International Consultancy to provide technical assistance to the Ministry of Education and Science in development of Education Action Plan 2018-2020 of the National Strategy for Education Development 2020 with comprehensive Monitoring and Evaluation Plan

The consultancy aims to achieve three objectives: 1)To guide the MoES in development of an equitable and efficient EAP 2018-2020 of the National Strategy for Education Development 2020; 2) To assist the MoES in developing a comprehensive Monitoring and Evaluation Plan of the EAP 2018-2020 and align it to the NSED, MTSD and SDGs targets; 3) To support the capacity development of the MoES and other education key stakeholders in result-based planning and monitoring of progress against set targets.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

Post Title: International Consultancy to provide technical assistance to the Ministry of Education and Science in development of Education Action Plan 2018-2020 of the National Strategy for Education Development 2020 with comprehensive Monitoring and Evaluation Plan

Duration of contract: 1 March – 15 July 2018 (32 days)

Location: Dushanbe, Tajikistan

Closing date: 20 February 2018

BACKGROUND

With support from the Global Partnership for Education-4 Grant, the Ministry of Education and Science of Tajikistan (MoES) developed the Education Action Plan (EAP) 2015-2017 to support the implementation of the National Strategy for Education Development (NSED) 2020. The development of the plan was informed by the assessment of the implementation of EAP 2012-2014 and Joint Sector Review (JSR). A similar analysis of the sector was carried out in 2017 to inform the development of new EAP 2018-2020. The new EAP 2018-2020 is important since it will cover and support the last phase of the NSED 2020 implementation and it is expected to incorporate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets to reflect the recent commitment of the Government to work towards alignment of national targets with SDG targets.

UNICEF received a grant from the GPE to support the MoES in the development of the new EAP 2018-2020. Building on the progress achieved and lessons learnt from the previous period, UNICEF will support the MoES throughout the education-planning process by enhancing its capacity on result-based planning, setting measurable indicators and evaluating progress and achievements. UNICEF will provide technical assistance to the MoES’ Steering Committee and assigned Working Groups through local and international consultancy. The consultancy will support drafting and finalization of the EAP 2018–2020 based on JSR 2017 and other sectoral analytical documents.

The EAP will be costed and have a comprehensive Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Plan to ensure that it is realistic and implementable, while the costing will make it more practical and financially sustainable. The EAP will be finalized by July 2018 in a consultative manner and will be presented and discussed to influence the budget planning cycle and the Mid Term Expenditure Framework processes. Additionally, consultations will be held with key stakeholders through Local Education Group (LEG) to ensure all key stakeholders are provided an opportunity to contribute to the EAP. The above will ensure stronger ownership of the MoES to implement and monitor the progress against the set targets of the EAP. Upon finalization of the EAP, a systemic dissemination (training, meetings, information sessions etc.) for MoES officials and partners and other key stakeholders will take place.

OBJECTIVES

The given consultancy aims to achieve three objectives:

1. To guide the MoES in development of an equitable and efficient EAP 2018-2020 of the National Strategy for Education Development 2020
2. To assist the MoES in developing a comprehensive Monitoring and Evaluation Plan of the EAP 2018-2020 and align it to the NSED, MTSD and SDGs targets.
3. To support the capacity development of the MoES and other education key stakeholders in result-based planning and monitoring of progress against set targets. 

MAJOR TASKS TO BE ACCOMPLISHED

The Consultant will be responsible for delivery of the agreed upon objectives and will serve as the contact person during planning and implementation of the following activities:

1. Review previous Education Action Plans, documents related to sector analysis, including Joint Sector Reviews, existing Monitoring and Evaluation Frameworks as well as means of verifications (including EMIS) to identify the gaps in current planning and monitoring processes as well as the gaps in alignment of key targets with NSED 2020 and SDG targets.
2. In close coordination with MoES key sections, develop an M&E Plan which should include, but not be limited to result framework, objectively verifiable indicators, clear means of verification, clear baseline, milestone and target values and matrix of authorities (roles and responsibilities).
3. Provide concrete recommendations on the revision of existing EAP template based on the conducted analysis and developed M&E plan and collaborate with the assigned with MoES assigned working groups, Coordinator (local consultant) and Local Education Group to ensure the recommendations are taken into account in the planning process. 
4. Deliver a training for key sections of MoES and other national education stakeholders on result-based planning, monitoring and evaluation of progress and reporting against set targets.
5. To review the draft EAP 2018-2020 from the perspective of its alignment with the developed M&E Plan and provide written feedback and recommendations for improvement to the MoES working groups.
6. Submit the final report, including concrete recommendations to MoES on improvement of the M&E system and capacity within MoES.

DELIVERABLES, TIME FRAME AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Instalment I – 30% of contract amount

1. Desk review report of gaps in the planning processes of MoES and alignment of EAPs with NSED 2020 and SDGs targets submitted / 5 days (distance)/ by 10^th March 2018
2. The template of EAP revised reflecting results-based planning and monitoring /2 days (in country) / by 30^th March 2018

Instalment II – 20% of contract amount

3. One training and consultations with key stakeholders on result-based planning and development of M&E plan conducted / 10 days (in country) / by 20^th April 2018

Instalment III – 50% of contract amount

4. Monitoring and Evaluation Plan finalized for EAP 2018-2020  aligned with NSED 2020 and SDG targets/  12 days (in country) /  by 30^th June 2018
5. Final report to MoES and UNICEF with key recommendations submitted / 3 days / by 15 July 2018

Total: 32 working days

DURATION OF THE ASSIGNMENT

Estimated number of working days required for this assignment is 32 days over a period of 4 months from 1 March to 30 June 2018 .

PLACE OF WORK

The consultant will work both remotely from home and stationed in Dushanbe.

TRAVEL

UNICEF Tajikistan will cover travel-related costs, including return travel of the consultant by the most direct route in economy class from her/his home country to Tajikistan and within Tajikistan. The consultant will receive UN-approved Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) for the first 10 days and reduced DSA rate of USD 100 for each subsequent day while in Tajikistan, by visit.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATION

1. Postgraduate degree in education/or social sciences, humanities;
2. Minimum 10 years of practical experience in the field of education, educational planning and M&E;
3. Familiarity with new educational development trends and socio-economic reforms, especially in the CEE/ CIS region;
4. Fluency in oral and written English, knowledge of Tajik/Russian is an asset
5. Previous work/experience with similar assignments;
6. Experience in working with international organizations;
7. Knowledge of UNICEF priorities would be an asset;
8. Good writing and communication skills;
9. Experience and ability to work in a team.

 REPORTING ARRANGEMENTS

The consultant will directly report to the Education Chief of UNICEF Tajikistan. The evaluation of the consultant shall be completed based on the timely submission of the deliverables, and accuracy and quality of the products delivered.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

 The link to review detailed Terms of Reference would be available at the following links: www.untj.org/jobs, www.unicef.org/tajikistan/resources, www.facebook.com/uniceftajikistan.

The candidates who are interested to apply for the position should follow the electronic application's instructions at:

 http://jobs.unicef.org/cw/en-us/job/510736?lApplicationSubSourceID= 

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organization.