, employee role with Causal Design. Only candidates with the authorization to work in the USA for any employer need apply. The salary range is $62,805 to $81,648 and will be based on experience.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative team environment
• Professional development opportunities
• Eleven paid holidays
• 20 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) annually
• Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement (QSEHRA) allowance

6. Application

To Apply: If you are passionate about international development, possess the necessary qualifications, and are ready to make a meaningful impact in the field, we encourage you to apply. Join our team at Causal Design Inc. and be part of a dynamic environment dedicated to driving positive change through data-driven decision-making. To apply, please submit your resume, cover letter, and any relevant supporting documents to jobs@causaldesign.com by the application deadline. NOTE: Please put “Economist Manager  Job Application” and add your first and last name in the subject line of the email. 

7. Equal Employment Opportunity/Fair Employment Practices

Causal Design is an equal opportunity employer and makes decisions based on merit and business needs. The Company does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation, or gender (which includes gender identity or gender expression), pregnancy (including childbirth or related conditions and lactation/breastfeeding), marital status, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information,taking or requesting statutorily protected leave or other benefit, or any other characteristics protected by federal or state laws, regulations, and/or any executive order, except as allowed by law. In addition, the Company prohibits the harassment of any individual on any of the bases listed above or any other protected characteristics.