Country: Iraq
Closing date: 29 Sep 2016
Terms of Reference
Conceptual Framework for Non-formal Education
in Kurdistan region, Iraq.
1. Purpose of Assignment
Background
Access to non-formal primary education for out of school children (OOSC) is currently very limited and it is also a bottleneck to address equity issues for OSC in terms of fulfilling their right education and giving them a second chance to complete the full course of primary education.
With over three millions of Internal Displaced People and 250,000 Syrian refugees, the humanitarian situation in Iraq is one of the most severe and rapidly deteriorating crises in the world. Over 45 percent of those affected by the current crisis are children who are in dire need of assistance, including education services. At present, two million children being out of school in addition to another one million children who are living in humanitarian crises situation in Iraq are unable to access education, MoE KRI has recently consented to allow the NFE as an alternative mode to meet the learning needs of out-of-school children. The national education services are strained and working over capacity in areas of displacement. Most classrooms have a teacher to student ratio that is much higher than the Interagency Network for Education in Emergencies (INEE) standards, and many schools are running multiple shifts due to the increased needs. Despite efforts to accommodate more children in formal schools, thousands of school-aged children remain out of school. With future displacements expected, more and more children will be denied their right to education, and a generation will grow up without the foundational skills of literacy and numeracy, and many out-of-school children will face increased protection risks such as child labour and child marriage.
Non-formal education, though not an alternative to formal education, can contribute to educate through its flexible and cost effective approach comparatively a large number of population who are hard to reach and who are in a queue waiting to get their turn. A mix of formal and non-formal education opportunities can make the queue move faster thus saving a substantial portion of the generation from being lost. Furthermore, because of the flexibility of non-formal education system it can be adapted to the needs and convenience of multiple target groups to access education.
Keeping in view the variety of possibilities and types non-formal education can offer to these children due to the flexible nature of non-formal education a number of age groups with different needs and learning objectives can be targeted. Flexibility of curriculum in NFE also provides liberty to use Arabic, Kurdish or any other curriculum appropriate to the needs of children. NFE can also include life skills such to engage disenfranchised adolescent and youth in constructive activities providing them a direction and goal in life.
While there are many non-formal education projects currently being implemented by various agencies in Iraq, there is no clear Ministry of Education conceptual framework on the NFE curricula. There are also no defined pathways into the formal school system for children participating in NFE classes. Against this background, there is a clear need for NFE programs to ensure children are able to access safe and quality learning opportunities despite the huge gaps in the formal education system. Thus it is imperative to support the MOE in this effort to come up with the clear NFE conceptual framework in humanitarian and non-humanitarian settings for effective implementation and onward formulation of NFE policy.
Purpose
The purpose of this consultancy is to support the MoE KR-I in developing conceptual framework for NFE and policy guidelines/document which will define, create and streamline pathways for mainstreaming NFE students into the formal school system and further guide the operationalization of the NFE.
Scope of the Assignment
In consultation with MOE KRI, UNICEF and other key stakeholders, the assignment will cover the following areas:
Develop a conceptual framework document and policy guidelines/document on NFE that includes justification for the need for non-formal education in KRI to reach out of school children in humanitarian and non-humanitarian situations. The framework will provide a broad perspective of NFE approaches including strategy for mainstreaming cohorts of children into formal education system at appropriate levels in KRI context. The documents will include recommendations on: appropriate options for delivering learning such as face-to-face, distance learning, e-learning, blended learning etc.; curricula and scope and course duration; options for staffing: facilitators/teachers – recruitment, qualification and training; assessment methods, testing, certification and accreditation and suggest duration of programmes for non-government providers.
Major Tasks to be accomplished:
Under the supervision of the Chief Education Section, the consultant will work closely with UNICEF Erbil Education team and the counterparts from MoE KRI and other key stakeholders:
Inception report that includes: i) detailed methodology and timeline; ii) desk review and rapid situation analysis of non-formal education system and programmes in KRI including lessons learnt, best practices (both globally and in KRI), main gaps (in KRI);
Outline the Conceptual Framework document
Lead Consultation Workshop on NFE with MoE KRI and key stakeholders for Conceptual Framework revision;
Develop Policy Guidelines which include role of MoE in regulating and oversight of NFE and can suggest necessary institutional arrangement such as Technical Committee within MoE. The Policy Guidelines/Document should refer to the conceptual framework developed and which includes eligibility criteria, curriculum, duration and modes of non-formal education delivery for various target groups, NFE Equivalency Testing, Certification and Accreditation.
End product(s) and delivery dates and details (how the work must be delivered, i.e. electronic submission, hard copy, on what computer programme etc.
No
Deliverable
Timeframe
1
Draft inception report (ref # task 1)
7 days
2
Draft and outline the conceptual framework (ref # task 2) based on consultation and desk review
20 days
3
Preparation and facilitation of 2 day stakeholder consultation workshop (draft presentation) (ref # task 3)
5 days
4
Finalize Conceptual Framework incorporating workshop feedback. (ref # task 4)
5 days
5
Develop Policy Guidelines/document (ref # task 5)
20 days
6
Final report and presentation to the MOE KRI and key stakeholders for final endorsement (ref # task 6)
3 days
All products should be an electronic submission.
Contract Supervisor and frequency of performance reviews:
Chief of Education Section and Education Officer with support from the Education Specialist.
Estimated duration of contract:
60 working days (30 days in-country, 30 from own base).
Official Travel involved, if any:
Two in-country visits are recommended: 1. Inception visit to undertake consultation with stakeholders in Iraq and visit existing NFE facilities. 2. to present draft conceptual framework for discussion and comments after which draft document will be finalised.
8. Qualification or Specialized Knowledge/Experience Required:
The Consultant should:
Advance university degree in Education with focus on non formal education
Expertise in non-formal education programmes and systems
Experience in conducting analytical research
Proven ability to conceptualize, innovate, plan and execute ideas;
Good analytical, negotiating, communication and advocacy skills;
Computer skills, including internet navigation and various office applications;
Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the work place;
Previous working experience with UNICEF education programmes will be an asset.
9. Confidentiality:
The documents produced during the period of this consultancy will be treated strictly confidential and the rights of distribution and/or publication solely resides with UNICEF.
10. 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.
How to apply:
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