Pedagogical Research And Development Officer

Job Summary

School for Life (SfL) is a non-governmental organization dedicated to improving access to quality basic education in underserved communities across Ghana, particularly in the Northern regions. Through its Learning and Development Centre (LDC), SfL shares its innovative complementary education model with other organizations, public schools, and private institutions. The organization is now seeking a highly motivated and skilled Pedagogical Research and Development Officer (PR and DO) to join its senior staff team in Tamale. This role is pivotal in driving the research and development agenda of the LDC, ensuring that SfL's practices are well-documented, evidence-based, and effectively disseminated to influence educational policy and practice in Ghana and beyond. The successful candidate will lead monitoring and evaluation efforts, conduct research on pedagogical methodologies, manage data systems, and contribute to the advocacy and marketing of SfL's model. This is an exceptional opportunity for a development professional with a strong research background and a passion for improving educational outcomes in rural contexts.

Role Requirements & Qualifications

• A first degree in Education, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field from a recognized institution. A postgraduate qualification will be an added advantage.
• A minimum of three years of working experience in education, research, or a related development field.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting research, including study design, data collection, analysis, and report writing.
• Knowledge of current teacher training methodologies and professional development practices.
• Familiarity with the SfL model and complementary basic education approaches, or the ability to quickly learn and master them.
• Understanding of the educational situation in underserved areas of Northern Ghana, with a willingness to travel extensively to rural communities.
• Experience in using Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools to gather relevant information from the field.
• Proficiency in computer applications, including MS Office suite, and knowledge of database management systems.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to generate and compile comprehensive reports.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, with a commitment to gender sensitivity and social inclusion.

Skills Inventory

Essential Skills

• Research design and implementation
• Monitoring and evaluation (M and E) methods
• Data collection and analysis (quantitative and qualitative)
• Database management
• Report writing and documentation
• Facilitation and training
• Knowledge of PRA tools
• Project management
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Computer literacy (MS Office, SPSS or similar)

Preferred Skills

• Experience in advocacy and policy influence
• Marketing and public relations
• Knowledge of gender-sensitive program design
• Familiarity with Ghana's education system
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines

Salary & Compensation Estimation

The salary for the Pedagogical Research and Development Officer position at School for Life is competitive and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. While the exact figure is not disclosed, similar roles in the NGO sector in Ghana typically offer an annual gross salary ranging from GHS 36,000 to GHS 60,000 (approximately USD 3,000 to USD 5,500). Benefits may include health insurance, retirement contributions, and opportunities for professional development. The organization may also provide transportation allowances for field visits. Given the seniority of the role, candidates with a master's degree or extensive experience might negotiate a higher package.