Workforce Development Evaluation Expert (Senior Associate)

World at Abt

Solving the world’s most pressing issues and improving the quality of life for people worldwide is what we do every day at Abt Global. Creating a more equitable and sustainable world is no small task, but we are driven by big challenges. 

We are a team of 3,000+ people in over 50 countries working in unison and focused on the bigger picture. Only by sharing our commitment and energy do we affect change and push the boundaries of what’s possible. We welcome diverse ideas, backgrounds, and viewpoints – joining Abt means access to exceptional thinkers at the top of their game. 

To thrive at Abt is to embrace flexibility and freedom. We’ll enable your entrepreneurial spirit to design your work as you deem fit, balancing your work and personal life as needed to optimize personal well-being. Creating a more equitable world starts from within – we look after people around the world, and we’ll do the same for you.

Ready to embrace rewarding and meaningful work? Now’s your chance.

Opportunity 

Abt Global seeks a qualified research and evaluation professional with expertise in programs and policies related to workforce development and other labor topics to support Abt’s Research, Monitoring, & Evaluation Capability.  

The successful candidate will assist in the design and execution of research and evaluation projects about workforce development, such as career pathways, occupational skills training, industry sector partnerships, unemployment insurance, and apprenticeship. The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable about federal workforce policies and programs; challenges and opportunities facing states as they implement federal policies; and current national, state, and local approaches aimed at improving workforce outcomes for low-income individuals. Additionally, the candidate will possess a firm grounding in evaluation and research methods and the ability to effectively articulate the implications of research findings to policymakers and practitioners. 

Key Roles and Responsibilities 

• Manage moderately complex research and evaluation tasks for federal clients such as the U.S. Department of Labor. Examples include, but are not limited to managing technical tasks, coordinating timelines, overseeing budgets, supervising staff, communicating with clients.
• Contribute subject matter expertise in workforce development, other labor and employment policies and programming, and their intersection with other human services systems (e.g., education, housing, health).
• Assist with developing and executing quantitative and mixed-method study designs to build evidence on effective approaches to promote more positive and equitable employment outcomes for a range of populations including low-income adults, youth, and Unemployment Insurance claimants.
• Manage project teams by communicating respectfully, meeting deadlines, and exercising initiative to resolve complex challenges. Work independently, completing complex tasks under indirect supervision where there is latitude for independent action and decision-making.
• Support business development activities and contribute to proposal writing and development.
• Contribute to developing and disseminating project deliverables and other products to sharing project findings through papers, technical reports, client briefings, presentations, blog posts, podcasts, videos and/or social media.
• Cultivate and maintain excellent business development relationships with clients and external partners.   

 What We Value 

• Substantive expertise in workforce development-related policies and programs
• Technical skills and experience contributing to large, complex research and evaluation projects across a variety of clients, in particular the U.S. Department of Labor.
• Experience translating research and making it accessible to practice, policy, and/or government audience.
• Experience with business development and proposal or grant writing.
• A well-rounded interpersonal skill set with the capacity to build relationships with clients, funders, and workforce development leaders, and to work effectively in a team environment. 
• Aptitude and interest in mentoring less-experienced staff and managing teams.
• Strong commitment to Abt’s mission and to equity, diversity, and inclusion. This includes incorporating these principles into research and interactions with colleagues; prioritizing understanding multiple alternative perspectives; and embracing diverse perspectives, abilities, racial/ethnic and cultural backgrounds, ages, gender identities and expressions, educational experiences, and life stories.
• Masters Degree + 13 years of relevant experience, or PhD + 8 years of relevant experience

What We Offer<