Economic Development Evaluation Consultant

Background

Welcome to Scofield Associates, your premier research partner in the Horn of Africa. With a steadfast commitment to excellence, we have established ourselves as a leading research firm operating across nine countries in this dynamic and diverse region. Our extensive presence allows us to provide unparalleled insights and comprehensive analysis, tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. Our expertise spans various sectors, including governance, development, security, and public policy. We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, evidence-based research that informs decision-making and fosters positive change.

Operating in nine countries across the Horn of Africa, Scofield Associates is strategically positioned to capture the region’s complex realities. Our extensive network and local knowledge enable us to conduct thorough research and provide valuable insights that reflect the nuanced contexts of each country. This broad reach ensures that we remain at the forefront of developments in the region, offering our clients the most relevant and up-to-date information.

At Scofield Associates, we offer a wide range of research services designed to meet the diverse needs of our clients. These include Qualitative and Quantitative Research, Policy Analysis and Development, Program Management, Monitoring and Evaluation, Organization Capacity Assessment, and Big Data Analytics. We employ robust methodologies to gather and analyze data, assist policymakers with evidence-based recommendations, assess the impact and effectiveness of development initiatives, provide training and support to local institutions, and harness the power of big data for comprehensive insights.

Scofield Associates is seeking a highly qualified consultant for an anticipated research task. This is an evaluation that aims to assess various economic development initiatives aligned with the Building an Inclusive Prosperity (BIP) Strategy, emphasizing economic productivity, job creation, and business environment enhancement in Tanzania.

Evaluation Objectives:

1. Identify key drivers of success and challenges in economic development work in Tanzania over the past five years.
2. Document strengths and weaknesses of the BIP Strategy’s focus on economic productivity, job creation, and business environment enhancement.
3. Assess the effectiveness of FCDO’s new approach to development, emphasizing partnerships and utilization of diverse levers.
4. Provide actionable recommendations to strengthen the UK’s approach to economic development in Tanzania.

Methodology:

The evaluation will employ a theory-based qualitative approach, focusing on the economic pillars of the BIP Strategy. Key methods include:

1. Light-touch context and political access assessment.
2. Outcome-focused evaluation techniques (e.g., outcome harvesting, process tracing) to trace the contribution of UK levers to specific outcomes.
3. Case studies of impactful and innovative interventions, focusing on tax reform and UK commercial facilitation.
4. Key informant interviews with key stakeholders involved in the BIP Strategy.
5. Contribution analysis to assess the broader contribution of UK efforts to specific outcomes.
6. Process evaluation of the BIP Strategy’s design and implementation.
7. Exploration of inclusion and gender considerations.

Timeline:

The evaluation is expected to be completed within a period of Six months, starting from October 2024 – April 2025.

Consultant Qualifications:

1. Minimum of a master’s degree in economics, development studies, or a related field. A Ph.D. is preferred.
2. At least five years of experience in conducting evaluations using qualitative methods, ideally within the Tanzanian.
3. Senior technical expertise in economic development, trade and investment, and diplomacy/influencing.
4. Experience in organizational development and learning.
5. Experience working with USAID, FCDO, or other international development partners.
6. Experience working in Tanzania.
7. Specific emphasis on outcome harvesting in research.
8. Demonstrated ability to navigate complex political economies and engage with diverse stakeholders.
9. Evidence of published work in peer-reviewed journals.