Who We Are

Nickol Global Solutions (NGS) provides a wide range of management consulting and advisory services designed to fortify stakeholder capacity and effectiveness, including in public institutions, civil society organizations, and private sector firms. In the U.S. and overseas, NGS helps public and private sector clients assess and develop capacity; optimize performance and quality objectives; enhance transparency and accountability; measure success; and communicate about their work—all with the aim of advancing development objectives even in the most complex operating environments. ​
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What We Do

​STRATEGIC PLANNING & PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT 
  • Facilitate strategic planning and performance management processes
  • Identify key performance indicators
  • Develop tools, strategies, systems for institutional performance
  • Integrate strategic planning with budget planning and project design
​RESEARCH & ANALYSIS
  • Conduct stakeholder mapping and analysis
  • Prepare briefs, studies and reports based on mix of data gathering techniques
  • Develop action-oriented recommendations that facilitate targeted solutions
  • Apply political economy analysis (PEA) for better theory of change, project design
​ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
  • Develop organizational culture reflecting programmatic, operational objectives
  • Assess staffing structure, efficiency, effectiveness
  • Identify institutional challenges hindering performance
  • Implement change management techniques
​CAPACITY Building
  • Carry out needs assessments for public and private institutions
  • Design/deliver tailored training and technical assistance plans
  • Incorporate adult learning and experiential learning techniques
Stakeholder Engagement
  • Identify and map key stakeholders to determine levels of influence and interest
  • Develop nuanced outreach strategies that foster collaboration and sustained engagement
  • Create feedback loops that enable adaptive management
  • Strengthen dialogue between stakeholder groups (e.g., citizens and government)
​PROJECT DESIGN
  • Design activities that feed into programmatic and operational objectives
  • Integrate Collaborating, Learning and Adapting (CLA) into day-to-day management
  • Promote evidence-based decision-making for enhanced design
​PROGRAM MANAGEMENT & IMPLEMENTATION 
  • ​Develop, implement quality management systems, including ISO 9001 processes
  • Optimize program management systems to ensure high-quality results
  • Provide program support advisory services in complex environments
  • Conduct "above-and-beyond" internal performance assessment
​MONITORING, EVALUATION, & LEARNING 
  • Measure outputs and outcomes
  • Develop appropriate performance indicators
  • Design and deliver evaluations
  • Enhance knowledge management and facilitate evidence-based decisions
Download the NGS Capabilities Statement.

How We Work

The developing world is as complex as it is dynamic, and we are dedicated to ensuring that our approach acknowledges and builds upon local context while seeking new, more inclusive and effective strategies. Applying a collaborative, congenial approach to each and every interaction, NGS focuses on adapting proven methodologies to our client’s nuanced needs. To do this, we:
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  • Engage widely with as many stakeholders as possible
  • Build capacity at the individual, organizational, and systems level
  • Empower stakeholders to actively participate in solutions design
  • Sustain results by implementing innovative, adaptive, and iterative solutions

NGS thinks and works politically, thoroughly understanding the actors and factors at play within the systems where we operate.

We are committed to advancing development objectives within each unique context and carrying out our work in a cost-conscious way that maximizes donor dollars. This mission guides every aspect of our work.

Our Team

NGS leadership has worked across technical sectors, regions, and clients, bringing expertise from project to program to strategic level, transforming individual capacity to organizational capacity, and supporting organizations’ ability to develop and reach performance targets through a combination of strategic vision and practical action plans.​

