Junior Program Evaluation Specialist

The Capabilities, Analysis and Development (CAD) division of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) has an outstanding opportunity for a Junior Program Evaluation Specialist to support a multi-disciplinary team providing data analysis, business intelligence, operations research, and decision support across the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) mission space. As a Junior Program Evaluation Specialist, you will support evidence-building, program assessment, and data-driven decision-making for DHS Science & Technology (S&T) research and innovation portfolios and other DHS components. This position assists senior evaluators and program managers in developing logic models, collecting data, and conducting basic analyses that inform S&T's applied research, technology transition, and operational capability development. This role is ideal for early-career individuals passionate about solving real operational problems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in developing evaluation plans aligned with the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act (Evidence Act), DHS evaluation policies, and S&T strategic priorities. • Support creation of logic models, theories of change, and performance metrics for RDT&E programs. • Conduct foundational data collection and validation activities (interviews, surveys, literature reviews, document analysis, data analysis). • Perform entry-level qualitative and quantitative analyses under supervision. • Prepare draft summaries, visualizations, and findings for internal review. • Help track evaluation tasks, timelines, and documentation across multiple projects. • Ensure compliance with DHS data governance, privacy, and information security standards. • Participate in learning agenda activities and assist with compiling evidence inventories.

Required Qualifications:

• Foundational knowledge of program evaluation, social science research, or performance measurement. • Must be a US citizen. • Bachelors degree with 2-4 years of experience OR masters degree with 0-2 years of experience. • Ability to collect and organize data reliably. • Interest in homeland security, science and technology, or applied research environments. • Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams. • Flexibility to know when other methods may be appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience (internships, coursework, or projects) in evaluation, data analysis, or program assessment. • Familiarity with Evidence Act principles, DHS mission areas, or federal RDT&E processes.

Working Conditions:

• Work will be remote with occasional travel to client site and potential evaluation sites. Client offices are at DHS' St. Elizabeth campus in Washington, D.C.