Consultancy - Education Specialist (Quality) Consultant

Short Term Assignment for an Education Specialist (Quality) to support implementation of programmes within the system and quality strengthening output

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.

For every child, Education

1.  Background and Justification

1.1         South Africa has made important gains in education. The right to education is enshrined in the constitution, and the government expenditure on education is reasonably high at 6.4% of GDP and one of the highest schooling participation rates on the continent, with up to 96% of learners in the compulsory years of schooling (7-15 years) in school; and gender parity has been reached.^[1] Participation remain consistently high across provinces and population groups. Attendance rates for 14-18 years olds is 91% notably with gender parity having been reached, albeit with provincial differences^[2]. The participation of 16-18 year olds in an education institution however, has stagnated at 86.1%. Nevertheless, 15% of learners do not complete Grade 9. This drop out increases significantly in Grades 10 (10.6%) and 11 (13.4%).^[3]  Despite spending many years within the education system (described as the 'queuing" phenomenon), only 40% of learners complete their final year of schooling, leaving 60% with no qualification beyond Grade 9 level.^[4] Reading competencies are low, with up to 58% of primary school children not being able to read with meaning, and a large proportion of children being behind two years by age and grade in their reading proficiencies. This has significant impact on learning outcomes.

1.2.             As a result of these factors, a key challenge facing the education system in South Africa is the quality of education outcomes in terms of learning achievement. South African learners fare poorly compared to their regional counterparts. The 2014 Annual National Assessment (which is currently under review), looked at the level of proficiency in language and mathematics in Grades 3, 6 and 9. Only 57 per cent of learners in Grade 3 had the appropriate proficiency in literacy and only 56 per cent in mathematics. Limpopo, Western Cape (rural) and KwaZulu-Natal feature prominently in terms of poor performance. In Grade 6 only 46 per cent pass the language exam and 32 per cent mathematics. By Grade 9, only 22 per cent of learners were performing at the required language level while a dismal 3 per cent were performing at the required level in mathematics.

1.3.             The provision of education in South Africa is often seen as split between two systems: "the smaller better performing system accommodates the wealthiest 20-25 per cent of pupils who achieve much higher scores than the larger system that caters to the poorest 75-80 per cent of pupils."^[5] It is in the larger system, often catering to rural and marginalized areas, where the inputs in terms of infrastructure, staffing and other education related materials and resources are often of poor quality. While learners in this system have increased access to education, the lack of school infrastructure (water and sanitation facilities, libraries, laboratories, learning materials) severely limits their chances for success.

1.4.             The most recent PIRLS study showed that 78% of children in Grade 4 could not reading for meaning, and that 29% could not read at all. Clearly, South Africa has a learning crises and it does not start in matric but in the first three years of schooling.

1.5.             Educational priorities in South Africa are closely aligned to Goal 4 of the Agenda for Sustainable Development and nationally constitute Outcome 1 of the National Development Plan 2030. Acknowledging that education has significant multiplier effects and is an important driver of sustainable socioeconomic development, education for all is a key priority articulated in the NDP, the Medium-term Strategic Framework 2014-2019 and the Department of Education's Action Plan 2019: Towards Schooling 2030.

1.6.             UNICEF works closely with the Government of South Africa through the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to address the current challenges in the sector. Specifically, the DBE's Action Plan to 2019: Towards Schooling 2030 that identifies 13 goals focused on improving learner enrolment and attainment (largely based on ANA and the NSC and emphasizing ECD), followed by 14 goals on how learner enrolment and attainment (quality) will be improved. 

1.7. UNICEF seeks the services of a qualified, competent expert to work closely with the DBE in supporting its stated priorities, in line with the UNICEF Country Programme and the Joint Work Plan with the DBE, working across several branches on a full-time basis.

2. Scope of Work

Purpose and objectives:

2.1.            The purpose of this assignment is to provide capacity to the Education and Adolescent Development Programme in effectively supporting the Departmetn of Basic Education's priorities in imporving quality and strengthening the education system. 

2.2.            Specific Objectives

Under the guidance of the Chief of Education, to be responsible for the planning, implementation, strategizing, monitoring and evaluation of UNICEF SACO's quality education programmes with cross over on the adolescent development programme

2.3.            Major duties and responsibilities include:

1)      Provide technical advice and assistance to government officials and other partners in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of quality education and adolescent development programmes.

2)      Meet with national, provincial and international agencies covering the management of quality education and adolescent development programmes. Participates in meetings with the National Department of Basic Education and Provincial Departments of Education and follows up on implementation of recommendations and agreements.

3)      Design, prepares, implements, monitors and evaluates the quality education and some adolescent development programmes.  Analyzes and evaluates data to ensure achievement of result statements and/or takes corrective action when necessary to meet programme objectives.

4)      Undertake field monitoring and conducts regular programme reviews with government/civil society partners. Propose and/or undertakes action on operational procedures affecting programme management and implementation.

