Job Vacancy at Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) – (Senior) Research Associate

IPA’s office in Sierra Leone (SL) and the Principal Investigator, Anne Karing (University of Chicago), are seeking to hire a Senior Research Associate (SRA) or Research Associate (RA) to work on several research projects on the intersection of health and behavioral economics.





In Sierra Leone, where immunization is valued, but not fully adhered to, researchers worked with the Ministry of Health and Sanitation to test the impact on immunization rates of highly visible bracelets for children, signaling whether and to what extent children had completed their immunization schedules. The study found that bracelets signaling timely completion of all immunizations increased vaccination rates by 14 percentage points. The aim of the follow-up research is to assess the long-term impacts of the signals on immunization and other health behaviors, its social welfare effects, and to identify a path to scale for the intervention.

The research team is further working on new projects in health in the urban setting of Freetown. The research investigates the demand for informal markets for medicines, physical pain and its impacts of labor supply, the operation of pharmacies, and the impact of market competition on altruistic preferences.

The position requires working directly with Professor Karing and her team, and is based in Freetown, Sierra Leone. It is a great opportunity to contribute to research that will inform the scale-up of a cost-effective solution to immunization take-up, and the design of solutions to improve access to medicines in urban settings. The role is perfect for candidates who are interested in pursuing a PhD or a career in public policy.





The ideal candidate will be passionate about development and behavioral economics and enjoys working independently as well as with a team in a fast-paced environment. The SRA/RA’s responsibilities will be across all stages of research, including supporting the design of new experiments, designing and piloting survey instruments, monitoring data collection and data quality, and statistical analyses.

Responsibilities
  • Ensure the quality of the implementation of research projects in the field, including supporting the training of enumerators, documenting data collection protocols, and planning research activities.
  • Support the design of pilots and experiments.
  • Design and test new survey instruments.
  • Design and run high frequency checks to ensure data quality.
  • Solves complex problems relating to the administration of projects, including planning new procedures, adapting existing procedures to the needs of the project, and making significant contributions to methodology.
  • Conduct data analysis.
  • Write reports and support the writing of pre-analysis plans for new projects.
  • Perform other related work as needed.




Qualifications
  • Master’s degree in economics, public policy, or a related field.
  • Coursework in economics, econometrics, or statistics.
  • Coursework in development economics or international development.
  • A minimum of at least one year of relevant research experience, with proven analytical and quantitative skills.
  • Experience working in a low- or middle- income country.
  • Proficiency in a statistical analysis package such as Stata (preferred), Python, Matlab, and/or R.
  • Work both independently, in a self-directed manner, and as a team member.
  • Strong analytical skills.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce clear written materials geared towards technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Mature, self-directed individual with the ability to balance multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced working environment.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity to effectively work with global teams across cultures, work styles, and time zones.
  • Excellent organizational skills and high attention to detail.
  • Strong interest in development economics.




Application Instructions

Complete the J-PAL/IPA common application. After completing a brief registration, choose the Research job category, then select “(Senior) Research Associate, Sierra Leone”. Applications require you to include two letters of recommendation, statement of purpose (cover letter), CV, and transcripts. Note that you are able to submit your application without the recommendation letters. However, please be advised that we will be requiring them should you be invited for an interview.

Given the volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview

About IPA

Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is a research and policy nonprofit that discovers and promotes effective solutions to global poverty problems. IPA brings together researchers and decision-makers to design, rigorously evaluate, and refine these solutions and their applications, ensuring that the evidence created is used to improve the lives of the world’s poor. In recent decades, trillions of dollars have been spent on programs designed to reduce global poverty, but clear evidence on which programs succeed is rare, and when evidence does exist, decision-makers often do not know about it. IPA exists to bring together leading researchers and these decision-makers to ensure that the evidence we create leads to tangible impact on the world. Since its founding in 2002, IPA has worked with over 600 leading academics to conduct over 830 evaluations in 52 countries. This research has informed hundreds of successful programs that now impact millions of individuals worldwide.

Job Vacancy at Plan International – Monitoring Evaluation and Research Learning Manager

The Organisation

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls.

We believe in the power and potential of every child. But this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. And it’s girls who are most affected.

Working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges facing girls and all vulnerable children.

We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood. And we enable children to prepare for – and respond to – crises and adversity. We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge.





