MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, CULTURE & HIGHER EDUCATION

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Short term Consultant for Developing a Policy Framework on Early Childhood Education (ECE)

Title

ECE Policy framework and implementation guideline

Background and Context

Currently, Early Childhood Development (ECD) is becoming a global agenda to ensure children grow to their full developmental potential. And Early Childhood Education (ECE) is a critical sub sector of it. The Government of Somalia recognizes that ECE interventions are significant to the social and economic development of the country as these interventions provide children with a fairer and better start in life. Although in Somalia ECE remains an under-resourced sub-sector, majority of children in age group 3-6 years appear to be enrolled in Quranic schools, which fall under the authority of the Ministry of Religion and are typically funded and managed by parents or community-level organizations. In Somalia, no clear national policy framework or quality standards are in place for formal ECE; there are no qualification or training systems in place for ECE teachers; there is no standardized formal ECE curriculum framework and no government certified ECE learning materials for small children.

Presently, the government of Somalia, particularly Ministry of Education needs to prioritize the development of an ECE policy framework that covers formal ECE and Integrated Quranic Schools. The policy framework will need to address issues related to children’s holistic development, financing system of the ECE sub-sector, curriculum and quality standards for teachers (as well as teacher/caregiver training) and learning materials to ensure full alignment to the state building and peacebuilding goals of the country.

Purpose

Based on the above-mentioned premise, the objective of this assignment is to prepare a policy framework and implementation guidelines to advocate for establishing and expanding Early Childhood Learning services for all children in Somalia. This policy framework would be developed based on both secondary analysis and primary data collection. The development of this framework should be highly consultative and include community and religious leaders and other line ministries ls

Location

Somalia

Scope

1. Conduct a situation analysis
2. Primary data collection and
3. Review of available secondary data and documents
4. Consult with relevant stakeholders
5. Prepare a policy framework based on the review
6. Prepare a detailed guideline for implementation of policy

Duties and Responsibilities

The Consultant will complete following tasks

• Develop work plan and inception report
• Complete a desk review assessment
• Carry out interviews with key stakeholders and collect data from field
• Prepare situation analysis report
• Develop Policy framework and guideline based on situational analysis
• Share the draft policy and guideline with stakeholders for comment
• Finalize the report based on inputs from stakeholders
• Develop an implementation plan

Deliverable

· The Draft 5-page policy framework ready for lay out and printing that will summarize a longer, 20-page document that will be developed as a source document for reference in electronic format and including an executive summary of no more than 4 pages.

· Detailed implementation guideline, with timeline and accountability framework, a 30-page document in electronic format.

Duration

3 months

Start Date

15 December 2019 – 15 February 2020

Reporting to

The consultancy will be managed by department of schools in MoECHE with technical supervision by ECE Task Force members.

Required expertise, qualifications and competencies

Functional Competencies

· Advanced university degree in social sciences, development or related discipline is essential

· 10 years’ experience preferably in policy development and analysis

· Proven expertise in Early Childhood Development policy, curriculum, programs and training

· Familiarity with the context of early childhood at country level and at international level particularly, of the countries in East Africa

· Strong research and excellent writing skills in English

· Excellent organizational skills

· Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure

· Knowing Somali language will be an added advantage

Behavioral Competencies

· Ability to be flexible and respond to changes to text as part of the review and feedback process;

· Strong interpersonal skills, able to communicate and work with diverse people

· Participate effectively in team-based, information-sharing environment, collaborating and cooperating effectively with others;

· Focus and result oriented

Payment Schedule

The payment schedule will be as a lump sum based on work performed. The payment schedule will be linked to each key milestone/deliverable

• Inception Report – 5%
• Situation Analysis – 15%
• Draft Policy framework – 20%
• Draft Implementation Plan – 20%
• Policy and Plan with inputs integrated – 10%
• Final Policy and Implementation Plan – 30%

All payment based on acceptance of the deliverables

Termination of Contract

This Contract shall commence on the Commencement Date and terminate upon payment of the final instalment of the contract cost; provided however that either Party may exercise its right to early termination in accordance with MoECHE contractual guideline

Application

See below

Issue Date:

21 Nov 2019