National consultant to support Education Sector Analysis and the development of the Education Sector Strategic Plan for Eswatini 44 views0 applications

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Background and Justification

The current Education Sector Strategic Plan (ESSP) 2010-2022 was developed in 2010 to guide the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) in Eswatini to fulfil its primary mandate of providing access to relevant quality education at all levels to all Swazi citizens; taking into consideration issues of efficacy, equity and special needs. The ESSP is based on the Government Vision of 2022 which states that “By the year 2022, the Kingdom of Eswatini will be in the top 10% of the medium human development group of countries founded on sustainable economic development, social justice and political stability”. The MoET intends to review the current plan to cover the next twelve years from 2022– 2034

The review of the ESSP will be preceded by a rapid assessment and comprehensive Education Sector Analysis (ESA), which will feed into the next ESSP by identifying the strengths and gaps in the current education and training sector in Eswatini.

Scope of Work

In order to effectively conduct the Education Sector Analysis and develop the next ESSP, an experienced National consultant will be hired to support the International consultancy firm to conduct consultative meetings with the MoET and other key stakeholders at local and international levels. The National consultant will provide technical support, organise and coordinate ESA/ESSP consultancy activities in support of the International consultancy firm.During the Education Sector Analysis development process, all sub-sectors and relevant stakeholders will be consulted in order to agree on key issues, main determining factors and tentative conclusions of the analysis. The TWG and technical task teams under the guidance of the consultants will facilitate development of sector-specific draft plans guided by the results of the ESA and the overall development strategy of government. The sector specific plans will be consolidated to come up with a strategic, evidence based and achievable costed draft Education Sector Plan through focused writing workshops attended by the core ESSP Technical Working Group.The national consultant’s role will be to support the International Consultancy firm, including engaging on negotiations and advocacy with MoET Senior officials and key stakeholders on key policy issues that may need review or adjustment, depending on the outcome of the ESA Report, for consensus building as the country develop the ESP. This will ensure full ownership and implementation of the ESA.

Goal and Objective Under the supervision of the Chief, Youth and Adolescent Development, with oversight by the Ministry of Education Director and ESA/ESP Task Team, the National Consultant will support an International Consultancy firm to conduct a comprehensive Education Sector Analysis and develop a new Education Sector Strategic Plan (ESSP).