We have been building powerful partnerships for children for over 80 years, and are now active in more than 70 countries.

Plan International Sierra Leone is seeking to recruit top-notch professional to fulfil the position of

Monitoring Evaluation and Research Learning

Manager

(national position) based at the Country Office-Freetown to deliver the tasks outlined below:

SUMMARY OF THE POSITION

The purpose of this role is to provide overall leadership on monitoring, evaluation, research, learning and CPIMS activities of Plan International Sierra Leone’s programmes (both development and humanitarian) in line with international best practices and relevant guidelines.

The MERL Manager leads Plan’s International Sierra Leone’s MERL unit which sits within the programme department. The purpose of the MERL Unit is to improve program quality and accountability through supporting and implementing high quality MERL in programs and projects and, to provide evidence for programme design, planning and effectiveness. The position is crucial to programme quality and effectiveness .

DIMENSIONS OF ROLE

The post holder will ensure the establishment of a systematic monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning system for all programmes. The post holder will interface and support programme team members, support programme coordination and policy engagement. The role requires strong facilitation and organisational skills along with the ability to analyse and communicate complex information to all stakeholders.

The post holder will lead on knowledge management (KM) and institute practices and mechanisms, develop and socialize tools and templates for MERL work including participatory methodology tools and KM among programme staff at all levels in the organization and provide training for programme staff and partners on M&E.





ACCOUNTABILITIES

  • Plan International Sierra Leone can provide evidence on the results and effectiveness of the Country Strategy (CS)
  • Lead the development of the MERL framework for the CS with the accompanying MERL framework for the annual plan
  • Lead the development of M&E plans for all grants
  • Ensure all strategic documents and projects are in SAP and sections including PO Log and PCR and properly filled and on time.
  • Lead the utilization and translation of the situation analysis to inform the CS development
  • Lead the development of Terms of Reference (ToR) for assessments, studies and evaluations
  • Dissemination of situation analysis report during CS development
  • Lead and manage the country strategy review process from development of the ToR to dissemination of CS review report.
  • Document lessons learnt and best practice.
  • Act as focal point for PMERL in the CO, ensuring its use for programmatic M&E and supporting project teams to use it in practice

2 .

High quality and evidence based projects through excellence in situational analysis, planning, monitoring, evaluation and research practices and knowledge management tasks

  • Dissemination of designed CS, CP, annual plans, Programme Area Overviews (PAOs) and Programme Area Updates (PAUs)
  • Ensure that all projects have basic MERL documents and meet Plan International’s MERL standards
  • Identify research opportunities to enhance Plan International Sierra Leone programming
  • Ensure that all research and evaluation initiatives comply with Plan global standards (including publications)
  • Ensure that all research and evaluation initiatives comply with global MERL standards
  • Prepare management responses for all evaluation findings
  • Consolidate and facilitate the incorporation of recommendations from project and programme Evaluations
  • Conduct annual quality analysis of all evaluation reports against criteria defined in Plan International’s evaluation standards and identify trends in findings for review and follow up by senior management
  • Complete the MERL quarterly report for the Regional Office
  • Set up and implement a knowledge management plan for the MERL unit
  • Put in place a mechanism to collect good practices and lessons learnt from programme implementation
  • Lead the development and sharing of good practices and lessons learned
  • Establish and maintain close working relationship with the Regional MERL network and actively and consistently participate in activities of the group
  • Contribute regularly to discussions and announcements on the WACAH MERL workspace
  • Ensure collaboration with other agencies and manage partnerships for MERL related purposes

Plan International Programme staff and partners have increased MERL capacity

  • Set clear objectives and develop strategy for MERL unit including budget
  • Conduct MERL capacity assessment with relevant positions at PIIA, CO and partners to identify gaps/ training needs
  • Provide training for programme staff for quality projects and programmes M&E processes and practices
  • Develop a MERL capacity building plan for Plan International Sierra Leone and organize its implementation
  • Manage integration of program and sponsorship and lead the implementation of sponsorship commitment 1-10. – Participate in the development and review of PAOs, PAUs, SCIs, WGCs and tracking of progress on especially Commitment #2





Knowledge Management

  • Implement work plan to improve our knowledge and data management and sharing of information (internal, external): electronic filing, sharing of reports, stories of change
  • Document best practices and success stories for wider sharing and learning
  • Undertake knowledge management assessment and include budget for implementation of action plan for the organization
  • Coordinate with project managers and other sources to develop and mobilize resources to implement knowledge management action plan.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

