EMIS, Data Systems, and Digital Learning Specialist

EDC is one of the world’s leading nonprofit research and development firms. Established in 1958, EDC designs, delivers and evaluates innovative programs to address some of the world’s most urgent challenges in education, health, and economic opportunity. Our services include research, training, educational materials, and strategy, with activities ranging from seed projects to large-scale national and international initiatives.

Project Description

EDC is seeking a Education Management Information System (EMIS), Data Systems and Digital Learning Specialist for a proposed education consultancy in Somalia focused on the development of the National Teacher Professional Development Plan (TPDP). The assignment will support the Ministry of Education, Culture and Higher Education (MoECHE) to produce a comprehensive, quality-assured, and implementation-ready national teacher professional development plan aligned with the National Teacher Competency Framework (NTCF), the Somalia Education Act (2023), and the National Transformation Plan 2025–2029. The assignment is designed to help establish a coherent national system for continuing professional development (CPD), strengthen quality assurance, support certification and monitoring systems, and improve teacher professional development across Federal Member States, school types, education levels, and Integrated Quranic Schools.

Position Description

The EMIS, Data Systems and Digital Learning Specialist will lead the design of the data, digital, and technology-related components of the TPDP. The specialist will help ensure that CPD tracking, reporting, and digital delivery systems are practical, scalable, and suited to Somalia’s low-bandwidth and geographically dispersed context. This role will support the development of specifications for EMIS integration, the National Teacher Registry, digital CPD records, offline-capable learning platforms, and blended and radio-based learning modalities to strengthen equitable access to teacher professional development.

Education

Master’s degree in Information and Communication Technology in Education, Data Systems, or a related field.

Language

Professionally proficient and fluent in written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

Lead technical design inputs related to EMIS, data systems, and digital learning across the TPDP.; Develop specifications for integrating CPD tracking fields, module coding, and reporting protocols into EMIS.; Support the design of National Teacher Registry architecture and CPD record field specifications.; Advise on the development of offline-capable digital platforms and module libraries suitable for low-connectivity environments.; Contribute to the design of digital and blended learning delivery models for CPD implementation.; Support the development of functional specifications for CPD record portals, mobile data platforms, and related digital infrastructure.; Provide technical guidance on radio-based CPD content adaptation for areas with limited or no digital access.; Help ensure that data systems and digital tools are aligned with monitoring, reporting, and implementation needs across all relevant work packages.; Work closely with the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist and other team members to ensure interoperability between indicators, data systems, and reporting protocols.; Contribute written sections, recommendations, and review comments to support a practical, implementation-ready final TPDP document.

Requirements

Minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience.; Demonstrated experience in EMIS design for CPD tracking or related education system functions.; Proven expertise in national teacher registry architecture, data systems design, or comparable education information system work.; Experience designing offline-capable digital platforms for low-bandwidth or low-connectivity environments.; Strong understanding of radio, blended, or distance learning models in under-resourced settings.; Experience supporting digital learning, education technology, or systems strengthening initiatives in donor-funded programs.; Prior experience in Somalia or the region.; Familiarity with teacher professional development, competency-based systems, and education sector planning.; Experience designing digital systems for large-scale public sector or education reform initiatives.; Knowledge of practical approaches for reaching rural, remote, and underserved populations through technology-enabled learning.