Research Coordinator: Assessment to inform energy design

Research Coordinator

Assessment to inform energy design

USAID Learns Contract

Hanoi, Vietnam

Apply here

https://phg.tbe.taleo.net/phg02/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=SOCIIMPA2&cws=39&rid=4818 [1]

Note: This post is open only to local candidates.

About Social Impact

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.

Project Objective

SI is implementing the USAID/Vietnam Learns Contract (USAID Learns). The scope of the five-year project is to support USAID/Vietnam staff and partners to implement more efficient, effective, and transparent programs by improving: (1) USAID and Implementing Partner (IP) capacity to achieve expected results; (2) USAID’s understanding and tracking of project performance; and (3) collaborating, learning, and adapting (CLA).

Background

Energy is among the challenges of low-and-middle income countries’ sustainable development. In Vietnam, energy demand is increasing while the capacity to develop additional energy sources such as hydropower and thermal power (coal, gas) is limited. Vietnam must address two issues at the same time, namely ensuring energy security to meet the needs of daily life, production, and economic development; and protecting the environment and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Over the last 10 years in Vietnam, government, business and individuals have been paying much more attention to green growth and sustainable growth. The issues of energy security, clean energy, and energy efficiency have increased significantly in the number of articles and bulletins in the mass media, including social networks.

Over the past decade, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has significantly provided support to the Government of Vietnam (GVN) in designing and implementing a strategic plan to guide Vietnam on energy generation and transmission to meet energy needs as the country moves away from a coal-based power system to a greener, cleaner system based on renewable energy and natural gas. USAID works closely with the GVN, local government, private sector and financial institutions to develop and implement energy policies and plans that support scaling up clean energy and mobilizing much needed investment from the private sector.

Purpose and Use of the Assessment

USAID/Vietnam requested USAID Learns to conduct an assessment to explore the possible areas of engagement in the energy sector in Vietnam to support Vietnam in achieving its net-zero emission goal. The assessment also identifies opportunities for advancing cross-cutting priorities, including, but not limited to gender equality, women’s empowerment, and inclusive development.

Research Questions

To reach the defined purpose, the assessment should be able to answer the following questions:

1. What are the major constraints (and opportunities) related to Vietnam’s clean energy development on which USAID programs could potentially have an impact?

• Clean Energy development challenges and opportunities
• Donor mapping: gaps and opportunities
• JETP alignment: how can USAID programming fill gaps in current/planned JETP TA requirements(Including Just Transition^[1])?

2. How should USAID/Vietnam engage with key stakeholders (including but not limited to the private sector, provinces and ministries) in its energy programming to support Vietnam's transition into a greener energy system?

• What is the needed technical support for these stakeholders?
• What are the available engagement models for USAID/Vietnam to consider? (taking into account project approval, relevant contractual options for USAID/Vietnam procurement, power dynamic among ministries, and between the national and provincial level)
• In what areas can USAID programming play a catalytic role in advancing energy sector priorities in coordination with other stakeholder groups?

3. What are opportunities related to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment in the energy sector that are meaningful for USAID/Vietnam to support? 

Position Description

USAID Learns seeks a Research Coordinator to help conduct this assignment. The Research Coordinator will work closely with the Team Leader, an Energy Governance Expert, and a Gender Expert to conduct the assessment. USAID Learns will provide additional support in terms of project management, quality assurance, event facilitation, and interpretation/translation if necessary.

Methodology

The research questions are expected to be answered first through a desk study of available literature and secondary data. Research questions should be partly addressed in detail by extracting, analyzing, and synthesizing existing data and information from available sources. Consultation meetings, panel discussions and facilitated workshops will be held upon the need to seek further information or clarifications in later stages.

Deliverables and Timelines

The assignment is set to commence in April 2024 and be completed by August 2024. An indicative timeline is set out in the table below.

Timelines: April 2024 – August 2024

Level of effort (LOE): up to 40 days

Responsibilities

• Perform desk review and identify additional information required for analysis
• Support the team in research design, methodology, and data collection instruments
• Coordinate the research activities, including meetings, interviews, note taking
• Provide logistics support for assessment activities, including interviews, meetings, group discussion, fieldwork, and events
• Conduct interviews as needed and contribute to data collection and analysis
• Support the preparation and presentation of the key findings and recommendations to USAID and related stakeholders
• Write assigned section of the draft report in coordination with the team members, taking into consideration feedback from the validation event
• Work collaboratively with team members throughout design, implementation, analysis, and report writing to complement each other's areas of expertise.

Qualifications 

• A Bachelor’s degree, with preference for degree relevant to research, energy public policy, international development, or another related field?
• 5 years of experience supporting or conducting research?
• Must be able to conduct interviews and focus group discussion and analyze the resulting data
• Sound experience with administration and/or logistics for data collection, specifically coordinating data collection activities?
• Demonstrated organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to take detailed notes?
• Ability to work independently to meet deadlines and adhere to high-quality standards?
• Research experience related to energy preferred?
• Fluency in English and Vietnamese and in-depth knowledge of the operating environment in Vietnam required?
• The candidate must be Vietnamese and reside in Vietnam.  

The closing date for application: April 07, 2024. Selection and interviews will be performed constantly and interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

To apply, please merge your CV and a cover letter into one pdf file and submit it through the online portal.

To learn more about Social Impact, please visit our website:http://www.socialimpact.com [2]

SI is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

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