International Consultant to support strengthening of the Education Management Information System (EMIS)

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UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, Education

How can you make a difference?

Purpose Of Activity/Assignment

Background

Addressing problems of access, equity, quality and relevance of education requires an evidence-based management system to monitor progress toward national goals and global commitments. Such a system is also required for local and national education managers, policymakers and decision-makers to effectively assess challenges in education services and determine courses of action and realistic assessment of resources required to address existing gaps. An effective Education Management Information System (EMIS) is specially designed to monitor the performance of education systems and to manage the distribution and allocation of educational resources. EMIS should be designed to collect and analyse a wide range of data in the educational system in order to improve planning, resource allocation and mobilization, monitoring, evaluation, policy formulation, and decision-making in general.

A school-based standardized information system is fundamental to improve the management of education at all levels and ideally the system should allow tracking of individual children across the grades. In the education management process, the information system should inform the different actors and partners on the state of the sector, its internal and external efficiency, its pedagogical and institutional operation, its performance, shortcomings and needs. The EMIS must be positioned and technologically integrated to the relevant data sources allowing for cross-sectionality on education-related issues. It should also allow for data disaggregation at all levels across a wide range of parameters. These characteristics make an EMIS relevant for policy planning and management of education systems.

However, Progress Was Made, And The Following Was Achieved

In August 2019, the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) embarked on an initiative to upgrade the EMIS to address challenges of timeliness, accuracy, and better disaggregation of the data to inform key decisions in planning and policymaking. The Open EMIS Core toolkit was tested to kickstart the process towards quality data. The work was constrained by COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns.

Revision of school census forms to ensure quality and alignment with needs of data users and SDGs

Development of draft Open EMIS investment case with a clear M&E framework that can quantify improvements in

education outputs for children

Development of draft EMIS data reporting and usage strategy for management and administrative purposes at

national and district levels

Based on the progress so far, MOET and UNICEF would like to take forward the work on institutionalizing and capacity

building of the Open EMIS. The focus would be on addressing the challenges such as:

paper-based system that adds the risk of human errors while conducting data entry including the quantum of time and resources required to enter the data; highly centralized data management that prevents convenient feedback to schools; limited capability to track data by individual learner or teacher at school.

Therefore, UNICEF is seeking a consultant to assist the MOET in the next phase of the work which will involve the development of a paperless EMIS system that can provide real-time data based on a clear EMIS roadmap and implementation plan to identify all steps required for the progressive and successful roll-out of Open EMIS as well as a sustainability plan with the resources required identified. The consultancy will also document lessons learned along the deployment of the system for countries that will adopt a similar system. The consultancy will not only focus on aspects of ICT such as refining the database architecture, hosting and connectivity issues, but also other aspects of implementation including the reorganisation of business processes and identification of roles and responsibilities across

MOET entities to ensure that data being collected responds to the needs of actors at diverse levels (i.e. policy makers, local administrators, principals, teachers, community etc.) and that there are structures and systems in place for the adequate analysis and use of the data.

Scope Of Work

The contracted consultant will be involved in upgrading the current EMIS to provide timely and quality data, taking from the preliminary work that was completed in efforts to move to the OpenEMIS system. The contracted consultant will work under the overall supervision of the Chief of Basic Education and Adolescent Development (BEAD) and direct supervision of Education Specialist. The contracted consultant will work closely with staff in the MOET, particularly the Director Planning, the Chief Statistician, and the IT Manager, as well as UNICEF s IT Associate. Working in collaboration with MOET and other key stakeholders, s/he will deliver on the following key objectives:

  • Finalisation of draft documents:
  • EMIS data reporting and usage strategy for management and administrative purposes at national and district levels. This includes defining business processes and identification of responsibilities across MOET entities.
  • OpenEMIS investment case with a clear M&E framework that can quantify improvements in education outputs for children (including addressing inequities), strengthen the national system, financial sustainability with initial and recurrent costs and value for money.
  • Facilitate the finalisation and publishing of 2020 and 2021 data on the MOET website, and support completion processes for 2022 data.
  • Undertake further testing and execution of OpenEMIS system including full testing of OpenEMIS SMS features, OpenEMIS logistics (for tracking education supplies), OpenEMIS monitoring (a tool for monitoring and reporting on education sector plan implementation including operationalisation of a paperless system that can provide real-time data.
  • Extensive user experience testing with the MOET officers including teachers. This will also involve capacity development of relevant MOET officers at central and district levels.
  • Development of costed 5-year OpenEMIS implementation plan (2023-2028).
  • Documenting the implementation of OpenEMIS as a case study that can be used as a basis for replication in other contexts.
  • Additional coordination and technical support as needed. This includes any requirement for documentation related to the program, compiling of statistical summaries, and sharing data as needed by education stakeholders.

The consultant will work in a hybrid manner. The initial part of the work is expected to be completed remotely such as desk reviews, finalization of the methodology, interviews and discussions with relevant MOET officers, finalization of draft documents and technical support on completion of 2020 and 2021 data for uploading on MOET website.