Internal contacts

  • Head of Programmes
  • Business Development Manager
  • Technical Specialists
  • Programme Implementation and Influencing Area Managers and Programme and Project Managers
  • M&E staff

External contacts

  • Implementing Partners
  • Consultants

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Essential Skills

  • Master’s degree in statistics, demography, measurement and evaluation, planning, monitoring & evaluation, development studies, social sciences or other relevant field
  • Skills in managing qualitative and quantitative data collections
  • Understanding of integrated development issues and critical analysis of child poverty and gender
  • Knowledge of theories of child-rights programming, child protection (programmatic and safe-guarding), gender transformative programming
  • Knowledge of development issues, trends, challenges, opportunities and implications to community development
  • Demonstrated experience as a development professional in planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating programs/ projects
  • Knowledgeable on participatory M&E tools and systems
  • Knowledgeable on tool design for qualitative and quantitative research
  • Knowledge of strategic planning processes
  • Demonstrated experience in team management.

Desirable

  • At least six (6) years of experience in design, planning, monitoring, evaluation and research in community, national and international development, preferably in education, health, child protection, household economic security, DRM, gender and inclusion.
  • Understands Plan’s work, and implements processes and practices that support achievement of organisational objectives
  • Understanding of ethics and safeguarding principles for MERL activities
  • Strong planning and organizational skills
  • Skills in managing decentralized teams
  • Working experience in community participation in development/programming
  • Skills for data base management (design, entry, analysis)
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Ability to deliver to tight deadlines
  • Demonstrated facilitation and active listening skills
  • Strong facilitation and coaching skills
  • Solid writing skills (report writing, concept paper writing, etc.)
  • Skills in using Microsoft Office and other software applications relevant to MER (e.g. MAXQDA, STATA, SPSS, epi-info, CSPro or similar )





Behaviours

  • Coaches and builds capacity of staff
  • Promotes innovation and learning
  • Communicates clearly and effectively
  • Strong team building and motivational skills
  • Demonstrates clear respect to all and especially children and women without discrimination
  • Involves others in setting and achieving goals
  • Demonstrates honesty and transparency in holding self and others to account to deliver on agreed goals and Plan’s standards of behaviour
  • Balances future vision with practical delivery
  • Acts as a team player, willing to get the best outcome overall, adjusting own priorities if necessary
  • Promotes a strong learning culture in the organisation
  • Remains calm and positive under pressure and in difficult situations

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

  • Travel to Programme units and activities is required as necessary to ensure that programmes are effectively monitored.

LEVEL OF CONTACT WITH CHILDREN

  • The post holder has medium contact with children. It is expected that children shall be protected at all times.

GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITY

Ensures that Plan International’s global policies for Child Protection (CPP) and Gender Equality and Inclusion (GEI) are fully embedded in accordance with the principles and requirements of the policy including relevant Implementation Standards and Guidelines as applicable to their area of responsibility. This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring staff and associates are aware of and understand their responsibilities under these policies and Plan International’s Code of Conduct (CoC), their relevance to their area of work, and that concerns are reported and managed in accordance with the appropriate procedures.

Ensure staff understand Plan International’s commitment to driving a feminist agenda within the organization, and the ambition for gender equality and gender transformative leadership is embedded in our value-based leadership framework.

Plan International’s Values

https://plan-international.org/about-us/careers-plan-international/our-values-work

To apply for this job, kindly click on

‘Apply’ Your application should include:

  • A cover letter
  • A comprehensive CV including details of two referees, one of whom should be your current or most recent supervisor Only short-listed candidates shall be contacted. References will be taken and background and anti-terrorism checks will be carried out in conformity with Plan International’s Safeguarding Children and Young People’s Policy.

Plan International follows an equal opportunity policy and actively encourages diversity welcoming applications from all especially women and people living with disability.

Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early.





Location:

Country Office-Freetown

Type of Role:

Evaluation and Research Learning

Manager

Reports to: Head of Programmes

Grade: E

Closing Date: 21st April,2021

Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early.

Equality, diversity and inclusion is at the very heart of everything that Plan International stands for.

