Content Area Specialist - Short-Term Consultant

Project Description World Learning is developing 5 sets of instruments for use in the World Bank’s Understanding the Classroom Practices and Performance of Teachers segment of the Research for Results (R4R) study in Lebanon. The project principally aims to enhance knowledge about effective classroom-level practices in Lebanon and their relations to the quality of education delivered. In this project, 4th and 7th grade classrooms in approximately 120 schools (including public, private, and subsidized private) throughout Lebanon will be examined in depth.   Job Description Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager and in close coordination with the education team and technical experts, 3 Content Area Specialist(s) will be recruited to provide technical advice in developing, adapting and reviewing the project research Instrument(s) developed by the international research experts. Each Content specialist, will be in one of the following subject areas: a)        French as a second language; b)        Math taught in French; and b)        Math taught in English   *It is recommended that the two math specialists work together.   The International Research Specialists, in Washington- DC, will develop the research instruments guidelines with the full procedures for administration and data recording, as well as instructions and considerations to inform data-collector/ enumerator training. The recruited consultant will develop the tools based on the set criteria; s/he will then review, customize and adapt these instruments to the Lebanese Curriculum.  More specifically: -          The Content area specialist(s) will adapt the Teacher Content Knowledge Instrument (for both grade levels 4th and 7th) to the local context. The developed instrument shall take no more than 40 minutes time to administer and must include both content questions and items that examine how well the teacher can analyze incorrect answers and give appropriate feedback; the instrument will be developed from the exams administered (to students) in the Student Assessment part of R4R. The final form will be as a completed student exam that needs to be graded by teachers. There will also be questions that will prompt teachers to demonstrate an ability to identify probable sources of student confusion and, based on that, suggest what feedback would be developmentally useful to the student. Guidelines and specifications of the instrument, will be set by the International Research specialist.   -          The Content Area Specialist(s) will also help to develop a few of the questions to be included in the Post-class Observation/Post-Knowledge-Test Questionnaire. These few additional questions will target subject-teachers’ ability to analyze student responses and give appropriate feedback. The implementation instrument shall last no longer than 20 minutes during administration. Given these considerations, these questions will be few in number and hence must be highly effective. -          S/he will review and adapt the developed instruments following administration in 6-pilot schools; adjustments will include: item refinement, administration procedures, structured interview protocols, data collection details, and enumerator training guidelines.  S/he will work closely with the team of education experts from World Learning’s HQ and Lebanon offices, as well as the team of researchers.     Qualifications: The consultant should have the relevant education and work experience in one of the Content subjects (French or Math), with experience in teaching and coordination; with the following experience: Minimum Master’s degree in Education (Math or French); Ph.D. is an advantage; At least 5-10 years’ experience in the education sector; Extensive experience in Education and Teaching in one of the Content subject areas; Good understanding of the classroom context; Extensive experience in teachers supervision and subject coordination; A broad knowledge of primary education in Lebanon with intimate knowledge of the Lebanese curriculum in the content area, specifically at the appropriate grade levels (4th and 7th grade); Excellent verbal and written communication skills in French (where necessary); Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English (where necessary); Excellent verbal and written communication skills in Arabic language is highly desirable; Ability to work in a fast-moving, complex, and multi-cultural environment; Ability to think and work logically, with careful attention to detail; Ability to work capably under stress and to juggle multiple tasks under tight deadlines; Effective interpersonal, communication, and team-working skills.   Assignment Duration The duration of the consultancy is for 6-working days; -          4-days to develop the tools; -          2-day revision after pilot.   How to Apply If interested in applying to this position, please send by email (info-lebanon@worldlearning.org) your CV and a cover letter (in English) with the job title in the subject line. Your cover letter should explain how you are qualified to perform the tasks outlined in these terms of reference. Please also provide three references with contact information. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis and qualified candidates must apply by close of business on December 14th 2016.