JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:                 Learning Measurement Officer

FT/PT                           Full Time (40 hours per week)

LOCATION:                Remote or Nairobi office without reallocation support

REPORTS TO:           Research Manager

About the PAL Network

The People’s Action for Learning (PAL) Network is a south-south partnership of organizations working across three continents. Our Vision is to have a world where all children have a foundation for lifelong learning. Member organizations conduct citizen-led assessments and/or citizen-led actions aimed at improving learning outcomes. We generate robust evidence on learning outcomes through oral one-on-one assessments conducted in households. We work with governments and non-state actors in the education space to implement evidence-based programs for improved learning. We generate new insights to understand learning contexts and issues using data from our assessments, action programs, and other research. We use evidence to track and report on global progress as we advocate for equitable, inclusive, and quality education.

The Learning Measurement Officer:

Will play a key role in advancing PAL Network’s research and learning measurement agenda. This includes managing quantitative data systems, conducting analysis of foundational and holistic learning datasets, and supporting cross-country collaboration. A central responsibility of the role is collaborating with the Assessment Unit to strengthen the development, refinement, and use of inclusive, context-sensitive assessment tools that capture the diverse learning experiences and needs of all children—especially those from marginalized communities.

The officer will also work closely with the Action Unit to enhance the implementation of programs that promote foundational learning and wellbeing. Additional responsibilities include cleaning and managing large datasets, supporting digital data collection, ensuring data quality, and contributing to evidence generation, synthesis, and reporting for both internal learning and external dissemination.

The main responsibilities of the role will be:

1. Test Development and Assessment Support
   1. Collaborating with the Assessment Unit to refine tools and conduct item-level analysis.
   1. Developing and updating scoring guides, training materials, and data dashboards.
   1. Digitizing research instruments—such as contextual questionnaires—using platforms like SurveyCTO.

2.     Data Management and Digital Systems

1. Managing research data pipelines by cleaning, merging, anonymizing, and documenting datasets systematically.
   1. Testing digital data collection tools to ensure usability, performance, and functionality.
   1. Verifying and configuring user roles and permissions in platforms like SurveyCTO to ensure secure workflows.
   1. Maintaining standardized metadata, codebooks, and research documentation across all projects.

3.     Data Analysis and Knowledge Generation

1. Analyzing foundational and holistic learning data using robust quantitative methods.
   1. Drafting technical reports, policy briefs, narratives, peer-reviewed papers, and white papers for diverse audiences.
   1. Mentoring junior researchers and fellows in quantitative analysis, research practices, and documentation.

4.     Field Implementation and Capacity Strengthening

1. Training country teams on digital data collection protocols and promoting best practices.
   1. Supporting field testing and overseeing the quality of live data collection activities.
   1. Preparing ethics submissions, managing data-sharing agreements, and implementing quality control protocols.

Requirements:

• Advanced degree in Data Science, Statistics, Economics, Education Measurement, Psychometrics, or a related field.
  • Strong technical expertise in quantitative data analysis, with proficiency in Stata, R, or Python.
  • Experience working with large-scale learning assessments or education datasets.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage data systems and produce high-quality analysis and reporting.
  • Familiarity with psychometric principles, item-level data analysis, measurement frameworks.
  • Experience with digital data collection tools (e.g., SurveyCTO) is desirable.
  • Excellent written communication skills and ability to present complex data in accessible formats.
  • Fluency in English is required. Proficiency in French, Spanish, or Portuguese is considered a strong asset, given PAL Network’s global footprint.

How to Apply

Interested applicants are requested to send their applications to jobs@palnetwork.org with the subject line Learning Measurement & Data Systems Officer

The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. EAT on June 30, 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

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