Education Development Center (EDC) is a global nonprofit that advances lasting solutions to improve education, promote health, and expand economic opportunity, with a focus on vulnerable and under-served populations. Since 1958, we have been a leader in designing, implementing, and evaluating powerful and innovative programs in more than 80 countries around the world. 

EDC promotes equity and access to high quality education and health services and products that contribute to thriving communities where people from diverse backgrounds learn, live, and work together. We support an inclusive workplace culture that embraces many perspectives and broadens our understanding of the communities we serve, enhancing and enriching our work.    

EDC is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.  

Project Description

The goal of the five-year, USAID-funded Integrated Child and Youth Development (USAID/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 USAID/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. USAID/ICYD Activity will also contribute to improved systems within the MoES and MGLSD to promote Early Grade Reading (EGR) and child protection.

USAID/ICYD awarded grants to Appropriate Revival for Strategic Empowerment (ARISE) and AVSI Foundation (AVSI) to enable children and youth aged 10-18 years who dropped out of school to participate in Accelerated Education (AE) programs. During the grant period, ARISE will provide services to 720 learners enrolled in AE interventions in eight (8) sub-counties of Isingiro District and AVSI Foundation will implement the Accelerated Education Program in three Districts of Kyenjojo, Masindi and Hoima in 12 AE intervention centers reaching a total of 2,160 learners.

Purpose of the Accelerated Education (AE) Post-Training Reading Assessment

ICYD will conduct reading assessments at the start of AE intervention and at the end of AE interventions to be able to ascertain changes in reading outcomes of learners after the AE intervention. Reading Assessments will be conducted with a sample of learners enrolled in selected AE centers located in Hoima, Kyenjojo, Masindi and Isingiro districts. The data from reading assessments will be used to report on status of indicator ES. 1-54: Percent of individuals with improved reading skills following participation in USG-assisted programs. ICYD will also use the results of the reading assessments to determine how best to implement interventions for out of school children and youth. Data generated from this qualitative inquiry will be used by USAID/ICYD to improve implementation in Year three. Findings will also be shared with USAID, the Ministry of Education and Sports and other donors working in accelerated education.

Position Description

Assessors will be responsible for collecting data for the post reading assessment in the four districts where AE is implemented. The Assessors will be responsible for the standardized administration of the AE reading assessment tools and interview the AE facilitators. They will also be responsible for organizing the assessment materials, ensuring their security, and submitting the materials to ICYD at the end of field work. The Assessors will follow the guidance provided during the training. Assessors will undergo a training to equip them for the data collection exercise.

The successful candidates will be contracted for a maximum period of 10 working days in September 2022. All honoraria and expenses will be paid by USAID/ICYD. The eight (8) AE Assessors will report to the Supervisors during field work and will be supervised by the ICYD M&E team overall.

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

Responsibilities

• Administer the AE reading assessment to pupils, objectively and in a technically correct and friendly manner
• Ensure that the information in all completed AE reading assessment instruments is clear, complete, and consistent, and give completed AE reading assessing instruments to your supervisor
• Ensure that all assessments have been stored on the tablets and tablets are synched frequently
• Take very good care of the tablet assigned:
  • Never leave the tablet unattended to, nor allow learners to touch/play with the device
  • Aim to minimize distraction by sitting in a way that doesn’t allow the learner to see the screen and ensure that your screen movements/taps are discreet
• Inform the supervisor of any problems or difficulties encountered during AE reading assessment administration and help identify appropriate solutions
• Follow the supervisor’s instructions according to the training received
• Behave professionally when working and dress in a professional and culturally appropriate manner

The minimum qualifications are:

• Bachelor’s degree in Humanities, Social Sciences, Arts, Economics, Statistics or Education
• Fluency in English and at least one of the three local languages - Luganda, Runyankore/Rukiga, and Runyoro/Rutooro required. Please indicate language fluency in your application
• Previous experience as a data collector/assessor in an Early Grade Reading Assessment or Youth Literacy Assessment preferred
• Experience conducting assessments with children
• Previous experience using electronic data collection software

Job closing date: August 19, 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.

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

This announcement is made possible by the support of the American People through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents of this notice are the sole responsibility of Education Development Center, Inc. (EDC) and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.