Originally posted on the GBI Portal

Anti-corruption, Civil Society, Democracy & Governance, Elections, Governances, Open Project Positions, Rule of Law

Project Director, USAID Analytical Services V (ASV)

Position: Project Director, USAID Analytical Services V (ASV)

Location: Remote/Washington DC

Integra is seeking Project Director candidates for an upcoming proposal on the multi-year Analytical Services V contract. This mechanism will provide the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance’s Center of Excellence on Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance (DCHA/DRG) with the means to support US foreign policy objectives by promoting resilient, democratic societies. Support for DRG is vital to the pursuit of freedom and national security and is essential to achieve the Agency’s and the US Government’s broader social and economic development goals. The IDIQ will directly build on USAID’s DRG Strategy by supporting USAID Missions and other operating units to develop strategies and projects that will have the greatest impact.

Responsibilities:

Provide overall leadership and technical direction throughout the project’s life with a focus on achieving results as described in the contract.
Provide technical inputs on select activity proposal efforts.
Serve as a primary point of contact for USAID staff and relevant stakeholders, reporting on progress, assessing evolving needs, and communicating lessons learned.
Contribute to technical work products, provide quality assurance, and own the delivery of high-value reports and workshops to USAID clients.
Work with Integra home-office staff in personnel, contract administration and financial management of the overall project.

REQUIREMENTS:

Advanced degree in economics, statistics, sociology, international development or other social science fields.
Minimum of 10 years of experience in MEL and research activities for international development.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in direct management or oversight of USAID projects.
Experience working with USAID/DRG, BHA or OTI preferred.
Expertise in democratic governance, free and fair elections, promoting independent media, civic engagement, rule of law, human rights, e-governance and digital democracy, anti-corruption, and countering authoritarianism highly preferred.
Proficiency in USAID regulations, FAR, ADS, procurement procedures, and contract compliance.
Experience managing teams of internal staff and consultants resulting in successful project delivery, with a strong preference for experience in managing the concurrent implementation of multiple task orders under similar IDIQ mechanisms.
Demonstrated experience in technical proposal writing skills for USAID, Department of State, Millennium Challenge Corporation, or other donors for procurement opportunities.
The ability to produce high-quality technical work expeditiously and independently.
Strong people skills evidenced by client and team management experience, including through Project Manager roles.
Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Remuneration Package: A competitive package would be offered based on salary history and
work experience.

HOW TO APPLY: Qualified and interested candidates should submit a cover letter and CV to jobs@integrallc.com. Please include “Project Director, USAID Analytical Services V (ASV)” in the subject line of the e-mail. No phone calls please. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

January 9, 2025/by jschur

Anti-corruption, Civil Society, Democracy & Governance, Elections, Governances, Open Project Positions, Rule of Law

CHIEF OF PARTY (COP)– EGYPT EVALUATION MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY

JOB TITLE: CHIEF OF PARTY (COP) – EGYPT EVALUATION MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY

Location: Cairo, Egypt
Position Type: Full-time, contingent upon contract award
Application Deadline: TBD

Overview:
Integra seeks a dynamic, experienced, and highly motivated Chief of Party (COP) to lead the USAID/Egypt Evaluation Management Activity. This role will oversee all project implementation aspects, providing technical leadership and managerial oversight to ensure the successful delivery of monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) services. The COP will serve as the primary point of contact with USAID, stakeholders, and implementing partners and will ensure the project meets its objectives within budget and timeline. This position is contingent upon contract award, anticipated in September/October 2025.

Integra, USAID’s 2021 small business of the year, specializes in implementing demand-driven development analytics, monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL), private sector engagement, and capacity-building projects. Our broad technical expertise encompasses ICT, agriculture and food security, economic growth, energy, and environment and natural resources. We have provided analytical and MEL services to donor-funded projects for over ten years, working across more than 50 countries, impacting millions of stakeholders, and leveraging over $1.2 billion in public and private investment for development reforms.

