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Technical Writer & Researcher for Foundational Learning Activity Planning in Tanzania

International Development Group
Contract
Remote

This is a remote position.

Technical Writer & Researcher for Foundational Learning Activity Planning in Tanzania


Activity: Tanzania Targeted Instruction Activity

Mechanism: Advancing Learning Outcomes in Africa (ALOA)

Location(s): Remote and in Tanzania

Estimated LOE: 30-40

Projected Activity Dates: February to April, 2025

Job Category: Expert Consultant

Background

This activity is funded directly by the USAID Mission in Tanzania through the Advancing Learning Outcomes in Africa (ALOA) funding mechanism. ALOA provides USAID Missions in Sub-Saharan Africa and their implementing and government partners with high-quality evidence and measurement, leadership and capacity building, and program implementation services in the education and youth sectors.  Led by the International Development Group (IDG) with support from numerous subcontractors, the objectives are:

 

1.     Advance USAID education and youth policy priorities, 

2.     Increase the effectiveness of education and youth interventions,

3.     Boost institutional and human capacity in Missions and Mission partners.

 

Activity Description
The USAID/Tanzania team is initiating the design of a new activity focused on “Targeted Instruction” methods to address key educational challenges. Building on the lessons learned from the current ‘Learn to Understand’ program, a foundational learning program that has been active for over 4 years, analyses conducted by the Office of Chief Economist (OCE) highlight the need for an improved approach. With a Targeted Instruction approach, the teacher creates personalized instructional approaches for each pupil using classroom-based assessments so that the materials each pupil is learning “at their level” of ability. This is in contrast with standard approaches that assume that most pupils in a classroom are at similar levels of ability.


Job Role
The Technical Writer & Researcher will provide expert research and writing services to the USAID Tanzania Education Team in support of developing a new foundational learning activity using a targeted instruction approach in the Tanzanian educational context. This role also involves consulting with key stakeholders and facilitating a co-creation process to ensure government partners and local organizations have meaningful input in the activity design.

Responsibilities

  • Provide expert research and writing services and technical assistance to the USAID Tanzania Education Team who are planning a new foundational learning activity using a Targeted Instruction approach, ensuring alignment with mission objectives and stakeholder needs.
  • Assist in the development of requests for proposals for procuring Targeted Instruction-based activity design, piloting, and upscaling services, including teacher and pupil materials, lesson plans, and assessments.
  • Assist in the development of quality assurance tools that ensure that all materials are pedagogically sound and meet the standards of the structured pedagogy framework.
  • Assist in the development of scopes of work for procuring services to independently evaluate the foundational learning activity.
  • Collaborate closely with the USAID Tanzania Education Team and support consultations with key stakeholders including government partners and local organizations and ensure effective communication between all partners.
  • Prepare and deliver presentations on the progress of this activity. 
  • Work closely with ALOA activity management staff from IDG to ensure the activity produces high quality deliverables submitted on time.

Requirements

  • Master’s or PhD degree in Education, Instructional Design, Educational Technology, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications in instructional design or pedagogy are preferred.
  • At least 10 years of experience providing research, writing, and technical support to international donors in designing and implementing foundational learning activities.
  • At least 5 years of experience providing technical support to foundational learning activities in Tanzania.
  • At least 3 years of experience designing and implementing foundational learning activities that utilize targeted instruction, Teaching at the Right Level, or other similar approach.
  • Demonstrated technical expertise in instructional design, including proficiency in relevant design tools and software.
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze educational data for use in informing activity design.
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
  • Strong communication skills in English, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex information clearly and effectively.
  • Experience with Google and Microsoft suite software and statistical analysis and management software
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