TOR -Consultant, Technical Support to the Primary, Secondary Age Education and Adolescent Programme

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For every child, Learning

1. Background and Justification

The South African government has identified the improvement in the quality of basic education as its number one priority as articulated in the National Development Plan, Vision 2030. With the achievement of high levels of participation during the compulsory years of schooling, the Department of Basic Education’s (DBE) Action Plan to 2019 is focused on improving efficiency and quality of learning outcomes. The national state of disaster as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic has magnified the already existing inequalities in the system requiring that more efforts are put in recovery while reimagining education provision in South Africa. UNICEF’s work in basic education and adolescent development focusses on three main interrelated areas that supports national efforts national efforts to improve learning achievements i.e. early childhood development, quality in basic education and adolescent development. Our work in these areas are implemented through an agreed work plan with the Department of Basic Education and includes policy support, advocacy, innovation, evidence generation, inter-sectoral partnerships, capacity support and development, implementation modeling and support, supplies, and technical assistance.  In this regard, it is has embarked on supporting a series of joint collaborations with the Government and other non-governmental partners to address the barriers and bottlenecks to the improvement of quality and holistic primary and secondary education.  It is for this reason that UNICEF seeks the services of a qualified consultant to support the realization of the joint objectives with the Government. In line with Outcome 1 of government (to improve the quality of basic education), UNICEF is working to support the DBE to address the key determinants of quality education. This includes improving teachers’ content knowledge and pedagogical skills; increasing access to quality learning and teaching support materials; using real-time data from national assessments to inform planning, decision-making and classroom practice; and improving school leadership and management through building district capacity and support.

The dual goal of accelerating the achievement of the Action Plan and NDP objectives as well as addressing the impact of the pandemic on the sector has brought significant demands on UNICEF in terms of direct technical, capacity and financial support to the DBE.

At the same time, strengthening school to work pathways through conceptualizing, delivering and monitoring primary and secondary education and adolescence participation has become an imperative shared by both UNIF and the DBE.  For this reason, UNICEF looks to further boost its capacity to work with the government through the services of a qualified expert that will support interventions in care and support, WASH, adolescents (and specifically, the interventions within the GenU initiative), STEM and life skills. 

2. Scope of Work

 2.1.            PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES:

The purpose of this assignment is to support the results within the Output 2.2 and 2.3 of the Education and Adolescent Development Programme for a period of six months.  The main output is a strengthened capacity of national and sub-national education systems for the delivery of quality and inclusive education to all children. 

2.2.            The specific objectives are:

2.2.1       Support in the implementation of quality and systems strengthening programmes including

o   Department of Basic Education for the implementation of the Care and Support for Teaching and Learning Programme focused on HIV and AIDS, Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM), Nutrition and Water; Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Volunteer Food Handlers Programme

o   Department of Basic Education for the implementation of the Curriculum programmes including development of the curriculum framework, curriculum recovery, literacy and numeracy programmes

2.2.2       Support the implementation of a range of young people / adolecent  programmes including Generation Unlimited, Girls in STEM (GiS), and other important partnerships and initiatives

2.2.3       Coordination of section inputs in organizational processes, reports and inputs as requested by the supervisor and chief of section.

2.2.4       Carry out other activities and tasks as may be assigned by the supervisor and head of section

2.3     Activities / Tasks and Deliverables

2.3.1        Activities

The series of activities to deliver on the assignment is closely tied to the objectives as outlined above. The activities include:

a)      Support implementation of the UNICEF – DBE Rolling Work Plan and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSCDF) Support the implementation, monitoring and reporting on all quality & systems programme and adolescence programmes

b)      Liaise with other UNICEF Education Programme staff on areas of collaboration in the realization of the objectives

c)      Support the establishment of structured for governance and management of new intervention

d)      Where necessary, liaise with partners on current programmes implementation

e)      Support the coordination with the, where required, closely with the DBE and partners involved in the sections programmes on the specific aspects of programme delivery in the areas identified

f)    Support the development of concept notes, proposals and reports.

g)   From time to time, provided within the contact duration, any other assignment by the supervisor and chief of section

2.3.2.      Deliverables

The specific deliverables under this consultancy are the following:

a)      Support the monitoring of the implementation of WASH through tracking and reporting on the progress

b)      Support the monitoring of the implementation of EU supported intervention on curriculum trimming

c)      Support the monitoring of the implementation of psychosocial support

d)      Coordinate the section activities on quality and systems strengthening and adolescence programmes

e)      Support the Gen U, Girls in STEM (GiS), and other important partnerships and initiatives

f)        Participate in relevant meetings with DBE, PEDs, partners and service providers related to CSTL, curriculum implementation, Gen U, Girls in STEM (GiS), and other important partnerships and initiatives

g)      Provide technical and coordination support to the implementation of all the GenU interventions within Education and Adolescent Development Programme

h)      Facilitate UNICEF internal processes to enable support to DBE, PEDs, partners and service providers on CSTL, curriculum implementation, early grade reading and mathematics, and the TechnoGirl programme.

2.4.      WORK RELATIONSHIP:

The incumbent will be reporting to the Education Manager – Quality and Systems strengthening working with the Education Officer (Sport and Youth Engagement). 