Responsibilities:

Leadership & Coordination: Serve as the primary liaison between Integra, USAID, the Government of Egypt, and other project stakeholders. Maintain strong relationships with USAID’s Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and other key stakeholders. Provide overall leadership to ensure the activity meets its objectives and operates per USAID regulations and best practices.
Project Management: Oversee the development, implementation, and adaptive management of work plans and budgets. Ensure all project activities are completed on time, within scope, and within budget. Supervise project staff, subcontractors, and partners, fostering effective communication, collaboration, and problem-solving.
Technical Oversight: Lead all monitoring, evaluation, data collection, learning, and dissemination efforts under the project. Ensure the application of sound evaluation methodologies, statistical analysis, and robust data collection techniques. Ensure the quality of MEL services provided under the contract, adapting methods as necessary to suit the unique context of Egypt.
Compliance & Reporting: Ensure all project activities comply with USAID’s rules and regulations. Oversee the production of high-quality reports and technical documents, conveying findings in a clear, accessible, and visually compelling manner. Identify risks and issues related to project management and implementation and take timely corrective actions as necessary.
Team & Stakeholder Management: Build and manage a skilled, diverse, high-performing team. Foster a collaborative, inclusive work environment that values diverse perspectives and promotes professional development. Work closely with local stakeholders, partners, and government officials to ensure project activities’ coordination, collaboration, and sustainability.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience:
- A minimum of a Master’s degree in public administration, international relations, economics, business administration, law, or a related field.
- At least 10 years of experience designing and leading international development projects, focusing on monitoring, evaluation, and learning.
- Experience leading and implementing large, complex USAID-funded projects, preferably in Egypt or similar contexts.
- Proven experience managing diverse teams and overseeing subcontractors in multicultural settings.
Technical Expertise:
Strong knowledge of evaluation methodologies, statistical analysis, and data collection in challenging environments.
- Experience with experimental design and advanced data analysis techniques is highly desirable.
- Familiarity with USAID’s MEL requirements and regulations.
- Experience building capacity in monitoring and evaluation and training stakeholders on MEL practices.
Skills & Abilities:
- Exceptional leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders.
- Proven ability to manage large budgets and ensure financial accountability in compliance with USAID policies.
- Strong report writing and presentation skills, with the ability to synthesize complex data into clear, actionable recommendations.
- Ability to identify challenges and opportunities in project implementation and adapt strategies as needed.
- Fluency in English (both spoken and written) is required; proficiency in Arabic is highly preferred.
Personal Qualities:
- Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
- A results-oriented mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- Demonstrated flexibility and problem-solving skills in a dynamic and evolving project environment.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and interest in the position to jobs@integrallc.com. Please include the names and contact information of three professional references.

Note: Egyptian citizens are strongly encouraged to apply. This position is contingent upon contract award, expected in September/October 2025.

Integra is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.

December 23, 2024/by jschur

Anti-corruption, Civil Society, Democracy & Governance, Elections, Governances, Open Project Positions, Rule of Law

Evaluation Expert

Position: Evaluation Expert, USAID EE/MELDS

Location: Remote/Washington DC

Integra leads the Europe and Eurasia/Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Decision Support (EE/MELDS) contract for the USAID/Europe and Eurasia (EE) Bureau and missions. Integra provides USAID/EE with technical and advisory services related to monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) of USAID/EE projects and activities to enhance MEL capabilities and collect empirical evidence for programming, learning, and adapting.

Integra is seeking an Evaluation Expert or Senior Evaluation Expert to assist the Evaluation Team Lead in designing, implementing, and reporting USAID project and portfolio performance evaluations in Europe and Eurasia. This role includes contributing to evaluation methodologies, data collection, analysis, and reporting while working closely with team members and stakeholders.

