Education Research & Systems Specialist at Rhizome Consulting (2 Openings)

Rhizome Consulting - Our primary objective is to meet both the needs of our client and to exceed their expectations. We offer a broad range of services, tailored to our client specification with full confidentiality.

We are recruiting suitably qualified candidates to fill the position below:

Job Title: Education Research & Systems Specialist

Locations: Abuja and Lagos
Employment Type: Full-time

Job Summary

• The Education Research & Systems Specialist will provide technical expertise in education sector research, learning assessments, programme evaluation, policy analysis, and systems strengthening.
• The successful candidate will support the design and implementation of studies, assessments, evaluations, and evidence-generation initiatives while providing strategic recommendations to improve education policy, programme effectiveness, institutional performance, and learning outcomes.
• The role requires a strong understanding of education systems, quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, learning measurement frameworks, and the factors influencing educational access, retention, equity, quality, and student achievement.

Key Responsibilities
Education Research & Analysis:

• Design and implement education sector studies, research projects, assessments, and evaluations
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research to generate evidence on educational challenges, opportunities, and programme effectiveness
• Analyse education data and research findings to support policy development and programme improvement
• Produce technical reports, policy briefs, research papers, and knowledge products.

Education Systems Strengthening:

• Support the assessment and strengthening of education systems, institutions, and governance structures
• Provide technical recommendations on education policy, planning, financing, accountability, and service delivery
• Contribute to the design and implementation of education sector reform initiatives
• Support institutional capacity strengthening efforts for government agencies, schools, and education stakeholders.

Learning Assessment & Measurement:

• Design and implement learning assessments to measure educational performance and student outcomes
• Support the development and adaptation of assessment tools and methodologies
• Analyse learning outcomes data to identify trends, gaps, and areas for intervention
• Provide technical guidance on foundational literacy, numeracy, and learning measurement approaches

Monitoring, Evaluation & Evidence Generation:

• Contribute to the design of monitoring, evaluation, and learning frameworks for education programmes
• Support baseline, midline, endline, impact evaluation, and verification exercises
• Develop indicators, measurement approaches, and data collection methodologies
• Ensure evidence generated is translated into practical recommendations for decision-making.

Stakeholder Engagement & Capacity Building:

• Engage with government institutions, development partners, donors, schools, research institutions, and other stakeholders
• Facilitate workshops, consultations, learning events, and technical working groups
• Provide technical assistance and capacity-building support to education stakeholders
• Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing across programme partners

Educational Qualifications

• Master`s Degree in Education, Educational Planning, Educational Measurement, Education Policy, Development Studies, Economics, Public Policy, Social Sciences, Statistics, International Development, or a related field
• A PhD in Education, Economics, Public Policy, Research Methods, or a related discipline will be an added advantage.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years experience in education research, education systems strengthening, programme evaluation, learning assessments, or related fields
• Demonstrated experience conducting education sector studies, evaluations, assessments, and policy analysis
• Strong understanding of education systems, governance, institutional strengthening, and education reform processes
• Experience designing and implementing learning assessments, student performance studies, and education measurement frameworks
• Knowledge of foundational literacy and numeracy assessment methodologies, including international and national assessment frameworks
• Strong quantitative and qualitative research skills, including survey design, sampling, data collection, and analysis
• Experience working with governments, development partners, donors, academic institutions, or education-focused organisations
• Proficiency in data analysis and statistical software such as SPSS, STATA, R, Python, Power BI, Tableau, or related tools is an advantage
• Excellent analytical, report writing, communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and deliver high-quality outputs within tight timelines

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their Applications to: vacancies@rhizomeng.com using the Job Title as the subject of the mail.