TERMS OF REFERENCE (TORs) FOR THE SENIOR DATA COLLECTORS x 3

Title: Data Collectors for Pre-Service Teacher Education Study
Location: Eastern, Southern or Western Province, Zambia
Duration: Approx. 35 days (12 May 2025 – 11 July 2025)
Reporting to: Lead Researcher / Programme Coordinator Consultant

1. Background

The Learning Systems Institute (LSI) at Florida State University (FSU), in collaboration with School-to-School International, is conducting a study to evaluate the impact of pre-service teacher training on foundational learning in Zambia. The study is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and aims to assess the knowledge, pedagogy, and classroom practices of student teachers, as well as primary-grade reading performance in selected schools.

To facilitate this study, STS Zambia seeks qualified senior data collectors to support field data collection across various schools affiliated with three private colleges and public colleges of education.

2. Scope of Work

The Senior Data collectors will be responsible for leading the team and gathering qualitative and quantitative data from student teachers and stakeholders in selected schools. Key tasks include:

i. Attending training on data collection tools, ethical considerations, and Kobo Toolbox usage.
ii. Collecting data through classroom observations, surveys, and assessments of student teachers.
iii. Leading structured and semi-structured interviews with teachers and school administrators.
iv. Ensuring high-quality data collection, including accurate recording and timely submission of responses.
v. Addressing any data inconsistencies and coordinating with Lead Researcher or Programme Coordinator Consultant for clarification.
vi. Adhering to ethical and confidentiality standards throughout the process.

3. Required Qualifications

• A minimum of a Degree in Education, Social Sciences, or a related field and at least 5 years of experience.
• Experience in leading field data collection, preferably in education-related studies.
• Knowledge of classroom observation techniques and educational assessment tools.
• Familiarity with Kobo Toolbox or similar digital data collection tools (preferred).
• Experience with conducting Key Informant Interviews and providing detailed notes and recordings.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow research protocols.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, especially when working with teachers and school administrators.
• Willingness to travel to remote schools and work under field conditions.
• Must be fluent in one local language, i.e., Chewa/Nyanja, Tonga or Lozi and please indicate the language with fluency in the application.

4. Duration and Deliverables

Training & Pilot Testing: 4 days (12 – 15 May 2025)
Field Data Collection: approximately 30 days
Data Quality Checks & Reporting: 3–5 days
Final Submission of Data (detailed notes and recordings) & Report: By mid of July 2025

5. Application Process

Interested candidates should submit the following:

i. A cover letter highlighting relevant experience.
ii. Updated CV (no more than 2 pages) with three references.
iii. A short statement (max 300 words) on their experience in data collection and education-related research.
iv. Salary expectations

Application Deadline: 11 April 2025

Submission Email: admin@sts-zambia.org

(Please clearly indicate “APPLICATION FOR SENIOR DATA COLLECTOR POSITION” in the subject of the application email).

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview and required to participate in a training workshop before field deployment.