Research Assistant

USAID/WBG Basic Education Activity
Research Assistant

Background: Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development
firm that specializes in education, economic growth, governance, and post-crisis stabilization.
Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a
strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the
State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid
reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.

Summary: Creative Associates seeks a Research Assistant for the USAID-funded West Bank and
Gaza (WBG) Basic Education Activity, which will strengthen education services for Palestinian
children of KG 1 through Grade 6 to enable them to thrive and reach their full developmental
potential. Under the Basic Education Activity, USAID seeks to work with the private sector, non-
formal, non-governmental, community-based, and civil society partners to strengthen early
childhood and primary educational opportunities through high quality early childhood
education services and supplemental support structures to strengthen foundational pre-
primary and primary education for children in the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem. Specific
areas of focus include strengthening foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, social emotional
learning (SEL)/soft skills, building teacher and student resilience capabilities and assets, and
strengthening pathways between non-formal to formal education. The Research Assistant
reports to the Sr. MEL Manager

**Please note this is a local recruitment and only citizens from Palestine will be considered**

Primary Responsibilities:

• Work with project staff and partners to ensure timely collection of data and preparation
  of accurate and clear reports.
• Support the Sr. MEL Manager to lead on conducting the different studies such as
  baseline, midterm, endline, etc.
• Support the implementation of the Evidence and Learning Agenda.
• Develop and maintain data collection and monitoring framework and tools.
• Create a toolkit of data collection methodologies including data from lessons learned
  from ongoing interventions.
• Support the process of collection of quantitative and qualitative data on a regular basis
  through (i.e. interviews, Focus Groups Discussions (FGDs), participatory action research
  methods, etc.).
• Conduct regular field visits and develop further research in line with the project’s needs.
• Assist Senior MEL Manager and contribute to the development and revision of the BEA
  research framework, including literature review, identifying themes, etc.
• Develop research concept notes and requests for application (if needed) based on
  research themes identified in the framework.
• Contribute to the development, implementation, and regular updating of BEA’s research
  management guidelines.
• Support the quality assurance of research tools, models, and inquiries for collecting and
  analyzing data for each of the research topics.
• Organize dissemination events to share research findings in cooperation and
  collaboration with USAID’s third-party monitoring contractor and stakeholders.
• Assist project staff to develop monitoring plans and assist the Sr. MEL Manager to
  compile and finalize overall project Monitoring Plan.
• Assist the implementation of routine monitoring and evaluation data collection and
  reporting activities.
• Assist the Sr. MEL Manager to:
  - establish coordinated data collection processes, standards for the entire project
  as required to meet monitoring, evaluation, and reporting needs
  - establish data collection processes that guarantee high-quality data in
  accordance with the agreed time plan and data collection strategy
  - analyze and summarize data, and help ensure high-quality reporting for regular
  weekly, quarterly, annual, and final report
  - develop M&E monthly plans and track the progress against planned activities
  - ensure that data is managed properly using M&E-Information System (M&E-IS)
  and made available for planning and reporting in timely manner
  - coordinate with BEA teams to undertake periodic data quality assessments and
  ensure that evidence-based reporting is implemented within BEA across all
  partners
  - coordinate and collaborate with the partners’ relevant staff as and when
  required
• Support drafting weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports, as well as meeting
  client’s data needs and reporting of program successes and impact.
• Take part in training opportunities to increase knowledge of M&E protocols and
  practice.
• Adhere to child protection and gender-sensitivity policies and practices.
• Abide by all Creative and USAID regulations related to research and M&E.
• Other duties, as assigned.

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- Bachelor's degree in related field required (Monitoring &Evaluation; Educational
Management/Systems; Educational Research; Social Behavior Change).
- Minimum 2-4 years of experience in Monitoring and Evaluation design and
implementation within humanitarian or development sector.
- Minimum 2-4 years of experience in working with research studies, baselines,
evaluations, assessments, etc.
- Demonstrable capacity in quantitative as well as qualitative research methods.
- A combination of research and M&E expertise would be an asset.
- Excellent analytical skills and ability to effectively use Microsoft Excel, SPSS, ACCESS and
similar statistical packages.
- High level of understanding and ability to critically review research/evaluation reports
by independent consultants.
- Proven experience in reporting and documentation in development or humanitarian
sectors.
- Significant experience in designing and maintenance of management information
systems and tools.
- Proven knowledge of educational research concepts.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the education system in Palestine.
- Strong interpersonal skills, ability to work both as an independent self-starter and as a
member of a dynamic and fast-moving team.
- Experience working on USAID or similar internationally funded programs is a plus.
- Strong communication skills.
- Proficient in English and Arabic for both oral and written communication.

Apply to: [email protected]

Deadline 07 Feb 2024.