Data Systems and Student Performance Specialist at Creative Associates International

BACKGROUND

Creative Associates International is a fast-growing, social impact company that specializes in the areas of education, economic growth, democratic transitions, and stabilization in post-conflict environments. Based in Chevy Chase, Maryland, this global development organization has a field presence is more than 25 countries and a strong client portfolio of that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department. Since its founding in 1977 by four enterprising women, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike. Creative Associates International has been working in Nigeria for more than a decade to support education programs in Nigeria.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development and in close partnership with federal partners and select Nigeria States (designated as legacy [Bauchi and Sokoto], launching and technical assistance), the five-year Leveraging Education Assistance Resources in Nigeria (LEARN) project will support sustainable improvements in reading outcomes for first and second grade pupils. The goal of LEARN is to strengthen and scale early grade reading (EGR) best practice by ensuring that standards-based, context-appropriate assessment, materials, training, and administrative supports needed to improve literacy skills for P1-2 pupils are embedded within the federal policy, funding, and monitoring frameworks, and state and local authorities have the implementation protocols, capacity, and resources to carry out and sustain standards-based, data-driven EGR reform. The project objective is to instill ownership in and build capacity of school-community, local, state, and federal systems to establish a base for adequate, consistent data-driven funding, monitoring and performance that increase the equity, inclusion, and wellbeing necessary to achieve sustained EGR gains. LEARN will therefore be building on lessons learned from prior Nigeria reading programs to introduce a flexible, cost- efficient EGR intervention model that can be tailored to state contexts.

POSITION SUMMARY

Support the identification and integration of technology into existing lessons of the LEARN to read project States. Also, working closely with the Senior Data Systems and MERLA Advisors, provide TA to States for improved teaching and learning, and to ensure that performance monitoring, action research, and evaluations are consistent with program results, track activity progress towards achieving targets and results.

POSITION LOCATION: Yola, Adamawa State

REPORTING & SUPERVISION

The Data Systems and Student Performance Specialist will report to the Launching State Regional Advisor

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support program effectiveness evaluation, including quality implementation of early grade reading (EGR) assessment.
• Prepare ad hoc and periodic progress reports and annual reports showing achievements against set targets.
• Facilitate arrangements for organizing meetings, trainings, and workshops.
• Coordinate logistics for school/classroom-based monitoring and evaluation, and any other staff responsible to performance monitoring, oversight, and data collection and reporting.
• Support the adaptation and localization of the English, Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba curriculum into formats suitable for each technology platform.
• Ensures timely data collection, quality assurance, and reporting, including lessons learned.
• Support development of additional content for technology platforms as required.
• Coordinate the piloting of technology platforms at the state and local levels.
• Assist in the evaluation of technology platforms and make recommendations on revisions to both the platform and the curriculum where appropriate.
• Provide TA to facilitate use of technology by teachers, government staff and learners as required.
• Any other duties as may be assigned.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree in Education, Statistics, or any related field preferred, Master’s degree required.
• At least four years’ experience relevant to this position required, with at least two years designing and delivering distance learning activities and programs.
• At least one year of supervising experience required if supervising employees.
• International development experience, particularly in education and data systems
• Strong planning, organization, critical and strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional communication (verbal and written) and presentation skills with a dynamic, engaging facilitation style.
• Prior experience with supporting civil society-based monitoring of literacy outcomes is preferred.
• Advanced proficiency in written and spoken English required.
• Proficiency in Hausa/Igbo/ or Yoruba fluency preferred.

Preferred Experience & Skills

• Previous experience in similar role.
• Proven experience directly and indirectly supervising and managing staff and teams.
• Experience with a USAID-funded or other international organization implementing a program operating in insecure areas is desired.
• Strong ability to deploy and use various forms of tracking tools.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills are required.
• Excellent record keeping, and documentation skills are required.