National consultancy to support Ministry of Education and Science in development of TV Programming for uninterrupted learning for children, parents and communities

 

Background and rationale

UNICEF CO and partners are supporting the Ministry of Education and Science (MoES) in the development of innovative mechanisms to ensure the continuity of learning for every child and adolescent in the country during COVID 19 pandemic. The immediate action after analysis of connectivity in Tajikistan is to support schools by using TV to connect students and educators for uninterrupted home learning. The effort of reimagining learning outside of the traditional classroom requires a close collaboration between UNICEF and MoES as well as the development of instructional, content, technology and institutional agreements. Therefore, the task is to support in the design and production of a total of 2045 TV lessons as an alternative education delivery system for all subjects. It entails reviewing existing quality resources, best teaching practices, analysis of capacities and context and establishing appropriate monitoring systems for response including data collection and analysis. The first development of TV lessons for grade 9-11 has been completed as part of the immediate response, launched during May-July 2020. As a result, a total of 120 lessons have been developed and broadcasted in national TV with the financial support of the European Union. The remaining 1885 lessons are to be developed covering all grades and subjects of national curriculum.

Scope of work

A team of 3 consultant will be requested to support UNICEF with the  organizational and preparation work including: a.) training of methodologists, teachers and project management team by overseeing technical work on TV lessons development; b.) support the recording of 1885 additional TV lessons and their final processing/validation from the MoES. The activity will ensure the finalization 15 to 20 minute recorded inclusive lessons (subject driven), that interactively unpacks concepts, principles and theories using narratives, clear descriptive languages (including sing language) and practical applications focusing on project-based assignments. The model lessons exhibit a range of sample lessons in a classroom using different available visuals, animation, special effects and sophisticated editing, using pedagogical and methodical models of distant learning. The recorded lessons are based on an adapted competency-based lesson plans and teachers guides for students starting from grades 1 to 11. Therefore, consultant will be requested to work with specific grades and number of methodologists who are working with teachers to produce lesson scripts for each subject and themes. The consultants will be also required to plan coherency of timing for livestreaming of lesson according to align to the level of the students’ self-regulation and cognitive abilities. Preferably, the unit for primary school students should not be more than 15 minutes, and no longer than 20 minutes for secondary school students. In this regard, the consultants are required to follow the phase to phase approach already agreed with the MoES to develop 1885 TV lessons as a strategy to ensure quality and quantity of video lesson production. It is planned the 2^nd phase of lesson production will target grades 1 to 11grades.

 

General steps and requirements for TV lesson development

Producing quality and inclusive video lessons for different age groups is challenging and lengthy process. It determines methodologist and teacher’s professionalism and dedication to explore new and innovative ways to help students to continue their learning despite any restrictions.  The following steps have been taken to ensure the quality of produced video materials.

 

1. Teachers and methodologists capacity building and analysis of teaching and learning materials.

The most important stage is capacity building of education staff involved in the process. Teachers and methodologists are key elements of producing video lessons. Training focuses on elements of design thinking by setting clearly defined outcomes and accurately format the video lessons themselves. The number of teachers involved, and their capacity building will increase when producing all subjects and grades. It is planned that 250 teachers will be trained to produce estimated 1885 video lessons for all grades and subjects. Additionally, 100 methodologists will be involved to support teachers during production of the TV lessons.

 

2. Writing video scripts and design of video lessons.

Writing video scripts starts with the analysis of existing content and study of application of certain demonstrative and innovative techniques that can be used to make video lessons more child friendly.  It is also about ensuring dress code for teachers and standards for screening, design of different components and expertly evaluating of each element with methodologists and consultants. Teachers will learn to prepare a trial version of the video script by selecting or creating images, animation and interactive effects, determining audio and video sequences before going to filming.

 

3. Review and evaluation process

The purpose of review and evaluation process is to check the quality of the video scripts to improve it before it goes to filming. This process is done together with methodologists and consultants. When it is filmed two more review process are in place to ensure that the produced materials meet the requirements set by clear quality standards. Before distributing the lessons to national TVs, a final review is done by the MoES specialists ensuring endorsement of the developed video lessons.

