VVOB – Education for Development is looking for a Quantitative Researcher to strengthen our team in Rwanda.

Background:
VVOB – Education for Development, is a Belgian non-profit organisation that focuses on improving the quality of education. VVOB has its headquarters in Brussels (Belgium) and is implementing education programmes in 8 countries in the global South, including in Rwanda.

In cooperation with Rwanda Education Board (REB) and the University of Rwanda – College of Education (URCE), VVOB started in 2017 with a multi-year programme (2017-2021) on “Leading, Teaching and Learning Together”. The programme is currently being upscaled in primary and secondary schools in 17 districts in Rwanda and aims to improve the quality of education through the professional development of school leaders and induction of new teachers.

VVOB is currently looking for a Quantitative Researcher. The Quantitative Researcher carries out and coordinates quantitative and mixed-method research on the implementation, effectiveness and efficiency of VVOB’s capacity development programmes in Rwanda.

The Quantitative Researcher works in a team of Education Advisors, works closely together with the MEAL Advisor as well as with the Communication Advisor. The Quantitative Researcher reports directly to the Programme Manager.

Tasks:
As a Quantitative Researcher, you will:
 Design and carry out quantitative and mixed-method research, including collecting and analyzing data (e.g. survey data), on the effectiveness and efficiency (cost-benefit) of professional development trajectories for head teachers and new teachers, and impact at the level of schools and school children;
 Integrate and complement quantitative research with qualitative research (e.g. focus group discussions and observations).
 Create a clear evidence-base to underpin decisions and changes to our programmes
 Actively promote evidence-based learning within VVOB Rwanda
 Assist other VVOB Advisors in monitoring and evaluating programme results, through further development and implementation of a VVOB Rwanda M&E system; This includes capacity development on research and M&E for VVOB and partners and supporting the collection and analysis of high quality data, with a focus on quantitative data;
 Take part in networking and advocacy in education sector working groups and taskforces in which VVOB Rwanda is active; This includes dissemination of research findings on different platforms and through different channels, like the VVOB Rwanda website and magazine, publications in journals, conference presentations, …;
 Establish and maintain strong linkages with regional research partners in the development sector (e.g. through participation and presentation at regional conferences);
 Contribute to internal and external knowledge development by systemizing lessons learned and sharing pro-actively lessons learned between partners, colleagues and other VVOB country teams.
 Be actively engaged in expanding VVOB’s funding base (liaising with potential donors, writing proposals);

Profile:

Essential:
 Relevant Master degree, preferably in statistics, social or educational sciences;
 Min. 2 years of research experience, proven experience in quantitative research and outstanding empirical research skills;
 Expert-level knowledge of statistical techniques and practical experience with statistical software;
 Experience with the integration of qualitative data into quantitative analyses
 Fluent in English.
 Experience in international development cooperation and working in a multicultural team;

Desirable:
 A PhD degree and a track record of published research in social sciences is an asset;
 You will be quantitative leaning, but a good understanding of qualitative methods will be beneficial as this is a mixed methods role.
 Demonstrated understanding of cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analysis
 Knowledge of and/or experience with programme management, preferably Project Cycle Management;
 Experience with M&E methodologies and frameworks (both quantitative and qualitative) used in an international development context
 Understanding of the education sector and educational institutions like teacher training institutions, in-service providers for teachers and school leaders and ministries of education is an asset;

Required competences:

VVOB core competences:
 Result orientation
 Continuous improvement
 Cooperation

Function specific competences:
 Analytical and synthesizing skills
 Creativity
 Excellent verbal and written communication skills
 360° Empathy
 Reliability
 Development oriented

We offer:
 A dynamic working environment in an international context; our team in Rwanda consists of a multi-disciplinary team of more than 20 Rwandan and international professionals;
 An exciting job with varied responsibilities and opportunities for professional development;
 A competitive expat salary (salary scale A111 of the Flemish Government with a gross annual salary between € 43 737 and € 67 512 depending on relevant working experience) plus benefits package (including housing allowance, hardship allowance, insurances, contribution to school fees and professional development budget)

Note that this is a long-term position with secured funding up to 31st December 2021.

Location: Kigali, Rwanda
Start date: As soon as possible.
Procedure: Submit a motivation letter, and your C.V. before Thursday February 8, 2018.

Are you interested in becoming a Quantitative Researcher in Rwanda? Apply now at the top or bottom of our page.

Note: This is a job advertisement, applications will be forwarded to the employer for selection. JobnetAfrica believes all applicants should get feedback, good or bad, but are not further involved in the recruitment for this particular vacancy.