REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) – SERVICES
UNICEF LESOTHO
Reference No: LRPS-2025-9201829
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Lesotho invites qualified and eligible institutions or consortiums to submit proposals for the provision of consultancy services for a feasibility study and the development of a new curriculum for Grades 4–7, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET).
PROJECT TITLE
Feasibility Study and Development of a New Curriculum for Grades 4–7
BACKGROUND
The Ministry of Education and Training introduced the Lesotho Basic Education and Curriculum Policy in 2021. While significant progress has been made in revising curricula for ECCD, Grade R, Grades 1–3 and Grade 8, progress has been slower for upper primary education.
Through the Partnership Compact and the System Transformation Grant Programme, MoET—with support from UNICEF—seeks to improve the quality of upper primary education by revising the curriculum for Grades 4–7. This initiative aims to strengthen foundational learning, inclusivity, gender responsiveness, and digital literacy, while improving teaching and learning outcomes across all schools.
OBJECTIVE OF THE ASSIGNMENT
The overall objective is to support MoET and the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) to develop, pilot, and finalize a new curriculum for Grades 4–7 that is aligned with national priorities, global standards, and industry needs.
SCOPE OF WORK
The assignment will be implemented in three phases:
Phase 1: Feasibility Study
• Conduct a curriculum gap analysis for Grades 4–7
• Undertake desk reviews and stakeholder consultations
• Assess alignment with national, regional, and global standards
• Facilitate regional and national validation workshops
Phase 2: Curriculum Development
• Develop a strategic roadmap for curriculum development
• Build capacity of NCDC staff and subject panels
• Develop scope and sequence charts, syllabi, schemes of work, lesson plans, and timetables
• Mentor and support NCDC and subject panels throughout the process
Phase 3: Piloting and Finalisation
• Support piloting of the new curriculum
• Develop teacher training packages and learning materials
• Conduct school-based monitoring and stakeholder consultations
• Support digitisation and quality assurance of curriculum materials
• Facilitate endorsement of the final curriculum by MoET
EXPECTED DELIVERABLES
Key deliverables include, but are not limited to:
• Inception Report
• Feasibility Study Report (Draft and Final)
• Strategic Roadmap for Curriculum Development
• Curriculum Development Toolkit / Manual
• Developed Curriculum Materials for Grades 4–7
• Training Packages for Teachers
• Field Monitoring Reports
• Digitised Curriculum and Learning Materials
• Endorsed Final Curriculum for Grades 4–7
DURATION
The consultancy is expected to run over multiple phases, with activities spanning feasibility, development, piloting, and finalisation. Timelines and payments are linked to approved deliverables as outlined in the full RFP document.
ELIGIBILITY AND PROFILE
Interested bidders should demonstrate:
• Proven expertise in education curriculum development
• Experience conducting curriculum reviews and reforms, preferably in sub-Saharan Africa
• Strong capacity in developing teaching and learning materials (print and digital)
• A qualified multidisciplinary team, including a team leader with an advanced degree in Education or a related field
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
This RFP follows a two-envelope system. Proposals must be submitted separately as follows:
Technical Proposal (PDF only)
Email to: [email protected]
Subject line: TECHNICAL PROPOSAL – LRPS-2025-9201829
Financial Proposal (PDF only)
Email to: [email protected]
Subject line: FINANCIAL PROPOSAL – LRPS-2025-9201829
Technical and Financial proposals must be submitted separately. Proposals sent incorrectly or after the deadline will not be considered.
CLARIFICATIONS AND QUERIES
All requests for clarification must be submitted in writing to:
[email protected]
Queries will be accepted for five (5) days from the date of the RFP advertisement.
IMPORTANT NOTES
• Late submissions will not be accepted
• UNICEF reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal
• Prices must be fixed and all-inclusive
• Bidders are encouraged to register on the United Nations Global Marketplace (UNGM): www.ungm.org
CLOSING DATE
All proposals must be submitted no later than:
26 December 2025 at 23:59 hrs
For full technical specifications, evaluation criteria, timelines, and contractual terms, bidders are advised to consult the complete RFP document.