ROLE/RESPONSIBILITIES

Senior Evaluation Expert

Provide guidance on desk review processes, helping the team interpret project documents, data, and stakeholder information frame the evaluation context.
Advise on the evaluation design, including methodologies, data collection tools, and timelines, ensuring alignment with best practices and evaluation goals.
Offer input on team responsibilities and support training efforts, promoting consistent and accurate data collection methods.
Support the team during data collection, providing insights to ensure data quality and actively participating in key stakeholder presentations and workshops as needed.
Review and advise on evaluation report drafts to ensure clarity, comprehensiveness, and alignment with USAID/E&E guidelines.
Serve as a key advisor, coordinating with USAID and implementing partners to uphold ethical standards and ensure a robust evaluation process.

Evaluation Expert

Conduct a detailed desk review of project documents (including reports and collected data) to understand project context and stakeholder involvement.
Assist in designing the evaluation methodology and data collection tools with guidance from senior experts.
Support role assignments and train team members on evaluation tools and methods to ensure consistent data gathering.
Coordinate and participate in data collection activities, including virtual and in-country sessions, ensuring accuracy and thorough documentation.
Contribute to drafting evaluation reports in compliance with USAID/E&E guidelines, and assist in gathering and organizing team inputs.
Collaborate closely with the evaluation team and senior management, maintaining ethical standards and clear communication with stakeholders throughout.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum of 5 years of experience designing and implementing project performance evaluations.
Experience in qualitative and quantitative data collection, analysis, and presentation, including designing KII, FGD, and survey tools, analyzing and visualizing data using qualitative and quantitative analysis tools.
- Preference is given to candidates with experience programming surveys in Kobotoolbox or Survey Monkey.
- Proficiency in conducting qualitative data analysis using ATLAS, Ti, Nvivo, or similar platforms are preferred.
- Data visualization skills using Tableau or PowerBI is a plus.
Experience delivering remote and in-person presentations to present, discuss, validate, and/or co-create evaluation findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
An undergraduate degree is expected, with a strong preference for those holding graduate degrees in Monitoring and Evaluation, Qualitative and Quantitative Research, Statistics, Sociology, International Development, Public Policy, or related fields.
Experience or expertise in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East, and East Asia is preferred.
Working proficiency in English is strongly preferred.

HOW TO APPLY: Qualified and interested candidates should submit a cover letter and CV to jobs@integrallc.com. Please include “Evaluation Expert” in the subject line of the e-mail. No phone calls please. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

November 21, 2024/by jschur

Anti-corruption, Civil Society, Democracy & Governance, Elections, Governances, Open Project Positions, Rule of Law

Project Performance Evaluation Team Lead

Position: Project Performance Evaluation Team Lead, USAID EE/MELDS

Location: Remote/Washington DC

Integra is seeking experienced Evaluation Team Lead candidates to manage the design, execution, and reporting of USAID project and portfolio evaluations in the Europe and Eurasia region. The role involves leading methodology design, team coordination, data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and report development. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to impactful development initiatives in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Conduct comprehensive desk reviews of relevant project and sector documents, including data, reports, and stakeholder information.
Design the evaluation methodology and develop data collection tools in collaboration with the Evaluation Expert.
Delegate and train the evaluation team on their responsibilities and the use of evaluation tools, ensuring accurate and consistent application and understanding.
Lead all phases of data collection (virtual and in-country).
Manage the processing and analysis of data.
Oversee key stakeholder engagements including presentations and workshops.
Develop and refine comprehensive evaluation reports aligned with USAID/E&E guidelines, delegating report sections among team members as appropriate.
Manage the Evaluation Team, coordinate with USAID, and ensure ethical standards are maintained throughout the evaluation.

