International Consultant - National Education Assessment System (NEAS), Islamabad

UNICEF seeks the services of an international consultant to provide technical support to NEAS Pakistan in: the multivariate analysis of NAT 2016 data, the writing of reports based on the analysis, and ensure overall quality assurance. The consultant will be responsible for providing support in the specific following areas: Data analysis and quality assurance: Following the administration of the tests in all sample schools, data which has already been collected from all parts of the country is presently being entered and cleaned. The cleaned data -which will be completed by end of May 2017- will be provided to the consultant in SPSS format for analysis and report writing based on the research questions mentioned above. Based on background questionnaires, the supporting policy questions prepared by NEAS Pakistan are also attached with this document. The consultant will review the NAT 2016 data set, analyze data and provide feedback to the NEAS, M/o Federal Education and Professional Training on data cleaning and data formatting. For the multivariate analyses, template creation will require the consultant to develop drafts for sharing and discussion with the NEAS. Report writing: based on the analysis and findings of national achievement testing (NAT) 2016 data, the consultant will produce four reports: (i) technical (ii) non-technical for the general audience (iii) customized school report and (iv) report on recommendations based on the research questions. Also a Skype presentation will be delivered on emerging findings.

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you.

For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

For every child, Education:

Purpose of the Assignment

UNICEF seeks the services of an international consultant to provide technical support to NEAS Pakistan in: the multivariate analysis of NAT 2016 data, the writing of reports based on the analysis, and ensure overall quality assurance. The consultant will be responsible for providing support in the specific following areas:

Data analysis and quality assurance:  

Following the administration of the tests in all sample schools, data which has already been collected from all parts of the country is presently being entered and cleaned. The cleaned data -which will be completed by end of May 2017- will be provided to the consultant in SPSS format for analysis and report writing based on the research questions mentioned above. Based on background questionnaires, the supporting policy questions prepared by NEAS Pakistan are also attached with this document. The consultant will review the NAT 2016 data set, analyze data and provide feedback to the NEAS, M/o Federal Education and Professional Training on data cleaning and data formatting. For the multivariate analyses, template creation will require the consultant to develop drafts for sharing and discussion with the NEAS.

Report writing:  

Based on the analysis and findings of national achievement testing (NAT) 2016 data, the consultant will produce four reports: (i) technical (ii) non-technical for the general audience (iii) customized school report and (iv) report on recommendations based on the research questions. Also a Skype presentation will be delivered on emerging findings.

The approach to the overall consultancy should be aligned with the previous approach used in NEAS and efforts should be made to ensure consistency and comparability with the previous five national assessments. The analyses on NAT of previous rounds should guide in this regard.

NEAS officials under the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training Pakistan will provide the data and necessary support to perform analyses and preparation of statistical reports/tables on the large scale national achievement testing (NAT) 2016 data at grade 4 level in the subjects of mathematics and Urdu/ Sindh (reading and writing) and at grade 8 level in the subjects of general science and English (reading and writing) (at student, school and district level) etc

The consultancy is home-based and all deliverables will be conducted remotely. The consultant will be expected to schedule interviews / teleconferences with key stakeholders via skype/email.

To make a difference, you will be accountable for the following tasks and deliverables:

Task to be Performed:

Quality assurance and data analysis

1. Task: NAT 2016 data Jackknife replicate weights
2. Task: Item analysis and multivariate analysis and preparation of statistical reports/tables at grade 8 levels.
3. Task: Item analysis and multivariate analysis and preparation of statistical reports/tables at grade 4 levels. 

B. Report writing and presentation

4. Task: Write draft reports 1) technical 2) non-technical for the general audience and 3 ) customized school report
5. Task: Write draft report 4) on recommendations based on research/policy questions
6. Task: Prepare a presentation to UNICEF and NEAS on emerging findings
7. Task: Write final reports reviewed and incorporating feedback by UNICEF and NEAS and M/o Federal Education 

Expected Deliverables:

1. NAT 2016 cleaned and weighted data set.
2. NAT 2016 formatted data and tables at grade 8 level.
3. NAT 2016 formatted data and tables at grade 4 level.
4. Draft report 1)  2) and 3) submitted.
5. Draft report 4) submitted.
6. Presentation submitted and Skype presentation delivered.
7. Final four reports 1), 2) 3), and 4) submitted and approved by UNICEF.

Estimated Duration of Contract: 3 months

Level of Consultancy: Equivalent to P-3, plus DSA.

Qualifications of Successful Candidate:

• Completion of advanced university degree (MA/MS/MBA/MPA) in Education/Assessment and Evaluation, Statistics or Psychometric or in a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years relevant professional work experience including experience in research and data analysis
• Expertise in the use of SPSS and Microsoft Access and functional knowledge of ConQuest, HLM data and/or Iteman, Stata, IRT Pro software. The consultant needs to have access to SPSS, ConQuest, and HLM as the consultancy is home-based.
• Proven experience in quantitative research, especially in the analysis of large scale assessment data
• Previous experience in education research projects such as large scale student assessments and knowledge of student assessment at the national/international level.
• Excellent analytical, writing and communication skills.
• Fluency in spoken and written English.

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES

• Strong analytical written skills, including the ability to write in an engaging and informative manner and clearly synthesize information.

FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES

• Ability to plan and organize work with minimum supervision;
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to analyze and apply technical expertise. 

NOTE:

Please indicate your ability, availability and daily/monthly rate (in US$) in your COVER LETTER to undertake the terms of reference above (including travel and daily subsistence allowance, if applicable).  Applications submitted without a daily/monthly rate will not be considered. 

To view our competency framework, please click here. 

Interested in finding out more?  

You will have a rewarding experience working with a dynamic, diverse and committed staff who are making a difference in saving lives and building a better future for Every Child in Pakistan.   

To know more about UNICEF’s work in Pakistan, visit the country website www.unicef.org/pakistan

Videos from Pakistan can be viewed on YouTube and Vimeo

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organization.  

Attested degrees are a pre-requisite for employment at UNICEF. During the recruitment process candidates may be required to present attested degrees.