The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) was established in 2003 as a research center at the Economics Department at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Since then, it has grown into a global network of researchers who use randomized evaluations to answer critical policy questions in the fight against poverty.
We are recruiting to fill the position below:
Job Title: TaRL Manager - Nigeria - J-PAL Africa
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Length of Commitment: One year
Start Date: September 09, 2018 - October 22, 2018
Detailed Description/Program Summary
J-PAL Africa seeks a Country Manager to support an existing Teaching at the Right Level pilot and explore further TaRL opportunities in Nigeria. The position will likely be based in Abuja with frequent trips to surrounding Northern Nigerian states.
The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) consists of a global network of academics who specialize in conducting randomised evaluations of social policies/programmes to generate scientific evidence about what works in the fight against poverty. J-PAL’s policy group analyses and disseminates research results and builds partnerships with policymakers to ensure that policy is driven by evidence, and effective programmes are scaled up. The Country Manager will be part of the J-PAL Africa team. J-PAL Africa, the Africa hub of J-PAL, is located in the Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit (SALDRU) in the University of Cape Town School of Economics.
Teaching at the Right Level is an evidence-based, cost effective, and scalable intervention. Across the continent there is great excitement about the potential for this intervention to improve learning outcomes in Africa. TaRL pilots and scale ups have been launched in over five countries. This role provides an excellent opportunity to be part of global community who are committed to improving the learning outcomes of children in Africa, to lead TaRL efforts in Nigeria, and to work on the forefront of evidence-based policy making and implementation.
Responsibilities
Support ongoing implementation of TaRL pilot in Maiduguri, Borno State
Coordinate partners
Strengthen monitoring systems
Work with TaRL Nigeria team to adjust and refine the programme in line with existing evidence and findings from monitoring data
Ensure that helpful lessons about implementation design and pedagogical approach are collected, synthesized, utilized and communicated
Help develop post-pilot strategy
Provide programme management support
Scope for new Teaching at the Right Level opportunities
Maintain expertise in both J-PAL TaRL evidence as well as Pratham’s TaRL approach
Identify policy priorities for Northern Nigerian states
Assess TaRL feasibility and appropriateness
Forge partnerships
Catalyse and support new TaRL pilots where appropriate
Track and manage policy budgets
Fundraise as necessary to support new projects/ programmes
Minimum Requirements
A Master's Degree in Public Policy, Education, Management or Economics or another similar social science.A minimum of four years of relevant work experience
Advanced writing and oral presentation skills in English
Demonstrated leadership and management experience, including hiring, training, and management of staff
Experience organising, managing and presenting at events which discuss policy lessons
Experience writing and managing budgets
Proven ability to handle multiple diverse assignments at one time, successfully complete assigned tasks and meet deadlines while conducting high-quality work
Ability and willingness to travel frequently and flexibly to support policy outreach, scoping research and training events.
Language Requirement: English
Highly advantageous:
Experience doing policy work in a range of countries and in Nigeria is strongly preferred
Demonstrated ability to identify new, high-value opportunities and mobilise both internal and external stakeholders towards working together on the given objective.
Experience leading policy outreach including strategically identifying and mobilizing appropriate policymakers, and developing and maintaining these relationships
Experience fundraising and writing fundraising proposals
Experience in monitoring and evaluation, particularly in supporting government data management systems