About SoCha

SoCha is a leading Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) firm specializing in providing high-quality independent monitoring and evaluation services in development and humanitarian settings. We have successfully implemented multi-year MEL projects and independent evaluations across Africa and Asia for major international donors, using innovative data collection approaches, rigorous oversight, and operational efficiency to ensure program success.

Background

The U.S. Embassy in the Kyrgyz Republic, Public Diplomacy Section (PDS), is procuring two mixed-methods evaluations:

1. The C5+1 Youth Council, focused on leadership, skills, entrepreneurship, and cross-border connectivity, and

2. Work Where You Are, focused on local employment pathways.

Both evaluations require document review, surveys, key informant interviews (KIIs), focus group discussions (FGDs), case studies, and network mapping. The full design-through-delivery period must not exceed 12 months. Monthly progress briefings are required, with a draft design due at 5 weeks, 10–12 weeks of data collection, and 10–12 weeks of analysis and drafting. A draft report and final report follow.

Selection is contingent upon SoCha’s successful award of the contract.

Scope of Work

The Social Network Analysis (SNA) Specialist will lead the network-mapping workstream across both evaluations from design through analysis, embedding relational data collection into instruments and delivering decision-ready visuals and metrics that answer PDS’s questions on connectivity and professional linkages. We are looking for an applied SNA specialist who can design the network component end-to-end, guide data collection, and translate SNA findings into clear, actionable insights for non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities include:

• Design the SNA approach for both evaluations: define nodes and ties, use cases, and hypotheses aligned to the evaluation questions on connectivity, professional networks, and links to U.S. businesses. Contribute the SNA section to the Evaluation Design Report due at week 5.

• Instrument development: draft survey modules, KII/FGD prompts, and name-generator/roster items to capture relational data; finalize tools within the RFP’s approvals cadence.

• Data architecture and quality: specify the SNA data schema, ID conventions, and de-duplication rules; set data-protection and QC practices consistent with international standards and the solicitation’s technical requirements.

• Capacity support: brief the research duo on recruitment, roster management, consent/privacy for relational data, and troubleshooting during data collection.

• Analysis and visualization: clean and model networks; produce fit-for-purpose visuals and a succinct metrics table (e.g., degree, betweenness, density, cross-border ties, employer linkages) for each evaluation.

• Integration and reporting: synthesize SNA with qualitative and survey findings; draft SNA chapters/annexes for the evaluation reports and slides for monthly briefings and final presentations within the RFP schedule.

• Stakeholder communication: present methods and results in plain language to PDS, the MEL Specialist, and the Team Leader; document assumptions, limitations, and implications for future programming.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

Required:

• Proven experience leading applied SNA in evaluations or research, including end-to-end design, instrumenting, data management, metrics, and visualization.

• Strong mixed-methods grounding and ability to integrate SNA with KIIs/FGDs and surveys in evaluation contexts.

• Excellent English communication skills with a record of translating technical SNA results for decision makers.

• Familiarity with data protection and quality-control practices consistent with international standards.

• Proficiency with at least one SNA toolset.

Preferred:

• Experience in Central Asia and familiarity with youth leadership, English-for-employment, entrepreneurship, or regional economic connectivity programs.

• Working knowledge of Russian and/or a Central Asian language to coordinate with bilingual field teams.

• Prior experience on U.S. Embassy/Department of State evaluations or similar donor evaluations.

• Demonstrated ability to design low-LOE, high-value SNA components under tight schedules.

Contract details

• Period of performance: Within the overall project period, which shall not exceed 12 months from contract start.

• Estimated level of effort (SNA Specialist): 20–25 days total across both evaluations, indicative and subject to final work plan.

• Location: Remote-first; coordination via virtual briefings.

• Reporting: Reports to the Team Leader; collaborates closely with SME/Technical Experts and the Research & Analysis Duo.

How to apply

To submit your application, kindly provide your CV using the form provided.

To apply before 3 September 2025.