Founder and President: Kaylin B. Nickol
An international development leader with 20+ years of experience supporting US foreign policy initiatives, Kaylin specializes in democracy and governance programming with a particular focus on post-conflict and political transition countries. For US government-funded projects, she has led or supported transparency, accountability, and good governance programming; civil society capacity-building programs; rapid-response mechanisms; research and analysis; SOP development; change management initiatives; and strategic planning and implementation. Her perpetual eye toward process improvement and quality enhancement has helped build solid and efficient project teams, devise innovative technical solutions, turn around failing projects, and operate seamlessly in complex operating environments. 
NGS Advisors
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Holly Flood - Democracy and Governance
A seasoned international development professional, Holly brings more than two decades of experience in DG programming, rapid response, post-conflict and stabilization programs in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and the United States. Her experience includes working directly for USAID in Paraguay, Peru, Angola, and in Washington, as well as for multiple implementing partners in DC and in the field. Her areas of technical expertise and experience include civil society strengthening, community development, countering violent extremism (CVE), conflict mitigation and peace building, stabilization, and post-conflict and transition programming, in multiple country contexts. Holly's proven abilities—including assembling and leading diverse teams, working effectively with stakeholders at all levels, and achieving results in highly challenging environments—add enormous value to NGS services. ​ ​
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Christina Schultz - Political Economy Analysis, GESI, and Local Governance
With over 25 years of experience working on USG-funded projects in Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East, Christina leads innovative, results-oriented initiatives fostering community development, strengthening governance, and defending human rights. She brings expertise in effective program design, management, implementation, and MEL in high-profile, high-pressure environments by building partnerships with communities, governments, NGOs, and businesses to advance positive change. She has conducted several political economy analyses (PEAs), is certified by Harvard University in the problem-driven iterative adaptation (PDIA) model, and is an expert in mainstreaming and developing targeted programming for gender equality and social inclusion (GESI). She has worked with local stakeholders to develop strategies to identify root causes and develop local solutions – ranging from improving service delivery to violence prevention to addressing identity-based inequities. ​
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Suzanne M. Sullivan - Countering Violent Extremism and Governance
Suzanne M. Sullivan brings nearly 20 years of project management and business development leadership in complex conflict and transition environments in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. She worked directly for USAID’s Office of Transition Initiatives in Iraq and Pakistan, the OSCE in Kosovo, a USAID implementing partner in Washington, DC, and a global engineering and construction leader in multiple locations. Her expertise includes governance and civil society support, countering violent extremism, civil-military cooperation, community peace building, and social and environmental impact management. She is a U.S. woman-owned small business owner and has built and led international teams, focusing on strong implementation for organizational growth.  ​​
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Kristine Powers - KM, Learning, and Communications
Kristine has helped to advance strategic communications, knowledge management (KM) and organizational learning at USAID for over 15 years. She is known for her achievements developing innovative communications and knowledge-sharing solutions through strategic assessment, robust collaboration, and practical implementation. In this capacity, she has designed over 15 office- or Mission-level communications, knowledge, and learning strategies. She has designed and deployed multiple KM platforms for clients including USAID, the OAS, and the World Bank, and she has served as Chief of Party on landmark USAID KM projects and as Senior Learning Advisor in USAID’s Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI). ​She works with NGS on strategic communications; collaborating, learning, and adapting (CLA) application; and KM innovations. 
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Rayne Loken - Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning 
Rayne is an M&E expert specializing in conflict and transitional environments. In both the humanitarian and private sectors, she has designed and operationalized M&E systems and solutions for projects in diverse and conflict conditions including Iraq, Afghanistan, Mali, and Turkey. Her areas of technical specialization include: comprehensive M&E plan development and operationalization, developing responsive M&E systems, remote management strategies, and development of monitoring solutions to enhance compliance and accountability in conflict and fragile environments. Rayne provides MEL support to NGS, including in the areas of data collection tool design, M&E plans, M&E capacity building, and research/analysis. ​
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Kerstin Tebbe - Stakeholder Engagement and Facilitation
A passionate facilitator, strategic thinker, and engaging communicator, Kerstin is known for her ability to engage and empower stakeholders to work together to solve difficult problems. She brings more than 15 years of experience supporting multi-stakeholder efforts in the international development space, including strategy design, program review, and facilitation services. Her organizational development experience includes three years as a lead facilitator/trainer for the World Bank’s “Organizational Knowledge Sharing” (OKS) program working with public sector agencies and partners across Africa and Asia to scale organizational change processes for increased operational effectiveness. For NGS, she has led co-creation workshops with technical experts, implementing partners, and USAID staff to design more strategic, effective activities and increase local ownership of donor programming. ​

Join Us

​Nickol Global offers rewarding consultancy and career opportunities for international development professionals. As we grow, our aim is to provide to our staff and consultants with meaningful and interesting opportunities that truly move the needle in the locations where we work and for the stakeholders we serve. Current opportunities include:
  • MEL Specialists
Nickol Global Solutions LLC is seeking short-term and long-term Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialists to provide technical expertise to upcoming USAID and/or State Department evaluations. This is an ongoing need and specific positions are contingent upon award. MEL Specialists will participate in the design and implementation of performance evaluations.
 
