Educational Assessment Specialist - Psychometrics

• Suva-based position (Fiji)
• Attractive expatriate package
• Join the principal development organization in the Pacific region

Description

The Pacific Community (SPC) is the principal scientific and technical organisation in the Pacific region, supporting development since 1947. We are an international development organisation owned and governed by our 27 country and territory members. In pursuit of sustainable development to benefit Pacific people, our organisation works across more than 25 sectors. We are known for our knowledge and innovation in such areas as fisheries science, public health, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

The vision of the Educational Quality and Assessment Programme (EQAP) is to be ‘The agency for educational quality in the Pacific region’. Its mission is to enhance the quality of education and training for Pacific learners, so they realize the benefits of lifelong learning. EQAP seeks to promote the following core values within the context of SPC’s corporate values:

• a culture of quality;
• a culture of continuous improvement;
• cultural and political sensitivity;
• respect for the autonomy and priorities of the education system in each Pacific Island country and territory (PICTs); and
• assimilation of the expressed needs of countries in its delivery of technical services.

The role – Educational Assessment Specialist – Psychometrics will provide professional, technical, and advisory support on psychometrics analysis on large-scale assessments, early grade assessments, and research analysis to inform classroom interventions that could provide impetus in driving policy change and practice to improve the quality of education in Pacific countries.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Psychometrics

• Conduct standard-setting analysis to establish test and examination benchmarks for PICTs.
• Develop, design, and implement psychometric analysis frameworks using Classical and Modern Test approaches.
• Conduct calibration of educational assessment instruments, and perform statistical analyses to assess item performance, and test reliability to improve measurement precision.
• Conduct performance standards-setting benchmarking and cut scores for assessments.

Educational Research Data Analysis

• Conduct data analysis for research projects using national and regional large-scale assessments and early-grade assessments.
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative data analysis, develop data analysis frameworks, and report and interpret findings and results using advanced statistical techniques.
• Work with national and regional research institutions, and research partners in a joint-data analysis partnership. interdisciplinary teams, and international agencies.

Capacity Building

• Strengthen capacity in data analysis and data interpretation both at in-country nationally and regionally.
• Provide training on the use of IRT software (ConQuest, RUMM, KIDMAP, SPSS) to PICTs.

For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• A degree in a major teaching area of formal education; and
• Postgraduate qualification in education.

Technical expertise

• At least 10 years of experience working in the area of education with at least 5 years in curriculum and assessment, preferably in the Pacific.
• At least 7 years of experience working in the area of literacy and numeracy training, monitoring, and psychometrics analysis including the use of robust statistical assessment techniques.
• Demonstrated sound knowledge and experience using psychometrics tools and Microsoft Office products.
• Proven verbal and written presentation and communication skills in English, both at a technical level and in the preparation of information for the general public.          

Language skills

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written) with a working knowledge of French being an advantage.

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment.

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – Until 31 November 2027 – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – The Educational Assessment Specialist - Psychometrics is a band 10 position in SPC’s 2024 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,575‒3,218 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 7,672–9,591 (USD 3,424–4,280; EUR 3,191–3,989). An offer of appointment for an initial contract will normally be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale will be based on annual performance reviews. Remuneration of expatriate SPC staff members is not subject to income tax in Fiji; Fiji nationals employed by SPC in Fiji will be subject to income tax.

Benefits for international employees based in Fiji – SPC provides a housing allowance of FJD 1,350–3,000 per month. Establishment and repatriation grant, removal expenses, airfares, home leave travel, health and life and disability insurances and education allowances are available for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Employees are entitled to 25 working days of annual leave per annum and other types of leave, and access to SPC’s Provident Fund (contributing 8% of salary, to which SPC adds a 10% contribution).

Languages – SPC’s working languages are English and French.

Recruitment principles – SPC’s recruitment is based on merit and fairness, and candidates are competing in a selection process that is fair, transparent and non-discriminatory. SPC is an equal-opportunity employer, and is committed to cultural and gender diversity, including bilingualism, and will seek to attract and appoint candidates who respect these values. Due attention is given to gender equity and the maintenance of strong representation from Pacific Island professionals. If two interviewed candidates are ranked equal by the selection panel, preference will be given to the Pacific Islander. Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s Privacy Policy.

Application procedure

Closing Date: 29 September 2024 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)

Job Reference: JM000721

Applicants must apply online at http://careers.spc.int/

Hard copies of applications will not be accepted.

For your application to be considered, you must provide us with:

• an updated resume with contact details for three professional referees
• a cover letter detailing your skills, experience and interest in this position
• responses to all screening questions

Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed at shortlisting stage if all the above documents are not provided. Applicants should not attach copies of qualifications or letters of reference. Please ensure your documents are in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.

For international staff in Fiji, only one foreign national per family can be employed with an entity operating in Fiji at any one given time. SPC may assist on a case-by-case basis with submissions to Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their consideration and final approval. SPC cannot and does not make any guarantee whatsoever of approval for such applications to Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs and where an application is approved, the spouse or partner will subject to such terms and conditions as may be set from time to time by the Ministry.

SPC does not charge a fee to consider your application and will never ask for your banking or financial information during the recruitment process.

Screening Questions (maximum of 2,000 characters per question):

1. How do you differentiate between different types of validity (content, construct, criterion) and ensure that a test meets these criteria? Give examples.
2. What statistical techniques are you proficient in for analysing test data? Can you give TWO examples of how you’ve applied these techniques in your work?
3. How do you approach the process of developing a new psychometric test? Describe the key steps you take from initial to final implementation.