Detailed descriptions of the expected deliverablesThe specific tasks of the National consultant will be to co-lead and facilitate the ESA and ESP development with the lead international consultants in the following process and produce expected deliverables by effectively engaging the education sector stakeholders and working closely with the MoET TWG. 1.1 Preparation of Education Sector Analysis (ESA) The ESA will be conducted based on existing data and information sources, such as the yearly statistical data produced by the Education Management Information System as well as National Household Surveys as well undertaking primary data collection (research) to address gaps where necessary. In addition, in recent years, several studies have been produced on the Eswatini education system and primary data from the World Bank Rapid Assessment Report on ECCE and Skills programmes to be conducted in 2019, these will also be useful sources of data. 1.2. Support preparation and drafting of the Education Sector Analysis: i. Support drafting of inception report and attend the Inception workshop which will be held to mark the start of the ESA and ESSP development process and establish a common understanding of the task at hand with the MoET. ii. Support the inventory, review and analysis of existing documentation, reports and research on the Eswatini Education system (landscape analysis), ensuring all documentation is provided and taken into account iii. Ensure data availability for sector analysis and participate in quality review of ESA before presentation. iv. Support the elaboration of and presentation a robust methodology considering the data availability, quality, institutional setting, and in line with the IIEP ESA Guidelines. v. Support the organization of extensive consultations with all stakeholders, including relevant ministries, donor organizations, Civil Society Organizations, private industry and employer organizations, ensure all relevant stakeholders are represented and make sure all contribution are well taken into account vi. Support the collection of relevant data on the current situation of the education and training system and support the education economist to analyze the essential education indicators. vii. Support quality review of the in-depth analysis of the education sector, in line with the indicators of the UNESCO Institute of Statistics and guided by the Education Sector Analysis Methodological Guidelines. This should include an assessment of existing strengths, weaknesses, and current capacity of the subsector; policies pertaining to the subsector; participation of women and other disadvantaged groups; geographic dispersion; role of the private sector and the potential of all sub-sectors to address the needs of the country’s development needs (labor force, etc.). viii. Support review and analysis of the management and organization of the national education and training system, including the decision-making bodies, the cohesion and coordination of the system, cooperation with industry. This analysis will follow the problem tree approach, taking into account causes and effects and recommendations. The analysis will include the nature and amount of external assistance currently provided by bilateral and multilateral agencies. 1.3 Support review of the draft ESA before sharing with stakeholders and ensure all comments are reflected. 1.4 Support review of the consolidated Education Sector Analysis report to the M&E working group, Education Sector Consultative Committee and Senior Management Meeting of MoET for approval and reflect the comments. 2. Support the development of the ESSP 2022 – 2034 Once the draft ESA is approved by the Education Sector Consultative Committee, the work on the preparation of the ESSP will start. The preparation of the ESSP will go through different stages, based on the results of the analysis. The National Consultant will support; 2.1 Support every step of the preparation of the first draft of the Education Sector Strategic Plan 2022 – 2034 i. Identification of priorities, goals and major outcomes of the plan. Design of the plan structure by compiling the draft plans collected from the sector-specific working groups (while supporting the MoET in preparing the Issue Paper for National Development Plan and submission to the Ministry of Economic Planning). ii. Development of simulation costing and targeting model. iii. Identification and design of programs to achieve plan goals and outcomes by facilitating the writing workshop(s) with the ESSP TWG. iv. Estimation of the cost and identification of the financing of the plan for identified programs. v. Development of the implementation arrangements and design of the monitoring and evaluation framework. vi. Drafting of the complete plan. 2.2 Review of the draft ESSP before sharing with stakeholders and reflect the comments and GPE secretariat. 2.3 Presentation of the draft Education Sector Strategic Plan (ESSP) to the TWG, technical task teams and Senior Management Meeting. 2.4 Incorporate changes / adjustments to ESSP as per evaluation report (if any) Key considerationsThe National consultant is also expected to adhere to the following key principles to effectively execute the task: a. Ensure coordination among the consulting team, and the TWG set up to provide guidance to the team to ensure adequate discussion, clear understanding of, and consensus on assignment recommendations and final outputs. b. Ensure consultations with relevant departments and line agencies/departments of the Government at national and decentralized levels, and all – partners active in the education sector for broad agreement and ownership. c. Plan for consultations through respective technical working groups or Task Teams to share outputs and invite feedback on issues pertaining to all the sub-sectors. d. Provide timely updates on progress and meet reporting requirements, including the submission of the ESSP 2022-2034. e. In consultation stake holders, examine means of diversifying and expanding financing of all subsectors directly and indirectly.

Outputs/Deliverables

The Consultancy is for a period of 11.5 months from 1 July 2020 to 15 May 2021. An estimated 5 days before end of contract will be allowed for quality review by UNICEF.

The National Consultant will support the International Consultancy firm and monitor the implementation of the following tasks and deliverables in two main phases (ESA and ESP), each with deliverables as summarized in the table below:

Tasks/ milestones

Deliverables/ outputs

1. Preparation of Education Sector Analysis (ESA)

1.1. Preparation of an inception report and present to MoET TWG and Senior Management

1.2 Prepare draft Education Sector Analysis

• Support MoET in facilitating the Inception Workshop
• Conduct inventory, review and analysis of existing data, documentation, reports and research
• Undertake an in-depth analysis of the education sector
• Review and analyze the management and organization of the national education, training and sports system

1.3 Share the draft ESA with stakeholders and reflect comments

1.4 Share the revised ESA with MoET for approval process and reflect comments

1.5 Submit the ESA to the GPE secretariat for review and comments. Reflect the comments

• Prepare the ESSP 2022-2034

2.1. Prepare the first draft of the Education and Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2022-2034

• Identification of priorities, goals and major outcomes of the plan. Design of the plan structure by compiling the draft plans collected from the sector-specific working groups (while supporting the MoET in preparing the Issue Paper for National Development Plan and submission to the Ministry of Economic Planning).
• Development of simulation costing and targeting model.
• Identification and design of programs to achieve plan goals and outcomes by facilitating the writing workshop(s) with the ESSP TWG.
• Estimation of the cost and identification of the financing of the plan for identified programs.
• Development of the implementation arrangements and design of the monitoring and evaluation framework.
• Drafting of the complete plan.

2.2. Share the draft ESSP with stakeholders and GPE secretariat and reflect the comments.

2.3. Present the draft Education Sector Strategic Plan (ESSP) to the TWG, technical task teams and Senior Management Meeting.

2.4. Hold Regional Consultative Workshops for ESSP approval and reflect the comments.

2.5. Share the revised draft ESSP with stakeholders and reflect the comments

2.6. Present the revised Education Sector Strategic Plan (ESSP) to Technical Working Group and Senior Management Meeting.