REQUIREMENTS:

A minimum of eight (8) years of experience implementing project performance evaluations, including serving as Team Lead of 3+ evaluations.
Experience conducting project performance evaluations for USAID is required.
Experience with the World Bank and the United Nations is highly valued.
Experience leading evaluation teams of at least four (4) team members is required.
Experience in qualitative and quantitative data collection, analysis, and presentation, including designing KII, FGD, and survey tools.
Experience analyzing and visualizing data using qualitative and quantitative analysis tools.
Experience beyond the traditional mixed-method evaluation design, including but not limited to case study design, process tracing, system mapping, and outcome harvesting, is preferred.
Experience delivering remote and in-person presentations to discuss, validate, and/or co-create evaluation findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
An undergraduate degree is expected, with a strong preference for those holding graduate degrees in Monitoring and Evaluation, Qualitative and Quantitative Research, Statistics, Sociology, International Development, Public Policy, or related fields.
Experience or expertise in Eastern Europe and/or Central Asia is preferred.
Advanced proficiency and fluency in written and spoken English, equivalent to a native level.
Exceptional organizational, analytical, and writing skills.

HOW TO APPLY: Qualified and interested candidates should submit a cover letter and CV to jobs@integrallc.com. Please include “Project Performance Evaluation Team Lead” in the subject line of the e-mail. No phone calls please. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

November 21, 2024/by jschur

Asia, Asia, Health, Health, Open Project Positions

Senior MEL Specialist – USAID Indonesia

Position: Senior MEL Specialist

Location: Jakarta, Indonesia

Integra and partners are pursuing the anticipated five-year USAID/Indonesia PRO – Monitoring, Evaluation, Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting – MECLA Platform (RFP No. TBD). This contract will support the implementation of the U.S. Government’s and USAID’s current priorities such as the Indo-Pacific Vision as well as future priorities that may arise during the life of the activity. This support encompasses activities related to the design, M&E, CLA, KM, and dissemination of results and learning throughout the program cycle.

The project will provide monitoring support services; designing and implementing performance, developmental, and impact evaluations and other studies, research, data analyses, and assessments; developing collaborating, learning and adapting initiatives; and providing short-, medium- and long-term consulting and advisory services and logistical support services to strengthen the implementation of USAID/Indonesia’s CDCS and enhance USAID’s organizational effectiveness.

The activities will be underpinned by cross-cutting support for localization, inclusive development, and partnerships with local stakeholders including the Government of Indonesia, private sector, civil society, and other development partners. USAID Indonesia programming focuses on issues such as democratic resilience and governance, economic growth, education, health, environment, and local institutional strengthening (see https://www.usaid.gov/indonesia/our-work for details).

Position Description: Integra is seeking a Senior MEL Specialist for the anticipated USAID/Indonesia MECLA activity. This will be a full-time position, pending award. The MEL Specialist will require experience in ensuring the MEL principles and priorities are coordinated and consistently applied in compliance with USAID and Integra principles, policies, and procedures.

Primary Responsibilities:

Support the design and implementation of MEL activities across Indonesia, through data collection, monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities.
Responsible for monitoring and tracking of performance indicators to ensure project activities/interventions are impactful and sustainable.
Responsible for data collection, cleaning, compilation, and reporting, in line with USAID protocols, standards, and policies.
Lead the development of MEL Plan, MEL Guide and Toolkit, and Work Plan. Develop Results Chains and Frameworks. Develop data collection instruments (tools and templates), trainings, etc.
Lead or contribute to MEL Communities of Practice and working groups.
Lead or contribute to MEL capacity strengthening efforts for USAID, local organizations and implementing partners.
Support project reports development. Reporting and coordinating MEL information for contract reports and deliverables.
Coordinate with Integra staff, Chief of Party and CLA teams to enable successful delivery of Mission task orders.
Analyze and use project data to assess and improve project quality and performance.
Contribute to collaborating, learning, and adapting (CLA) activities, events, and exercises.
Contribute to data reporting and visualization for success stories, case studies, social media materials, etc.
Manage multi-disciplinary and dynamic teams.

