The International Baccalaureate (IB) is looking for a research manager with an active interest in how to improve students’ learning by the design of formative and summative assessments in an international context. We are looking for a researcher who can help us make our assessment processes and exams more state-of-the-art, fairer and even more widely valued.

If this sounds like something you would like to do, you might want to apply for the role of Manager Assessment Research and Design within the IB’s Assessment Research and Design team (ARD). As a key member of ARD, you will engage with colleagues across the IB Education Office to research and propose appropriate and creative solutions to improve IB formative and summative assessment policy, practice and processes for all four IB programmes of international education (PYP, MYP, DP and CP). You will develop and conduct research studies in collaboration with Senior Managers ARD, as well as being a core member of the ARD team carrying out a worldwide multi-year study into the impact of offering different types of open book exams on teaching, school policies and resources and student learning and exam achievement. The role will contribute to conference proposals and presentations as well as to research publications.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to evidence-based assessment innovations to improve the delivery of IB educational programmes as well as contributing to the research agenda of ARD.

Main job duties

• Collaborates with Senior Managers ARD and Head of APP in developing research studies and reviewing assessment processes to improve the timely and correct delivery of the exam session.
• Provides support and guidance to curriculum review groups to achieve assessment models that are valid, challenging, manageable and meaningful.
• Collaborates with the curriculum and subject managers regarding the development of challenging but practical formative and summative assessment models.
• Designs, plans, undertakes and manages studies assigned by the Senior Managers ARD that address the assessment research agenda.
• Develops and maintains expertise in at least one area of educational research sufficient to function as an in-house thought leader.
• Presents research findings to meetings and (academic) conferences, and contributes to peer-reviewed publications to ensure IB’s assessment has a high profile. Engages in internal and external dissemination activities.

1. Master’s degree in education, social science or another field that provides exposure to research methods.
2. Proven experience of managing and conducting qualitative and mixed method research studies independently. 
3. Strong research and analytical skills for finding, reviewing, evaluating and synthesizing reports, articles, and publications containing quantitative or qualitative data, methodology and theory.
4. Good understanding of the field of educational assessment and formative or classroom assessment in an international context, including policies and practices. An understanding of IB Assessment principles is an advantage.
5. Excellent organizational skills and able to independently manage multiple projects within deadlines.
6. Ability to work collaboratively with staff from different divisions across an organization, negotiating the different priorities and objectives to deliver results. Proven ability to influence decision making in a co-creative process is an advantage.
7. Proven computer skills; proficiency with MS Office and software to assist data analysis (e.g. SPSS, NVivo).
8. Excellent writing and communication skills for communication of information on research.

• Ability to communicate fluently in English (working language in the office). Ability to understand and communicate in Spanish and/or French is an advantage.

The post is based in the IB Hague Global Office and has a hybrid work location pattern. A fair and flexible balance between working from the office and working from home will be agreed with the postholder. Occasional travel between The Hague and our Cardiff office and to conferences may be required.

The International Baccalaureate provides world-class educational services to over 5500 schools across 159 countries. A career at IB is not just a job; it’s an opportunity to work with an innovative world leader of education services and contribute to our 50-year mission of creating a better and more peaceful world. Apply now to join our global organization where we empower our employees to thrive and make a difference.