Lead Researcher - Soft Skills, USAID

  • Posted on 19 May 2020
  • Worldwide | Washington, D.C., District of Columbia, United States
  • Closing on 18 June 2020

Job Description

Are you passionate about driving programs focused on foreign assistance? Do you want to be part of an organization that offers meaningful assignments and opportunities to expand your skills and expertise? At Dexis, you will experience a corporate culture of inclusiveness, fairness, and trust. You will be given the means and mentorship needed to succeed, and your creativity will be rewarded.

The overarching aim of the Research for Effective Education Programming (REEP) – Africa project is to provide the USAID Africa Bureau, overseas Missions, and partner organizations, with concrete research contributions on USAID education initiatives to inform evidence-based investment, decision-making and the prioritization of needs. REEP will contribute to USAID’s education aims in Africa by providing technical and advisory services focused on research and capacity building, intended to enhance the quality and effectiveness of USAID activities.

REEP-A is undertaking a literature review to examine evidence related to soft skills and their application to workforce development. There is growing recognition among youth workforce development experts that promoting an entrepreneurial mindset among older youth between the ages of 19-25 requires a greater emphasis on soft skills training from an early age. Employers are increasingly looking for youth who effectively navigate their environment, work well with others, and communicate effectively. The ability to be flexible, adaptable, proactive, creative and collaborative is seen as an important aspect of livelihood development along with other portable “hard” skills such as reading and mathematics.

Dexis is seeking a Lead Researcher, Soft Skills (Consultant) who will be responsible for a review of the literature base on soft skills. S/he will develop a critical summary of published research literature relevant to soft skills in the context of workforce development. The literature review will focus both on global examples and those specific to the sub-Saharan African context to identify key themes and lessons on the application of soft skills training in workforce development. The questions addressed by this research will include, but not be limited to: How is soft skills defined? What are the resources and programs available that intentionally build soft skills for youth entering the workforce? What are the key soft skills that can be considered most important for workplace transition and success? To what extent is soft skills emphasized in workforce and entrepreneurship training in sub-Saharan Africa? To what extent has the importance and effectiveness of soft skills in workforce development in sub-Saharan Africa been documented and assessed? How are soft skills reflected in the policy and institutional contexts?

The Consultant will coordinate closely with the REEP-A Project Manager, REEP-A Research Advisor, and USAID Activity Manager to accomplish the scope of work. Final timelines will be determined in coordination with REEP-A and USAID with an estimated LOE of 50 days.

Responsabilities

The Consultant will be responsible for the following:

  • Refine draft research plan to shape methodology for search strategy, approach to analysis and synthesis of literature, etc…
  • Review pre-selected list of references; propose additional reference and literature for inclusion in literature review
  • Conduct literature review of essential components of soft skills in the context of workforce development and entrepreneurship training with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa; highlight key themes and issues to be examined in the report
  • Refine detailed draft outline
  • Produce report on findings, including recommendations for future learning/research, in line with approved outline

Minimum Requirements:

  • At least a master’s degree and 6 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Extensive experience conducting literature reviews, background reports, and research activities in the field of international education
  • Demonstrated ability to compile, assess and analyze key research and drafting high-quality reports
  • Knowledge and expertise in issues and programs related to soft skills and workforce development, especially in sub-Saharan Africa
  • Familiarity with USAID education programs

About the Organization

Are you looking for a company that offers meaningful program assignments and opportunities to develop professional skills and expertise? At Dexis, staff are empowered to be part of the decision-making process and collaborate with colleagues and management across the company to satisfy our clients. We create transparency in our operations with our clients and employees; and we offer our people opportunities to grow and challenge themselves in meaningful ways. Dexis follows a "find a way or make a way" business directive, and we’re paving the way for innovative management solutions in the global development and security assistance arenas worldwide. As a Dexis employee you will be challenged, empowered, and mentored. That’s how Dexis goes "all in.” How will you?

If you are passionate about this opportunity, submit your application by clicking the apply for this job online button.

Only those applicants who meet the above criteria will be contacted for interview.

Dexis is an equal opportunity employer offering employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, citizenship, physical or mental handicap, or status as a disabled or Vietnam Era veteran of the US Armed Forces.

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