Qualifications:

Advanced degree in economics, public policy, public administration, international relations, economics, business administration, law or a related discipline.
Background in project cycle approach to planning and designing data collection strategies.
10 years of experience in data-collection and analysis, management systems, data interpretation, and integrating outputs into decision-making processes.
Experience using project/program performance tracking indicators and developing theories of change.
Experience identifying and setting and tracking monitoring indicators, data collection techniques and data analysis.
Experience developing Results Frameworks and MEL Plans (i.e., AMELPs).
Strong analytic and critical thinking skills in evaluation and visualization.
Experience planning and designing MEL management systems.
Familiar with USAID MEL work plans and data flow diagrams for M&E data collection, reporting, learning meetings, and data quality assessments.
Can adapt and update log frames, indicator plans, and indicator tracking tables based on the activity situation.
Familiar with quantitative and qualitative tools in adaptive management.
Desire and ability to improve MEL initiatives by identifying best practices, field-tested lessons learned, and creative recommendations.
Demonstrate excellent skills in technical writing experience in relevant areas, including queries, reports, and presentations.
Proficiency with Microsoft, Adobe, R, Stata, SPSS, Power Bi, Nvivo preferred.
Exceptional proficiency in written and spoken English, with fluency in Bahasa Indonesia a plus. Indonesian nationals strongly encouraged to apply.
Strong familiarity with USAID MEL policies and procedures required.
Strong management, communication, writing and interpersonal skills, including a proven ability in quality assurance for technical, reporting and other deliverables.

How to Apply: To respond to this position, please send your resume to jobs@integrallc.com with the title of the position in the subject line of your email.

Closing Date: October 31, 2024

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

September 13, 2024/by jschur

Asia, Asia, Health, Health, Open Project Positions

Senior CLA Specialist – USAID Indonesia

Position: Senior CLA Specialist

Location: Jakarta, Indonesia

Integra and partners are pursuing the anticipated five-year USAID/Indonesia PRO – Monitoring, Evaluation, Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting – MECLA Platform (RFP No. TBD). The project will provide monitoring support services; designing and implementing performance, developmental, and impact evaluations, as well as other studies, research, data analyses, and assessments; developing collaborating, learning and adapting (CLA) initiatives; and providing short-, medium- and long-term consulting and advisory services and logistical support services to strengthen the implementation of USAID/Indonesia’s CDCS and enhance USAID’s organizational effectiveness.

Position Description: Integra is seeking a Senior CLA Specialist to manage the learning, adaptive management, and communication activities under this contract. This position is expected to be based in Jakarta, Indonesia and is contingent upon award.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Facilitate strong CLA management practices in USAID/Indonesia business processes and throughout the program cycle.
Foster strong, collaborative relationships with key Mission stakeholders; drive dialogue and learning around emerging issues; identify and respond to key learning issues.
Coordinate CLA efforts amongst implementing partners (IPs) working on common Development Objectives (DOs).
Develop and implement a learning plan for the Mission and IPs outlining key learning questions, learning objectives, stakeholder roles and engagement.
Support strategic communications, including producing publications and organizing public events with partners and other stakeholders.
Advise USAID and buy-in clients on research and measurement activities that establish the evidence base for quantifying impact and enabling learning.
Conduct business process re-engineering, including assisting in negotiating change management around monitoring, evaluation, and learning related issues.
Support Mission staff in aligning policies, practices, and processes with lessons learned. Provide recommendations to respond to lessons learned.
Facilitate the development of learning agendas and share best practices.
Design, execute, facilitate workshops, events, conferences, pause-and-reflects, and other CLA activities.
Produce reflections on the implications of new learning and develop plans for adapting programs.
Establish and maintain a network of key stakeholders.
Ensure monitoring and evaluation information is shared and fully utilized through knowledge sharing and strategic learning processes.
Work with the Mission CLA Community of Practice to promote CLA Activities for strategic collaboration to identify possible program and context gaps at the strategy level and offer periodic opportunities to reflect on progress.