3.0 Support tasks assigned by UNICEF Education team

1.1. An inception report with methodology and consultation approaches, key stakeholders and proposed work plan

1.2 Draft Education Sector Analysis

(ESA) Report

Monthly Progress Report

1.3 Revised draft ESA for submission to

MoET approval process

1.4 ESA approved by the MoET

1.5 Final ESA reflecting comments from GPE

secretariat

2.1 Draft ESSP (Monthly Progress Reports)

2.2 Draft ESSP with stakeholders and reflect the comments.

2.3 Draft Education Sector Strategic Plan (ESSP) to the TWG, technical task teams and Senior Management Meeting.

2.4 Reports from Regional Consultative workshops for ESSP approval

2.5 Revised draft ESSP with stakeholders’ comments.

2.6 Revised Education Sector Strategic

Plan (ESSP) with input from TWG and MoET Senior Management

3.1 Completion of tasks as assigned by UNICEF Education team

Reporting and Accountability The selected consultant will be directly accountable for the delivery of this consultancy to the Chief, APLD UNICEF and Education Specialist UNICEF who acts in consultation with MoET Director, TWG, Sector working teams and the Local Education Group (LEG).

Payment Schedule

As per UNICEF policy, payment is made against approved deliverables.

The payment of monthly consultancy fee will be triggered by submission of the following monthly deliverables.

Deliverable

Monthly Report

(key reporting areas)

Timeframe

• An inception report with methodology and consultation approaches, key stakeholders and proposed work plan

• Inception report
• Proposed workplan
• List of key stakeholders, with contacts, to be consulted

31.07.2020

• Draft Education Sector Analysis (ESA) Report

Progress Report on ESA

31.08.2020

• Revised draft ESA for submission to MoET approval process

Progress report, including revised draft ESA report

30.09.2020

• ESA approved by the MoET

ESA report with input from MoET Senior Management

30.10.2020

• Final ESA reflecting comments from GPE secretariat

Final ESA report with input from GPE secretariat

30.11.2020

• Draft ESSP (Monthly Progress Reports)

Monthly progress report

ESSP development schedule

18.12.2020

• Draft ESSP with stakeholders and reflect the comments.

ESSP first draft

28.01.2021

• Draft Education Sector Strategic Plan (ESSP) to the TWG, technical task teams and Senior Management Meeting.

ESSP draft with input from TWG, technical teams and MoET Senior Management

26.02.2021

• Reports from Regional Consultative workshops for ESSP approval

ESSP validation reports

31.03.2021

• Revised draft ESSP with stakeholders’ comments.

Revised ESSP with stakeholder’s input

30.04.2021

• Revised Education Sector Strategic Plan (ESSP) with input from TWG and MoET Senior Management

Revised ESSP with input from MoET Senior Management

• Validation ESSP 2022 – 2034

Stakeholder validation report

15.05.2021

NB: Monthly report to include completion of other tasks assigned by UNICEF

Desired competencies, technical background and experience The selected National consultant should have; • Advanced University degree (master’s Degree or PhD) in educational planning, education development, education, social science, public administration, economics and statistics; or equivalent combination of education and experience in a related area. • Extensive experience of not less than 10 years in education planning and management at macro level. • Experience in research, analysis, report writing, facilitating meetings/consultations with diverse and multisectoral teams intended to achieve specific outcomes. • Background in Education, Policy and Management • Extensive knowledge of the Eswatini education and training system is an added advantage• Experience working with government ministries, particularly the Ministry of Education and Training. • Capacity to put together a highly analytical sector assessment and revise the Education Strategic Plan to meet Eswatini’s development objectives as enunciated in the National Development Plan, Strategic Road Map and other national planning documents• Proven ability to engage in policy dialogue at the highest levels • Experience working on ESA and ESP in developing countries. • Good communication skills, with fluency in written and spoken English. • Willing to undertake extensive field visits and interact with different stakeholders • A Swazi citizenship

How to Apply

If interested in this assignment, please submit the following documents online..1. CV/ resume2. Cover letter – highlight relevant experiences and skills related to the assignment in no more than two pages. 3. Financial proposal – Please provide an all-inclusive monthly consultancy fee, internal travel cost, and administration costs to undertake this assignment (in Emalangeni).

Please indicate your ability, availability and monthly rate to undertake the terms of reference above. Rates must include all expenses related to the assignment (including travel, administration and logistics). Applications submitted without a full financial proposal will not be considered.

At the time the contract is awarded, the selected candidate must have in place current health insurance coverage.Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. If you have not been contacted within 2 months of the closing date, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. Regret emails will be sent only to shortlisted/contacted candidates

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 be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.