Project: The International Rescue Committee has led the way in producing cost evidence in the humanitarian sector using a standardized methodology to assess the cost-efficiency and cost-effectiveness of humanitarian and development programs. Growing interest in cost evidence is increasing demand for these analyses throughout the sector, however without consistent use of standardized methods, the comparability of data will remain limited. Comparability allows programs to evaluate which interventions are more cost-efficient and cost-effective than others.
Role: The Costing Analysis Design Fellow will design and develop a series of structured video tutorials focused on communicating the costing methodology used by the IRC. The content of the tutorials will be aimed at other NGOs, using lay-person language, who are interested in conducting activity-level cost-efficiency and cost-effectiveness analyses, similar to the World Bank’s videos on Impact Evaluations. These tutorials will cover topics such as:
- What is a Cost Analysis?
- What does it take to run a Cost-Efficiency Analysis?
- What does it take to run a Cost-Effectiveness Analysis?
- How do we apply learnings from Cost Analysis?
- Review of a case study: i.e., application of cost analysis for anticipatory action in Nigeria
The Fellow will work alongside and meet weekly with the Climate and Livelihoods Best Use of Resources Advisor, who will provide guidance on the deliverable work. This fellowship will provide a unique opportunity to gain valuable exposure to the humanitarian and international development sector, by one of the leading cost analysis NGOs.
Potential deliverables:
- Cost-efficiency and cost-effectiveness analysis methodology tutorial videos (for non-Dioptra users)
- Outline and begin building a MOOC for costing 1010 using IRC’s methodology
Potential travel involved: No travel will be involved for this position.
Desired Skills:
- Strong communication skills and ability to synthesize technical information into straightforward and clear language for non-technical audiences.
- Video editing and production skills such as iMovie, Adobe Premiere Pro, etc.
- Attentiveness to detail.
- Knowledge of adult learning and skills development.
- Interest in humanitarian aid and international development.
- Language proficiency skills in English required. Preferred language proficiency in French.
Requirements: Students must be a matriculated graduate or Ph.D. student at The New School. Fellows are hired as Research Associates by The New School.
Work Environment: This fellowship will work with the Airbel Impact Lab based in the IRC’s HQ in New York City. While this fellowship is remote, all Fellows must be physically located in the US.
Fellowship Length: This fellowship carries a maximum of 35 hours/week during the summer semester (May 20 – August 25, 2024), and a maximum of 20 hours/week during the Fall 2024 semester (August 26 – December 22, 2024). Continuation into Spring 2025 is potentially available. The ideal candidate will be able to commit to both the Summer and Fall semesters.
How to apply: The deadline to apply is March 30, 2024. Please submit one PDF document containing a cover letter, CV/resume, and two work samples (writing and/or design portfolio – 5 pages maximum per sample) to Catherine McGahan, McGahanC@newschool.edu, and Nicole Tuszynski, tuszynsn@newschool.edu.
Interviews will be conducted in early April via Zoom.
Team: Airbel Impact Lab, Research and Innovation at the IRC. The Airbel Impact Lab designs, tests, and scales life-changing cost-effective solutions for people affected by conflict and disaster. By applying the IRC’s deep technical expertise and field experience with a range of skills from the behavioral sciences, human-centered design, research, and multi-disciplinary problem-solving in humanitarian contexts, we work to develop breakthrough solutions that combine creativity and rigor, openness and expertise, and a desire to think afresh with the experience of a large-scale implementing organization. Within Airbel, the Best Use of Resources team provides analysis and decision-making support to improve the cost-efficiency and cost-effectiveness of IRC programs.