Program Officer | EPARU

Educational Policy Advocacy and Research Unit; Quezon City; On-site; PHP 800,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Educational Policy Advocacy and Research Unit in Metro Manila seeks an experienced professional to lead the conceptualization, design, instrumentation, and management of educational research and policy advocacy projects. The role requires guiding data collection, analysis, and dissemination to inform policy and practice.

You will provide technical leadership across research activities, develop proposals and tools, and ensure QA and ISO-aligned outputs while coordinating with consultants and

Qualifications

• Completion of a baccalaureate degree; master’s degree preferred for advanced responsibilities.
• At least four years of relevant professional experience in functions aligned with the position.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate research and policy advocacy projects ensuring timely, quality outputs.
• Provide technical inputs for research design, data collection, analysis, reporting, and policy advocacy.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards, documentation, and stakeholder engagement across EPARU projects.

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Job description

1. JOB SUMMARY

1.1

Leads the conceptualization, design, instrumentation, implementation, and management as well as monitoring and evaluation of educational research and policy advocacy projects of the Educational Policy Advocacy and Research Unit (EPARU).

2. ACCOUNTABILITY STATEMENTS

2.1

Successful design and delivery of assigned research and policy advocacy projects (small to large-scale) aligned with stakeholder needs, approved designs, budgets, timelines, and Centre quality standards.

2.2

Consistently provide high-quality technical leadership across research design, data collection, analysis, reporting, and policy advocacy functions.

2.3

Accurate and timely preparation and completion of research proposals, data-gathering instruments, analytical findings, research reports, articles, research briefs, discussion papers, policy notes, knowledge products, and other technical documentation.

2.4

Implement and document monitoring and evaluation requirements for assigned projects, ensuring findings are analyzed and used to support project improvement and organizational learning.

2.5

Timely and responsive technical support to consultants, institutional partners, clients, and other interested parties, resulting in positive feedback.

2.6

Compliance with Centre quality assurance and ISO requirements in all project activities and outputs.

2.7

Contribute technical inputs to the Unit’s research agenda, operational planning, dissemination, policy advocacy, partnership development, and resource mobilization activities.

2.8

Active contribution to Unit projects and programs that uphold Centre quality assurance
standards, foster accountability, and support teamwork and professionalism.

3. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

3.1

Research Agenda and Project Development

3.1.1

Identify research needs/gaps in the body of knowledge and gather data/document findings as input to planning for the priority research area/topics relevant to SEAMEO Member Countries.

3.1.2

Provide technical inputs and guidance on the preparation of tools, consolidation, and analysis of results of identified research needs and gaps.

3.1.3

Provide technical inputs and guidance on the assessment of priority educational research areas to be addressed by the Centre.

3.1.4

Draft concept papers and/or proposals for submission/presentation to approving body (e.g., ManCom, funding agencies), with conceptual or research operational framework, data gathering approaches, appropriate methodologies, tools, sampling design, including project implementation plan, and detailed budget, risk and opportunities assessment, and other M&E tools of educational research projects that are aligned with the Centre’s priority research agenda.

3.2

Research Design and Instrumentation

3.2.1

Develop appropriate research designs, methodologies, instruments, and data-gathering
tools for assigned educational research projects.

3.2.2

Conduct and/or coordinate pilot-testing of data gathering instruments and revise based on results documented.

3.3

Data Gathering, Management, and Analysis

3.3.1

Lead and conduct data gathering activities (e.g., interviews, FGD facilitation, observations, survey administration), including preparation of field notes, case studies, anecdotal records, and workshop proceedings of the educational research project.

3.3.2

Lead and undertake data processing, management, analysis, interpretation, and synthesis using appropriate quantitative and qualitative analytical approaches and applications.

3.3.3

Undertake further or advanced analysis, such as secondary analysis, data mining, or meta-analysis, when appropriate to generate additional insights, knowledge products, or inputs to new research proposals.

3.4

Research Outputs and Knowledge Products

3.4.1

Prepare, develop, review, and finalize technical and research reports, research articles,
discussion papers, policy notes, research briefs, research summaries, case studies, and other research outputs in accordance with Centre quality standards.

3.4.2

Prepare and deliver presentations of preliminary and final research findings, conclusions, and recommendations for internal discussion and presentation to partners and stakeholders.

3.4.3

Prepare periodic technical and progress reports for funding agencies, partners, external units, and internal reporting requirements, as needed.

3.4.4

Develop and quality-assure educational research knowledge products and materials for research dissemination and policy advocacy.

3.5

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Quality Assurance

3.5.1

Implement monitoring and evaluation activities for assigned research projects and prepare the corresponding analysis, findings, recommendations, and reports.

3.5.2

Prepare and/or review monitoring and evaluation reports, including Project Completion Reports and other required M&E documentation.

3.5.3

Provide technical inputs to and implement quality assurance processes for assigned EPARU projects.

3.6

Research Dissemination and Policy Advocacy

3.6.1

Provide technical inputs to the planning, design, and implementation of research dissemination and policy advocacy activities for assigned educational research projects.

3.6.2

Translate research findings and evidence into appropriate knowledge products and communication materials for policymakers, practitioners, partners, and other stakeholders.

3.6.3

Participate in technical discussions, presentations, workshops, conferences, and other platforms for communicating research findings and promoting evidence-informed policy and practice.

3.7

Project and Stakeholder Coordination

3.7.1

Coordinate and/or co-manage assigned research projects to ensure the timely completion of technical activities, deliverables, documentation, and other project requirements.

3.7.2

Provide technical guidance and support to project team members, consultants, partner organizations, clients, and other stakeholders in meeting project and Unit deliverables.

3.7.3

Coordinate with relevant internal and external stakeholders in the implementation of assigned projects and activities.

3.8

Unit and Organizational Responsibilities

3.8.1

Maintain and update project records, quality assurance and ISO documentation, and other required Unit information for assigned projects.

3.8.2

Contribute technical inputs to Unit operational planning, performance monitoring, quality improvement, and organizational reporting requirements.

3.8.3

Represent the Unit in QMSC, inter-office committees, technical meetings, or other organizational activities when assigned.

3.8.4

Provide technical support in identifying potential funding sources, partnerships, business development opportunities, and possible new research initiatives aligned with EPARU and Centre priorities.

3.8.5

Perform such other related duties as may be assigned by the supervising Senior Program Officer / Manager in support of the Centre’s priorities.

4. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

4.1

Educational Attainment

4.1.1

Completion of an appropriate baccalaureate degree from a duly recognized institution of higher learning, and completion of at least the academic requirements (CAR) for a relevant master’s degree. A completed master’s degree is preferred.

4.2

Work Experience

4.2.1

At least four (4) years of relevant professional experience in functions aligned with the position.