Research Consultant: Teaching & Learning English in Iraq

About the project

We are recruiting a consultant to conduct research into the teaching and learning of English in Iraq. The aim of this research project is to further develop our understanding of the Iraqi education system, specifically the pedagogy and learning of English, and the needs of children and English teachers in primary and secondary education. Through this research, we will be better informed to plan and propose interventions to the international community and our Iraqi partners, including the Ministry of Education, and in turn develop large-scale projects to improve English teaching and learning across the country.

About the role
The consultant will be expected to:

• work with British Council managers to establish the exact scope of the research and the research methodology, this will include analysis of the current state of English language teaching in Iraqi primary and secondary schools.

• participate in weekly meetings to present progress, challenges and any necessary changes to the scope of work, coordinate with and guide Iraqi education players contributing to the project
• conduct desk research to determine whether the content of existing reports is current and relevant, source more recent information on English in Iraq and use to update existing data
• design, develop and facilitate the administration of information gathering tools, work with the British Council Iraq team and locally engaged consultants to develop and conduct interviews/surveys/case studies/focus groups and other data collecting activities
• submit a draft outline of the report at a date to be confirmed, but in the early stages of its production, take feedback into consideration, and develop the report based on this
• produce a well-written and informative report by a date agreed covering the areas discussed with British Council managers, include recommendations based on research for future interventions to develop in partnership with the international community and Iraqi partners

 Timeline

A suggested breakdown of work (to be discussed and agreed with the successful applicant) would be:

• Briefing with British Council Iraq team and agreeing work plan: 1 day
• Desk research: existing reports and development of a summary: 2 days
• Desk research: sourcing and compilation of more recent data: 2 days
• Preparation of information gathering tools: 1 day
• Interviews/surveys/case studies/focus groups: 4 days
• Draft report and presentation to British Council: 3 days
• Edit report if/where necessary 1 day

Total: 14 days* (approximately – this timeline may be negotiated and modified with the consultant)

Qualifications and experience required

Essential

• post-graduate qualification(s) in a relevant subject (ELT/Linguistics and/or Education)
• an additional qualification and experience in teaching English to young learners
• extensive experience of working on teacher training and development programmes
• experience of working remotely on education research projects in countries/regions affected by conflict
• understanding of the principles of curriculum design, syllabus development and assessment
• significant experience of research, analysis and reporting on educational systems and the needs of teachers and learners
• evidence of developing and delivering high-quality work, as commissioned, to a deadline

Desirable

• knowledge of the British Council’s EES ‘Teaching for Success’ / CPD approaches
• sound knowledge of the principles of Project Management
• working knowledge of Arabic

If you are interested, please send the following:

• a full CV in English tailored to the above requirements
• a covering letter tailored to above requirements (max two pages) outlining your approach to this consultancy work
• details of your expected fees
• the names of two referees who are familiar with your work

Please email your application to iraqjobs@britishcouncil.org with the title Research Consultant: Teaching and Learning of English in Iraq by Monday 28th January 2019.

Please note, we can only respond to successful applicants and only within five working days of the application deadline