Research Consultancy

The Brookings Institution, a leading nonprofit public policy organization in Washington, DC, is seeking one or two consultants based in El Salvador to work on the co-design, data collection, and analysis of a research study focused on the role of middle-level decision-makers and leaders in scaling impact in education.

Housed within the Global Economy and Development program at the Brookings Institution, the Center for Universal Education (CUE) develops and disseminates effective solutions for quality education and skills development. It offers a forum for research, high-level dialogue, and public debate on a range of issues relevant to education, particularly in the Global South. The Millions Learning project at CUE focuses on scaling quality education innovations and initiatives for all children and youth. Millions Learning is part of the Research on Scaling the Impact of Innovations in Education (ROSIE) initiative, which aims to expand, deepen, and sustain the impact of effective education innovations, especially for the most disadvantaged children and young people, leading to transformative change in education systems.

As part of the ROSIE initiative, CUE is conducting a qualitative research study in the Kyrgyz Republic, El Salvador, Malawi, and Nepal. This study examines the specific roles and perspectives of mid-level education system actors and bureaucratic cultures on decision-making about the adoption and scaling of innovations.

Consultancy Overview

This position is a consultancy with payment by deliverables. As a Research Consultant for the ROSIE project, the consultant(s) will play a pivotal role in:

• Co-designing the study with the CUE team
• Collecting and analyzing primarily qualitative data in the country location
• Drafting research products
• Sharing key findings with local and global audiences

Key responsibilities will include:

• Working with the CUE team to develop questionnaires and interview protocols
• Identifying and contacting key informants in the study location
• Conducting interviews with key decision-makers and stakeholders, focusing on mid-level actors and other sub-national education system representatives
• Engaging in reflection and analysis with the CUE team
• Developing and refining research products that share findings
• Contributing to broader dissemination efforts

Activities

Consultant activities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develop familiarity with the Millions Learning project and the ROSIE initiative.
• Collaborate with the ROSIE team on study design and the development of interview questionnaires and protocols tailored to the local context, including translation into local languages if necessary.
• Leverage existing networks and context expertise to identify and invite approximately 20 key decision-makers and stakeholders to participate in the study, including individuals based in the capital city and one rural location (TBD).
• Conduct 10-12 short, structured interviews with a subset of identified decision-makers and support 7-10 longer virtual interviews conducted by CUE with a subset of identified stakeholders.
• Engage in ongoing reflection and analysis of collected data and emerging findings through regular sense-making meetings with the CUE team, adapting interview plans and protocols as needed.
• Contribute to the development and drafting of internal and external research products.
• Participate in presenting and sharing results with (a) internal ROSIE learning community members and (b) external stakeholders in the country of focus and the global education system. This may include participation in an in-person, regional event (travel expenses covered).

CUE is open to engaging a single individual or two individual consultants for this role. Applicants can apply as a pair or as an individual. We welcome applications from individuals with diverse experiences. Individuals who may not fully align with the entire job description are still encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

CUE will hire 1-2 consultants for the study in El Salvador. Candidates should possess the following qualifications:

• Expertise and familiarity with the education system and hands-on experience in education, governance, or a related sector in the study location. Deep context expertise, strong relationships with local stakeholders, and knowledge of local languages are essential.
• Consultant(s) must reside in El Salvador.
• Knowledge of qualitative or mixed-methods research (ideally in education or scaling topics) is required, with a preference for candidates with experience conducting interviews.
• Strong knowledge of education policy, systems thinking, and/or scaling effective education innovations is preferred.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with outstanding oral and written communication abilities in English.
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and manage timelines with minimal oversight.
• Regular access to high-speed internet for conference calls and document sharing, with availability for virtual meetings, events, and convenings between 8:00 AM-12:00 PM Eastern Time (USA).

Deliverables

Note: Deliverables may change if two individuals are engaged rather than one.

The consultant is expected to deliver:

• A written data collection plan and timeline with a list of 15-20 potential decision-makers and stakeholders for key informant interviews.
• Set up, conduct, and document virtual and in-person interviews, including leading 10-12 short independent (ideally in-person) interviews and assisting with 7-10 longer virtual interviews with the CUE team. Draft a short analysis document after each interview.
• Contribute to data analysis and co-develop research products that share analysis and findings.
• Present research findings in 2-3 virtual presentations to KIX stakeholders for validation and feedback, and engage in small group discussions with attendees at these virtual events, sharing notes of conversations with CUE for revisions.
• Support an event or convening to share findings with local stakeholders.

Time Requirements

Expected period: January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025.

Reporting and Compensation

The consultant will report directly to Molly Wyss, Senior Project Manager at CUE, and will work closely with members of the Millions Learning team at CUE.

Compensation will be determined based on the agreed-upon deliverables, consultant experience, and local market conditions. Consultant(s) will be responsible for covering their office occupancy, materials, and other related costs. Compensation will be paid in USD.