Qualifications:

Master’s degree in development or a related development field, such as economics, evaluation sciences, political science, public administration, business administration, or other discipline related to development assistance required.
A minimum of eight years of progressive professional experience in communications, change management, adult learning, knowledge management, and monitoring and evaluation.
Experience designing and facilitating tailored learning activities.
Experience in developing and implementing capacity strengthening approaches that leverage multiple learning approaches and media.
Experience in organizational development and human-centered design preferred.
In-depth knowledge of development theory, systems thinking, and organizational change management.
Experience leveraging digital technologies and information systems to adaptively manage programs and drive results.
The ability to work well under pressure and skilled in change management, crisis management, and problem solving.
Demonstrated knowledge of USAID Evaluation Policy; the Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) Framework; and other initiatives.
Previous experience working on USAID-funded projects preferred.
General professional proficiency in English and Bahasa Indonesia (preferred).

How to Apply: To respond to this position, please send your resume to jobs@integrallc.com with the title of the position in the subject line of your email.

Closing Date: October 31, 2024

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

September 13, 2024/by jschur

Asia, Asia, Health, Health, Open Project Positions

Chief of Party (COP) – USAID Indonesia

Position: Chief of Party (COP)

Location: Jakarta, Indonesia

Position Description: Integra is seeking a Chief of Party (COP) to lead and manage the anticipated USAID/Indonesia MECLA activity. This will be a full-time, key personnel position, pending award. The COP will require experience in leading a team of experts in both management and technical areas, with a proven track record of programmatic accomplishment in MEL, professional achievement, management competence, and interpersonal skills. The selected individual will also have work experience in Asia.

This position is expected to be based in Jakarta, Indonesia, contingent upon award, and will be responsible for providing oversight on all activities to be conducted in Indonesia.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Lead Integra’s team and serve as the primary point of contact with USAID regarding day-to-day activity implementation and management matters.
Lead technical operations to ensure that project tasks are completed, and the objectives of the MECLA platform are successfully met.
Develop systems that mitigate against performance and contractual risks and manage issues in collaboration with Integra staff.
Prepare and submit reports and deliverables as included in Integra’s contract.
Lead internal and external planning and reporting meetings with Integra and USAID. Coordinate with USAID and liaise with key counterparts.
Assure that all assistance provided under the contract, whether by international or local experts/personnel, is technically sound and appropriate for the needs to be addressed.
Plan, manage and supervise the work of all experts/personnel provided under the contract, providing mentorship and guidance.
Contribute technical leadership on MEL and CLA activities.
Ensure all activities of the project are compliant with USAID requirements and regulations, including the Automated Directives System (ADS) Chapter 201 – Program Cycle Operational Policy, ADS Chapter 508 Privacy Program, ADS Chapter 579 USAID Development Data, the USAID Evaluation Policy,
Oversee partners, team members, short-term consultants and subcontractors, ensuring effective consortium communication and collaboration, in coordination with team’s finance and operations, administration, and human resources staff.
Work with Integra staff to ensure project activities are implemented on schedule and within budget.
Ensure quality control and client responsiveness fit the requirements of USAID.

Qualifications:

Advanced degree in economics, public policy, public administration, international relations, economics, business administration, law or a related discipline.
Minimum 10 years of experience in aiding USAID in evaluations and assessments, of similar size and scope in developing countries and comparable experience with learning and adaptive management.
A track record for successful implementation of development programs in Asia required.
Familiarity or experience working with local or regional MEL organizations preferred.
Experience providing technical and administrative oversight of partners and subcontractors in a multicultural setting.
Strong knowledge of USAID’s CLA framework and Program Cycle.
Strong familiarity with USAID policies and procedures required.
Strong management, communication, writing and interpersonal skills, including a proven ability in quality assurance for technical, reporting and other deliverables.
Exceptional proficiency in written and spoken English, with fluency in Bahasa Indonesia a plus. Indonesian nationals strongly encouraged to apply.

How to Apply: To respond to this position, please send your resume to jobs@integrallc.com with the title of the position in the subject line of your email.

