VVOB is currently looking for an Educational Researcher. The Educational Researcher carries out and coordinates research on the implementation and the impact of VVOB’s programmes in Rwanda. (S)he actively promotes evidence-based learning within VVOB Rwanda and takes part in advocacy and networking in the education sector in Rwanda.

The Educational Researcher works in a team of Education Advisors, works closely together with the MEAL Advisor and officer as well as with the Communication Advisor and officer. The Educational Researcher reports directly to the Education Manager.

Tasks:

As an Educational Researcher, you will:

• Carry out scientific, mixed-method research on the implementation of professional development trajectories for head teachers and new teachers and evaluation of the impact of these professional development trajectories at different levels, including at the level of school children;
• Assist VVOB Programme Advisors in monitoring and evaluating programme results, through further development and implementation of a VVOB Rwanda M&E system; This includes capacity development on research and M&E for VVOB Programme Advisors and partners and supporting the collection and analysis of high quality data
• Network and advocacy in education sector working groups and taskforces in which VVOB Rwanda is active; This includes dissemination of research findings on different platforms and through different channels, like the VVOB Rwanda website and magazine, publications in journals, conference presentations, ...;
• Be actively engaged in expanding VVOB’s funding base (liaising with potential donors, writing proposals);
• Establish and maintain strong linkages with the Flemish education sector;
• Contribute to internal and external knowledge development by systemizing lessons learned and sharing pro-actively lessons learned between partners, colleagues and other VVOB country teams. 

• Relevant PhD degree; or relevant Master degree with at least 5 scientific publications;
• Min. 5 years of research experience (with a specific focus on quantitative research) and track record of published research, preferably in the education sector;
• Understanding of the education sector and educational institutions like teacher training institutions, in-service providers for teachers and school leaders and ministries of education;
• Work experience or other relevant experience in the South;
• Knowledge of and / or experience with programme management, preferably Project Cycle Management;
• An in-depth understanding of capacity development assessments, strategies, methods and tools;
• Experience with capacity development and change management of government agencies and / or public sector staff, preferably in the education sector;
• Experience in international development cooperation;
• Experience with working in a multicultural team;
• Fluent in Dutch and English.

Competences:

VVOB core competences:

• Resultorientation
• Continuousimprovement
• Cooperation

Function specific competences:

• Analytical and synthesizing skills
• Creativity
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• 360° Empathy
• Reliability
• Development oriented 

• A dynamic working environment in an international context;
• An exciting job with varied responsibilities and opportunities for professional development;
• A competitive expat salary (salary scale A111 of the Flemish Government) and benefits package. 

VVOB

VVOB, The Flemish Association for Development Cooperation and Technical Assistance, is a Belgian non-profit organisation that focuses on improving the quality of education.

In cooperation with Rwanda Education Board (REB), it’s affiliated Teacher Training Colleges (TTC) and the University of Rwanda – College of Education (URCE), VVOB started in 2017 with a new multi- year programme on Leading, Teaching and Learning Together - (LT)2 (2017-2021). This cooperation programme aims to improve the quality of education through improvement of the professional development of school leaders and induction of new teachers, with a specific focus on the following components:

• A CPD Diploma course on Effective School Leadership, developed and implemented by URCE;
• Continuous professional development in Professional Learning Networks of head teachers, lead and coached by trained Sector Education Officers.
• Mentoring of New Teachers during their induction by trained mentor teachers.
• Monitoring and supervision of New Teachers during their induction by trained TTC tutors.