Foundational Literacy Specialist

Job Description

Overview

AIR is currently seeking a Foundational Literacy Specialist to join our International Development Division. AIR’s International Development Division (IDD) strives to improve the quality of life in developing countries by using rigorous research and evaluation to enhance education and social development. We apply social and behavioral science approaches to work across a wide range of topics including social protection, human capital and education, labor markets and workforce development, agriculture, food and nutrition, early childhood development, refugees and migration, gender in development, and water/sanitation/infrastructure. We work in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, Central and Latin America as well as the Middle East. The IDD generates policy-relevant evidence through rigorous monitoring, evaluations, and research; helps improve program design through continuous learning and adaptation; and works with local organizations and governments to build sustainable solutions based on evidence.

The Foundational Literacy Specialist has the flexibility to work remote from anywhere in the United States or be located from any of our offices in the United States.

Responsibilities

This position will help build foundational language and literacy instruction within AIR’s International Development Program. The ideal candidate would have significant experience in implementing early grade language and literacy projects, as well as the ability to conduct applied research and capture learning to improve interventions with a focus on effective literacy instruction, teacher training, material development, curriculum improvement, and effective parent and community supports. This position will also be expected to support and lead foundational literacy business development activities. Responsibilities will include:

• Assist to conceptualize & develop effective reading and language instruction for students in developing nations.
• Develop primary school curricular materials based on effective pedagogical methods.
• Create literacy instruction frameworks that guide project work in conjunction with host country governments & other partners.
• Design & implement professional development activities for teachers on early grade literacy instruction.
• Support the evaluation of reading programs, including supporting the design & implementation of, early literacy assessment, such as the Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA).
• Coordinate & support in linking evaluations & EGRA results to development of materials, teacher training & parental/community support for language skills acquisition.
• Lead and support proposals, capture efforts, and other client engagement for new business development
• Analyze project work and manage tasks on large international projects.
• Assist in project quality assurance.
• Share findings via publication of papers, reports, webinars, and presentation of seminars.
• Around 20-30% domestic and international travel involved.

Qualifications

Education, Knowledge, and Experience:

• Master’s, PhD, or EdD degree in one of the following fields: early grade literacy, curriculum and instruction, elementary teacher education, educational leadership, international education, developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, language acquisition, child literacy development, curriculum and materials development, instructional design, or related field.
• At least 4 years of experience working on literacy programming in developing country contexts.
• Substantial developing country experience.
• Strong knowledge of curriculum design including scripted lessons and teacher and student guides.
• Experience overseeing the design of instructional materials such as decodable and leveled readers.
• Experience writing and publishing education research preferred but not required.

Skills:

• Qualitative and quantitative research skills.
• Ability to develop and conduct training workshops related to literacy.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively with teams at all levels and from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to travel 20-30% of time.
• Excellent communication skills in English and fluent in at least one additional language with across-cultural competence.

Disclosures:

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis. Employment-based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) is not available for this position. Depending on project work, qualified candidates may need to meet certain residency requirements.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.

AIR adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

AIR’s Total Rewards Program, is designed to reward our staff competitively and motivate them to achieve our critical mission. This position offers an anticipated annual salary of $85,000 - $115,000. Salary offers are made based on internal equity within the institution and external equity with competitive markets. Please note this is the annual salary range for candidates that are based in the United States.

AIR maintains a drug-free work environment.

About the Organization

Established in 1946, with headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, AIR is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit institution that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to solve some of the most urgent challenges in the U.S. and around the world. We advance evidence in the areas of education, health, the workforce, human services, and international development to create a better, more equitable world.

AIR’s commitment to diversity goes beyond legal compliance to its full integration in our strategy, operations, and work environment. At AIR, we define diversity broadly, considering everyone’s unique life and community experiences. We believe that embracing diverse perspectives, abilities/disabilities, racial/ethnic and cultural backgrounds, styles, ages, genders, gender identities and expressions, education backgrounds, and life stories drives innovation and employee engagement. Learn more about AIR's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategy and hear from our staff by clicking here.