Vacancies at Peoples Action for Learning (PAL) Network

The main responsibilities of the role will be:

• Test Development and Assessment Support
• Collaborating with the Assessment Unit to refine tools and conduct item-level analysis.
• Developing and updating scoring guides, training materials, and data dashboards.
• Digitizing research instruments—such as contextual questionnaires—using platforms like SurveyCTO.
• Data Management and Digital Systems
• Managing research data pipelines by cleaning, merging, anonymizing, and documenting datasets systematically.
• Testing digital data collection tools to ensure usability, performance, and functionality.
• Verifying and configuring user roles and permissions in platforms like SurveyCTO to ensure secure workflows.
• Maintaining standardized metadata, codebooks, and research documentation across all projects.
• Data Analysis and Knowledge Generation
• Analyzing foundational and holistic learning data using robust quantitative methods.
• Drafting technical reports, policy briefs, narratives, peer-reviewed papers, and white papers for diverse audiences.
• Mentoring junior researchers and fellows in quantitative analysis, research practices, and documentation.
• Field Implementation and Capacity Strengthening
• Training country teams on digital data collection protocols and promoting best practices.
• Supporting field testing and overseeing the quality of live data collection activities.
• 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.

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The main responsibilities of the role will be:

• Research Design Across Program Units
• Providing technical leadership in research design and implementation across PAL Network’s Action, Assessment, and Learning Units, ensuring alignment with organizational strategy and research priorities.
• Developing research frameworks, methodologies, sampling strategies, and evaluation designs tailored to foundational and holistic learning outcomes in diverse country contexts.
• Supporting literature reviews, theoretical framing, and comparative analysis to ground studies in current evidence and strengthen conceptual clarity.
• Collaborating with PAL Network members and partners to co-design and coordinate research activities, including field-based data collection, piloting, and contextualization.
• Supporting research planning processes, including timelines, resource allocation, and ethical considerations.
• Data Analysis and Reporting
• Synthesize complex quantitative and qualitative data to generate actionable insights that inform programmatic strategy, policy advocacy, and global debates on learning.
• Conducting secondary data analysis using PAL Network’s cross-national datasets to examine trends, identify gaps, and highlight equity-focused outcomes.
• Supporting the production of dashboards and evidence summaries tailored to specific audiences including policymakers, donors, and network members.
• Ensuring research outputs and analysis adhere to PAL’s principles of inclusion, rigor, and usability, including gender and equity perspectives.
• Knowledge Production and Dissemination
• Drafting and editing high-quality knowledge products, including technical research reports, policy briefs, board summaries, and donor-facing documents.
• Preparing abstracts, presentations, and strategic communications materials for global conferences, learning events, and stakeholder engagements.
• Collaborating with communications and program teams to translate research into compelling narratives, infographics, and learning resources.
• Contributing to global knowledge agendas by positioning PAL Network’s findings in relevant policy forums, research journals, and evidence coalitions.
• Research Coordination and Mentorship
• Coordinating contributions from research fellows, interns, and partner researchers, ensuring timely delivery, technical accuracy, and alignment with publication standards.
• Mentoring junior staff and fellows in research design, writing, framing, and peerreviewed publication processes.
• Promoting a culture of learning and critical inquiry within the unit, facilitating internal peer review and knowledge exchange.
• Establishing and maintaining research quality standards and documentation protocols in line with ethical research practices and open access policies.

Requirements:

• Advanced degree (master’s or PhD preferred) in education, public policy, international development, Economics, or related field.
• Proven experience in applied research and knowledge translation, particularly in international development or education.
• Strong writing and editorial skills, with a track record of producing publications, policy briefs, or donor reports.
• Experience working on multi-country research projects and collaborating with partner organizations.
• Familiarity with equity and inclusion-focused approaches.
• Ability to translate research into clear, relevant messages for diverse audiences.
• Fluency in English is required. Proficiency in French, Spanish, or Portuguese is considered a
• strong asset, given PAL Network’s global footprint.