Chandler D. Smith

About Chandler D. Smith

Senior researcher and evaluator with over ten years of experience in designing and implementing mixed-methods evaluations, impact assessments, and applied research in international development, humanitarian, and peace sectors. My work supports UN agencies, international NGOs, bilateral and multilateral donors, and private sector actors, with a focus on technical assistance, evaluation, and research across humanitarian response, resilience and livelihoods, food security, climate change adaptation, migration and displacement, and protection domains.I have led and supported evaluations and reviews across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. I manage diverse, multi-national teams both remotely and on-site, develop and test data collection tools, guide qualitative and quantitative analysis, and produce reports and recommendations that inform program strategies and donor decision-making. I have provided evaluation and research services for ICRC, WFP, UNHCR, CARE, World Vision, Plan International, DRC, ILO, and USAID/BHA, among others.I place strong emphasis on participatory approaches and collaboration with local partners to ensure findings are practical, contextually relevant, and usable for decision-makers. My areas of focus include evaluation management, theory of change development, on-site and remote data collection, and building capacity in research and MEAL systems. I also have experience supporting organizational learning and accountability processes, helping partners strengthen systems for monitoring, evaluation, and evidence use. I am proficient in Microsoft Suite, MAXQDA, ODK, and Qualtrics software, as well as data visualization and IRB compliance.I am fluent in English, with advanced Thai and intermediate Lao, and have in-country work experience in more than ten countries, complemented by remote evaluation work in over 25 others. I hold a Master’s in Development Practice (summa cum laude) from the University of Arizona and have authored peer-reviewed articles and commissioned reports on migration, resilience, humanitarian response, and livelihoods.

Experience

1. Senior Research Associate

   Tango International

   Dec 2023 — Present · US

   Lead the design and implementation of comprehensive research and evaluations for UN agencies, INGOs, bilateral donors, and private sector partners across humanitarian response, resilience, food security, climate change, and migration.• Manage multi-national teams and oversee international projects, ensuring collaboration, quality, and timely delivery of results.• Develop mixed-methods tools, guide data collection and analysis, and translate findings into actionable insights for program and policy decision-making.• Serve as lead writer on technical reports, evaluations, and strategic reviews, producing evidence-based recommendations for high-level stakeholders.• Contribute to business development through proposal writing, technical design, and client engagement.

Education

• California State University-Sacramento

  Government / G.E.

  2011 — 2013

• Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

  Bachelor's Degree

  2013 — 2015

• University of Arizona

  Master's Degree

  2020 — 2022