Job Description

Assessment and Research Specialist – Liberia Education Systems Strengthening Activity

FHI 360 is a global development organization, with a rigorous, evidence-based approach to human development. Our team of professionals includes experts in health, nutrition, education, economic development, civil society, environment, and research. FHI 360 operates from 70 offices with 4400 employees in the United States and around the world. Our commitment to partnerships at all levels and our multi-disciplinary approach allows us to have a lasting impact on the people, communities and countries we serve by improving the lives of millions of them. We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Assessment and Research Specialist for the USAID-funded Liberia Education Systems Strengthening Activity (the Activity). This position will be based in Monrovia. Project description The 5-year Liberia Education Systems Strengthening Activity works in partnership with the Ministry of Education (MOE) to address system-wide constraints and increase the MOE’s capacity to provide decentralized and inclusive education, monitor progress, and sustain improved learning outcomes for all children and youth. The activity will support the MOE to improve education data systems, resource management, and accountability across Montserrado, Margibi, Lofa, Nimba, Bong, and Grand Bassa counties. The activity will target education officials and professionals at the central, county, district, and school level with its capacity development interventions with the end goal of improving education outcomes for children and youth. Job Summary
The Assessment and Research Specialist will provide technical leadership for the project’s assessment and research activities, including supporting local universities to conduct quality research on education system constraints. The Assessment and Research Specialist will also support the MOE to ensure that technical staff in target counties and districts are trained and equipped to implement the new National Learning Assessment Policy (NLAP) and framework. In addition, the Assessment & Research Specialist will also lead the management of the project’s baseline and rapid assessments designed to capture system capacity and growth as well as oversee the project’s Research activities. The Assessment and Research Specialist will work in close collaboration with other members of the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) team. The ideal candidate should have experience with research design and methods (quantitative and qualitative) and with assessment include learning assessments. They will be based in Monrovia.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the design and implementation of ESSA research and evaluation activities

• Design Requests for Proposals (RFP) for accountability studies and evaluate responses to RFPs

• Provide technical assistance to researchers in terms of research design, research methodology, analysis and presentation of findings

• Support the MOE-led Problem-Driven Iterative Adaptation (PDIA) pilots to assess fidelity of implementation and/or impact

• Support aggregation of learning to prepare for Education Sector Analysis

• Build MOE capacity to conduct research and assessments, troubleshoot problems and provide on-demand support to MOE

• Support the MOE to use research and assessment findings, including EMIS data, for planning purposes • Provide timely reports and updates to the Chief of Party, highlighting issues and priorities within the MOE.
• Prepare monthly and quarterly reports as well as contribute to the annual report for research and assessment activities.

• Engage in operational planning with senior management of the MOE and key operating officials. • Other job-related duties as assigned.
Qualifications:

• Master’s degree (preferred) or Bachelor’s degree in one of the following or related fields required: International Development, Development Management, Education, Research, Statistics or related field

• At least 5 years’ experience designing and conducting research (quantitative and qualitative), preferably in education

• Experience with learning assessments, and other school-based data collection

• Highly skilled in data management and analysis

• Experience developing, delivering, and coordinating professional development training programs and workshops

• Experience with international development projects in complex environments preferred

• Experience with Microsoft Office

• Experience with statistical packages (SPSS or Stata) preferred

• Cross-cultural awareness and capabilities
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills and ability to articulate technical information clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Ability to work with high-level government officials.
• Fluent in English. We offer competitive compensation and a package of exceptional benefits. FHI 360 is an employer with equal opportunity and affirmative action. FHI 360 is committed to providing equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or veteran status in policies, programs, or activities.

All applications should be sent to Liberia-ESSA-Recruitment@fhi360.org and the deadline for this advertisement is Tuesday August 8, 2023, @ 5:00pm for said positions.