About – JaRco Consulting

WHO WE ARE

Established in 2007, JaRco Consulting is a research and advisory firm specializing in Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL), research, and data collection for development and humanitarian programs.

Headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with an office in Washington DC area, JaRco combines deep local knowledge with international expertise to deliver high-quality evidence that informs strategic, programmatic, and investment decisions.

Our multidisciplinary team of technical experts and researchers is committed to generating actionable insights that strengthen programs and improve outcomes, particularly for vulnerable communities in Ethiopia and across sub-Saharan Africa.

What we do

Coordinating and administering large scale socio-economic and baseline surveys.
Conducting midterm and terminal evaluations of projects and programs (using quantitative and qualitative research methods).
Designing and implementing of Monitoring and Evaluation Systems for integrated and sector-specific projects and programs.
Facilitating strategic planning workshops and support activities related to institutional development and capacity building.
Providing customized technical support, including training and capacity building.
Conduct Third Party Monitoring for Humanitarian and Development Programs.

WHAT DRIVES US

Our Mission

To provide the best technical assistance to local and international development initiatives in Ethiopia and Africa, enabling our clients to implement their programs more effectively and efficiently.

Our Vision

To be a center of excellence for the provision of innovative solutions and cutting-edge approaches that strengthen the work of our partners and improve people’s lives.

Our Goal

To generate high-quality evidence-based research and fill knowledge gaps which are crucial in making programmatic decisions that impact the lives of vulnerable populations.

Our Capabilities

Our Expertise

JaRco has strong qualifications and experience in coordinating, conducting and administering a diverse range of small- and large-scale studies, including nationwide anthropometric measurement validation survey. Our experience often leads us to work closely alongside other international firms, as well as with Ethiopian Government departments. Many of our assessments and surveys conclude with validation workshops, in which we deliver comprehensive plans for dissemination, on-going implementation and scaling up.

Our Technical Capacity

JaRco Consulting has the capacity to conduct comprehensive surveys across all regions of Ethiopia as well as internationally (Somaliland, Tanzania and Senegal). In a recent survey conducted for UNICEF, we coordinated teams simultaneously throughout six regions of Ethiopia (Afar, Amhara, Oromia, SNNP, Somali and Tigray regions), in a total of 480 kebeles, to gather household-level data on selected health indicators such as MUAC (middle/upper-arm circumference) as well as other anthropometric measurements. A total of 11,000 households were interviewed as well as 480 qualitative interviews – focus-group discussions and key-informant interviews – were held across the study area.

Our Facilities and Equipment’

JaRco has built a strong infrastructure that supports the implementation of multiple, simultaneous projects. Our office is located in the Old Airport neighborhood of Addis Ababa, and houses 30+ national and international staff. We have high-speed internet, a generator to provide a regular power supply, and a dedicated server to host data from the field. We also own over 270 PDAs and over 100 GPS devices for taking GPS coordinates. Additionally, JaRco can provide 4×4 Land Cruisers and licensed drivers who have extensive experience driving in rugged terrain and remote locations. This ensures that all field staff will have quality and safe transport.

Our Data Quality Assurance

JaRco Consulting takes data quality seriously. From project inception, our program team ensure that tools are designed effectively, are pre-tested, are translated and back-translated with utmost care. JaRco’s supervisors have extensive experience in data checking both paper- and PDA/smart phone-captured data while in the field. Supervisors of enumerator teams are given tailor-made training for each project in conducting spot checks, performing back-checking, checking skip patterns and investigating errors.

OUR VALUES

Quality

We meet our commitments by establishing specific timelines and benchmarks, ensuring that timely, high-quality deliverables are provided to our clients. We aim to foster an environment which champions ongoing improvement and enhancement of quality. We strive for innovation, providing state-of-the-art technical support and a commitment to achieving excellence in every part of our work.

Integrity

The cornerstone of JaRco’s core values is integrity: we work with honesty and transparency and promote mutual respect and trust. We provide leadership in the field of technical-assistance consultancy, and maintain our growing reputation by upholding the highest technical and ethical standards. We are committed to dealing fairly and impartially with all our partner agencies, governments and communities.

Respect

Respect for, and understanding of, the communities in which we work is paramount. We ensure that all of our employees and sub-contractees have a deep knowledge of local cultures, customs and languages. We also hold high regard for the environment, reducing wastage where possible and minimizing our carbon footprint.

Diversity

JaRco welcomes people of diverse backgrounds and experience, knowing that the strongest work comes from the fusion of various perspectives. We believe in the inherent value of people, and we treat our team members, clients and partners with respect and sensitivity.

WHERE WE WORK

We have experience working in all of Ethiopia’s regions and chartered city administrations. Additionally, we have conducted studies in other African countries, including Cameroon, Djibouti, Gambia, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Lesotho, Malawi, Senegal, Somaliland, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Zambia.