Have you worked with education ministries and/or on donor-funded programmes in international education and development? Do you have experience in education research and/or assessment in low- and middle-income countries? If so, join our growing international team as a Research Manager and support the delivery of our ambitious strategy to continue increasing our positive impact on education and international development.
The world faces a learning crisis, with many children attending school but failing to achieve basic levels of literacy and numeracy. This has been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic which has left millions more children out of school and missing out on a quality education. In order to tackle this crisis, many countries’ education systems are in need of reform.
NFER believes in the transformative impact that evidence-based insights can have in supporting improvements in education systems worldwide. Based upon our strong track record in education research, a growing international reputation, and our world-leading expertise in the role of assessment in driving improvement, NFER has an important role to play. We have a growing reputation for high quality, specialist education research that is grounded in local contexts.
In recent years our expert team has contributed a range of important insights, including into the UK government’s flagship Girls Education Challenge, methods used to measure progress against Sustainable Development Goal 4, the role of civil society organisations in enabling high quality education for all, and with national governments seeking monitor – and ultimately improve – education standards.
As a (Senior) Research Manager you play a key role in realising NFER’s vision to support the development of education systems around the world by working with ministries, donors and local partners to deliver research, consultancy and capacity building projects. You’ll do this by;
- contributing to winning new projects by developing strong relationships with external stakeholders (donors, multilateral institutions, ministries, international and local partners) identifying and cultivating new opportunities, and writing proposals.
- managing projects or workstreams, with a particular focus on the measurement of literacy, numeracy and non-cognitive skills or other research projects with a significant element of in-country delivery required.
- taking responsibility for the development of strategic initiatives relating to market awareness and competitive intelligence, particularly as part of NFER’s focus on sub-Saharan Africa and its wider Globalisation Programme.
As a member of wider NFER’s Research Department, you will join a community of over 100 leading experts in education, and have the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from colleagues from a range of disciplinary backgrounds. This is a role with a significant external-facing element, and so will also offer the chance to work with a range of organisations in international development to develop your own expertise and profile.
More experienced candidate will be consider for the senior post.
To be successful in this role you’ll need:
- First and higher degree or equivalent post-graduate qualification in a relevant area (education, development, assessment or similar), or equivalent professional experience
- Relevant international experience in education research and/or assessment
- Experience and evidence of growing levels of responsibility working with education ministries and/or on donor-funded programmes in international education and development
- Excellent communication and relationship management skills, with NGOs, ministries, international education organisations and clients
Why NFER?
- Competitive salary £35,000 - £48,000 with generous pension scheme
- 42 days holiday per year comprising 30 days’ holiday, four additional discretionary days, in addition to bank holidays
- Positive working culture that promotes a good work/life balance and support
- Friendly, supportive and coaching environment to develop your skills and learning
This role is a UK based role, open to Skilled Worker sponsorship but we are also open to discuss remote working from EMEA countries.
NFER is a not-for-profit organisation and an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from all sections of the community.
The closing date for applications is midnight on 1st August 2021 with an aim to interview between 5 -12th August.
So, if you share our commitment to research and assessment and want to be part of the team then apply via the button shown.