 

Scope of activates from November 2020 to October 2021

Overall, 1885 TV lessons are planned to be filmed in one year for phase 2. 360 TV lesson for grades 1 to 4 - primary levels; 835 TV lessons for grades 5 to 8 - lower secondary levels; and 690 TV lessons for grades 9 to 11 - upper secondary levels additional to 120 TV lessons that been developed. Developed TV lessons will contribute into educational and developmental needs of different age groups of children, including the most marginalized groups (children with disabilities, ethnic minorities, girls and the poorest). The lessons will include topics of five domains of child development covering theoretical and practical sides of child wellbeing and school readiness. The lessons will be used as follows:

 

1. -       Complementary educational material (when schools are open) – this is to addresses the general purpose of having quality supplementary learning support to be used for advancing Competency Based Education Reform in the Republic of Tajikistan (e.g. modelling, reinforcing instruction, further explaining subjects and concepts, etc.).
2. -       Structured distance learning modalities supporting blended learning (when schools are closed) – learners and parents will be guided by teachers to follow the lessons in a specific time schedule complementary with textbooks and other digital solution in a blended approach.  In this case, the lessons will replace the knowledge and teacher explanation of a formal classroom interaction and will be supported by textbooks and digital support through the off-line platform.

 

Filming lessons according to subjects and grades will be divided into three different age gropus as to ensure quality and quantity of video lesson production.  Below is the chart showing the number of TV lessons required according to different grades and timeframes.

 

Timeframe for TV lesson production

 

Lot 1: Consultant for primary levels

The number of TV lessons to be produced for grades 1 to 4 and Early Childhood Education
Timeframe	15 January to 30 March 2021	30 March to 25 August 2021	30 August to 30 October 2021
Number of TV lessons to be produced	90	160	160

 

1. Lot 2: Consultant for lower secondary levels

The number of TV lessons to be produced for grades 5 to 8
Timeframe	15 January to 30 March 2021	30 March to 25 August 2021	30 August to 30 October 2021
Number of TV lessons to be produced	110	362	362

 

 

2. Lot 3: Consultant for higher and general secondary + TVET levels

The number of TV lessons to be produced for grades 9 to 11
Timeframe	15 January to 30 March 2021	30 March to 25 August 2021	30 August to 30 October 2021
Number of TV lessons to be produced	165	202	202

 

Submission of Technical and Financial proposals: The Consultant may submit Proposal for one or more LOT. Financial proposal for each Lot should be submitted in separate file.

ONLY ONE LOT WILL BE AWARDED FOR ONE CONSULTANT

 

Use of the product/deliverable

It is expected that the final Road Map on Inclusive Education will be endorsed by the Task Force under the MoES and submitted for final comments to all relevant ministries and agencies. After final comments are incorporated, the document will be endorsed by the government.

 

Tentative timeline for deliverables:

Tasks / Deliverables	Number of Days	Payment schedule
Support in reviewing phase 1 recommendations and solutions and develop new timebound – result driven action plan Assist in analysis of resources for teaching materials (textbooks, teacher's manuals, etc.), video lessons developed Review developed "The concept of developing and filming TV lessons" Provide an input in development of "Assessment methodology for identifying teacher needs to develop and film TV lessons " Support the development of training materials for a 3-day workshop for methodologists and teachers	10	28 February 2021
Conduct a three-day training for methodologist, teachers and leadership team Develop a sample lesson scripts (1885 lesson scripts for grades 1-11) and present it to methodologist and consultants for analysis and evaluation. Analysis of the proposed video lessons scripts in order to improve the sample lessons and their final processing for recording	50	30 June 2021
Oversee the recording of 1885 video lessons with four different videography companies. The tasks will be divided between two consultants. Review the recorded videos and provide comments for improvement Development (editing) and preparation of video lessons for submission to the Ministry of Education and Science (MoES) Final processing (editing) of lessons based on comments, recommendations and suggestions by the MoES	100	30 October 2021
Development of tools for evaluation of impact of the TV lessons Establishing appropriate monitoring systems for response including data collection and analysis	2	05 November 2021
Submit the final version of the TV lessons to the MoES Write a report on the results of activities and outcomes	3	30 November 2021
Total:	165 days	11 months

 

 

Note: Due to COIVD-19, the work and deliverables are subject to change. Consultant need to be flexible to adjust to any unforeseen adjustments that might occur during the implementation.

