Social Cohesion Expert

Social Cohesion Expert, Social Cohesion for Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance (DRG) Project

Social Impact (SI) is a global development management consulting firm. We provide monitoring, evaluation, strategic planning, and capacity building services to advance development effectiveness. We work across all development sectors including democracy and governance, health and education, the environment, and economic growth. Since 1997 we have worked in over 100 countries for clients such as US government agencies, bilateral donors, multilateral development banks, foundations, and nonprofits.

We believe SI is a great place to work and are passionate in our efforts to ensure that this endures. We are proud of our diversity and actively seek to expand it as a way of improving our employees' experience, our collective professional breadth and the quality of the work we do. We promote equity and inclusion through our policies and practices and build a culture of belonging for everyone where differences and authenticity are honored and embraced. We work hard to create opportunities for growth and ensure that our staff are fulfilled and engaged. We believe we are better when we collaborate, learn from one another, and have fun while working hard.

Social Cohesion for Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance (DRG) Objective:

Social cohesion is an abstract concept with potential application across all development sectors. There is a body of program evaluations and evidence reviews that examine social cohesion approaches to promote peace and reduce violent conflict. Recently, organizations have published toolkits and guides to social cohesion that make broader recommendations for designing and measuring social cohesion interventions. Through this task, the USAID DRG Bureau will pursue three interrelated research inquiries that will be used to advance the goals of the Bureau for Democracy Human Rights and Governance Social Cohesion Framework ("the Framework") and DRG Policy Pivot 2.

One, the DRG Bureau will survey the social cohesion literature and identify lessons, tools, and approaches to achieve DRG results. Two, the DRG Bureau will survey the literature on how polarization affects democratic political culture and what are effective interventions to mitigate or prevent polarization. Three, the DRG Bureau will examine the evidence about deliberative democracy's impact on reducing polarization and building social cohesion and evaluate the effectiveness of pilot programs.

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   Social Cohesion Literature Review: A review of the social cohesion literature that draws lessons relevant to USAID DRG interventions and clarifies social cohesion-relevant evidence gaps across the DRG sector. will examine ways to adapt social cohesion thinking and approaches to democracy, human rights, and governance efforts around the world. It will identify practical ways for the DRG Bureau to implement DRG Policy Pivot 2 (Intensify the focus on norms and values that build social cohesion and cultivate democratic political culture and processes) and, as appropriate.

   
   

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   Polarization and Social Cohesion: The second line of inquiry will survey the literature on how polarization affects democratic political culture focusing on the specific mechanisms linking polarization to reduced social cohesion. In addition, this survey will examine the evidence on the effectiveness of various programs or strategies designed to reduce polarization or mitigate its negative effects, such as that being produced by the SNF Agora Institute, with a specific focus on cases from Global South countries.

   
   

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   Deliberation and Social Cohesion Study: The third line of research will build on the findings of the first two. It will focus on civic spaces for discourse and deliberation, exploring the potential use of emerging technologies. It will explore ways to design civic spaces for healthier and more effective deliberation on policy issues, reducing toxic discourse, and cultivating democratic norms. It will map the intellectual space, convening scholars, practitioners, and technologists examining these issues from the civil society and governance sectors. On the demand side, the research will survey and consider the diverse efforts of research organizations, NGOs, and citizens organizations designing and deploying new technologies for democratic deliberation. On the supply/institutional side, it will examine the potential for deliberative democracy, as defined by the OECD, in USAID countries. To date, deliberative democracy governance approaches have been tested largely in Western Europe and North America. The research will explore opportunities to experiment with these approaches in other parts of the globe.

   
   

Position Description:

SI is seeking a Social Cohesion Expert that will be a core member of the project team, consisting of at minimum a Team Leader, a social cohesion subject matter expert, and management team support. The Social Cohesion Expert will be responsible for providing management and technical expertise to produce deliverables and follow reporting requirements. Work will begin in September 2024, and the project is anticipated to conclude around February/March 2025. The estimated level of effort for this position is 50 to 55 days.

Please submit your CV in English for best consideration of your candidacy. CVs must not exceed 10 pages.

Responsibilities:

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  Lead or participate in a small set of consultative interviews with key stakeholders to inform research design.

  
  

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  Contribute to literature review and reporting on 1) social cohesion, and 2) polarization and social cohesion.

  
  

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  Contribute to research and reporting on 3) deliberation and social cohesion, building on findings of 1 and 2.

  
  

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  Depending on final agreement with USAID, potentially participate in a social cohesion roundtable and/or utilization workshop.

  
  

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  Support Team Leader in the development of an assessment tool drawing on findings of 1, 2 and 3 to help partners and USAID staff design and deliver more effective programming that improves social cohesion outcomes.

  
  

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  Deliver presentation(s) of preliminary and/or final results.

  
  

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  Participate in regular check-ins as established by the Team Leader and management team.

  
  

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  Work closely with the management team and other team members in a timely and effective manner.

  
  

Qualifications:

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  Experience working on literature reviews or other projects related to democracy, human rights, and governance.

  
  

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  Substantial experience in designing, managing, researching, or leading relevant social cohesion related programs (10+ years).

  
  

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  Strong experience with desk research and literature review methodologies.

  
  

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  Strong knowledge of USAID programming policies and practices.

  
  

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  Experience designing and conducting evaluations for USAID.

  
  

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  Master's degree (or equivalent) in related field.

  
  

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  Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. A commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive work and learning environment.

  
  

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  Strong written and oral English language skills required.

  
  

Come join our energetic and innovative team! We offer you the opportunity to play a leading role in the growth of our company, work as part of a creative and committed team, and make a difference in the well-being of our world.

To learn more about Social Impact, please visit our website: http://www.socialimpact.com.

SI is an EEO/AA/ADA Veterans Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Only selected candidates will be contacted for an interview. Please, no phone calls.