We want Plan International to reflect the diversity of the communities we work with, offering equal opportunities to everyone regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

Plan International is based on a culture of inclusivity and we strive to create a workplace environment that ensures every team, in every office, in every country, is rich in diverse people, thoughts, and ideas.

We foster an organisational culture that embraces our commitment to racial justice, gender equality, girls’ rights and inclusion.

Plan International believes that in a world where children face so many threats of harm, it is our duty to ensure that we, as an organisation, do everything we can to keep children safe. This means that we have particular responsibilities to children that we come into contact with and we must not contribute in any way to harming or placing children at risk.





A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with Plan International’s Safeguarding Children and Young People policy. Plan International also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this scheme we will request information from applicants previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

How to Apply

Qualified and interested individuals should click on the button below to apply.

 

 

Job vacancies at Transtec – 2 Positions

Transtec is recruiting to fill the following positions:

1.) Political Economy Analysis Expert
2.) Knowledge Management Lead

 

See job details and how to apply below.

 

1.) LT – Political Economy Analysis Expert for the Decision Support Unit of the Land Facility, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Cote D’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, DRC, Uganda, Somalia, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Field mission- long term

Reference to be quoted in all your communications: LT – Political Economy Analysis Expert for the Decision Support Unit of the Land Facility





Context

The Programme Cowater International is preparing for an upcoming opportunity focusing on supporting land reform in Africa. The Programme aims to support governments and other actors in Africa develop the basic building blocks of a fit-for-purpose central land governance system and more efficient, fair and transparent land investment approval processes. The Decision Support Unit will provide advisory services to help the client and delivery partners make evidence-based, outcome-oriented and VFM-driven decisions throughout implementation. The Programme is expected to start in 2021 for a period of 6 years.

Title: Decision Support Unit of the Land Facility

Date of issue: 17/02/2021

Date of expiry: 15/04/2021

Country: Africa (Senegal, Sierra Leone, Cote D’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, DRC, Uganda, Somalia, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe)

Location: Position

Political Economy Analysis Expert

Probable starting date: End 2021

Duration: 75 months

Project Manager: Florence Wallemacq

Contact: To apply, kindly register your profile via our website www.transtec.be and send your updated CV by e-mail at: fwallemacq@transtec.be

CV language: EN

Annex: Download

Political Economy Analysis Expert for the Decision Support Unit of the Land Facility

About Cowater

With more than 35 years’ experience, Cowater International is Canada’s global leader in management consulting services specializing in international development and has managed the implementation of over 800 projects in more than 80 countries around the globe. We work with governments, partner organizations, communities and civil society to design and implement sustainable solutions that generate lasting social, financial and environmental impacts. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, Cowater International also has corporate offices in Montreal, Quebec, Paris, London, United Kingdom and Nairobi, Kenya in addition to project offices in a wide variety of other locations across Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.

About the Programme

Cowater International is preparing for an upcoming opportunity focusing on supporting land reform in Africa. The Programme aims to support governments and other actors in Africa develop the basic building blocks of a fit-for-purpose central land governance system and more efficient, fair and transparent land investment approval processes. The Decision Support Unit will provide advisory services to help the client and delivery partners make evidence-based, outcome-oriented and VFM-driven decisions throughout implementation. The Programme is expected to start in 2021 for a period of 6 years.

About the role

The Political Economy Analysis Expert will be a core member of the team, reporting directly to the Team Leader. The PEA Expert will lead all programme activities aiming to develop a deeper understanding of the political context in the countries of intervention as well as the specific political and economic aspects that could influence the strategic direction of the Programme.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Lead the PEA framework development for the decision support unit
  • Proactively build and maintain positive, productive working relationships with team members and key stakeholders
  • Provide strategic political economy recommendations to the project and drive the overall implementation, ensuring a politically informed approach is embedded.
  • Conduct appropriate PEAs to help inform adaptive programming activities and overall strategy development.
  • Lead baseline country scoping and PE assessments for each target countries
  • Support ongoing PE monitoring and decision making
  • Through PEA, generate evidence to strengthen cross-sectoral analysis and identify entry points for the programme.
  • Work with the MEL team to ensure the MEL activities and tools are flexible, adaptive and appropriately incorporating political economy findings.
  • Regular reporting to Team Leader, as well as fulfilment of contractual reporting to the client.