Duties:
  • Provides oversight and high-level technical support for on-going evaluations, performance monitoring, learning, and capacity building activities in the field;
  • Serves as team member on short-term evaluations, assessments, and other studies.
  • Leads or contributes to writing of reports, assessments, findings from evaluations, etc.
  • Develops methodologies for performance evaluations.
  • Devises and drafts technical approaches for MEL procurement opportunities.
  • Develops survey instruments and interview questionnaires.
  • Lead collaborating, learning and adapting activities to maximize impact on projects;
  • May provides MEL strategy, feedback and technical assistance to evaluation project teams, including technical reviews of draft evaluation reports, evaluation methodology, data collection tools, and other deliverables.
 
Qualifications:
  • Minimum of six (6) years of relevant Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) experience.
  • Master’s degree in a social science (public policy, sociology, anthropology, political science, economics, international relations).
  • Strong analytical, quantitative and qualitative research skills.
  • Demonstrated experience in supporting and leading MEL platforms and/or project-wide M&E activities for international development projects, particularly in complex operating environments.
  • Demonstrated experience in mixed methods design, qualitative and quantitative data collection, statistical analysis, and the application of participatory research methods.
  • Experience designing USAID Performance Management Plans, and indicator development.
  • Ability to travel internationally for short-term consultancies.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills.
  • Strong proposal writing and coordination skills.
  • English fluency; proficiency in at least one language other than English preferred.
 
To apply: 
Interested candidates should e-mail CV and brief cover letter summarizing relevant experience to info@nickolglobal.com with the subject line: MEL Specialist. No phone inquiries will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
  • Conflict and Governance Advisors
Nickol Global Solutions LLC is seeking short-term and long-term Conflict and Governance Advisors to provide technical expertise to upcoming USAID and/or State Department activities. This is an ongoing need and specific positions are contingent upon award. These mid- and senior-level Conflict and Governance Advisors may provide services related to assessments, analysis, planning, evaluation, and capacity building.
 
Duties:
  • Supports activities related to political transitions; government transparency; decentralization; anti-corruption activities; security sector reform; conflict mitigation and peace-building; and good governance.
  • Leads and contributes to conflict, post-conflict, and governance-related assessments and studies, including conflict analyses and Political Economy Analysis (PEA) studies.
  • Serves as a thought leader in the field of democracy, human rights, and governance (DRG) by authoring publications (both online and print), speaking at relevant DRG-related events, and actively participating in DRG communities of practice.
  • Provides training in conflict and governance-related methodologies and approaches.
  • Supports and leads the development of governance and conflict-focused tools and methodologies.
  • Participates in and, as required, leads scoping trips, proposal design meetings, recruitment of partners, responses to donor questions, and presentations to donors.
  • Serves as a technical writer for peace-building and governance-focused proposals.
  • Forges strategic partnerships for new project opportunities.
  • Works with MEL Specialist(s) to develop and implement MEL systems that reflect adaptive management appropriate for local dynamics.

Qualifications:
  • Minimum of six (6) years of relevant experience applying governance approaches within conflict and post-conflict settings.
  • Graduate or professional degree in the areas of international development, international affairs, political science, public administration, or law.
  • Prior overseas work experience, particularly with USAID (or other donors) and with international development.
  • Strong analytical skills, with experience leading conflict and governance assessments.
  • Strong understanding of trends and key approaches within the conflict and governance sectors, including an understanding of how conflict and governance approaches can be integrated into programming across sectors.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and experience with gender mainstreaming and approaches to inclusive development.
  • Strong written and oral communications skills, including willingness and demonstrated ability to write high-quality technical proposals.
  • Ability to travel internationally for short-term consultancies.
  • English fluency; proficiency in at least one language other than English preferred.
 
To apply:
Interested candidates should e-mail CV and brief cover letter summarizing relevant experience to info@nickolglobal.com with the subject line: Conflict and Governance Advisor. No phone inquiries will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
  • Outreach and Communications Specialists
Nickol Global Solutions LLC is seeking short-term and long-term Outreach and Communications Specialists to provide technical expertise to upcoming USAID and/or State Department activities. This is an ongoing need and specific positions are contingent upon award. The Outreach and Communications Specialists may provide support in strategic communications, events planning and management, media relations, knowledge management, social media engagement, and/or communications capacity building.
 
