Psychometrician Consultant

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Background

Bixal Solutions Inc. is the prime contractor for the USAID Nepal Learning for Development Activity. The Learning for Development Activity is currently conducting the baseline for a 5-year impact evaluation of the USAID Equity and Inclusion in Education Activity. Working with the Government of Nepal Ministry of Education (Educational Research Office), Learning for Development will create, administer, and analyze a Grade 8 Student Learning Achievement Assessment in Mathematics and Nepali Language. The baseline will also collect KAP surveys with students, parents, and school-level respondents, in addition to key informant interviews and other qualitative data. All quantitative data will be collected at both intervention Cohort A schools and a comparison group. The student assessment will be based on the National Assessment of Student Achievement. A separate consultancy was issued for a statistician to help withsampling design and data analysis planning.

Task

The Psychometrician will work with the Impact Evaluation Baseline team and the Government of Nepal to provide guidance, technical leadership, and technical oversight for the Student Achievement Assessment development, including piloting, item equating, data collection, and data analysis.

Primary Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Working with the Impact Evaluation Baseline team and the Government of Nepal to review Assessment design, item models, and item development process.
• Contributing to the pilot data collection design of the Student Learning Assessment
• Reviewing and verifying the pilot assessment, including determining necessary sample sizes for instrument validation
• Performing validity and reliability data analysis of Student Learning Assessment and making any recommendations to improve the instrument based on this analysis
• Drafting a Student Learning Assessment pilot report covering instrument validity, reliability, and item equating processes, for inclusion as a technical annex to the baseline report
• Assist with troubleshooting and problem-solving when the need arises
• Performing other technical duties as appropriate and required

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field
• 7+ years’ experience in educational assessment design and psychometric analysis
• Previous experience with developing student assessments in international contexts
• Excellent written English
• Experience working with USAID Activities
• Demonstrated skills in Microsoft Office Software and statistical tools
• Experience working in Nepal helpful

Level of Effort and Timeline

The level of effort is anticipated to be ~ 100 Hours

Please note that candidates selected may undergo a background investigation and, if applicable, meet eligibility requirements for suitability.

Bixal is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, national origin, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, genetic information, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within our organization and beyond.