Educational Researcher

The UNICEF-funded “Dirasa Program" & “Makani Program”, aims to create for out-of-school children, multiple pathways that are flexible and responsive to each child’s unique learning needs. The program will be implemented in private /semi-private schools and community centers and is estimated to target out of school children and Retention support for students who are already enrolled in schools.

Position Summary:
The “Educational Researcher” will work closely and report to senior project officer. The educational researcher will be required to design a structured learning agenda, implement research work including design, development of tools, analysis of results and generation of reports, in collaboration with the MERL team. The study focuses on the impact of Dirasa & Makani training and coaching on teachers and students’ performance and the impact of Dirasa program implementation on students’ transition to formal education. The study will be conducted in a selected number of schools targeted by the project. In addition, the consultant will help to find the alignment between Dirasa and Makani program.

Main Responsibilities:
The educational researcher needs to work in close collaboration with the MERL team.
• Design a structured Learning Agenda to assess the impact of the Dirasa & Makani program.
• Develop an evaluation roll out strategy, including data collection and analysis processes, timeline and tools.
• Develop and test the proposed methodology and protocol (including tools development, data collection methodology, data verification techniques), review and adapt the design as necessary.
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative data analysis.
• Coordinate with MERL to ensure quality control, identify problems, causes of potential bottlenecks in implementation, and provide specific recommendations/solutions.
• Develop the final report and presentations to communicate research outcomes.

Required Qualifications:
• Proven track record in M&E evaluation in Lebanon including design of assessment studies, overseeing field data collection and developing tools and surveys using quantitative and qualitative approaches
• Excellent spoken and written English and Arabic
• Excellent communication skills along with the ability to give oral and written reports.
• Excellent negotiation and interpersonal skills and the knowledge of interviewing techniques are necessary traits
• Familiarity with the education sector in Lebanon
• Ability to interpret and analyze the collected data
• Must have a team-oriented attitude to train others involved in the program