RTI International recrute 01 spécialiste principal de la recherche et de l’apprentissage
Overall responsibilities:
The Senior Research and Learning Advisor is a senior leadership and technical position whose primary responsibility is planning and technical supervision of the quality of field data collection, analysis and reporting for the purpose of embedded research, evaluation and learning with the RELIT program. Such activities may include: needs assessments, situation analyses including (baselines, midline, endlines), process observations, KAP surveys, product or process evaluations, or other research designed to improve RELIT inputs or answer specific questions about what works, for whom and in what conditions. Methods may be qualitative, quantitative or mixed, and the key responsibility is to advise technical teams on the most appropriate, cost-efficient approach to field data collection so that the project can effectively carry out its learning agenda and provide timely, credible and rigorous evidence to the Ministry of Education counterparts, allowing them to sustainably improve the quality of education outcomes in the early grades.
The Senior Research Advisor will also be responsible for preparing coherent and clear presentation of research findings to different stakeholders to facilitate the research-based decision-making process.
This individual will be part of the Monitoring and Evaluation (MEL) team and will work closely with the MEL Director and the Monitoring-Evaluation and Database Specialist. Whereas the MEL Director takes primary responsibility for regular performance reporting according to standard and custom USAID indicators, the Research and Learning Advisor will focus on elements of the learning agenda, or field data collection that contributes to continuous improvement of program approaches. The Monitoring and Evaluation Database Manager ensures the integrity of all datasets during data collection, reporting and archiving.
The MEL Team works closely with the Ministry of Education (DEE, INEADE, DPRE, and others) on developing the research agenda, and jointly carrying out data collection activities. As such, there will be a strong focus on coordination and capacity building of MEN counterparts as well as project staff so that data collection activities are completed in a timely and efficient manner, while demonstrating utmost quality and rigor.
Essential Duties:
- Training, mentoring, and implementation supervision of all MEN counterparts at central and regional levels, and among staff at RELIT headquarters, who are involved in research activities.
- Planning and directing scheduled, systematic internal validation and assurance of the quality / fidelity of all data captured, managed and/or reported for RELIT research and learning activities, in addition to key MEN-captured data, to assure the project’s high standard of data accuracy, definition, precision, and completeness.
- Overseeing the management and assuring the timeliness of all RELIT research and learning activities.
- Working with MEL team on annual preparation of the MEL work plan and annual field data capture of results data and validating documentation for the RELIT AMELP.
- Working with the MEL team on organizing RELIT Program learning events based on data and research.
- Updating / revising the RELIT Activity Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan (AMELP) learning agenda
- Preparing reports, tables and charts of RELIT research activities and results achievement for progress reports to USAID Senegal and MEN, in addition to periodic field activity reports, and prompt, satisfactory responses to immediate information requests from USAID Senegal as directed by the Chief of Party.
- Preparing coherent and clear presentation of research findings to different stakeholders to facilitate the research-based decision-making process
- Collaborative planning of research activity data capture and reporting by RELIT partners (RTI, Save the Children, ARED).
- Liaison and communications with the MEL and Planning Director on M&E plans, operations, challenges, M&E staff performance, and work progress.
- Perform other Program duties as assigned
Minimum Required Education, Experience and Skills:
The Research & Learning Specialist is a senior professional position at RELIT. RELIT seeks candidates that have:
- A post-graduate degree (Masters-level or Phd) with a minimum “good” record of achievement and 6 years of relevant experience
- Strong research skills in qualitative and mixed methods and communicating findings to diverse audiences.
- Extensive leadership and senior management experience of project monitoring & evaluation, preferably for a USAID project or for the Ministry of Education
- Strong appreciation of – and careful attention to – the value of information and the effective management of project data and information, including its precision, accuracy, completeness and detail. This is an essential qualification for this position. Previous experience of project information management is preferred.
- Strong capability in standard business computer software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Internet browsing and file management. Database (MS Access), GIS, and statistical package (Stata, SPSS) software experience is an advantage but not required.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, energy and enthusiasm, and a demonstrated ability to liaise closely and work effectively with RELIT project staff in other departments and, under the direction of the Chief of Party, technical liaison with key MEN counterparts.
- Excellent communications, writing and presentation skills in French (English an asset).
Strong aptitude for effective and efficient management of their time, functions and timely completion of tasks and responsibilities.