MERCY CORPS INTERNSHIP SCOPE OF WORK

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INTERNSHIPTITLE:Economic Developmentand Peacebuilding M&E Intern

INTERN WORKSITE LOCATION:Maluku, Indonesia

ANTICIPATED DATES OF INTERNSHIP:May 15-Aug 30, 2009

ANTICIPATED LENGTH OF INTERNSHIP:2-3 months

INTERN SUPERVISOR:Florindo (Miki) Bell, MERP PM and Rebecca Wolfe, SPO MC-CMG

INTERNSHIP CONTACT: Malka Older

FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR THE INTERNSHIP:

  • Intern responsibilities

Intern will remain responsible for all costs associated with: airfare to and from Indonesia, accommodation, insurance

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

In 2006, Mercy Corps began implementing the Maluku Economic Recovery Program (MERP), which received additional funding from New Zealand Aid in 2009 (MERP II). This program aims to strengthen local capacity to support durable returns and to address the key causes of conflict through economic development projects and peacebuilding practices that bring divided communities together.

In 2009, Mercy Corps won a research grant from USAID entitled “Evaluation and Assessment of Poverty and Conflict/Fragility Interventions (EAPC).” This research grant examines the relationship between economic development and peacebuilding. The project will: 1) develop indicators that measure how economic development and peacebuilding programs contribute to stability and economic growth; 2) develop and test data collection tools (e.g. survey instruments, violence reporting forms, participatory impact assessments); 3) apply these new indicators and tools to a field case; and 4) write and disseminate findings and lessons learned to the donor and practitioner community.

The Economic Development and Peacebuilding M&E Intern will be an integral member of this team. S/he will work closely with both the MERPII field staff and the States-based coordinator of the research project to develop, implement, and documentseveral mid-term M&E activities, which may include a household survey, participatory conflict mapping, key informant interviews, focus groups discussions, incident reporting, and other participatory impact assessment (PIA) methodologies.

OBJECTIVES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsibilities will include:

1)Refine indicators and develop data collection tools that will test the theories of change. These can include measures of:

  • Economic linkages
  • Social linkages
  • Good governance measures
  • Local government-local community relationships
  • Levels of community tension and/or violent incidents

2)Incorporate EAPC tools and measures where possible

3)Rollout new tools and measures in mid-term Economic-Peacebuilding study

4)Write a mid-term report for the MERP program focusing on the links between economic development and peacebuilding;

5)Document lessons learned throughout the tool development process

6)Assist with EAPC case study report.

All activities will be carried out in close collaboration with the MERP field team and the coordinator of the research project.

DELIVERABLES:

  • mid-term evaluation report
  • 2-3 field tested data collection tools including guidelines
  • report of the tool development process

IDEAL CANDIDATE SHOULD POSSESS THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:

  • MA/S candidate or equivalent in International Development or related field
  • Excellent writing skills and analytical abilities
  • Strong research skills and the ability to distill key points/themes out of large amounts of information
  • Technical skills using Word, Excel, PowerPoint and web-based platforms such as Wikis and discussion forums (the internship does not require any programming)
  • Experience working outside the US on conflict management programming and/or M&E of international development or peacebuilding programs desired
  • Experience conducting social science or econometric research related to poverty or conflict desired
  • Ability to work both independently and in a small team on on-going and short-term projects

LIVING CONDITIONS:Maluku, Indonesia

The office of the MC Maluku program is located in Ambon – a city of around 400,000 residents – with access to some conveniences such as restaurants and shops. Living conditions are generally basic although it is possible to find apartments with air conditioning and television, and there are reasonably good hotels. Some foreign foods are difficult to find. Maluku experienced conflict from 1999-2003 but has been fairly stable since 2004.

Interested candidates should apply online at

SIGNATURES:

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InternDate

Intern Scope of Work 11/2/2009