Research and Learning Advisor

Job description

Our client, an NGO that works tirelessly across developing nations to strengthen education systems, ensuring access, equity, and excellence in learning for all is looking to hire a Research and Learning Advisor to join their team. The Research and Learning Advisor will be responsible for overseeing research activities under the learning agenda for the organization. This includes designing and managing research and evaluations applying quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities:

Research Design and Implementation

The Research and Learning Advisor will lead the oversight of the partner led randomized controlled trial (RCT), ensuring methodological rigor, data quality, and actionable insights to inform program learning and decision-making.
Collaborate with research consultants, develop and lead research frameworks, methodologies, and protocols, ensuring alignment with the organization’s learning agenda.
Coordinate studies that assess the impact of the organization’s interventions on learners, educators, and school systems.
Oversee data collection processes on various research projects being conducted in Zambia using qualitative and quantitative methods. Ensure high-quality data throughout all research phases.
Ensure adherence to ethical standards in research, particularly when working with children and vulnerable groups.

Learning and Capacity Building

Facilitate capacity-building sessions for M & E and research staff on best research practices.
Develop templates and other materials that help support and improve the quality of M & E and research staff day-to-day work, in close collaboration with other colleagues.
Translate research findings into actionable strategies and tools for program improvement.
Organize learning forums, workshops, and webinars to share research results with internal and external stakeholders.

Data Quality Assurance, Data Cleaning, Data Analysis and Reporting

Set up mechanisms and systems to assure high data quality in both research and M & E activities.
Continuously check up on data quality, and coordinate and support other colleagues involved in data quality. Clean data that require correction and maintain both raw and cleaned datasets.
Conduct quantitative and qualitative data analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of the organization’s interventions.
Present findings through clear, concise, and engaging reports, presentations, and infographics tailored to diverse audiences, including educators, policymakers, and donors.
Publish research papers and policy briefs on the organization’s interventions to influence education policy and practice. Present on these papers and briefs in international fora and at conferences.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

Establish cooperative and cordial relationships with research consultants, while remaining a critical lens on their products and activities to assure they align with the organization’s needs, they are contextually relevant, and they result in high quality research.
Engage with Ministry of Education (MoE) staff and the MoE’s research coordination committee to promote the integration of evidence-based recommendations into education policies and systems.
Foster partnerships with academic institutions, donors, and global networks to conduct research on areas of interest to the organization.

Desired Skills, Qualifications and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (Social Sciences, Education, Statistics, Demography, International Development, Policy). A master’s degree is highly desirable.
At least 4 years of demonstrable experience in a similar Research position. Experience in strengthening government systems and structures or projects in the education sector is an asset.
Demonstrated experience coordinating research projects in the education or development sector.
Experience with leading data management and analysis, including statistical techniques and software.
Strong skills in developing and managing digital data collection tools and platforms (Kobo Collect, SurveyCTO, ODK).
Ability to design and implement data quality assurance checks (automated validations, skip logic, consistency checks, field monitoring).
Experience with data analysis using statistical software (Excel, SPSS, STATA).
Excellent communication skills in English, including writing, conversing and presenting.
Strong interpersonal skills with cross-cultural teams.
Proven experience in supervising research consultants/firms.
Willingness to travel frequently and flexibly, including in very rural areas.

How to Apply

Please visit our job portal to apply before 25th September 2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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