WUSC is seeking an external consultant to undertake a Baseline assessment for the SHULE project. The goal of the Shule Project is to strengthen the quality of education provision for refugee girls in Northern Kenya to improve transition outcomes, particularly for girls with special needs and over-aged learners. In order to achieve this objective, the project will:
Increase access to extracurricular academic support programs for vulnerable refugee girls in upper primary, particularly girls with special needs and over-aged learners
Enhance ability of teachers to deliver high-quality education using gender-responsive pedagogy and inclusive teaching methods
Improve the accessibility of digital teaching and learning materials for secondary school students and teachers
The SHULE project is committed to address critical gaps in education for refugee girls who are performing poorly in school and at risk of dropping-out, with a particular emphasis on girls with special needs and over-aged girls, who face additional barriers to education. WUSC and WIK are targeting two types of girls: 1) girls in upper primary who are likely to drop out due to poor performance and/or are girls with special needs or over-aged girls who are not able to benefit from current educational resources; and 2) girls with special needs and over-aged learners, in secondary school who have made the transition but need additional support and resources to complete their secondary education.
Scope of work
The main objective of the baseline is to provide benchmarks for performance measurement of SHULE in the three key project objectives as per the indicators provided in the project design.
The consultant/consultancy firm will be required to undertake the following specific tasks:
In consultation with WUSC, the consultant will be expected to design standardized tools and finalize methodology for the collection of quantitative and qualitative data for the baseline assessment, taking into account the 3 objectives mentioned in section 2 of this TOR.
Collect and analyze available secondary data related to project objectives.
Conduct primary data collection in targeted project locations in the two regions (Dadaab and Kakuma) to measure key indicators.
Analyze and interpret data to develop a comprehensive baseline report.
Share key findings and insights with relevant staff and stakeholders through consultations.
Main deliverables
In accordance with the schedule of activities, the consultant will produce:
A draft inception report which responds to the scope of work with a methodology, survey instruments, and detailed work plan.
A field work implementation plan (to be submitted before field work begins). This field work plan should be presented to WUSC for comment, and revised as necessary prior to commencing field work.
A comprehensive draft baseline report including a clear set of actionable recommendations.
A final baseline report incorporating feedback from WUSC/WIK and key stakeholders.
Cleaned survey data sets and transcripts (qualitative and Quantitative data).
Duration of the assignment
The consultancy is expected to be completed within a maximum of 40 days between February 1, 2019 to March 31, 2019.
Institutional Arrangements
The Consultant will report directly to the WUSC MEL and the SHULE program team, working closely with the WIK education program team. WUSC will provide relevant background documents necessary for the assignment and shall be responsible for the coordination of meetings and other activities under the Consultancy.
Expertise
Profile of the consultant:
The consultant should be an expert in research, baseline assessment, Monitoring & Evaluation methodologies. Preference will be given to individuals or firms with proven relevant experience in undertaking a task of similar magnitude, and shall have the following qualifications and experience:
An advanced degree in social science with an emphasis on Education, Research Methodologies, baseline assessment, impact evaluations, Monitoring and Evaluation;
Over 10 years’ experience in evaluating education programs and relevant experience in child friendly evaluation methodologies.
Have expertise and experience in social inclusion, social science research, including mixed methods and notably quantitative and qualitative primary data collection methods
Strong professional experience in conducting baseline/impact assessments for large scale projects in the humanitarian sector.
Have proven experience in conducting participatory qualitative and quantitative evaluation studies with superior analytical skills
Previous experience conducting an assessment on persons with special needs will be an added advantage.
Have a good knowledge of digital data collection software (such as Kobo) and statistical packages (such as SPSS/STATA)
Have excellent report writing skills
Have permission to work, travel in Kenya – undertake primary data collection in the project target locations
Demonstrate experience in carrying out similar assignment.
Language requirements:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
Child protection & data confidentiality
The external consultant along with all enumerators, will be required to sign and follow the WUSC child protection standards and protocols of behavior.
Responding to the TOR
The consultant should submit a proposal comprising the following:
A technical proposal clearly outlining the consultants’ understanding of the ToR and an appropriate evaluation/assessment design and a detailed work plan with clear timelines.
A capacity statement detailing the consultant’s ability to deliver quality baseline report within the given time frame, including an overview of relevant work and technical experience
At least 2 samples of previous relevant works undertaken, including at least 1 evaluation report that was 100% led by the consultant as the lead.
Contact details for 2 references for similar assignments done not more than 2 years ago
CVs of the key personnel on the evaluation team
A detailed financial proposal
Any appendices the consultant sees as relevant to the application.