Duties:
  • Develops, manages, and/or provides guidance on communications and engagement plans and activities that reflect client/stakeholder priorities.
  • Designs and implements adaptable, effective social media strategies.
  • Produces high quality, responsive informational products, including speeches, press releases, media advisories, fact sheets, talking points, briefing memos, success stories, blogs, and press guidance, often under tight deadlines.
  • Identifies opportunities for knowledge sharing within stakeholder groups (Missions, communities of practice, beneficiaries, etc.) that facilitate better program design and evidence-based decision-making.
  • Plans and executes outreach events.
  • May train counterparts in strategic communications and knowledge management.
 
Qualifications:
  • Minimum of six (6) years of relevant communications, outreach, and/or knowledge management experience.
  • Bachelor’s degree in relevant field, such as communications, journalism, information management, public policy, sociology, anthropology, political science, economics, or international relations).
  • Strong written and oral communications skills.
  • Demonstrated experience in supporting or leading communications efforts for international development projects, including development and implementation of strategic communications plans.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and experience producing materials explaining or analyzing complex US foreign assistance programs in areas of international conflict or tension to a variety of audiences and external stakeholders.
  • Prior overseas work experience a plus, particularly with USAID (or other donors) and with international development.
  • Ability to travel internationally for short-term consultancies.
  • English fluency; proficiency in at least one language other than English preferred.
 
To apply:
Interested candidates should e-mail CV and brief cover letter summarizing relevant experience to info@nickolglobal.com with the subject line: Outreach and Communications Specialist. No phone inquiries will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
  • KM and Communications Specialist - Indonesia
Nickol Global Solutions LLC is seeking a Knowledge Management (KM) and Communications Specialist for an anticipated United States Agency for International Development (USAID) monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) program in Indonesia. This anticipated five-year project will provide USAID/Indonesia with a central platform for the procurement of support services that will strengthen, support, and facilitate USAID’s capacity for utilizing MEL approaches that will improve development outcomes and strengthen the capacity of USAID/Indonesia’s strategic partners. It is also anticipated that this project will seek to improve USAID’s ability to monitor and track the performance of their in-country portfolio, along with the Mission’s ability to collaborate, learn, and adapt (CLA) across this portfolio. The program will also provide support to USAID/Indonesia and implementing partners on performance monitoring, data verification, evaluations, organizational learning and capacity building, and knowledge management. Specifically, the KM / Communications Specialist will provide support in strategic communications, events planning and management, knowledge management, social media engagement, development of one-pagers and other resource documents, and learning products that support evidence-based decisions among different audiences.
 
 
Duties:
  • Develops, manages, and provides guidance on the activity’s strategic communications and engagement plans and activities that reflect client/stakeholder priorities.
  • Designs and implements adaptable, effective engagement strategies, including through social media, dashboards, and infographics.
  • Produces high quality, responsive informational products, including speeches, fact sheets, talking points, briefing memos, newsletters, success stories, blogs, and “learning bursts,” often under tight deadlines.
  • Supports quarterly and annual contractual reporting.
  • Identifies opportunities for knowledge sharing within stakeholder groups (USAID Missions and Operating Units, communities of practice, implementing partners, beneficiaries, etc.) that facilitate better program design and evidence-based decision-making.
  • Plans and executes outreach events.
  • May train counterparts in strategic communications and knowledge management.
 
 
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in relevant field (such as communications, journalism, information management, public policy, sociology, anthropology, political science, economics, or international relations) AND a minimum of eight (8) years of relevant communications, outreach, and/or knowledge management experience. Master’s degree preferred.
  • Strong written and oral communications skills.
  • Demonstrated experience in supporting or leading KM and communications efforts for international development projects, including development and implementation of strategic communications plans.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and experience producing materials explaining or analyzing complex US foreign assistance programs in areas of international conflict or tension to a variety of audiences and external stakeholders.
  • Strong familiarity with USAID’s Evaluation Policy and CLA practices.
  • Strong communication and time management skills required.
  • Working knowledge of and experience with USG-funded program management, policies, regulations and procedures.
  • Previous work experience in Indonesia required.
  • Familiarity with USAID/Indonesia Mission is preferred.
  • Superior skills in written and verbal English required.
  • Professional proficiency in Bahasa greatly preferred.
  • Indonesian citizens are strongly encouraged to apply.
 
