Research and Learning Adviser - Education in Emergencies

London – with travel up to 30% of the time

12 month fixed term contract (with possibility of extension)

We are seeking a Research and Learning Adviser to undertake in-depth Education in Emergencies (EiE) research on SCUK priority issues and produce robust evaluations and evidence of what works regarding Save the Children UK’s EiE programmes.

Working in more than 120 countries, we do whatever it takes to create breakthroughs in the way the world treats children. Our Humanitarian department integrates emergency and development work, through our country programmes. It increases our capacity to meet the assistance and protection needs of children and their families affected by crises. Together, we save children’s lives, fight for their rights and help them fulfil their potential.

Education in Emergencies (EiE) protects children physically, psychologically and cognitively by providing a safe place to recover, learn and develop during crises. EiE is at the core of Save the Children’s humanitarian work and yet it remains underfunded due, in part, to the lack of robust evidence around its impact. As Research and Learning Adviser you will contribute to addressing this issue which will, in turn, lead to more effective EiE programming in the organisation and sector, leading to a greater impact on children.

You will undertake primary and secondary research in line with SCUK’s EiE research agenda linked to the development of EiE approaches, which include the areas of teacher incentives, adolescent programming and use of technology and cash in education in emergencies.Together with colleagues working on Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL), you will finalise EiE project evaluation tools, develop light-touch action research tools and prepare guidance and training modules on their use. In addition you will:

• Undertake in-depth EiE project evaluations on at least four SCUK-led EiE projects over the 12-month period, documenting the results in an accessible and learning-oriented format
• Share and disseminate research and evidence generated internally and externally and identify critical research priorities within the sector, including for the Education Cluster
• Use evidence and research to influence EiE practice and prioritisation and inform policy
• Support the identification of funding opportunities for scaling up or further research and related new proposal development
• Work with SCUK communications colleagues to develop effective ways of communicating research and evidence generated (e.g. infographics, video, multimedia, etc.).

To be successful you will have a proven background in international education or education in emergencies including demonstrable knowledge of education in emergencies programming. You will be motivated by the value of education programming in humanitarian responses and will understand the need to address issues of insufficient evidence to mobilise the support and funding necessary to reach more children with it. In addition you will have:

• Experience and specialisation in undertaking research, collecting evidence and undertaking humanitarian project evaluations
• Demonstrated experience using research or evidence to influence government, donor, UN, NGO policies
• Exceptional communication and writing skills, with the ability to produce high-quality research papers as well as succinct policy briefs and communications pieces
• Flexibility, diplomacy, leadership, cultural sensitivity and the ability to work well both alone and in a team
• Experience of working in challenging contexts and willingness to travel to countries in crisis situations
• Significant experience of organisational-level thought leadership in a technical sector
• Experience of capacity building and mentoring, with a strong interest and motivation for research, learning and evidence.

A PHD in education, humanitarian affairs, political science, development studies, anthropology or a related field is desirable, as is fluency in French, Arabic or Spanish.

 At Save the Children our mission is to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives. If you share our mission, are passionate about making it happen and strongly believe you can contribute then join us and we'll give you every opportunity to succeed. We look forward to hearing from you.

To apply please visit our website.

Closing date: 14th June 2016

Please note that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. And interviews may commence prior to the advert closing date.