About you

  • A graduate degree in social science, international development, economics, public policy or related degree with demonstrated competence in PEA.
  • At least 10 years of experience, including relevant work in land governance, public policy and/or administration.
  • Robust experience conducting Political Economy Analysis in Africa (any experience in one of the following countries is a strong asset: Senegal, Sierra Leone, Cote D’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, DRC, Uganda, Somalia, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe)
  • Work experience with government and with development partners in land governance areas through wider engagement of stakeholders
  • Track record in using PEA to inform program’s overall strategy and to develop a conflict- and gender-sensitive approach
  • Demonstrated experience leading PEA teams and applying PEA as part of the design and implementation of international development programming, ideally with FCDO
  • Solid understanding of governance and economic reform in Africa and/or Asia
  • Knowledge and experience of a range of different research approaches, in particular PEA, qualitative research, focus group discussion, and gender analysis
  • Excellent communication skills in English (speaking and writing) – French an asset
  • Experience with FCDO funded projects an asset

At Transtec, we consider an inclusive environment as key for our success. We are dedicated to ensuring a workplace that embraces diversity and provides equal opportunities for all, without distinction as to race, gender, age, marital status, social status, disability, sexual orientation, religion, personality, ethnicity and culture.

****************************************

We thank candidates for their high interest in the opportunities we publish on our website. Due to the high number of applications we receive, we can only get back to shortlisted candidates. Thank you for your understanding.

How to Apply

Qualified and interested individuals should click on the button below to apply.

 

 

2.) Knowledge Management Lead for the Decision Support Unit of the Land Facility, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Somalia, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Field mission- long term

Reference to be quoted in all your communications: LT – Knowledge Management Lead for the Decision Support Unit of the Land Facility

Context

The Programme Cowater International is preparing for an upcoming opportunity focusing on supporting land reform in Africa. The Programme aims to support governments and other actors in Africa develop the basic building blocks of a fit-for-purpose central land governance system and more efficient, fair and transparent land investment approval processes. The Decision Support Unit will provide advisory services to help the client and delivery partners make evidence-based, outcome-oriented and VFM-driven decisions throughout implementation. The Programme is expected to start in 2021 for a period of 6 years.

Title: Decision Support Unit of the Land Facility

Date of issue: 22/03/2021

Date of expiry: 15/04/2021

Country: Africa (Senegal, Sierra Leone, Cote D’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, DRC, Uganda, Somalia, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe)

Location: Position

Knowledge Management Lead

Probable starting date: End 2021

Duration: 75 months

Project Manager: Florence Wallemacq

Contact: To apply, kindly register your profile via our website www.transtec.be and send your updated CV by e-mail at: fwallemacq@transtec.be

CV language: EN

Annex: Download

Knowledge Management Lead for the Decision Support Unit of the Land Facility





About Cowater

With more than 35 years’ experience, Cowater International is Canada’s global leader in management consulting services specializing in international development and has managed the implementation of over 800 projects in more than 80 countries around the globe. We work with governments, partner organizations, communities and civil society to design and implement sustainable solutions that generate lasting social, financial and environmental impacts. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, Cowater International also has corporate offices in Montreal, Quebec, Paris, London, United Kingdom and Nairobi, Kenya in addition to project offices in a wide variety of other locations across Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.

The Programme

Cowater International is preparing for an upcoming opportunity focusing on supporting land reform in Africa. The Programme aims to support governments and other actors in Africa develop the basic building blocks of a fit-for-purpose central land governance system and more efficient, fair and transparent land investment approval processes. The Decision Support Unit will provide advisory services to help the client and delivery partners make evidence-based, outcome-oriented and VFM-driven decisions throughout implementation. The Programme is expected to start in 2021 for a period of 6 years.

Knowledge Management Component: As an evidence-based support programme focused on enhancing the cost-effectiveness of the Land Facility’s work, knowledge management is a key component. The Knowledge Management Lead is therefore a core role to ensure the DSU is producing effective programme learning and programmatic actions internally and ensures strategic global dissemination.

