Background

The Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) is the voice of education in Africa and has played an important role in the educational arena for 30 years as a convenor, knowledge creator and forum for policy dialogue. Since its creation, ADEA has acted as a partner between African ministries of education and training and development partners. As a forum for policy dialogue, ADEA promotes innovative policies and practices by sharing and disseminating ideas, experiences, learning and knowledge among stakeholders.

Africa is facing an education and skills data crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the situation. Due to the ongoing challenge of lacking quality education and skills data for informed decision-making, insufficient data continues to undermine the ability of African countries to make demand-driven policy decisions on education and skills. Through this project, ADEA seeks to support 30 African countries over a five-year period to provide quality data on education and skills for informed decision-making through policy, planning, program implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

Position summary

ADEA is looking for an experienced and motivated Information Technology (IT) Specialist to provide services and capacity building to support the implementation of the project. He or she will also provide consultancy and capacity-building services to beneficiary countries’ education and skills data governance stakeholders. In collaboration with colleagues and project partners, the IT Specialist will work to ensure the improvement of education and skills data collection, storage, processing, analysis, communication and dissemination through the use of technologies and the development of a peer learning platform for knowledge and experience exchange.

Tasks and responsibilities

Specifically, the IT Specialist will:

Develop and manage ADEA’s continental education and skills data portal and assist beneficiary countries with their platforms:

• Support the provision of the trainings to target countries and stakeholders to use the continental portal. 
• Support countries to identify the needs and development of their specific platforms to strengthen the modern and innovative technological solutions.
• Provide maintenance services to the data portal.
• Develop the portal’s user guide and conduct user trainings.

Provide technological counsel and services to support the continental, regional and national mapping and capacity-strengthening plans and activities on education and skills data:

• Participate in the mapping, with a focus on innovative and technological aspects.
• Participate in the identification of strengths and gaps in up-to-date technology used in education and skills data collection, analysis, and dissemination, with a view to developing capacity-building plans and activities for the beneficiary countries’ stakeholders.
• Formulate recommendations for the technological reinforcement of systems for education and skills data governance in beneficiary countries.
• Participate in supporting the Ministries of Education to develop their strategic and operational plans to meet the modern technological challenge of data governance on education and skills.
• Contribute to the design, development and improvement of databases related to education and skills data governance, their data supply, maintenance, access, security, updating, etc.
• Set up and ensure the smooth running of the peer learning platform. 
• Participate, within its areas of expertise, in capacity building at the policy and decision-making levels, by encouraging education decision-makers to demand and use relevant technologies and digital solutions for data governance.

Provide technological advice and assistance to the project team:

• Provide strategic advice for the selection, implementation and use of the project's technological solutions (software and applications, users and skills, etc.) for collecting, processing, storing, archiving and disseminating data, taking into consideration systems risk management, security, data protection and restoration and business continuity/restart plans.
• Spearhead the preparation of technology-driven tools for capacity building in the project countries and provide appropriate advice on EdTech through the project.
• Support the team for the organization of virtual events and public and media outreach monitoring.
• Contribute to the technological contents of the project to be disseminated through ADEA website and the ADEA Learning and Knowledge Management Hub.
• Participate, in collaboration with the Communications Officer, in the development and dissemination of knowledge products using specialized software.
• Advise on system updates and migrations when it becomes necessary.

Carry out other activities within the scope of his/her responsibilities and as assigned by line management and colleagues.

Qualifications and Requirements

Qualifications:

• Master's degree or equivalent in computer sciences, information technology, or related field.
• At least 5 years' successful experience in software development, database management, and website development.
• 5 years' experience working with ministerial, public sector, and non-governmental organisations.
• At least 5 years’ experience in database management, statistical processing, and analysis.
• Experience in setting up and maintaining e-learning platforms.
• Experience working in multicultural and multidisciplinary teams.
• Fluent in spoken and written English and/or French, and a working knowledge of the other language, with excellent communication and writing skills.
• Knowledge of education systems in Africa would be an asset.
• Knowledge of data governance would be an asset.

Technical requirements:

• Knowledge of programming languages: C++, Python, Java, SQL, etc.
• Knowledge of IT security procedures and standards (firewall management, intrusion detection, antivirus).
• Knowledge of equipment installation, management, and maintenance techniques (PCs, servers, networks, etc.).
• Ability to manage IT systems (hardware, software, peripherals, configuration, maintenance, troubleshooting).
• Demonstrated ability to popularize concepts and transfer knowledge to various groups through training, mentoring, etc.
• Ability to work in a multicultural, multidisciplinary team.
• Sense of initiative and proactivity, ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Being results-oriented, organized, and systematic. 
• Knowledge of education and skills in Africa would be an asset.
• Knowledge of data governance would be an asset.

Hierarchical structure

This position reports to the Project Manager.

Working conditions

• Full-time consultancy mandate.
• Based in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, with occasional field assignments in Partner countries and on-site meetings.
• Competitive remuneration.

Performance expectations

Reporting to the Project Manager, the IT Specialist will be assessed on completion of planned activities, achievement of expected results, respect of deadlines, quality of deliverables and stakeholders with the service and assistance provided. He/she will also be assessed on the quality of relationships developed and maintained with project stakeholders, and on his/her ability to adapt to changing technologies and project requirements.

Application process

Interested candidates are invited to send their curriculum vitae, a letter of motivation and a portfolio of their work to adea-applications@afdb.org by 13^th  March, 2025 (11:59 PM, GMT). Please indicate "Application for the position of IT Specialist" in the subject line.

As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experience.