EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT CENTER (EDC) is one of the world’s leading nonprofit research and development firms. Established in 1958, EDC designs, delivers and evaluates innovative programs to address some of the world’s most urgent challenges in education, health, and economic opportunity. Our services include research, training, educational materials, and strategy, with activities ranging from seed projects to large-scale national and international initiatives.

The goal of the five-year, USAID-funded Integrated Child and Youth Development (ICYD) Activity is for Ugandan children and youth, especially the most vulnerable, to receive the support and services necessary to lead resilient, healthy, and productive lives. The ICYD Activity is expected to achieve the following:

1. Children and youth have improved learning outcomes;
2. Children and youth are safe and healthy in their community and learning environments; and
3. Youth practice positive behaviors and are able to make informed decisions about their lives and relationships.

Working in partnership with Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) and Ministry of Gender, Labor and Social Development (MGLSD), district and zonal officials, and other Ugandan government and civil society partners, ICYD will comprise a series of activities to: support improved basic education for Ugandan children; address school-related and gender-based violence; facilitate enhanced child protection and support for vulnerable youth; provide support to HIV-affected orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) and their caregivers/families; and support HIV care and treatment outcomes in close collaboration with clinical and community structures. ICYD will also contribute to improved systems within the MoES and MGLSD to promote Early Grade Reading (EGR) and child protection.

Safe learning environments (SLE) are fundamental to a do no harm approach in education programming. SLE contribute to the ultimate goal of the USAID Education Policy, which is that all children and youth have access to safe, quality, relevant education that helps them gain literacy, numeracy, and social emotional skills. ICYD will conduct annual Safe Learning Environments Assessments in a sample of 250 project-supported schools located in 35 districts in order to ascertain whether there are improvements in school safety as a result of Journeys Plus activities implemented by ICYD. The data from SLE Assessments will be used to report on status of ICYD indicator ES. 1-51: Number of learning environments supported by USG assistance that have improved safety conditions according to locally defined criteria. ICYD will also use the results of the SLE assessments to determine how best to target interventions aimed at ensuring that children and youth are protected, safe, and healthy in their homes, communities, and learning environments. The SLE Assessment will consist of three instruments: 1. Learner questionnaire, 2. School personnel questionnaire, and 3. Questionnaire for School Management Committee/caregivers.

Position Description

SLE Data Collectors will be responsible for collecting data for the SLE Assessment in the four language zones: Luganda, Runyankore/Rukiga, Runyoro/Rutooro, and Lusoga. Each SLE Data Collector will be responsible for the standardized administration of the three questionnaires, will organize the assessment materials, ensure their security, and submit the materials to ICYD at the end of field work.

The SLE Data Collectors will report to and be supervised by the ICYD M&E Team. They will be contracted for a maximum period of 15 working days (July 2022). All honoraria and expenses will be paid by ICYD.

** Please note that this is a local temporary position. Eligibility is limited to Ugandan nationals**

Responsibilities

• Administer the learner questionnaire to selected P6/P7 learners objectively and in a technically correct and friendly manner
• Interview the P6/P7 class teacher/headteacher and School Management Committee in a one-on-one session to gather additional information about the safety of the school learning environment
• Ensure that the information in all completed SLE instruments is clear, complete, and consistent, and submit completed SLE instruments and signed consent forms to ICYD at the end of data collection
• Store all assessments on the data collection device
• Take good care of the assigned equipment
• Follow the guidance and instructions received during training
• Behave professionally when working and dress in a professional and culturally appropriate manner 

Education, Skills and Experience

The minimum qualifications are:

• A diploma is required
• Experience in education-related research preferred
• Experience conducting assessments with children in a non-threatening manner
• Experience using electronic data collection software
• Fluency in English and one of the four local languages: Luganda, Runyankore/Rukiga, Runyoro/Rutooro, and Lusoga required. Please indicate the local languages spoken

Application Instructions

Job closing date: July 8, 2022

Applications submitted without a resume or CV will not be reviewed. Due to the volume of applications submitted, only finalists will be notified. No phone calls, please.

EDC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to enhancing the diversity of its workforce and ensuring a highly inclusive work environment. EDC is a smoke-free workplace, and offers a supportive work environment, competitive salary, and excellent benefits.