The Learning Research Specialist will extend the Department of Education and Child Protection’s (DECP) ability to provide technical support to country offices to expand access to quality learning opportunities. Responsibilities include enhancing the reach of the DECP team to focus on learning outcomes and gender measurement across Sponsorship, SCI and partner sites. She/he does this primarily through support of the implementation of the Literacy and Numeracy Boost assessments and IDELA, including data analysis and evaluation report writing.
The Learning Research Specialist will support evidence-based programming in Sponsorship, SCI and partner sites by building the capacity of US and national staff to successfully measure and report on Literacy and Numeracy Boost, ELM and related programming activities. In leading the assessment component, s/he will consult on evaluation design and use statistical analysis methods to produce findings for evidence-based program design/improvement, and ensure timely feedback into programming. S/he will disseminate evaluation and research results to the Country Offices and the DECP team.
Technical Leadership and Quality Programming (70%)
- Design and implement evaluations for DECP current and future programs, including in-country technical assistance for research design and data collection as well as analysis and results communication
- Lead tool development, data analysis, and data use to inform literacy, numeracy, gender, and early childhood development in Save the Children programs
- Strengthen Monitoring Evaluation Accountability and Learning (MEAL) staff capacity to measure learning and development
- Support the monitoring and evaluation components of proposal development for the US government and private foundations/donors
- Develop and implement training modules in quantitative research foundations for country office and regional staff
Program Learning and Innovation (25%)
- Ensure technical quality of learning outcomes and gender measurement in Save the Children sites, including analysis and utilization of findings to realize impact for the program, advocacy, and fundraising.
- Work with colleagues to consistently link programmatic supports, technical messages, and resource development for literacy, numeracy and gender programming
- Work with the research team to conduct cross-country studies to inform DECP’s program advances and advocacy messages
Public and Private Resources (5%)
- Fundraise and support SC efforts to expand literacy, numeracy, gender and ELM programming based on evidence
- Minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in applied research, preferably in a development setting, ideally utilizing rigorous quantitative and qualitative approaches
- Proven technical knowledge in evaluation designs including experimental, quasi-experimental, and mixed-methods
- Independent judgment and discretion on setting evaluation plans for programs
- Proficiency in quantitative research methods
- Ability to travel about 25% of the time primarily internationally
- Ability to take initiative and work independently and as part of a team
- Computer skills: advanced proficiency in STATA, Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelors and master’s degree in international education, international development/development economics or related field strongly preferred
- Experience in behavior change and attitudes measurement, in particular as it relates to gender
- Experience in qualitative research methods
- Proficiency in French, Spanish, or Arabic
- Meaningful work, with a knowledge that you are changing the lives of children all around the world
- A family friendly work environment
- Highly collaborative and innovative teams
- Generous paid vacation days, holidays, family leave days, and sick time
- Healthcare plans including medical, dental, and life insurance
- Retirement savings account with matching company contributions
- Structured and formalized management development and coaching programs for mid and senior level managers
- Extensive e-learning opportunities on a variety of topics offered through our affiliation with several prestigious universities as well as language learning opportunities