The consultant is expected to be in country for 53 days.

The consultant will liaise with UNICEF Lesotho Country Office for all contractual issues (including payments) and the day-to-day activities.

For technical issues related to protocols, instruments, deliverables, the consultant will liaise with both UNICEF Lesotho and the MOET.

All deliverables must be approved by the MOET and endorsed report submitted to UNICEF Lesotho for payments.

The consultant is expected to use his/her own equipment, including computers and other types of hardware and software necessary to execute all tasks. UNICEF premises will be available for office space, meetings and consultations; however, the consultant will spend most time at the MOET premises.

The consultant shall not make use of any unpublished or confidential information made known in the course of performing the duties under the terms of this agreement, without written authorization from MOET. The products of this consultancy are not the property of the consultant and cannot be shared without the permission of MOET.

The consultant shall respect the local norms and refrain from interfering in the country’s political affairs. MOET remains the

owner of the data and MOET/UNICEF rules and regulations on intellectual property will be applicable where necessary.

The consultant will receive deliverable-based payments and UNICEF reserves the right to withhold all or portions of the payment if deliverables are deemed unsatisfactory, incomplete, not delivered or for failure to meet deadlines.

UNICEF reserves the right to adapt and modify deliverables and deadlines.

The consultant shall follow all protocols and recommendations on COVID-19 issued by the relevant authorities in Lesotho and propose contingency plans and actions as authorities change the guidelines on COVID-19 across the country.

Tasks/Milestone

Deliverables/Outputs:

Timeline

(period/deadline)

Payment

structure (% of

the total fee)

Produce an inception report outlining a

work plan and timeline for implementation

of activities, informed by TOR and

discussion with the UNICEF Country office

and MOET; and building from the previous preliminary work that was completed in

2021

  • Can be done remotely.

Inception report with work plan

and timeline

2 days

10%

Finalisation of EMIS data reporting and

usage strategy for management and

administrative purposes at national and

district levels. This includes

defining business processes and

identification of responsibilities across

MOET entities

  • Can be done remotely.

EMIS data reporting and usage

strategy

10 days

5%

Finalisation of OpenEMIS investment case

with a clear M&E framework that can

quantify improvements in education

outputs for children (including

addressing inequities), strengthen the

national system, financial sustainability

with initial and recurrent costs and value

for money

  • Can be done remotely.

OpenEMIS investment case

10 days

5%

Finalisation and publishing of 2020 and

2021 data on MOET website and support

for completion of 2022 data.

  • May require in-country presence.

2020 and 2021 data published on

MOET website

10 days

5%

Develop a testing plan and undertake

testing of the OpenEMIS system with

special attention to OpenEMIS SMS,

OpenEMIS logistics and OpenEMIS

Monitoring. Execute implementation of a

paperless system with real data

incorporating results from the test.

  • May require in-country presence.

OpenEMIS Pilot Report

18 days

30%

Develop EMIS operation manual and train

the EMIS Staff at central and district levels,

including training on the use of dashboards

  • Training will require in-country presence.

EMIS operation manual and

training assessment report

20 days

20%

In consultation with MOET staff and other

key MOET officials, develop a detailed,

costed EMIS 5-year implementation plan

(2023-2028)

  • Can be done remotely.

Costed implementation plan

15 days

10%

Document Implementation of OpenEMIS In

Lesotho as a case study. The case study

should include the necessary information

for other interested parties to access the

viability of using OpenEMIS in their own

context.

  • In-country presence

OpenEMIS case study

10 days

15%

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

Minimum Qualification’s Required

Masters

Disciplines : Education, Statistics, Population Studies, Monitoring and Evaluation, Social Sciences or a related technical field.

Work experience: A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in designing, managing, implementing, and monitoring education programmes working with systems design and research. At least 3 specific experience in developing education management information systems.

Language: English

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills Required

Excellent knowledge of computer applications including programming, Microsoft Excel and Access.

Familiarity with digital data gathering platforms and software.

Good knowledge of education system of Lesotho and Education Management Information System concepts; country context and major education issues.

Ability to support policy dialogue: translation of analytical findings and evidence into development programme and policy discussions around equity and learning with partners, including government, development partners, CSOs and academia in relevant areas.

Some education sector planning knowledge/ability, including the range of modalities for delivering education, linkages between different sub-sectors (e.g. ECD, Primary, Secondary, Inclusive Education), cost-effectiveness and efficiency issues, key institutional structures, components and processes, as well as governance issues.

Some education and policy sector analysis capacity, including understanding of the core education datasets, indicators, tools for analysis of equity, determinants of student access and learning, budget, cost.

Proven experience in developing education management information systems.

Must be available to work on project deliverables for the duration of this project.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA).

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

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 offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual contractors with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment.

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.

How To Apply

Interested candidates should submit an online application through the Talent Management System (TMS) that consists as a minimum of the following:

  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Financial proposal must be ‘all inclusive’ of all expenses related to the assignment

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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.

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.

Closing date: 25 August 2022

Apply here!

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