Program Officer - Data Management and Analysis at People's Action for Learning (PAL) Network

The Program Officer - Data Management and Analysis:

• Will serve as the technical lead responsible for overseeing the collection, management, analysis, and reporting of data across PAL Network's multi-country educational assessment and action projects. This role is pivotal in ensuring that data processes are robust, efficient, well documented, and easy- to-understand.
• The officer will be highly proficient in the use of statistical software (State, R, or Python) and database systems (PgAdmin, SSMS). The officer will lead network-wide data analysis of large-scale, multi-country datasets, laying the foundations for high quality research reports, policy and practice briefs, conference presentations and other materials.
• The officer will translate raw data into actionable insights, supporting the member countries and the Secretariat to make evidence- based decisions that continually improve data collection, monitoring, analysis, documentation, and reporting. The role involves a high degree of collaboration with PAL Network's member country teams and global assessment experts, requiring a sophisticated understanding of data integrity, privacy, and analytical methodologies. The officer will employ advanced statistical techniques, data visualisation, and effective data communication strategies to ensure that research findings are easy- to-understand, directly supporting PAL Network's mission to generate evidence through assessments and actions to understand and improve children's foundational learning.

The main responsibilities of the role will be:

Data Analysis, Management, and Reporting (60%)

• Serve as the technical lead in data management and analysis, using statistical software (Stata or R) and database systems (PgAdmin, SSMS).
• Ensure all data processes are robust, efficient, well documented, and easy-to-understand. iii. Conduct rigorous data cleaning and quality checks to remove inaccuracies and ensure the reliability of the database.
• Develop and implement comprehensive data management guidelines on the storage and use of data across the network.
• Conduct analysis of large-scale, multi-country datasets, interpret the data, and support the production of high-quality research reports and other documents.
• Design and produce insightful data visualisations to communicate findings in a simple and easy-to-understand manner for multiple audiences at national and global levels. vii. Ensure research reports are clear, accurate, and scientifically valid, and support the development of conference presentations and other materials.
• Research Support, Compliance and Data Protection (25%)
• Collaborate with member countries and the Secretariat team on all research projects- understanding project needs, contributing to research design and advising on all aspects of data collection, management, and reporting.
• Provide expert advice to member countries and the Secretariat team on data management and analysis techniques across all research projects.
• Ensure adherence to international data protection and management regulations and internal data policies, especially in the handling and transferring of sensitive data.
• Develop and maintain protocols for data security, privacy, and ethical handling in line with global best practices.
• Others
• Attend and fully participate in network and staff meetings and retreats as required.
• Support the writing of bimonthly and annual reports and use these as the basis for monthly and annual engagements with the supervisor.
• Perform such other duties as may be required from time to time.

Requirements:

• Education: Advanced degree in Data Science, Economics, Statistics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum 3+ years in data management and analysis. Relevant experience managing large-scale, multi-country research projects is highly desirable.
• Skills: Advanced proficiency in statistical analysis and data management software, strong skills in data visualisation and reporting, and a deep understanding of research methodologies. Certifications: Relevant certifications in data analysis, statistical software, or quality management systems are preferred.

Languages:

• Proficiency in English (both spoken and written) is required.
• Additional fluency in French, Spanish, and/or Portuguese is highly desirable, reflecting the multilingual nature of PAL Network's member countries, but not mandatory.