 

Performance indicators for evaluation of results:

 

The evaluation of the results will be based on:

 

• Technical and professional competence according to different age group specificities (quality of the product delivered to UNICEF);
• Scope of work (extent of activities related to the product);
• Quality and timeliness of communication with UNICEF and stakeholders as well as participants
• Quality of work (quality of TV lesson scripts);
• Quantity and timeliness of work (completing the assignments indicated in table above as per timetable]

 

In addition, such indicators as work relations, responsibility, will be considered during the evaluation of the Contractor’s work.

 

Required skills and qualifications

Within this initiative UNICEF Country Office in Tajikistan is looking for a national consultant at the professional level who has extensive experience in blended learning and ICT. 

 

• Proven technical expertise and track record of developing child friendly educational content for TV lessons according to age specific requirements. It is kindly requested to identify the age groups that applicants want to work with.
• Demonstrated technical expertise in latest solutions for current ICT, mass media and distance learning challenges in developing countries: The applicants must have a proven track record of high-quality delivery of similar projects, indicating how ICT, mass media and distance learning challenges have been met in different circumstances internationally, and examples of innovative solutions to contribute to our project.

Reservations

All the content of the TV lessons will remain the copyright of Tajikistan MoES and UNICEF. UNICEF will be free to use and modify them in the future.

 

Working Conditions:

The consultants will work under direct supervision of UNICEF Education Specialist and guidance of UNICEF Section Chief. The consultant will work remotely and is expected to participate in meeting called by the MoES and/or UNICEF for this initiative.  

Terms of payment:

The contract fee will be paid by bank transfer as per schedule above and upon delivery of the set assignments and submission of the final recommendations with the required deliverables certified by Education Specialist, Chief Education and focal point of the MoES.  

Should the contractor fail to complete the assigned tasks, UNICEF will have the right to withhold up to 50% of the consultancy payment.

 

SELECTION PROCESS:

 

Qualified candidates are requested to submit:

1. Cover letter/application/CV.
2. A technical proposal with the proposed methodology/approach to managing production of TV lessons, showing understanding of tasks and work plan
3. Financial quote for the consultancy in TJS per deliverable, stating also the timeframe for completion of deliverable and/or daily rate in TJS.

 

Queries can be sent to tad-procurement@unicef.org  with the subject line “Support to Ministry of Education and Science in development of TV Programming for uninterrupted learning for children, parents and communities”. Applications must be received in the system by 20 October 2020 on our website: http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/index.php  

 

Travel costs and DSA will be covered in accordance with UN rules and regulations. No other remunerations apply. UNICEF considers the best value for money as one of the criteria for evaluating potential candidates.  As a general principle, the fees payable to a consultant or individual contractor follow the “best value for money” principle, i.e., achieving the desired outcome at the lowest possible cost.

Please note that consultants and individual contractors are responsible for assuming costs for obtaining visas and travel insurance.

 

During the selection, the ratio between the technical evaluation and commercial offer is 70 to 30.

 

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on a cumulative analysis methodology. The award of the Contract shall be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

a) responsive/compliant/acceptable, and

 

b) Having received the highest score out of a weighted set of technical and financial criteria.

* Technical Criteria weight – 70%;

* Financial Criteria weight – 30%;

 

Criteria	Weight	Max. Point
TECHNICAL QUALIFICATION (max. 80 points)	70%	70
Proposed Methodology and Approach (40 points)
Quality of proposed approach/methodology for production of digital and TV lessons		20
Quality of proposed work plan		20
Technical Capacity (30 points)
Advanced degree in relevant field, in education, social sciences, or pedagogy; use of ICT in education and etc.		10
A minimum of 5 years professional experience at the national level in relevant field, preferably production of digital resources, working with teachers of different background		10
Work experience with UNICEF is beneficial; knowledge of UNICEF policies and strategies;		5
High proficiency in Russian and Tajik, knowledge of English is an asset		5
FINANCIAL PROPOSAL (max. 30 points) (daily rate, lump sum, per deliverable, Economy Air Ticket)	30%	30
TOTAL SCORE (max. 100 points)

 

Only candidates who obtain a minimum of 49 points in the Technical Criteria evaluation will be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

 

Financial Proposal

 

Please provide an all-inclusive price for delivering professional services in accordance with the assignment described under this TOR.