Senior Education Specialist (Assessment)

Reference Number 220651

‍Position Level IS 5

‍Department Sustainable Development and Climate Change Department

‍Division Education SG, SDSC

‍Location Asian Development Bank Headquarters

‍Date Posted Wednesday, December 7, 2022

‍Closing Date Wednesday, December 21, 2022 11:59 p.m. (2359 Manila Time, 0800 GMT)

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

ADB will be rolling-out its operating model which may result in the change of department/group and/or reporting arrangement(s). By proceeding with your application, you acknowledge and accept the possibility of such changes resulting from the new operating model (NOM).

This is a special fixed-term appointment for a period of three (3) years following Section 3.1 (c.) of Administrative Order No. 2.01 (“Recruitment and Appointment’). This appointment is not convertible to a regular appointment. It may be extended on exceptional basis for a further fixed period at the option of ADB. This appointment is open to internal and external applicants.

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Overview

Asian Development Bank (ADB) is an international development finance institution headquartered in Manila, Philippines and is composed of 68 members, 49 of which are from the Asia and Pacific region. ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. ADB combines finance, knowledge, and partnerships to fulfill its expanded vision under its Strategy 2030.

ADB only hires nationals of its 68 members.

The position is assigned in the Education Sector Group of the Sector Advisory Service Cluster within the Sustainable Development and Climate Change Department. The Sustainable Development and Climate Change Department provides leadership, innovation, and knowledge sharing for ADB’s sector and thematic work. The Education Sector Group is responsible for providing policy advice, operational support, and knowledge expertise in mainstreaming priorities in the education sector in ADB operations.

In line with ADB’s vision of ensuring “learning for all” and the imperative to address the learning crisis exacerbated by the pandemic, there is an urgency to develop and standardize practical assessment tools to support ADB’s developing member countries (DMCs) to ensure learning continuity at all levels of education. There is increasing demand from the DMCs that ADB-supported operations prioritize the quality of education to demonstrate tangible improvements in learning outcomes of all students. Monitoring and acting on reliable and timely data on student learning assessment is a critical part of ensuring continuous improvements in teaching and learning. In addition, such improvements also require assessing the quality of teachers and education leaders in order to improve their competencies in response to the changing nature of skills and jobs. In recent times, the changing paradigms arising from the spurt in online learning and emergence of new courses and credentials, assessments also need to have a reliable digital imprint.

To view ADB Organizational Chart, please click here.

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Job Purpose

Established in 2016, the Experts Pool initiative aims at nurturing ADB with cutting edge knowledge in key priority areas, by bringing in experts equipped with such knowledge. The selected candidate is expected to provide substantive technical advice to regional (operations) departments in designing 2-3 projects in each subsector across k-12 school education projects, high education projects and TVET projects per year through a combination of ongoing advisory services, document reviews, contribution-oriented knowledge products and mission support. The position is also expected to integrate interventions for assessments of teachers and learning assessments of students in education projects supported by ADB including online assessment, conceptualization of assessment and related research strategies and approaches for pipeline development, and identification of knowledge partners. The incumbent should have the capacity to assess teacher capacity for teacher development programs (assessment of digital skills, pedagogy, domain knowledge etc.) The incumbent will report to the Chief of Education Sector Group and may supervise National Staff and Administrative Staff.

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Responsibilities

• Supports the conceptualization and implementation of learning assessment tools for ADB’s education sector operations in close coordination with the Education Sector Group;
• Identifies emerging and successful assessment models including online assessment and institutions that are leading this work regionally and globally to ensure consistency in ADB’s approach to improving student learning outcomes and equity;
• Takes stock of how different DMCs are institutionalizing their assessment systems including formative and summative assessments and how such assessments are consistent with global best practices to ascertain how and where ADB can leverage its support;
• Identifies and assist at least 2-3 projects per year in conceptualizing, processing or implementing ADB’s education sector projects/programs that include strengthening assessment systems and tools;
• Based on emerging needs and priorities, conceptualizes and fosters new approaches and business models to develop new pipeline projects to integrate assessment tools for scaling up quality education at all levels;
• Identifies and develops effective professional development programs on assessment for ADB staff and government counterparts in partnership with globally known partners on assessment;
• Participates in regional and international forums on student assessment as may be required to share knowledge, forge partnerships with relevant institutions, and draw on emerging good practices;
• Identifies potential knowledge partners that could bring knowledge, expertise, and additional resources to work together with ADB to promote assessment as an integral part of quality improvement in education projects in different DMCs.

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Qualifications

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Relevant Experience & Requirements

• Master’s degree in education psychometrics, research, technology, or social science in relevant fields or University degree and at least 5 years of specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered.
• At least 10 years of work experience in education reforms in strengthening assessment systems at operational and policy levels, preferably in advanced and developing countries.
• International experience working in several countries.
• The expert should be familiar with (i) the latest developments in assessment in education; (ii) most effective assessment tools that are contributing to improved learning and labor market outcomes; (iii) major institutions and networks that are involved in assessments in education and skill development; and (iv) education reforms that are promoting effective learning assessment.
• Hands-on experience in developing and implementing assessment reforms and solutions on the ground will be highly valued.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for International Staff Level 5.

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General Considerations

The selected candidate is appointed for a special fixed-term of 3 years.

ADB offers competitive remuneration and a comprehensive benefits package. Actual appointment salary will be based on ADB’s standards and computation, taking into account the selected individual’s qualifications and experience.

ADB seeks to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities to work in an inclusive environment. ADB encourages all qualified candidates to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and cultural background, gender, sexual orientation or disabilities. Women are highly encouraged to apply.

Please note that the actual level and salary will be based on qualifications of the selected candidate.

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