About the role

The

Knowledge Management Lead will be a core member of the team, reporting directly to the Team Leader.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Lead the development and implementation of the DSU Learning, Knowledge Management, and Communications Strategy
  • Maintaining a high degree of quality control over research and analysis conducted by the DSU, and identifying effective ways to get the research into use
  • Provide technical assistance to key stakeholders for empowered dialogue and formulation of evidence-based positions, including building capacity efforts
  • Coordinate knowledge management work across consortium and with Land Facility supplier and oversee communications mechanisms with stakeholders and partners
  • Outline the requirements for communication systems needed by the programme which would enable quick and simple communication of key messages to all consortium members or specific stakeholders
  • Develop tools to inform the program, as well as the community of stakeholders, e.g. cross programme linkages and learnings
  • Oversee and advise on the development of effective dissemination and distribution channels for all DSU and LF outputs
  • Lead on reporting for KM-related outputs, as well as fulfilment of contractual reporting to the client
  • Coordinate and participate in the planning and delivery of stakeholder events, i.e. workshops, discussion groups
  • Together with the MEL team, ensure that iterative learning processes are actively informing the development of the project.





About you

  • A graduate degree in social sciences (notably economics, planning, sociology or geography), international development, knowledge management land use planning/management, or a related degree
  • At least 10 years of experience in knowledge management, including relevant work in land governance, public policy and/or administration
  • Experience with supporting/conducting research and analysis and getting the results into use
  • Experience with FCDO funded projects
  • Experience in developing and operationalising communications and research-into-use strategies in an international development context
  • Knowledge and experience of a mixture of communications methods, including social media
  • Work experience with government and with development partners in land governance areas through wider engagement of stakeholders would be an asset
  • An ability to adapt methods of communication to be most effective for different audiences
  • Proactive and flexible with the ability to multi-task
  • Multi-stakeholder management skills and the ability to build and maintain constructive and collaborative relationships with a variety of different individuals/organisations
  • Any experience in one of the following countries is a strong asset: Senegal, Sierra Leone, Cote D’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, DRC, Uganda, Somalia, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe
  • Excellent communication skills in English (speaking and writing) – French an asset

At Transtec, we consider an inclusive environment as key for our success. We are dedicated to ensuring a workplace that embraces diversity and provides equal opportunities for all, without distinction as to race, gender, age, marital status, social status, disability, sexual orientation, religion, personality, ethnicity and culture.





****************************************

We thank candidates for their high interest in the opportunities we publish on our website. Due to the high number of applications we receive, we can only get back to shortlisted candidates. Thank you for your understanding.

How to Apply

Qualified and interested individuals should click on the button below to apply.

 

 

Job Vacancy at Sightsavers – Research Associate, Inclusive Education Data

Sightsavers is recruiting for an experienced Research Associate to lead and provide technical support to the Inclusive education research in Sierra Leone which aims to develop and test context appropriate methodologies for collecting disability data relevant to education and integrating these data within the national Education Management Information System (EMIS).

Location: Sierra Leone, Freetown
Contract: 2 year Fixed Term Contract
Salary: Local terms and conditions apply




As Research Associate, you will work with our global Research team and Sierra Leone Country Office, as well as the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) and partner organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), and will be responsible for setting up the study process and for collecting, analysing and disseminating data generated by this research.

This role will suit an experienced researcher with a strong interest in education and disability research, experience and understanding of education data systems and a broad range of expertise using both quantitative and qualitative methods. You will be proactive, passionate and keen to be involved at all levels of planning, organising, facilitating and analysis.

More information Sightsavers’ Research can be found here




Accountabilities of the Research Associate include: 

  • Work with the Sightsavers Research team and Sierra Leone Country office to develop the research protocol and data collection tools appropriate for the local context;
  • Liaise with MBSSE, relevant education and other stakeholders at different levels to secure their understanding and buy-in of the study and to obtain all necessary approvals, including ethics clearance;
  • Develop a methodology and conduct an assessment of the national EMIS with a specific focus on disability data, using a variety of methods, including document reviews, routine data analyses and qualitative interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) with stakeholders;
  • Work with the Sightsavers Research team, Sierra Leone Country office, and MBSSE to adapt and test tools for collecting disability data in selected schools and in the community using the Washington Group Short Set of Questions, the UNICEF Child Functioning Module and the Washington Group Inclusive Education tool.
  • Use in-depth qualitative interviews, FGDs and participatory research methods to understand the experiences of using the tools and their applicability within the education system;
  • Lead on all aspects of the study, including planning, recruiting field teams, training, supervision, quality assurance and logistical support;
  • Ensure that the research process adheres strictly to the research protocol, ethics and agreed budget;
  • In collaboration with the Research team lead on the analysis of data and write up of findings;
  • Work with the Education and EMIS stakeholders on the recommendations for the integration of disability data collection tools within EMIS;
  • In collaboration with the Sierra Leone Country Office and advocacy team, set up processes and lead on the communication and dissemination of research findings to all relevant stakeholders;
  • Lead on and contribute to peer-reviewed publications and conferences presenting study results;

