Description
Evidence and Learning Practice (ELP)

ELP is responsible for providing technical support for IRI’s monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) efforts, led by two sub teams, the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Team and the Evaluation and Research (E&R) team. The M&E team advises and assists program staff with MEL related aspects of proposal development, project start up, project implementation (including monitoring, learning, and evaluations) and close out. The E&R Team leads thematic, cross-cutting or donor priority evaluation and research, produces thematic technical guidance to help teams understand sound program design principles and tests program theories that result in more innovative and effective projects. Together, ELP helps program teams create and implement better projects informed by IRI’s evidence base.

Job Summary:

Every employee of IRI is responsible for carrying out the Mission of IRI and demonstrating the Core Values in their day to day operations. The Core Values, which are IRI’s foundational building blocks include:

Excellence- We believe in quality results delivered by investing in people. Freedom- We believe in exploration and experimentation to be agile and responsive. Respect- We believe in trust, empathy and empowering people. Teamwork- We believe in diversity, inclusion and the power of global collaboration. Transparency- We believe in open communication and clear decision-making. Accountability- We believe in personal responsibility as the foundation of success.

IRI is creating student and employee partnerships that facilitate growth and development of IRI’s future leadership. The intern will support the work of IRI’s Evidence and Learning Practice.

This position will start on January 8, 2024 for no more than sixteen (16) weeks and may not be extended. This is a paid position, at $17.00 per hour. Intern working hours will be minimum 20 hours per week.

Both Hybrid and Virtual candidates are encouraged to apply.

Position Requirements:

Current student in, or recent graduate of, an undergraduate or graduate program in political science, international relations, or related field. Current graduate students or those with graduate degrees preferred.
Experience with Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint required. Experience with Microsoft Forms or other survey software preferred, but not required.
Excellent writing, research, communication, and time management skills.
An interest in research and program monitoring and evaluation.
Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
Be able to commit at least 20-25 hours a week.
Foster and contribute to initiatives that build an equitable and inclusive workplace that embraces diverse identities, backgrounds and experiences.
Display cultural and gender sensitivity, engage with colleagues and partners in a respectful, welcoming manner and demonstrate integrity by modeling IRI’s values.

Responsibilities:
Monitoring, Evaluation and Research Support:
Support ELP with coordination and process management of upcoming program evaluations and data quality assessments.
Provide desk-based qualitative research support on democracy and governance issues, including political parties, democratic erosion, information disorders, civic engagement and social movements.
With guidance from ELP, conduct analysis of qualitative and/or quantitative data, including interview transcripts and program documents, for program and portfolio evaluation and institutional learning efforts.
At the direction of the relevant ELP database lead, support data quality efforts by reviewing IRI’s Institute-wide Results database for data completeness, relevance, timeliness, and other standards in accordance with donor specifications and basic MEL principles.
Administrative Support:
Support ELP with the development and implementation of MEL systems and policies.
Assist in the design, organization, and implementation of ELP virtual events, including internal and external webinars, trainings, and workshops.
Prepare ELP products for public and funder consumption, including copy editing, creating data visualizations, managing references and formatting documents.
Identify and regularly share professional development courses and opportunities with ELP staff.

Learning Outcomes:
Gain exposure to common monitoring and evaluation elements, such as developing logical frameworks, performance indicators and data collection tools.
Become familiar with international democracy and governance programming.
Become familiar with research methods, practices and standards within international development and the democracy and governance field.
Gain experience with data management, including data cleaning and quality assurance procedures.
Gain familiarity with different United States Government funder MEL requirements.

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