 
To apply:
Interested candidates should e-mail CV and brief cover letter summarizing relevant experience to info@nickolglobal.com with the subject line: MEL Indonesia – KM/Communications Specialist. No phone inquiries will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
  • STTA LEARNING & EVIDENCE ADVISOR - USAID/CAMBODIA OW4C​
Nickol Global Solutions LLC is seeking a Learning & Evidence Advisor for ongoing short-term technical assistance (STTA) to our USAID/Cambodia One Window for Citizens (OW4C) activity. The Learning & Evidence Advisor will provide ad hoc support to the project team in synthesizing evidence for high-level learning and strategy adaptation, including ongoing support for the OW4C learning agenda. The position requires a Master’s degree and eight (8) years of relevant experience. This is a remote-based consultancy role with the possibility of occasional travel to Cambodia when global travel conditions allow. Candidates based in Cambodia and the Southeast Asia region are encouraged to apply.

Period of Performance: Intermittent work starting o/a July 2020 – September 2022

Level of Effort: up to 60 days

Responsibilities include:
  • Conducts reviews that summarize evidence generated through the contract’s monitoring data and other reputable sources.
  • Documents and synthesizes lessons learned and best practices from OW4C activities and, where possible, from other related donor-supported programs and activities.
  • May facilitate quarterly and annual learning events.
  • Provides technical assistance to OW4C team to ensure that the project’s learning agenda provides value to USAID and is managed iteratively.
  • Identifies opportunities to develop knowledge management products, such as literature reviews, synthesis of stakeholder knowledge, portfolio reviews, and concise outreach products that synthesize evidence gathered and help to inform decision-making.
  • Supports project’s Chief of Party and Senior Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Manager in all learning aspects of monitoring and evaluation plans and reports.
  • Support Chief of Party and Senior MEL Manager in producing or documenting program model and impact on improving accountability of the One Window Service Office (OWSO) services in Cambodia.
  • Support Senior MEL Manager in conducting OW4C program review and periodical research or evaluation.

Required Experience/Qualifications:
  • Master’s degree in relevant field, such as public health, information management, public policy, sociology, anthropology, political science, economics, or international relations.
  • Minimum of eight (8) years of relevant experience in organizational learning, communications, and/or knowledge management experience. A background or exposure to democracy and governance, as well as adaptive management, is strongly preferred.
  • Strong written and oral communications skills.
  • Demonstrated experience in supporting or leading learning initiatives for international development projects, including development and implementation of learning agendas and/or MEL plans.
  • Strong familiarity with USAID evaluation and learning requirements.
  • Ability to travel internationally for short-term consultancies.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills.
  • Excellent collaboration and management skills.
  • English fluency.

To apply:
​Interested candidates should e-mail CV and brief cover letter summarizing relevant experience to info@nickolglobal.com with the subject line: Cambodia Learning & Evidence Advisor. No phone inquiries will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. ​​

News

  • September 30, 2019 - NGS announces usaid/cambodia award
Nickol Global Solutions partners with USAID/Cambodia to promote tech-enabled social accountability in One Window Service Offices (OWSO)
 
Nickol Global Solutions LLC (NGS) is pleased to announce that USAID/Cambodia has awarded the firm its first prime contract – the three-year, $3 million One Window Service Offices – Platform to Enhance Accountability (OWSO-PEA) Activity. More here....

Professional Affiliations

Small Business Association for International Companies

Contact Us

NGS is certified as a Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) by the US Women's Chamber of Commerce.

DUNS # 080628859                                                                                     NAICS CODES:  541611, 541990, 541618, 541614, 561320, 541715
NICKOL GLOBAL SOLUTIONS LLC
950 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SUITE 1200, ALEXANDRIA, VA 22314 USA
​+1 202 630 2229 
​INFO@NICKOLGLOBAL.COM
© COPYRIGHT 2019. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
NIckol Global Solutions LLC — 950 N. Washington Street, Suite 1200, Alexandria, VA 22314 USA — +1 202 630 2229 — www.nickolglobal.com