5)      Co-ordinate with operations/supply staff on supply and non-supply assistance activities ensuring proper and timely UNICEF and government accountability. Certifies disbursement of funds, monitors and submits financial status reports to the section chief, deputy representative or representative as required

6)      Review programme deliverables, drafts project status reports required for management, donors, budget review, programme analysis, annual reports, etc, as related to quality education

7)      Contribute to inter sectoral collaboration with programme colleagues with a focus on improving the quality of learning in the basic education system 

8)      Perfrom any other duty as may be assigned by the Chief of Education from time to time.

3. Payment Schedule

3.1  The timeframe for deliverables and payments are as follows

3.2 Payments will only be made upon submission and approval of the above reports by the Chief of Section, or, in his absence, the designate. 

3.3 Please note that the final remuneration will be commensurate with the agreed compesnation scales for national consultants/staff negotiated by UNICEF Human Resources.

4. Desired competencies, technical background and experience

4.1 The following are desired and applicants will be strictly weighed against these criteria. The consultant/individual contractor shall have:

4.1.1 At least a master's degree, or equivalent in education, social sciences or technical fields related to the work of UNICEF.

4.1.2  Knowledge of quality issues in education, and South African is a requirement.

4.1.3 One year practical, professional work experience in project administration, including research and data analysis.

4.1.4 Good skills in MsWord and MsExcel.

4.1.5 Excellent interpersonal skills.

4.1.6 Excellent and concise writing skills.

4.1.7 Willingness to travel and a valid driver's license.

4.1.8 Proactive and energetic approach to work.

4.1.9 Ability and commitment to work under tight timeframes

5. Administrative matters

5.1 The contract will be managed by UNICEF and the day to day work of the consultant will be supervised the Chief of Education and Adolescent Development.

5.2 The consultant will work closely with the Department of Basic Education for the execution of the assignment, unless otherwise agreed to during the finalisation of the contract.

5.3  UNICEF and the Department of Basic Education are jointly responsible for the monitoring of the implementation of this assignment and shall execute this in a professional and consultative manner throughout the term of the contract.

5.4 This is a time-bound consultancy that does not carry any expectation of renewalor nor for any any continuation of the work assosciated with this assignment through parttime or fulltime employment by the Department of Basic Education or UNICEF.

6. Conditions

6.1 ETHICAL AND TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

6.1.1  The consultant shall undertake to adhere to the following:

(a) The consultant shall always keep information obtained during the work assignment confidential and shall not circulate the documents or any part there-of, at any stage to any party without the explicit written permission of both the Department of Basic Education and UNICEF. 

(b) The consultant shall not publish a document, any part thereof, or any reworked version thereof, without the explicit written permission of Department of Basic Education and UNICEF under such conditions that all parties will agree too. 

6.1.2  UNICEF reserve the right to subject any work done for external peer review as part of the quality assurance process in the implementation of this assignment. The consultant shall be informed if such an action is taken and will be duly informed on the outcome there-off.

6.1.3  The consultant will provide all products that were developed in accessible formats, e.g. MsWord, MsExcel and PowerPoint formats. Graphics presented in any written work, shall be provided in an accessible format. All raw data will be handed over electronically, or if not available electronically, in hard copy.

6.2  GENERAL CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

6.2.1 The consultant will work at the UNICEF offices in Pretoria with resources availed for the execution of the assignment, unless otherwise agreed to during the finalisation of the contract.

6.2.2 Payment will be effected upon receipt of an invoice to UNICEF, and upon satisfaction that the deliverable meets the required standards as agreed. Any deliverable submitted and not meeting the specifications must be reworked and resubmitted at no additional cost.

6.2.3 The consultant's fee/budget shall be inclusive of all local (national) travel associated with the execution of this assignment. In extraordinary circumstances where UNICEF deems it necessary for the consultant/individual cotractor to travel outside the ambit of the contractual agreement air transport and airport transfers (where applicable) will be covered in accordance with UNICE's rules and tariffs. Flight costs will be covered at economy class rate as per UNICEF policies.

6.2.4  The drafts and final documents, as well related data, will be the property of UNICEF after completion with full title rights.

6.2.5  The consultant selected will be governed by and subject to UNICEF's General Terms and Conditions for individual contracts.

6.2.6  As per UNICEF DFAM policy, payment is made against approved deliverables. No advance payment is allowed unless in exceptional circumstances against bank guarantee, subject to a maximum of 30 per cent of the total contract value in cases where advance purchases, for example for supplies or travel, may be necessary".

6.2.7  Please also see UNICEF's Standard Terms and Conditions attached.

7. How to Apply

7.1 Interested and qualified candidates are requested to submit their application to the following link: https://www.unicef.org/about/employ/?job=516863 by 19 October, 2018.

This notice will also appear on http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/, http://www.unicef.org/southafrica, UN Job List, UN Jobs.

Please indicate your ability, availability and daily/monthly rate (in ZAR) to undertake the terms of reference above (including admin cost if applicable).  

Applications submitted without a fee rate will not be considered.

We invite you to watch a short video on the system on how to apply: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePgDIQ9RVYs&feature=youtu.be 

If you have not been contacted within 1.5 months of the closing date, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. Regret emails will be sent only to shortlisted/contacted candidates.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male South African nationals from all religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organisation

"UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, and on any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background