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We are looking for Consultant – Students Digital Competencies Data Specialist for Online Assessment of Digital Competence of Primary School Students in Serbia aged 10 as part of the 21st Century Schools programme – phase II implemented by the British Council in partnership with the Ministry of Education in Serbia.

  • Deadline for applications: 21 October 2025
  • Contract duration: 5 months
  • Location: Remote, with coordination meetings online

Background

The British Council is seeking a qualified consultant to support the enhancement of digital competence assessments for Grade 4 students in Serbia in support to the Institute for Quality in Education (ZVKOV). The selected consultant will ensure that digital competence assessment data for 10-year-old students are  effectively assessed and interpreted by employing a robust research design, comprehensive data collection methodology, and strategic data processing techniques.

Scope of work

The consultant will be responsible for the following:

  • Develop a research design for a national digital competence assessment  of fourth grade elementary school students, including defining the objectives, target population, sample, and instruments.
  • Define the methodology for collecting qualitative data, including the development of instruments (interview guides and focus groups) and the preparation of interviewers and supervisors.
  • Define strategies for processing and statistical analysis of data obtained: on direct testing of students' knowledge and during interviews and focus groups.
  • Process data using appropriate statistical techniques (e.g. Attitudinal Response Theory - IRT, multivariate analysis).
  • Interpret the results of statistical analysis in the context of research objectives and relevant literature.
  • Process qualitative data using appropriate analytical techniques (e.g. thematic content analysis).
  • Interpret the results of the qualitative analysis in the context of the research objectives and relevant literature.
  • Produce a detailed report on the results of the national assessment, including methodology, key findings and recommendations.
  • Present the results to relevant stakeholders (e.g. the Ministry of Education, educational institutions, the general public).

A full Terms of Reference (ToR) document can be downloaded from the Downloads section at the bottom of this page.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in educational research, policy analysis, or data analysis, preferably within international education studies
  • Proven experience in research, data analysis, and report writing, particularly in educational research or international studies.
  • Proficiency in statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R, Stata) and data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Excel).
  • Strong analytical skills and the ability to synthesize large datasets into coherent insights.
  • Strong understanding of research methodologies, including both qualitative and quantitative approaches

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following:

  • CV highlighting relevant experience
  • 1-page Cover Letter explaining interest and suitability

Applications should be sent by [21 October 2025] to: stela.durutovic@britishcouncil.org

Subject line: Application – Students Digital Competencies Data Specialist 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.