National consultancy to support operationalisation of the National Strategy for Education Development of the Republic of Tajikistan

The national consultant will ensure support in the coordination and harmonization of interventions related to teacher professional development, curriculum standard and textbook review and competency-based education in line with the implementation of IsDB, GPE, EU funded projects, and the operationalization of the National Strategy for Education Development (NSED) 2030.

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Background
Current National Education Strategy envisages step by step education reforms in the country and aims at upgrading of general education content on the ground of transfer from knowledge-based to competency-based education model. The Mid-Term Education Plan 2018-2020 puts forward the theory of change that should result in all subjects in all grades being taught based on the new competency-based curriculum. In addition to that, all teachers should possess the skills required for the transition to the competency-based curriculum and new textbooks supporting the implementation of the curriculum are to be developed and printed. However, practically no evidence exists on quality of the education reform in the country. Following ongoing implementation of CBE Reform, harmonised coordination of all intervention with the MOES, afflicted institutions and PMU is needed.

UNICEF implementation of funded projects will contribute to the realization of the SDG-4 goals and ensures inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities, as included in the National Development Strategy until 2030 and National Education Development Strategy until 2030. In particular, aiming to respond to several challenges as follows: incompatibility of the current textbooks with the competency-based curriculum; insufficient attention to subject competencies and their possible integration with key competencies in the approved Curriculum Framework and teacher training programmes based on it; teachers’ uninformed and fragmented understanding of the proposed reform; lack of systemic support for the teacher in the process of the competency-based curriculum rollout; and lack of strong evidence for improved teacher competence and student learning outcomes as a result of interventions in the country.

The national coordinator is responsible for ensuring day-to-day coordination and liaison of UNICEF quality learning component among the MoES affiliated agencies, including the overseeing of the quality timely implantation of project activities with the MOES and DPs as per developed workplan of the IsDB, GPE and EU funded interventions.

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OBJECTIVE:

In order to achieve quality and excellence in the implementation of UNICEF education programme - capacity development component under quality learning - as well as to ensure high performance levels of the MOES and affiliated institutions, close coordination is needed towards meeting the needs and expectations across the MoES and affiliated agencies. The main objective of the assignment is to facilitate technical coordination of UNICEF programme, working closely with the MOES, while supporting the planning and identification of activities for the smooth policy support during the roll-out of the new funded projects. The quality coordination of the programme should adhere to the following five best-practice principles in intervention effectiveness:

1. government ownership and leadership during implementation of the projects and the reform agenda;
2. systematic measurement and accountability for results;
3. inclusive partnerships with stakeholders at national, sub-national and school/community levels during development and implementation of activities;
4. greater transparency, knowledge sharing and learning with MoES and affiliated institutions and parties; and,
5. sustained emphasis on capacity building at all levels.

NOTE: Considering below tasks and requirements, the selected national consultant - coordinator should carry out all of the activities in accordance with the plan in coordination with the UNICEF.

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this assignment is to support smooth and effective implementation of all activities of UNICEF education programme  quality learning component. The national consultant - coordinator is expected to provide general professional support in the process of implementation of projects specific workplans, particularly the roll- out of the IsDB/GPE project activities. Therefore, he/she will be responsible in day to day coordination, implementation and monitoring of all activities with the MOES by ensuring that the project deliverables are in line with the NSED and UNICEF policies and procedures; use of appropriate mechanisms and systems and ensuring compliance with established procedures in signed multilateral agreement document. National consultant - coordinator will be guided by the following principles in undertaking his/her role:

1. Ownership - wherever possible foster stronger MOEs leadership and active participation in driving the planning, implementation and evaluation of the activities and taking responsibility for follow-up actions if needed
2. Partnership - ensuring all affiliated institutions of the MOES, NGOs that are working with education sector, DPs and communities are given the chance to participate fully by fostering open and transparent relationships based on trust and impartiality, and striving to reach consensus were appropriate
3. Delivering Results - supporting UNICEF, the MOEs and DPs to focus on the results, ensuring education reform and interventions are focused on delivering real and measurable impact; and all are responsive and accountable for each outcome
4. Harmonisation - sharing information to avoid miscommunication/misrepresentations and, where possible, foster better development partner coordination and simplify procedures

 DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENT:

The main assignment of the national consultant - coordinator is to establish a transparent and participatory mechanism for effective coordination and engagement of the MOEs and other education stakeholders during effective implementation of education programme. The tasks and responsibilities are as follows.  

