Save the Children: IDELA Fellow – New York

Save the Children

For over 100 years, Save the Children has been fighting for the rights of children. The right to a healthy start in life. To have access to education. To be in a safe environment, protected from harm. We work in some of the world’s hardest-to-reach places – over 100 countries, including the U.S. No matter what your role is, when you join Save the Children, you’re creating positive, irreversible change for children, and the future we all share.

The Role

The International Development and Early Learning Assessment (IDELA) Data Explorer supports analysis and visualization of early childhood development data across multiple countries and studies. To enhance its utility, updates are required across data processing, automation, and cross-country harmonization. This SOW is designed for an intern role, with defined learning objectives and supervised responsibilities.

The fellow will contribute to one or more of the following areas:

• Support updating and standardizing datasets for the IDELA Data Explorer
• Assist in improving automation and analytical functionality of IDELA workflows and dashboard
• Contribute to harmonizing cross-country datasets for comparative analysi

Location

Remote – United States

Scope of Work

The fellow will focus on Workstream A, with flexibility to support others as time allows.

Workstream A: IDELA Data Explorer Update

• Assist in processing approximately 30–40 datasets
• Review and standardize partially processed datasets (majority)
• Support cleaning and processing of fewer than 10 raw datasets under supervision
• Ensure datasets align with dashboard structure and requirements
• Conduct basic data validation and flag inconsistencies

Workstream B: Automation and Dashboard Enhancement

• Support development or improvement of automated data analysis workflows
• Assist in testing and refining dashboard features and visualizations
• Help integrate additional data sources (e.g., IDELA Classroom Environment results)
• Work with existing cleaned datasets to prototype improvements

Workstream C: Cross-Country Dataset Harmonization

• Work with approximately 80–100 already cleaned datasets
• Support harmonization of variables, formats, and metadata
• Assist in creating a unified dataset for cross-country analysis
• Focus on alignment and documentation rather than intensive cleaning

Deliverables

The fellow is expected to produce:

• Cleaned and/or standardized datasets (as applicable)
• Documented code or workflows (where relevant)
• Contributions to dashboard updates or prototypes
• A harmonized dataset or components thereof (if applicable)
• Clear documentation, including data dictionaries and processing notes
• A brief final summary of work completed and key learnings

Timeline and Level of Effort

• Duration: 10 weeks
• Estimated commitment: 30-40 hours per week
• Work plan and milestones will be agreed upon at the start of the fellowship

Supervision and Support

• The fellow will report to Clara Pava
• Weekly to bi-weekly check-ins will be held to review progress and provide guidance
• Feedback will be provided on deliverables and technical approach

Required qualifications for the role

• Basic to intermediate skills in data analysis (e.g., Excel, R, Python, or Stata)
• Familiarity with data cleaning and management concepts
• Attention to detail and ability to work with structured datasets
• Interest in education or early childhood development data (preferred)

Success Criteria

• Assigned datasets are processed accurately and aligned with requirements
• Clear and reproducible documentation is produced
• Contributions support improvements to the IDELA Data Explorer or datasets
• Intern demonstrates learning and effective collaboration

What’s In It for You

• Structured learning and development program
• Meaningful work under the direct supervision of an experienced Save the Children staff member
• Highly collaborative and innovative teams
• Networking program with managers across the organization
• Flexible schedule
• A family friendly work environment
• The knowledge that the work you are supporting is changing the lives of children all around the world

Classification: Fellow

Hours: maximum 40 hours per week

Dates: June 1- Aug 7, 2026

About Us

Save the Children is committed to conducting its programs and operations in a manner that is safe for the children it serves and helping protect the children with whom we are in contact. All Save the Children representatives are explicitly prohibited from engaging in any activity that may result in any kind of child abuse.

Save the Children is committed to minimizing safety and security risks for our valued employees, ensuring all are given training, support and information to reduce their risk exposure while maximizing the impact of our programs for children and families. Our shared duty, both agency and individual, is to seek and maintain safe working conditions for all.

If you require disability assistance with the application or recruitment process, please submit a request to [email protected].