Description

The Pacific Community (SPC) is the principal scientific and technical organisation in the Pacific region, supporting development since 1947. We are an international development organisation owned and governed by our 27 country and territory members. In pursuit of sustainable development to benefit Pacific people, our organisation works across more than 25 sectors. We are known for our knowledge and innovation in such areas as fisheries science, public health, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

The vision of the Educational Quality and Assessment Programme (EQAP) is to be ‘The agency for educational quality in the Pacific region’. Its mission is to enhance the quality of education and training for Pacific learners, so they realize the benefits of lifelong learning. EQAP seeks to promote the following core values within the context of SPC’s corporate values:

• a culture of quality;
• a culture of continuous improvement;
• cultural and political sensitivity;
• respect for the autonomy and priorities of the education system in each Pacific Island country and territory (PICTs); and
• assimilation of the expressed needs of countries in its delivery of technical services.

The role – Educational Assessment Specialist – Data Analyst will coordinate the development, implementation and evaluation of the LSA related assessment activities in the Pacific Island countries and territories. This role will also be responsible for building capacity in these areas within the countries and territories, and within EQAP through training.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Data analysis of Regional and National Assessments

• Develop and design the assessment analysis of PILNA, PALS and the National assessments.
• Psychometric analysis of regional LSA data using ConQuest.
• Provide analysis and interpretation of data
• Support the creation and implementation of regional LSA apps
• Organize the cleaning of the assessment data using SPSS and MS Excel
• Provide data for regional, sub-regional and country reporting.

Support development of regional LSA instruments

• Revise Literacy and Numeracy framework, develop Literacy and Numeracy blueprints and revise PILNA Style Guide.
• Compile Numeracy items in blocks and assemble rotated booklets.
• Provide quality assurance services on cognitive and contextual items.
• Format Literacy and Numeracy rotated booklets according to the PILNA Style Guide.
• Develop coding materials for in-country training.
• Support finalising test booklets
• Support the administration, coding, reporting and dissemination of results to member countries

Build capacity with counterparts in PICTs on National Literacy & Numeracy Assessments and administration of requests as per country

• Training on designing, planning, developing blueprint, item writing and documenting of Literacy and Numeracy assessments carried in countries as in country requests.
• Review of instruments and documents in accordance with country requests and providing country data.
• Training on analyzing country data using IRT and using its results/outputs for reporting and learning/ intervention.

Integration with other sections in EQAP/SPC as per sections’ timeline

• Support the Curriculum and Assessment section in their higher secondary examinations services including training teachers on IA, approval of IA tasks, verification of IA tasks, training of examiners/markers, moderation of draft exam papers, review of final exam papers, review of prescriptions, analysis of examination data using IRT and produce item analysis report for each subject.
• Collaborate with the Policy and Research section in analyzing regional LSA data and country LSA data and training of PICT MoE officers on IRT analysis.
• Support Policy and Research section in analysing and reporting educational research data.
• Support the ICT section with implementing LSA services notably data capture methods, data storage requirements and data status.
• Support other sections of EQAP on assessment matters.

For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• A degree with a teaching qualification in the teaching of mathematics or related content area
• A master’s degree in education

Technical expertise

• Experience in the use of ConQuest or RUMM2030 and data analysis
• At least 10 years of experience working in the area of secondary education with at least 5 years in working in the area of assessment and using assessment to improve student outcomes.
• Experience in building teamwork, initiative, and ability to adhere to strict multiple timelines.
• Experience in negotiating with, and training adults from different ethnic, cultural, and educational backgrounds.
• Experience in data gathering, analysis, interpretation, and reporting.
• Knowledge of current Pacific and international teacher education issues.
• Demonstrated ability to develop collaborative and productive work environment with teammates.

Language skills

• Good working knowledge of English.

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with high standard of written and spoken English.
• Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment.

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – 3 years – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – The Educational Assessment Specialist – Data Analyst is a band 10 position in SPC’s 2024 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,575‒3,218 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 7,672–9,591 (USD 3,424–4,280; EUR 3,191–3,989). An offer of appointment for an initial contract will normally be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale will be based on annual performance reviews. Remuneration of expatriate SPC staff members is not subject to income tax in Fiji; Fiji nationals employed by SPC in Fiji will be subject to income tax.

Benefits for international employees based in Fiji – SPC provides a housing allowance of FJD 1,350–3,000 per month. Establishment and repatriation grant, removal expenses, airfares, home leave travel, health and life and disability insurances and education allowances are available for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Employees are entitled to 25 working days of annual leave per annum and other types of leave, and access to SPC’s Provident Fund (contributing 8% of salary, to which SPC adds a 10% contribution).

Languages – SPC’s working languages are English and French.

Recruitment principles – SPC’s recruitment is based on merit and fairness, and candidates are competing in a selection process that is fair, transparent, and non-discriminatory. SPC is an equal-opportunity employer, and is committed to cultural and gender diversity, including bilingualism, and will seek to attract and appoint candidates who respect these values. Due attention is given to gender equity and the maintenance of strong representation from Pacific Island professionals. If two interviewed candidates are ranked equal by the selection panel, preference will be given to the Pacific Islander. Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s Privacy Policy.