1. Assist UNICEF and the MOES to efficiently and effectively coordinate implementation of quality learning programme components;
2. Facilitate effective and coordinated development assistance to the education sector, supporting the planning exercise of quality learning components;
3. Facilitate efficient, regular, participatory, inclusive and transparent high-level and strategic dialogue on the implementation of UNICEF projects related to quality learning with focus on IsDB funded programme activities.  
4. Liease with the MOES, PMU, and partner Ministries, DPs, Non-Governmental Organizations, civil society organizations and other stakeholders towards the successful implementation of education project work plans;
5. Share information to support evidence-based decision-making in the MOEs 
6. Monitor activities and undertake dialogue on key challenges or issues affecting the implementation of the project;

Support the effective coordination of working groups under the MOE affiliated institutions to prepare quality evidence-based proposals for incoming cycle funding from GPE.

KEY DELIVERABLES and PAYMENT SCHEDULE: 

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

Estimated duration of contract and remuneration: The assignment will be carried out in 130 working days spread over a period ranging from January 2021 till 15 November 2021.

Location: Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

Supervision: The national coordinator will work together with consultants and reports to UNICEF Chief Education and receives ongoing and day-to-day supervision from the Education Specialist in charge of quality learning.

Reporting to: Chief, Learning, UNICEF Tajikistan

Insurances: UNICEF does not provide or arrange life or health insurance coverage for consultants and individual contractors, and consultants and individual contractors are not eligible to participate in the life or health insurance schemes available to United Nations staff members. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for assuming all costs related to required inoculations, vaccinations and medical examinations.  
Consultants and individual contractors are fully responsible for arranging, at their own expense, such life, health and other forms of insurance covering the period of their services as they consider appropriate. The responsibility of UNICEF is limited solely to the payment of compensation for service-incurred death, injury or illness as per the provisions detailed below.

Recourse: UNICEF reserves the right to withhold all or a portion of payment if performance is unsatisfactory, if work/outputs is incomplete, not delivered or for failure to meet deadlines.

Ethical considerations: Adequate measures should be taken to ensure that the process responds to quality and ethical requirements. The contracted consultant should be sensitive to beliefs, manners, and customs and act with integrity and honesty in their relationships with all stakeholders. It should also protect the anonymity and confidentiality of individual information.

Mandatory trainings: Consultants and individual contractors, regardless of contract duration, must complete the applicable mandatory trainings. The link will be provided during the selection process for the successful candidates.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have:

Education: Advanced University Degree on Social Science and/or Education.

Work Experience: At least 5 years of productive work experience in the area of competency-based education with demonstrated experience in policy advice in areas related to teacher professional development, curriculum reform and assessment.

- Credibility and relationships with the MOES/DPs and civil societies

- High level commitment and experience on the senior representation of any project

Experience in provision of trainings and developing methodologies for quantitative and qualitative research in education

Competencies: Excellent analytical thinking and strategic planning skills;

Proven ability to provide policy support and recommendations to education sector CBE reform, excellent writing skills, oral communication skills and facilitation skills and ability to work under commitment to work to tight timeframe.

Language: Fluency in Tajik and Russian. Knowledge of English is an advantage 

EVALUATION PROCESS:
Qualified candidates are requested to submit:

1. Cover letter/application/CV.
2. A technical proposal with proposed methodology/approach to managing the consultancy deliverables, showing understanding of tasks.
3. Financial quote for the consultancy in TJS per deliverable, stating also the timeframe for completion of deliverable and/or daily rate in TJS.
4. Examples of previous, relevant work related to the deliverables.
5. At least 2 References

Queries can be sent to: tad-procurement@unicef.org  with subject line "National consultancy to support operationalisation of the National Strategy for Education Development of the Republic of Tajikistan" Applications must be received by the 21 January 2021 on our website: http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/index.php .

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- 80%; * Financial Criteria weight - 20%;

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 60 points in Technical Criteria evaluation will be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

Financial Proposal

Please provide a rate all-inclusive price (in TJS) for delivery of professional services in accordance with the assignments described under this TOR.

FP Rating = (Lowest Priced Offer / Price of the Offer Being Reviewed) x 100

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

View our competency framework at http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
 
Remarks:
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.