Research and Data Advisor

Assignment Type:

Canadian International Volunteer

Eligibility Requirements:

Open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada only

Assignment ID:

VA-107358

Assignment Title:

Research and Data Advisor

Partner:

Ghana Technical Vocational Education and Training Service

Country:

Ghana

Duration:

4 to 6 months (flexible)

Time Commitment:

Full time

Assignment Context

Are you passionate about transforming institutional data into leading policy and global knowledge?

As the Research and Data Advisor with Ghana Technical and Vocational Education and Training Service (GTVET) ] in Accra, Ghana,  you will be the driver of evidence-based practice. You will design and manage essential database systems (leveraging your SPSS skills), lead the monitoring and evaluation of our institutional divisions, and proactively identify strategic gaps for quality improvement and alignment. Your expertise will be vital in developing high-level policy papers and enabling the publication of our research in international TVET journals.

Your work will help strengthen our institutional credibility and ensure that our strategic direction is guided by rigorous data, giving us a leading voice in the future of TVET policy and planning.

Apply today to be at the forefront of data-driven policy and knowledge mobilization!

Roles and Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain robust data management systems (e.g., using SPSS) for institutional and divisional performance tracking
• Support the planning and execution of M&E activities across various institutional divisions
• Conduct regular analysis to identify key performance gaps, misalignment issues, and opportunities for process improvement
• Conduct targeted research and develop analytical papers to inform organizational policy and strategic planning efforts
•  Actively support the preparation, submission, and publication of technical papers in high-impact international journals, particularly within the TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) sector

• Participate in pre-assignment training
• Participate in at least 3 public engagement initiatives with Canadian audiences before, during, or within 6 months after the end of the assignment. Volunteers will be equipped with the tools, training, funds, and support to achieve these goals. Volunteers must also report on each of their public engagement activities through our Volunteer Information Portal. Virtual chats and individual check-ins can be booked with the Senior Public Engagement Officer throughout the course of their assignment and during the 6 months following its completion to seek guidance and support with their public engagement activities.
• Canadian volunteers are required to do at least one activity that contributes to meeting a fundraising target of $1,500. The minimum requirement is met by each volunteer using our Volunteer Information Portal to report having sent one message to their network about their volunteer assignment that includes the link to the WUSC Shared Impact Fund webpage. This message also counts as one of their three required public engagement activities. Volunteers will be supported with the tools, training, and resources to achieve the fundraising goal.
• Submit reports as required by the partner organization and by WUSC.

Experience and Qualifications

• Degree and/or specialized training in Education, Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), Data Management Systems, or Knowledge Systems Management
• Strong background in policy development, specifically within the TVET sector
• Advanced proficiency in statistical software, specifically SPSS
• Strong foundational knowledge of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) methodologies and framework design
• Excellent technical writing skills and proven ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable policy recommendations
• Flexibility, adaptability, excellent interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity
• Experience with group facilitation and trainings, including content development considered an asset
• Experience living and working internationally considered an asset
• Written and oral fluency in English.

Project Description

Volunteering for development is one of the important ways in which WUSC pursues its mission. The IGNI+E project, funded by Global Affairs Canada, supports over 70 partner organizations to advance gender equality and the economic empowerment of 1.2 million youth around the world. IGNI+E harnesses the knowledge, capacity and expertise of skilled Canadians through volunteer assignments and public engagement activities to assist partners in improving their performance, advocating for gender equality, and implementing more sustainable, innovative and inclusive initiatives and services for poor and marginalised youth, particularly young women. Overseas, our volunteers collaborate with a wide variety of partners, including enterprise and social enterprise development incubators, skills training centres, women’s organizations, and youth groups. In Canada, WUSC works with institutions and individuals to identify, prepare, and support volunteers who travel overseas to support our partners. Our network in Canada also works with WUSC to raise awareness among Canadians to inspire greater action on global development issues. Our collective focus is on sustainable and inclusive changes to create a better world for youth.

Partner Description

The new amalgamated TVET service known as the Ghana Technical Vocational Education and Training Service (GTVET brings on board extensive experience gained in providing its Mandate over 48 years of existence. The National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI) was established as a statutory body by Act 351 of 1970 to coordinate at the national level, all aspects of vocational training including apprenticeship. This was the result of a comprehensive study of the country’s Manpower needs and facilities for skill training by a tripartite national manpower board set up as far back as 1967 comprising of government, industry and labor to plan an effective development and utilization of human resources in line with the expected socio-economic development of the country.

Support Package

• Support and guidance from the WUSC Volunteer Mobilization Team prior to departure and from the WUSC Country Team while on assignment
• Pre-departure training to learn about the volunteering for development program, gain practical skills for living and working in an intercultural context and network with other volunteers
• In-country orientation upon arrival in country of assignment
• Language training in country of assignment, where required
• Modest monthly living and accommodation allowance
• Airfare to and from the assignment country
• Visa/work permit
• Pre-departure medical exam
• Health insurance
• Vaccinations and antimalarial medication
• Criminal record verification
• Vacation leave entitlement
• Debriefing after completion of assignment
• An incredible opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to global development, enhance your professional skills and participate in an experience of a lifetime!

WUSC’s Safeguarding Policy

WUSC’s activities seek to balance inequities and create sustainable development around the globe; the work ethic of our staff, volunteers, representatives and partners shall correspond to the values and mission of the organization. WUSC promotes responsibility, respect, honesty, and professional excellence and we will not tolerate harassment, coercion and sexual exploitation and abuse of any form. Successful applicants will be required to sign off on the WUSC Code of Conduct and the Self-Disclosure Form. International and national volunteers will also be required to submit a criminal record verification.

WUSC is a signatory to the Cooperation Canada Leaders’ Pledge on Preventing and Addressing Sexual Misconduct. The pledge represents the shared commitment as Canada’s global development and humanitarian leaders to ensure the full implementation of practices and policies that will protect and respond to our own staff, volunteers and the communities we serve. We are committed to creating safe and respectful workplaces and programs that promote gender equality and are free from gender-based violence, including by addressing and responding to all abuse of power, holding people to account, and protecting the vulnerable. Read the full pledge.