Senior Technical Specialist for Data and Tech

Terms of Reference: Senior Technical Specialist

About Development Gateway and the Early Grade Education Activity (EGEA)

Development Gateway: An IREX Venture (DG) is an international non-profit organization with approximately 80 team members based in more than 10 countries worldwide. By leveraging the combination of programmatic and IT developer capacity and skills within DG, over the last 20 years we have researched data ecosystems, built digital tools to support those data ecosystems, and advised on data strategy and digital transformation to strengthen decision-making, transparency, and service delivery.

DG is one of several consortium partners, led by IREX, implementing the Early Grade Education Activity (EGEA, also known as ‘Asas’) program in Jordan between 2023-2028, funded by the U.S. Department of State. As a large-scale development program, Asas is a complex, high-paced and outcome-oriented initiative. The consortium itself comprises well over 50 individuals working on the program at any given time (based both in Jordan and abroad). From DG’s side alone, there are likely to be approximately 8-10 personnel supporting implementation at any given time, with at least 2 staff based in Amman, including the Project Manager.

The overarching objective of Asas is to improve the quality of early grades (K-G3) education outcomes for children in Jordan. The program aims to achieve this objective by supporting the education of student teachers while they are still at university (pre-service teachers), and also by supporting early grades students and teachers (in-service teachers).

DG’s role within the consortium is focused on enhancing data use among various systems and data sources in Jordan’s education sector. DG will enhance user-centered digital solutions to support local actors in mapping the data landscape and improving data systems’ utility and interoperability. DG will also work with various actors in Jordan to support the digitization of institutional data systems, including quality assurance processes and assessment where needs are identified. Lastly, DG will also support integration and alignment of the national AI policy into the education sector by conducting a series of AI readiness diagnostics and sandboxing exercises at the Ministry of Education (MoE) and University level to explore the feasibility of integrating automation safely and effectively into key functions.

Job description

This is an exciting opportunity for a data expert or person with a similar profile who is passionate about the potential of technology to improve education outcomes for young children in Jordan. We are looking for someone based in Amman who: is experienced in working with complex data systems; can identify and lead in making the connections between data system requirements and user needs; is able to explain the opportunities and challenges of digital solutions to non-technical stakeholders clearly and accessibly (including in English); appreciates and values open-first, inclusive, agile and sustainability-oriented approaches to tech development; and, is interested in the potential of AI to augment and improve education outcomes in Jordan.

As our technical staff member on ground in Jordan, you will be responsible for working closely with both our Asas consortium partners and external stakeholders at the MoE and universities to align user needs with data availability, quality, etc. You will report to our Director of Software Development, based in the U.S., and work closely with his team of international technical experts. This role also has a dotted reporting line to the DG Project Manager based in Amman for the coordination of tasks and ensuring alignment of DG’s work within the Asas Program.

The role is embedded within the Asas office in Amman, Jordan and our expectation is that you will be willing and able to regularly work from these premises together with the 30+ other Jordan-based Asas staff members, in order to ensure that DG’s technical work is implemented in full coordination and alignment with the consortium's priorities, needs and expectations.

At DG, we are a creative and dynamic group of people based around the globe. We value and reward hard work, innovative thinking, a commitment to teamwork, and a good sense of humor. With this role, we are looking for a new colleague to join our team and be our senior technical analyst/specialist on the Asas program in Amman.

The work you get to do:

Data Use and Governance

• Provide technical support on data quality, standards, governance, and sustainable management practices to enhance interoperability of education data systems.
• Identify opportunities for strengthened data use in the Jordanian early grades education sector, with an emphasis on practical application, enhanced decision making and stakeholder priorities.
• Advise on interoperability approach when needed (APIs, flat-file exchanges, data models), including User Acceptance Testing plans and rollout sequencing across HEIs, directorates, and schools.Stakeholder Engagement and Translation
• Work closely with the Program Manager to engage consortium and external counterparts, ensuring alignment with user (whether consortium or external) priorities.
• Translate technical concepts into accessible language for policymakers and stakeholders, with an outsized emphasis on bilingual (Arabic–English) communication.
• Serve as a cultural and technical interlocutor between the IREX/DG team and Jordanian counterparts.

Integration with DG/IREX Teams

• Collaborate closely with the in-country Program Manager and DG technical team.
• Ensure smooth communication and integration with IREX staff and partners, supporting program deliverables in line with both local context and global program standards.
• Together with DG’s Project Manager and DG’s technical team, co-design a plan for data ownership/quality (source-of-truth, stewardship, change management) and a monthly data quality review with STS and other stakeholder.

AI and Emerging Technologies

• Contribute to exploring AI-related opportunities (e.g., sandbox environments, testing solutions, horizon scanning) only as relevant to education priorities.
• Support in-house DG technical staff and consultants in applying AI tools, ensuring that data-related priorities remain the primary focus.
• For AI pilots, agree on approved hosting, de-identification standards, bias/accuracy checks, and opt-out/consent procedures.

Program Support and Communication

• Assist in translating user requirements into technical requirements and actionable workplans.
• Provide critical input on the political and institutional nuances shaping education reform, technology adoption and data use in Jordan.
• Contribute to program reporting and documentation, ensuring clarity and accessibility in both Arabic and English.

Qualifications and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, or in a related STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics).
• Professional fluency in Arabic and English (written and spoken), with demonstrated ability to communicate complex technical specifications across both languages. Strong writing skills, prioritizing clarity and accessibility.
• History of working with diverse, remote team members in a global environment, with a track record of integrating well into a collaborative and cross-cultural environment.
• A passion for data to be used in decision-making in the education sector.
• Proven expertise in data analysis, information systems, and/or education sector data use, preferably in Jordan or the MENA region.
• 5+ years experience in data use or data policy implementation, ideally in education, or another relevant field.
• 5+ years working in complex stakeholder environments, with a strong preference for experience working with national ministries.
• Experience using data; or supporting people and institutions to make better use of data, or developing effective processes to remove decision-making bottlenecks and promote impact at a systems level
• Experience designing and/or conducting qualitative research and assessments, trainings, and data analysis.

Preferred (Desirable) Qualifications

• Degree and/or certification in artificial intelligence, machine learning, or computer science is a plus.
• Experience with AI applications, data science tools, or emerging technologies in education.
• Familiarity with donor-funded programming (e.g., U.S. State Department) and their reporting standards.

Position Details

This is a full-time staff position (not consultancy), expected to run for the life of the program (3 years), pending annual performance reviews. The expected annual salary range is USD 35,000-55,000, depending on relevant experience.

How to apply

Do apply early. Candidates will be interviewed on a rolling basis concluding by end of October. Please submit your application and CV to the following link on DG's website: https://development-gateway.breezy.hr/p/e145efe058c2-senior-technical-specialist-for-early-grade-education-activity