Job Description
The American Institutes for Research (AIR) is one of the leading behavioral and social science research organizations in the world. Founded in 1946 as a not-for-profit organization, we conduct our work with strict independence, objectivity, and non-partisanship. With over 1500 staff and offices across the United States and abroad, AIR brings together experts from many fields in the search for innovative answers to any challenge. AIR has demonstrated influence on policy and practice in the fields of education and assessment, health and social services and international development. With a diverse and accomplished staff, AIR is dedicated to its mission of conducting and applying research to improve people’s lives and well-being, with a special emphasis on the disadvantaged. Our overriding goal is to use the best science available to bring the most effective ideas and approaches to enhancing everyday life. For us, making the world a better place is not wishful thinking. It is the goal that drives us.
AIR’s International Development Program (IDP) seeks to enhance the capacity of developing countries to improve their quality of life through education and social development. In partnership with others, we seek to: ensure children’s equitable access to all levels of education; improve the quality and relevance of education; and empower individuals, communities, and institutions as agents of social and behavioral change. Headquartered in Washington, DC, AIR’s International Development Program (IDP) is seeking a Senior ICT Specialist who will provide technical leadership and support in the building of IDP’s work in Applied Information and Communication Technologies specifically in the fields of education, youth and/or workforce development.
The Senior ICT Specialist will work closely with the Senior Management Team and other staff to refine and carry out a range of project management, proposal development and staff management activities to achieve IDP’s vision and to grow a significant body of work and build AIR’s capacity in applying Information and Communication Technologies to developing country contexts. As new projects become funded, s/he will also serve as technical expert, corporate monitor, and project manager for projects funded by the Federal government, international organizations, and private businesses and foundations.
Responsibilities:
• Provide support to the Vice President and Director of IDP and Senior Management Team on planning, management, business strategies, program and organizational development related to AIR’s work in Applied Information and Communication Technologies.
• Champion the growth and development of AIR’s Applied Information and Communication Technologies portfolio through business development, client relationship and capacity building activities.
• Expand and coordinate Information and Communication Technologies related research, practice, and policy work at AIR to include the efficient and effective use of ICT within schools and the development of MIS infrastructures to enhance data management and analysis capabilities.
• Work with AIR’s assessment and M&E staff on impact monitoring for ICT activities.
• Provide technical expertise to clients, AIR staff, partners and policy makers.
• Effectively manage and deliver medium to large scale tasks and/or small to medium ICT projects, resources and staff in complex urban and remote development contexts.
• Utilize entrepreneurial, creative thinking and problem solving skills in supporting the practice.
• Adhere to AIR’s Quality Control procedures by monitoring and improving workflow and maintaining and improving professional standards for work quality.
• Provide feedback to clients and colleagues that is constructive and adds value to the work performed by other.
• Promote IDP’s visibility and reputation via membership on national and international advisory committees, attendance at professional meetings, presentations and publications, and the pursuit of personal professional development, and the maintenance of positive relationships with clients and partners.
• Travel as needed for new business development activities and to projects to provide technical support.
Qualifications:
• Advanced degree in International Development, Education, Technology Policy and Telecommunications, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience managing, conducting research and/or applying relevant ICT and MIS technologies in a developing country context.
• Proven success in the development and management of large or complex development projects..
• Be able to deliver technical assistance in the area of applied ICTs in the field. Successful track-record being a leader in applying ICTs to address a broad mix of development problems and increase the impact of projects and program.
• Ability to work as a member of a team consisting of people with different technical backgrounds and with people with varying levels of technical training.
• Be a team player, willing to support colleagues and professionally nurture potential reportees. Ability to trouble-shoot, manage crisis, and problem solve.
• Excellent ability to effectively communicate highly complex issues in a language that non-technical audiences can understand. This includes project descriptions, presentations, proposals, journal articles, reports, etc.
• Demonstrated interest and capacity to lead proposals and other development work to support AIR’s growth and impact in developing countries.
• Experience and familiarity of professional publication required.
• Language skills other than English are desirable.
AIR offers an excellent compensation and benefits package, including a fully funded retirement plan, generous paid time off, subsidized garage parking, and tuition assistance. For more information, please visit our website at www.air.org. To apply, please go to http://jobs-airdc.icims.com?&sn=devex.com and conduct a job title search. EOE.
