National Individual Consultancy to support to MoES in development of TV Programming for uninterrupted learning for children, parents and communities for grades 5-8

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BACKGROUNG
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 834 TV lessons 70 of which already filmed by previous consultant. 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.

PURPOSE:

The main purpose to support UNICEF with the  organizational and preparation work including: a.) to work closely with project management team by overseeing technical work on TV lessons development; b.) support the recording of 834 TV lessons for grade 5-8 and their final processing/validation from the MoES.  

DESCRIPTION OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

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 5 to 8. Therefore, consultant will be requested to work with these 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 834 TV lessons as a strategy to ensure quality and quantity of video lesson production.

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 July 2021 to March 2022

Overall development and production of 834 TV lessons for grades 5 to 8 – lower secondary levels. 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 as to ensure quality and quantity of video lesson production.  Below is the chart showing the number of TV lessons required according to different timeframes.

Timeframe for TV lesson production

1. Lot 2: Consultant for lower secondary levels

The number of TV lessons to be produced for grades 5 to 8
Timeframe	15 July to 30 August 2021	30 September to 25 November 2021	30 December 2021 to 30 March 2022
Number of TV lessons to be produced	110	362	362

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

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.

KEY DELIVERABLES/TIMEFRAME/PAYMENT SCHEDULE:

The assignment will be carried out over 9 months during the period of August 2021 – April 2022:

 

	Timeline	Payment schedule
Conduct capacity building activities for methodologist, teachers and leadership team based on need. Develop a sample lesson scripts (384 lesson scripts for grades 5-8) 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	30 July 2021	10% after the completion scripts
Oversee the recording of 314 video lessons with assigned videography company. 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	30 October 2021	40% after the completion of production process
Development of tools for evaluation of impact of the TV lessons Establishing appropriate monitoring systems for response including data collection and analysis	05 December 2021	30% after the MoES approval of delivery of ready videolessons
Submit the final version of the TV lessons to the MoES Write a report on the results of activities and outcomes	30 March 2022	20% after submitting final production and report

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 the 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, drive for results, and communication will be taken into account during the evaluation of the Consultant’s work.

Estimated duration of contract and remuneration: 9 months during the period of August 2021 – April 2022

Duty station: Dushanbe, Tajikistan

On-site working days:  9 months

Supervision: Education Specialist, UNICEF Tajikistan

Reporting to: Education Specialist, UNICEF Tajikistan

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

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Education:

• Advanced degree in relevant field, in education, social sciences, or pedagogy; use of ICT in education and etc.

Work Experience:

• 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
• Work experience with UNICEF is beneficial; knowledge of UNICEF policies and strategies;

Competencies:

• 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.

Language:

• High proficiency in Russian and Tajik, knowledge of English is an asset

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.

REQUIREMENTS:

Qualified candidates are requested to submit:

• • Cover letter/application/CV.
  • A technical proposal with the proposed methodology/approach to managing the project, showing understanding of tasks.
  • Financial quote for the consultancy in TJS per deliverable, also stating the timeframe for completion of deliverable and/or daily rate (as well as travel and subsistence costs, as applicable). The travel cost should be indicated separately.
  • Examples of previous, relevant work related to the deliverables.
  • At least two references

Queries can be sent to [email protected]  with the subject line “Support to MoES in development of TV Programming for uninterrupted learning for children, parents and communities for grades 5-8”. Applications must be received in the system by 18 July 2021 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. 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.

EVALUATION PROCESS AND METHODS:

Individual consultants/contractors will be evaluated based on a cumulative analysis methodology. The award of the Contract shall be made to the individual contractor 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.

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

 

	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.

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.

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

Click here to learn more about UNICEF’s values and competencies.

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.