 




Knowledge, skills and experience for Research Associate Inclusive Education data

Required:

  • Post-graduate degree at least at Masters level in a relevant discipline (for example: education, social sciences, political sciences, public health) or equivalent experience;
  • Excellent knowledge of different research paradigms and methods, including both quantitative and qualitative approaches;
  • Demonstrable experience of conducting and managing the planning, design, undertaking and supervision of research in the areas of health, education, and/or disability in sub-Saharan Africa;
  • Understanding of research governance and ethical principles particularly in relation to research with children and vulnerable people;
  • Good knowledge of the education system in Sierra Leone, including its governance, structures and information systems;
  • Experience of working in partnership with stakeholders, including those in the education system;
  • Experience of education systems research and data systems
  • Knowledge of disability measurement tools, such as Washington group questions and Child Functioning Module;
  • Experience of collecting quantitative and qualitative data and fieldwork supervision;
  • Experience of data analysis and report writing, including the use of software packages such as Stata, Nvivo, ATLAS.ti, etc:
  • Experience of presenting at conferences and writing peer-reviewed publications;
  • Excellent English language communication skills;
  • Availability to travel nationally within Sierra Leone (Covid-19 restrictions allowing).

Desirable

  • Experience of working with MBSSE and OPD partners
  • Experience of disability or inclusive education systems research, or data systems

The Research Associate, Inclusive education data, is a highly varied and involved role and the above is not an exhaustive list of duties or required professional skills. Please see the Job Description  for full details.




Closing date: 11pm Sunday 11 April 2021

Interviews are likely to take place early/mid-May 2021

How to Apply

Qualified and interested individuals should click on the button below to apply.

 

 

Job Vacancy at BBC Media Action – Senior Research Officer

Radio is still the most important source of information in Sierra Leone, but online access is growing quickly, particularly among young people. We’ve been working in Sierra Leone since 2007 on projects that span radio, mobile, social media and community discussion groups. We are proud to run Sierra Leone’s most popular Facebook page, which played an important role in dispelling misinformation during the country’s 2018 elections.

Since 2017, our Tawa Fo Welbodi (Determined For Health) project has provided trusted information and busted harmful myths about malaria, a disease which accounts for 40% of deaths outside hospital. This project builds on the expertise and insight our team gained during the 2014-15 Ebola crisis – where we worked closely and swiftly with media and NGO partners to provide life-saving information through radio discussion and drama programming, PSAs, digital content and capacity strengthening.





In 2019 we launched a bold new girls’ education and empowerment project – supporting radio stations across the country to create vibrant programming that challenges the discriminatory attitudes holding girls back from realising their dreams. Sierra Leone is also one of three countries of focus for our flagship media development project, PRIMED (Protecting Independent Media for Effective Development) – through which we are strengthening independent media to produce trusted public-interest journalism and generating evidence around what works in strengthening media viability.

OB VACANCY-Senior Research Officer

BBC Media Action is the international development agency of the BBC, using media and communications to improve people’s lives.  BBC Media Action is recruiting a fulltime Senior Research Officer to support the research activities under our media development project titled ‘Promoting Independent Media Development’ (PrIMED) and to provide support across all other projects. Our projects feature a combination of national and local radio programming, as well as social media content. We are looking for a talented and committed researcher to work on all stages of research on this project and all other projects and provide support on other research and learning assignments. The Senior Research Officer will be line managed by the Research and Learning Manager and will work with BBC Media Action’s Research & Learning Group in London.





The Senior Research Officer will be working with media houses across the country and may have to work with vulnerable groups. For the successful candidate, mandatory training will be provided on BBC Media Action’s safeguarding policy and staff code of conduct. A police background check will form part of the recruitment process. BBC Media Action operates a zero-tolerance policy concerning all forms of abuse and exploitation of vulnerable people.

To apply, please send an up-to-date CV and a supporting letter to

recruitment@sl.bbcmediaaction.org

or to the BBC Media Action office at 41i Derek Drive, off Spur Road, Freetown. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Closing date for applications for this role is 22nd January 2021.