Closing Date: October 31, 2024

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

September 13, 2024/by jschur

Asia, Blog, Climate Change, Climate Change, Environment, Environment, Irrigation and Water, Natural Resources Management, Water

Water at Wilson: An Event to Explore Solutions to Central and South Asia Water Challenges

In the intricate dance of geopolitics, water security stands out as a common concern and a potential catalyst for collaboration. Central and South Asia, regions endowed with abundant rivers and basins, face the dual challenges of water scarcity and the impacts of climate change. USAID is working with Central Asia Governments and research institutions—under the Asia Emerging Opportunities (AEO) mechanism—to evaluate the status and possible causes of lower-than-usual regional water supplies. Over the past year, Integra has delivered snowmelt and glacier melt training modules in Central Asia using data from eight primary river basins to continue this work.

The Wilson Center, a renowned institution for advancing policy dialogue, partnered with Integra to host an event titled “Water at Wilson: MODSNOW – A New Tool for Water Security in Central and South Asia.” The gathering convened experts and stakeholders to explore innovative solutions to the region’s pressing water challenges.

Kicking off with a warm welcome from Lauren Risi, Program Director of the Environmental Change and Security Program at the Wilson Center, the event proceeded with opening remarks from esteemed representatives, including Änjali Kaur, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Asia Bureau, USAID and Ambassador Sridhar Khatri of Nepal. Deputy Administrator Kaur stated, “We’re proud to have partnered with Integra to develop the simple yet remarkably effective MODSNOW, designed to empower governments and Asian communities to monitor water flows from high mountains. This is critical not only for the immediate needs of the present but also for the long-term sustainability and prosperity of future generations.” Echoing this sentiment, Ambassador Khatri shared that in coordination with Nepal’s ongoing efforts, “the MODSNOW tool developed by Dr. Abror Gafurov, will provide real-time information of water resources and help us to better prepare for disaster response.” Ambassador Baktybek Amanbaev of the Kyrgyz Republic and Ambassador Farrukh Hamralizoda of Tajikistan also spoke about how water security and tools such as MODSNOW are important to their respective countries. These introductory sessions underscored the significance of collaborative efforts in addressing water security issues, setting the stage for a deeper dive into research insights.

Dr. Abror Gafurov, the Innovative Water & Environmental Solutions (IWES) lead researcher, delivered an informative presentation on MODSNOW, a groundbreaking tool designed to revolutionize water resource management by predicting snowmelt patterns in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region. The subsequent facilitated discussion, expertly moderated by Michael Kugelman, Director of South Asia at the Wilson Center, provided a platform for diverse perspectives and robust dialogue among panelists, including Dr. Eric Rudenshiold, Sherri Goodman, and Mary Melnyk. Audience engagement peaked during the dynamic question-and-answer session, where in-person and online attendees posed thought-provoking queries to the panelists. As the event drew to a close, it left a resonant message of hope and possibility, emphasizing the transformative potential of collaboration and innovation in safeguarding water resources for the future of Central and South Asia.

At its core, MODSNOW represents a fusion of innovation and necessity. The tool leverages advanced modeling techniques to predict snowmelt patterns in a region, often called the “Water Tower of Asia,” as it is the source of major river systems that sustain millions of people downstream. The significance of MODSNOW lies in its ability to provide timely and accurate information about snowmelt dynamics. By integrating satellite data, climate models, and ground observations, the tool offers policymakers and stakeholders crucial insights into water availability and potential risks. This information is invaluable for devising adaptive strategies to mitigate water-related challenges, such as floods, droughts, and the management of transboundary rivers.

During the event, experts highlighted MODSNOW’s multifaceted benefits. By enhancing the understanding of snowmelt processes, the tool empowers governments to make informed decisions regarding water allocation, infrastructure development, and climate adaptation measures. Furthermore, MODSNOW fosters regional cooperation by facilitating data sharing and collaborative research initiatives, transcending political boundaries to pursue shared water security goals.

