Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions and 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.

Program Overview:

The five-year READ II project, funded by USAID, will boost the quality of literacy instruction and student support, reaching out to children at risk of failure and dropout caused by cognitive, emotional and physical effects of hunger, violence, and displacement. READ II seeks to better equip teachers with effective early grade reading instruction techniques and materials in seven mother-tongue languages and English, while simultaneously building a culture of reading in the school, home and community.

Position Summary:

The Student Assessment Expert will work closely with READ II’s technical teams to provide technical guidance and support field activities to improve teachers’ ability to use continuous assessment and assess their progress; improve reading standards and benchmarks; and strengthen school monitoring practices. S/he will also work closely with NEAEA, GEQIP-E, and the Ministry of Education in the areas of student assessment and reading standards and benchmark setting and dissemination.

Reporting & Supervision:

The Student Assessment Specialist will report to the Senior Education (Reading) Specialist with additional oversight from the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Director.

Primary Responsibilities:

Continuous Assessment

• Design and facilitate training and other professional development activities to expand and improve Grades 1 to 4 and Grades 5 to 8 Mother Tongue and English teachers’ use of continuous assessment
• Use assessment data to guide changes in instruction and other educational practices.

School Monitoring

• Provide support in the design and implementation of a Local Education Monitoring Approach methodology for school data collection, concentrating on student early grade reading and writing learning outcomes
• Provide leadership in the development of simple school report cards for use with school communities.
• Oversee the development, data collection, and analysis of a group administered reading assessment (GARA) and the use of these data in decision making
• Support the national and regional level Institutional Capacity Task Forces in monitoring and assessing student learning and use of data for decision making.

Reading Standards and Benchmarks

• Support the adaptation, design, and administration of the Early Grade Reading Assessment
• Support the Ministry of Education and partner organizations in the review and revision of reading standards and benchmarks for grades 1 to 4 in 7 languages (Amharic, Afaan Oromo, Af-Somali, Hadiyyisa, Sidamu Afoo, Tigrigna, and Wolayttatto)
• Integrate reading standards and benchmarks and relevant student assessment-related content into READ II-related workshops, trainings and other events and ensure its wide dissemination

Cross Cutting

• Ensure synergy among READ II’s technical teams in the areas of continuous assessment, school monitoring, and standards and benchmark-setting
• Lead the preparation of protocols and Terms of References for assessment needs
• Collaborate with NEAEA, GEQIP-E project, MOE and partners in the area of student assessment and in result sharing
• Conduct periodic documentation and/or case studies to measure impact of activities
• Maintain an up-to-date catalog of all assessment results and tools in electronic and hard copy of data files
• Perform onsite visits to schools, clusters, Woreda Education Offices, and Regional Education Bureaus
• Support in the preparation of quarterly and other regular reports

Other tasks as assigned by the immediate supervisor

Job Requirements

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Educational Qualification in Assessment, or related fields;
• At least 10 years of general experience and 5 years of experience in measurement, evaluation and student assessment;
• Expert knowledge in reading instruction required;
• Demonstrated experience in measurement, evaluation and assessment report writing;
• Good communication and interpersonal skills are required;
• Knowledgeable about USAID Rules and Regulations, previous experience working on USAID-funded projects is preferred;
• Fluency in English and Amharic is required;
• Fluency in one or more of the following languages: Afaan Oromo, Af-Somali, Hadiyyisa, Sidamu Afoo, Tigrigna, and Wolayttatto preferred;
• Basic ICT skills for data collection, analysis and report writing

How to Apply

Creative invites eligible candidates to submit their applications via [email protected] on or before February 28, 2019. Please make sure to indicate the JOB TITLE you’re applying for in the subject line of your email. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications should consist of a one-page cover letter and updated curriculum vitae a maximum of three pages with 3 professional references, the persons’ telephone number & email address.

Only finalists will be contacted.  If you have not heard from us within 3 weeks after the closing date, kindly assume that your application was not successful. No phone calls, please.

Creative Associates International Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Disability/Veteran