Early Grade Reading Assessment Assessors (20)

  • Contract

Company Description

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.

Job Description

Position Description

Overview of the Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA)

Research the world over has shown that the ability to read is one of the most fundamental skills for learning, particularly at the early grades of primary education. The Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA) measures key skills that are necessary for children to read fluently and comprehend text. They are tested based on research regarding a comprehensive approach to reading acquisition across languages. The test is conducted orally and one-on-one with pupils.

 

ICYD Cohort 3 Baseline

To capture data prior to launch of reading interventions in Cohort 3 districts, ICYD will conduct a baseline reading assessment from October to November 2022. The baseline assessment will use the EGRA tool to measure reading levels and will test a representative sample of schools targeted by ICYD in Cohort 3 Leblango and LebAcoli speaking districts (Agago, Gulu, Kwania, Oyam, Apac, Kitgum, Lira, Dokolo, Kole and Omoro). The reading assessment will target pupils in P2. Data from this baseline will be used to measure progress over the project’s five-year period. The results of the baseline will be shared with USAID, the Ministry of Education and Sports and other donors working in education. The baseline assessment will consist of four critical instruments: 1) A standardized literacy test, based on key foundational skills that a child needs to master to be able to read fluently, and adapted to Leblango and LebAcoli; 2) Learner context tool; 3) Teacher interview; and 4) Headteacher interview.

 

Position Summary

ICYD will recruit 20 EGRA Assessors that will be responsible for collecting data for the baseline assessment in the Leblango and LebAcoli targeted speech communities. Assessors will undergo a training to equip them for the data collection exercise. They will be responsible for the standardized administration of the EGRA tools and survey instruments and will organize the assessment materials, ensure their security, and submit the materials to ICYD at the end of field work. The Assessors will follow the directions set out by the ICYD M&E Team. They will receive oversight from the assigned Supervisors, Data Quality Assurance Officer and the ICYD M&E Team.

The Assessors will be contracted for a maximum period of 21 working days (October - November 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 EGRA instrument to P.2 pupils objectively and in a technically correct and friendly manner;

·       Interview the P2 teacher of reading. The assessor may be assigned by the supervisor to interview the P2 teacher in a one-on-one session;

·       Ensure that the information in all completed EGRA instruments is clear, complete, and consistent,

·       Submit completed EGRA instruments and signed consent forms to your supervisor;

·       Check to ensure that all assessment have been stored on the tablets;

·       Inform the supervisor of any problems or difficulties encountered during EGRA administration and help identify appropriate solutions;

·       Follow the supervisor’s instructions according to the training received.

  • Take very good care of the gadgets assigned to you.

·       Behave and dress professionally;

Qualifications

Experience, Education and Skills

The minimum qualifications are:

·       Bachelor’s degree in Humanities, Social Sciences, Arts, Economics, Statistics or Education

·       Previous experience as an EGRA Assessor preferred.

·       Experience conducting assessments with children

·       Previous experience using electronic data collection software. 

·       Fluency in English, and Leblango or LebAcoli required. Please indicate language fluency in your application

Additional Information

Application Instructions

Job closing date: September 26, 2022

To apply, Applicants are encouraged to visit the Careers Page: https://go.edc.org/UgandaPostings

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 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.