August 6, 2024/by jschur

Asia, Asia, Blog, Business Enabling Environment, Economic Growth, Economic Growth & Trade, Uncategorized

Facilitating Public-Private Partnerships and Sustainable Development in Vietnam: AEO’s Impact

In recent years, Vietnam has prioritized enhancing its infrastructure through strategic partnerships between the public and private sectors. Recognizing the pivotal role of these partnerships, USAID/Vietnam has collaborated closely with local stakeholders to bolster the regulatory framework and capacity necessary for successful Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). A cornerstone of this effort has been the partnership with the American Economic Officers team, leveraging their expertise to support initiatives crucial to Vietnam’s development agenda.

Supporting Vietnam’s PPP Ecosystem

At the request of USAID/Vietnam, AEO has been instrumental in fortifying Vietnam’s PPP ecosystem, focusing on key areas such as regulatory enhancement, capacity building, and fostering sustainable business models. Building upon the groundwork laid by Integra under the Learning Evaluation and Analysis Project (LEAP III), AEO’s intervention has strengthened the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (VCCI) role as the linchpin for coordinating domestic and international private sector engagements in PPPs.

Capacity Building Initiatives

AEO’s commitment to capacity building is evident in their series of workshops and training sessions tailored to empower local stakeholders. Notably, the PPP Skills Camp equipped participants from diverse sectors with essential knowledge on dispute resolution in PPPs. This initiative, held in collaboration with the Vietnam International Arbitration Center (VIAC), aimed to enhance VIAC’s capacity to handle disputes related to infrastructure projects—a crucial aspect in ensuring the sustainability and attractiveness of PPP ventures to investors.

Regulatory Advancements and Stakeholder Engagement

In February 2023, Integra organized a roundtable discussion on PPP regulations, highlighting challenges and proposing solutions to optimize the PPP legal framework. This session, attended by key government officials and industry experts, underscored the collaborative effort needed to streamline PPP processes and foster a conducive environment for private sector participation.

Innovative Financing Solutions

The AEO Team extends to exploring innovative financing mechanisms for infrastructure projects. Through comprehensive research and stakeholder consultations, Integra has developed reports advocating for the mobilization of new financing sources, including insights on recycling government assets—an approach successfully implemented globally but underutilized in Vietnam.

InvestBridge Platform: Empowering Provincial Growth

Under the Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI) initiative, the AEO Team partnered with local firm OneNet JSC to develop the InvestBridge platform. This digital platform serves as a connection point for provincial growth by facilitating connections among investors, advisors, and local authorities. InvestBridge streamlines how provinces attract and manage investments, thereby bolstering Vietnam’s economic landscape.

Looking Ahead

AEO’s support underscores USAID’s commitment to fostering sustainable development in Vietnam. By empowering local institutions, refining regulatory frameworks, and fostering stakeholder collaboration, the work accomplished under AEO has laid a robust foundation for Vietnam to achieve its infrastructure development goals. As the partnership culminated in December 2023, the focus remained on ensuring the sustainability and inclusivity of Vietnam’s economic growth trajectory through strategic PPPs and enhanced provincial competitiveness.

For more information on AEO, please visit our AEO Contract Profile.

July 31, 2024/by jschur

Areas of Expertise, Asia, Biodiversity, Environment, Environment & NRM, Originally posted on the GBI Portal, Where we work

Integra Evaluates $20 Million USAID Project in “the Serengeti of Asia”

An Integra evaluation team recently concluded a mid-term performance evaluation of USAID’s Supporting Forests and Biodiversity (SFB) Project in northeastern Cambodia, under USAID’s REPLACE IDIQ. The project, aims to mitigate climate change and conserve biodiversity through improved conservation and forest governance. It is implemented through a cooperative agreement with Winrock International and supported by the East West Management Institute, WWF, People and Forests (RECOFTC), and the Wildlife Conservation Society. Read more

February 11, 2015/by actualize