Research and Learning Advisor at Creative Associates International

Job ID: 2022-2441
Category: Program Management
Reporting & Supervision: Senior Monitoring, Evaluation, Research Learning and Adapting Advisor.   

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

• Propose and support the implementation of baseline situational assessments and other situational assessments and research as needed.

Primary Responsibilities

• Design and lead research activities to promote early grade literacy in accordance with TA impact and other learning plans.
• Produce capacity development manuals and other products and roll out research and learning activities.
• Work with Senior MERLA Advisor to ensure learning indicators and activities are aligned and linked to the needs of the public education sector and other relevant institutions to assist in improving literacy outcomes at lower primary levels.
• Provide input to project work plans and collaborate across activities to support objective integration and collaboration. Engage available and active communities and parent networks and organizations in research activity planning and implementation where possible. Monitor training programs, capture lessons, and adapt training programs to meet local context (as needed).
• Support development of apps and other tools to facilitate learning and collaboration.
• Support the development, implementation, and quality assurance of the program MERLA plan and activities.
• Develop working relationship with technical experts, education centers, and partners to share capacity development early grade literacy methodologies.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Undergraduate Degree or equivalent in Education, Curriculum Development or related field is required; Master's Degree preferred.
• At least six years of experience relevant to this position required, with at least four years in developing curriculum or programs to help learners develop literacy skills.
• At least three years of supervisory experience with groups or teams of staff required.
• Ability to synthesize program performance data and produce analytical reports to inform strategic decision-making.
• Fluency in spoken and written English highly desired, advanced proficiency required.

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.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills are required.
• Excellent record keeping, and documentation skills are required.