Rwanda Assessment Manager – Bicycles for Growth at J.E. Austin Associates, Inc: (Deadline 13 April 2022)

Rwanda Assessment Manager – Bicycles for Growth at J.E. Austin Associates, Inc: (Deadline 13 April 2022)

1.About the Project

The Bicycles for Growth (BFG) project is a five-year, five-country project funded by USAID and implemented by J.E. Austin Associates (JAA) and World Bicycle Relief (WBR). The purpose of the project is to help improve sustainable access to and uptake of appropriate, affordable bicycles in sub-Saharan Africa, thereby increasing mobility, particularly in rural areas, and aid in alleviating poverty. This project seeks to research, design, develop, test, pilot, and validate methodologies for improving availability, reliability and affordability of fit-for-purpose bicycles that meet the needs and preferences of men, women, boys, and girls. The project is applying a market systems lens to bicycles.

The BFG project is divided into two phases – an initial market systems assessment phase and a pilot activity phase building on findings from the assessment phase. Bicycle market systems assessments will be implemented in five countries (Ghana, Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zambia), while pilots will be implemented in two of those countries (to be determined based on findings from the assessment phase).

2.About the Role

JAA is seeking to hire a part-time Rwanda Assessment Manager to assist with the final design and implementation of the Rwandan bicycle market system assessment. The Rwanda Assessment Manager will work closely with JAA and WBR staff to coordinate meetings/interactions between the project team and in-country stakeholders, including interviews, workshops, meetings, and other similar engagements. They will also conduct various tasks related to the bicycle market systems assessment, such as data collection support and outreach; oversee the work of the Research Partner (a local research firm or organization contracted by the BFG project); and support other Research Partner activities as needed.

The Rwanda Assessment Manager will be a Rwandan citizen or permanent resident based in Rwanda.

3. Responsibilities

The Rwanda Assessment Manager will be responsible for assisting with the implementation of the bicycle market system assessment. Tasks will include:

1. Orientation, Research and Scoping

• Orientation in BFG project and market systems methodology
• Conduct any background research or support further literature review efforts, as necessary
• Identify key actors in the existing country bicycle market system representing demand (e.g., agencies purchasing bicycles), supply (e.g., bicycle wholesalers and retailers), and supporting systems (e.g., government agencies, business associations, logistics companies, advocacy groups, etc.)
• Facilitate and schedule initial meetings (virtual or in-person) involving key informants and the BFG team, as determined by the JAA Assessment Lead
• Assist in advertising the Research Partner RFP and assist in identifying qualifying, local firms to complete the duties of the Research Partner
• Advise BFG scoping team on the assessment implementation plan and locations
• Coordinate scoping logistics as necessary

2. Assessment Preparation

• Provide inputs and feedback on planned activities and project tools including interview guides and surveys
• Work with the JAA Assessment Lead and Research Partner to plan and schedule fieldwork
• Schedule necessary research activities as needed, especially Key Informant Interviews, considering geographic location and time needed to travel between interview sites
• Manage administration and logistics in-country for the assessment team, including arranging transportation and accommodations
• Assist in the project’s outreach and networking with national and local government officials and staff, bicycle suppliers and service providers, financial institutions, other related businesses, community service organizations, business associations and other non-government institutions, and other bicycle market systems stakeholders

3. Assessment Implementation

• Provide supervision and administrative support to the Research Partner’s day-to-day activities, including during field activities
• Manage administration and logistics for the assessment team, if in-country
• Conduct key informant interviews or follow up engagement with stakeholders as needed
• Regular communication with JAA Assessment Lead, including immediate discussion of any challenges or issues that arise during the assessment

4. Other Desktop Support

• Generate written summaries of meetings and other project engagements
• Conduct data gathering and access in-country resources, such as local databases, policy documents, and other reports
• Provide written inputs and feedback on country market systems assessment and quarterly reports
• Maintain communications with bicycle market systems stakeholders
• Coordinate with JAA Project Manager on any other invoicing or assessment administration needs
• Provide written inputs and feedback on country market systems assessment and quarterly reports

4. Qualifications

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Economics, Business Administration, Public Administration, Development Studies, or similar fields; advanced degree preferred
• Familiarity with market systems and related approaches (e.g., value chains) to development
• Experience conducting USAID-funded assessments or evaluations
• At least five (5) years of experience working in a professional environment
• At least four (4) years of experience providing administrative support for events, programs, or teams
• Experience with research, including quantitative survey administration, conducting key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs)
• Strong writing and communication skills in English
• Strong problem-solving skills and a capacity to work independently according to strict deadlines
• Detail-oriented approach to work
• Ability to network and communicate with leaders in government and private sector
• Understanding of economic and social challenges that are particular to rural areas
• Rwandan citizenship or permanent residency required

Established networks with potential bicycle market system stakeholders and experience with donor-funded projects are assets, though not required.

5. Schedule and Level of Effort

This is a short-term consulting assignment for up to 40 days level of effort (LOE); the period of performance for this assignment is from on/around April 2022-August 2022. The anticipated LOE distribution is presented below, however the final LOE allocation will be programmed with the JAA Assessment Lead based on the final assessment calendar and project needs.

The Rwanda Assessment Manager must be available full-time, 100% effort, during the Assessment Implementation phase (approximately 3 weeks); all other tasks are compatible with part-time hours.

6. Reporting Relationships

The Rwanda Assessment Manager will report to the JAA Assessment Lead.

To apply, please submit a CV and 1 page cover letter to Kylie Grow at kgrow@jeaustin.com by the deadline. Please highlight your key relevant competencies and experience in your cover letter, referring to the Assessment Manager SOW. Do not include any demographic information in your materials, including: gender, age, sexuality, religion, race, ethnic group. Please do not include a photograph of yourself.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis; applications will be reviewed as they are received.