3. Required Travel:  no travel required 

 N/A

4. Payment Schedule

4.1.             The consultant shall submit a monthly report in English as descried on the dates as indicated in the table below.

4.2.             The following outline must be followed as minimum for all monthly reports:

4.2.1.        Cover page

4.2.2.        One paragraph summary of the main areas covered in the report

4.2.3.        Sub-paragraphs that indicate all activities, inputs, progress and outputs related to paragraphs section 2 above

4.2.4.        List of all meetings, workshops or related activities attended and the consultant’s input and role.

4.2.5.        An indication of any challenges and recommendations thereto

4.2.6.        An indication of the priorities for the next month.

4.3.          The monthly report shall be submitted electronically and in hard copy (paper)to the supervisor in DBE, thereafter after approval by DBE the report will be forwarded to UNICEF for Payment.

4.4.             Payment shall be affected monthly upon the satisfactory completion of deliverables and the receipt of a monthly report and valid invoice signed by consultant and co-signed by the supervisor

4.5.             The following schedule of deliverables and payments shall apply.

 

Deliverables	Duration (Estimated # of days or months)	Timeline/Deadline	Schedule of payment
Satisfactory completion of deliverables as contemplated in payment schedule (5) and the submission of a signed monthly report and valid invoice.	Monthly	31 March	Monthly fee within 10 days after submission of report and invoice
Satisfactory completion of deliverables as contemplated in payment schedule (5) and the submission of a signed monthly report and valid invoice.	Monthly	30 April	Monthly fee within 10 days after submission of report and invoice
Satisfactory completion of deliverables as contemplated in payment schedule (5) and the submission of a signed monthly report and valid invoice.	Monthly	31 May	Monthly fee within 10 days after submission of report and invoice
Satisfactory completion of deliverables as contemplated in payment schedule (5) and the submission of a signed monthly report and valid invoice.	Monthly	30 June	Monthly fee within 10 days after submission of report and invoice
Satisfactory completion of deliverables as contemplated in payment schedule (5) and the submission of a signed monthly report and valid invoice.	Monthly	31 July	Monthly fee within 10 days after submission of report and invoice
Satisfactory completion of deliverables as contemplated in payment schedule (5) and the submission of a signed monthly report and valid invoice.	Monthly	31 August	Monthly fee within 10 days after submission of report and invoice

 

5. Desired competencies, technical background and experience

• advanced degree in education, social sciences, international development, humanitarian response, disaster response or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible relevant experience in the field of education, youth development, monitoring and evaluation or behavioral change. Experience in complex emergencies/disaster response strongly preferred.
• Proven experience of high-quality report writing and documentation.
• Resourcefulness, flexibility, and the ability to prioritize large amounts of work while under pressure.
• Good analytical, facilitation, communication and presentation skills.
• Politically and culturally sensitive, awareness of gender issues, with qualities of patience, tact and diplomacy
• Experience in working with the national and provincial departments of education, social development and/health will be an added advantage
• Fluency in English (verbal and written). Good written and spoken skills in the language of the humanitarian operation and knowledge of another UN language an asset.

 6. Conditions 

6.1.                   Ethical and Technical Requirements

6.1.1.      The contractor shall undertake to adhere to the following:

a)      The contractor shall at all times keep information obtained during the work assignment confidential and shall not circulate the product or any part there-of, at any stage to any party without the explicit written permission of both UNICEF. 

b)      The contractor shall not product the work, any part thereof, or any reworked version thereof, without the explicit written permission of UNICEF under such conditions that both parties will agree too. 

6.1.2.      UNICEF reserves 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 contractor shall be informed if such an action is taken and will duly informed on the outcome there-off.

6.1.3.      The contractor will provide all products that were developed in accessible formats as agreed.

6.1.4.      Referencing and Plagiarism (where applicable):

c)      UNICEF regards plagiarism in a serious light, for both ethical reasons and risk of reputation of the organization and its partners.

d)      The contractor shall certify  that all deliverables are original work, as applicable, and / or that s/he has put in sufficient time as per the schedule listed on this contract.

6.1.5.      Language:

a)      The contractor shall ensure that all final products adheres to the required language standards, which include a thorough grammar and spell check.

6.2.            General conditions and requirements

6.2.1.      The contractor will employ its own office and administrative system in the execution of this assignment and the budget/fee shall be inclusive of all office administrative costs.

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

6.2.3.      The contractor’s 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 contractor to travel outside the ambit of the contractual agreement (and outside Gauteng) air transport and airport transfers (where applicable) will be covered in accordance with UNICEF’s rules and tariffs. Flight costs will be covered at economy class rate as per UNICEF policies.

6.2.4.      The candidate selected will be governed by and subject to UNICEF’s General Terms and Conditions for individual contracts.

6.2.5.      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”.

6.2.6.      Please also see UNICEF’s Standard Terms and Conditions attached.

7. Risks

All reasonable and likely risks should be identified, and a relevant risk response and possible mitigating action defined.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates are requested to submit their application to the following link: https://www.unicef.org/about/employ/?job=537920 by 16 February 2021.

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 

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:

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

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.