Education Research & Systems Specialist at Rhizome Consulting

Job Summary

• The Education Research & Systems Specialist will provide technical expertise in education sector research, learning assessments, programme evaluation, policy analysis, and systems strengthening. The successful candidate will support the design and implementation of studies, assessments, evaluations, and evidence-generation initiatives while providing strategic recommendations to improve education policy, programme effectiveness, institutional performance, and learning outcomes.
• The role requires a strong understanding of education systems, quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, learning measurement frameworks, and the factors influencing educational access, retention, equity, quality, and student achievement.

Key Responsibilities
Education Research & Analysis

• Design and implement education sector studies, research projects, assessments, and evaluations
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research to generate evidence on educational challenges, opportunities, and programme effectiveness
• Analyse education data and research findings to support policy development and programme improvement
• Produce technical reports, policy briefs, research papers, and knowledge products

Education Systems Strengthening

• Support the assessment and strengthening of education systems, institutions, and governance structures
• Provide technical recommendations on education policy, planning, financing, accountability, and service delivery
• Contribute to the design and implementation of education sector reform initiatives
• Support institutional capacity strengthening efforts for government agencies, schools, and education stakeholders

Learning Assessment & Measurement

• Design and implement learning assessments to measure educational performance and student outcomes
• Support the development and adaptation of assessment tools and methodologies
• Analyse learning outcomes data to identify trends, gaps, and areas for intervention
• Provide technical guidance on foundational literacy, numeracy, and learning measurement approaches

Monitoring, Evaluation & Evidence Generation

• Contribute to the design of monitoring, evaluation, and learning frameworks for education programmes
• Support baseline, midline, endline, impact evaluation, and verification exercises
• Develop indicators, measurement approaches, and data collection methodologies
• Ensure evidence generated is translated into practical recommendations for decision-making

Stakeholder Engagement & Capacity Building

• Engage with government institutions, development partners, donors, schools, research institutions, and other stakeholders
• Facilitate workshops, consultations, learning events, and technical working groups
• Provide technical assistance and capacity-building support to education stakeholders
• Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing across programme partners

Educational Qualifications

• Master s degree in Education, Educational Planning, Educational Measurement, Education Policy, Development Studies, Economics, Public Policy, Social Sciences, Statistics, International Development, or a related field
• A PhD in Education, Economics, Public Policy, Research Methods, or a related discipline will be an added advantage

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Minimum of 10 years experience in education research, education systems strengthening, programme evaluation, learning assessments, or related fields
• Demonstrated experience conducting education sector studies, evaluations, assessments, and policy analysis
• Strong understanding of education systems, governance, institutional strengthening, and education reform processes
• Experience designing and implementing learning assessments, student performance studies, and education measurement frameworks
• Knowledge of foundational literacy and numeracy assessment methodologies, including international and national assessment frameworks
• Strong quantitative and qualitative research skills, including survey design, sampling, data collection, and analysis
• Experience working with governments, development partners, donors, academic institutions, or education-focused organisations
• Proficiency in data analysis and statistical software such as SPSS, STATA, R, Python, Power BI, Tableau, or related tools is an advantage
• Excellent analytical, report writing, communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and deliver high-quality outputs within tight timelines