Research Associate

Sightsavers is a UK-based international NGO working on programmes and research in the fields of education, health, and social inclusion. Our current research portfolio includes a range of quantitative and qualitative studies in the areas of health and disability inclusion.. We are looking for a Research Associate to contribute to a large-scale education system strengthening project. The project will work in close collaboration with the Ministry of Education and other partners to support key education priorities in Liberia. These include increased evidence-based decision making, improved resource management, and enhanced accountability.

Contract: Two year fixed term contract – renewable

Salary: Local Terms and Conditions apply

About the role

Liberia Education Systems Strengthening Activity (ESSA) is a five-year program funded by USAID. ESSA will build a more capable education system that functions better at the county and district levels to drive, measure, and incentivise the delivery of quality and inclusive education. ESSA will support the Government of Liberia’s education priorities by collaborating with the Ministry of Education (MOE).

Sightsavers is seeking an experienced Research Associate to lead and provide technical support to a range of evidence generating activities and operational research with a focus on strengthening capacity of the Education Management Information System (EMIS) in Liberia.

Key duties and accountabilities include:

• Working with the national and local stakeholders in Liberia, the Sightsavers Research team, consortium partners and international consultants to undertake a comprehensive review of the current status of the Education Management Information System (EMIS) in Liberia with a focus on gender and disability inclusion;
• Support the design and implementation of relevant operational research studies aiming to assess feasibility and acceptability of strategies to strengthen the capacity of education system, and specifically EMIS, with a focus on gender and disability inclusion;
• Support the design and implementation of costing and cost-effectiveness studies in education with a focus on gender and disability inclusion;
• Collaboratively undertake all relevant research activities, including literature reviews, protocol development, ethics application, fieldworker training and supersession, data analysis and dissemination;
• Collaboratively set up processes and lead on the communication and dissemination of research findings to all relevant stakeholders, including research presentations, study reports and briefs, peer reviewed publications and media blogs.

This is a specialised 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. Please note that this role is subject to successful funding with a decision anticipated in September 2022.

About you

As the successful candidate you will have:

• A Master’s degree or equivalent in Data sciences, epidemiology, statistics or similar field.
• Proven experience in relevant areas of research, including research leadership positions.
• Strong hands-on experience of operational research, using both quantitative and qualitative study designs
• Good understanding of information systems, particularly in the field of education, including school-based data collection systems and school censuses
• Understanding of data architecture and interoperability of information systems;
• Experience in developing research protocols and tools.
• Experience in submitting research protocols to ethical review bodies and navigating ethical and administrative review processes.
• Good understanding of research governance and ethical principles particularly in relation to research with children and vulnerable people.
• Knowledge of disability measurement tools, such as Washington Group questions and the UNICEF/ Washington Group Child Functioning Module.
• Experience working with governmental and non-governmental partners and coordinating multi-disciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.