Deadline extended: National Individual Consultancy for the development of the technical specifications for designing and establishing a tracking tool in EMIS

Consultant Teaching & Training Programme & Policy

Overview

Develop technical specifications for EduTrack Tool in EMIS

You have:

• University degree in Information Technology, Communication and Information Engineering, Data Science, Business and Administration/Law, or equivalent qualifications in a relevant field.
• Minimum 3 years of working experience ICT and/or digitalization, including data analysis and analytical work.
• Proven experience in consultancy services for ICT and/or digitalization, including data analysis and analytical work.
• Proven experience in development of Technical Requirements for information systems.
• Demonstrated experience of work with the international institution/organization in the digital sector is a strong asset.
• Demonstrated experience of work with the Government and/or e-Governance Agency of the Republic of Moldova including but not limited to work in the education sector, is an asset.
• Excellent analytical thinking, verbal and written communication skills both at technical level and policy level.
• Fluency in Romanian and working knowledge in English is required.

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

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, results

The Republic of Moldova embraces an education policy that is consistent with the European and international education policy, that responds to the current issues and needs of the education system and its beneficiaries. The documents underpinning the strategic development of the education system are proof of the high regard of the Government of the Republic of Moldova to shifting focuses on education in favour of quality and sustainability.

The importance of education data has increased due to an increasing demand for data-driven policy making and education planning for achieving national goals. The Education Management Information System (EMIS) has become a system to collect, integrate, and maintain education-related data and information to support policy analysis, formulation and education planning and management. EMIS engages a broad range of education stakeholders including the Ministry of Education and Research (MER), local authorities, educational institutions, school personnel, teachers and students, their families, and civil society.

For those reasons, MER has established an Education Management Information System (EMIS) to collect important educational data on students, teachers, educational institutions, etc. This system, which was updated in 2017 as part of broader educational reforms outlined in the Education sector strategy 2014-2020, was collaboratively implemented by various stakeholders including the Centre for Information and Communication Technologies in Education, district education departments, and schools nationwide. The system is structured into modules for different educational levels such as preschool, general and vocational. It collects comprehensive data on various aspects of the educational process, including infrastructure, student demographics, academic evaluations, staff details, and budget allocation, among others. Through the Open Data Portal EMIS and the EMIS General Education Module, the system facilitates evidence-based policy formulation and decision-making by providing insights into educational resource planning and management at both national and local levels.

Implementing a monitoring system is essential for providing an effective and individualised approach to the diverse needs of students, with a particular focus on children at risk, from vulnerable families, Roma families, those at risk of dropping out of school, and children with special educational needs. The Data Analysis module will be designed to provide comprehensive insights through detailed filtering and analytics. This module will support various levels of data granularity, allowing users to generate informative graphics and tables for better decision-making and educational management.

Based on the above, UNICEF Moldova is seeking for technical assistance of a national consultant to support the MER with the development of the technical specifications for designing and establishing a tracking tool (EduTrack) in EMIS to follow and respond to the needs of each student in general education.

How can you make a difference?

1. Purpose of the consultancy

The purpose of this consultancy is to establish a structured and detailed Technical specifications that will guide the design and implementation of a student tracking system within EMIS. This tracking system is intended to provide comprehensive monitoring of student needs, with a special focus on at-risk students, those from vulnerable backgrounds, Roma families, and students with special educational needs. Enhancing the EMIS in this way will support more effective, evidence-based decision-making within the education sector, enabling tailored interventions and improved educational outcomes.

2. Objectives of the consultancy

The objective of the consultancy is to develop complete and actionable Technical specifications for the EduTrack Tool, specifying the design, functionalities, and implementation strategy for a robust tracking system within EMIS, based on the existing draft of Concept of EduTech Tool. The Technical specifications will detail requirements for data collection, integration, analysis, and reporting, ensuring the system is capable of effectively tracking each student's progress, attendance, and specific educational needs. The resulting tracking system will be designed to support EMIS in fostering a responsive, inclusive educational environment, meeting the diverse needs of all students and particularly benefiting those requiring additional support.

3. Details of how the work should be delivered

1. The work for developing the technical specifications of the EduTrack Tool should be structured as follows:

2. Initial analysis:

• Engage key stakeholders (Ministry of Education and Research, UNICEF, school administrators, Rayons Education Departments, teachers, etc.) to clarify needs and expectations.
• Discuss with the National Agency for Curriculum and Evaluation the upcoming Rapid Assessment and how it could be integrated into the next EduTrack tool in EMIS.
• Engage key stakeholders (Ministry of Education and Research, UNICEF, school administrators, Rayons Education Departments, teachers, etc.) to clarify the needs and expectations. Discuss with National Agency for Curriculum and Evaluation to discuses the next Rapid Assement that will be done, and how it could be integrated in next EduTrack tool in EMIS.
• Analyse existing EMIS-related documents (including EMIS_Report.pdf, HG601/2020, HG320/2024, etc.) and national information systems integrated with MConnect to ensure seamless data integration and functionality alignment. UNICEF will provide a recent analysis report on the educational data from EMIS. The report points out areas that need to be addressed and improved, to enhance EMIS functionality. Additionally, analyse existing legislation related to the EMIS to identify regulatory gaps and propose adjustments necessary for the effective implementation of a student tracking tool. The analysis should focus on ensuring compliance with interoperability standards and data processing regulations.
• Conduct a review of international and national examples and best practices of tracking tools in the education sector.
• Determine essential requirements for data collection, student monitoring, reporting, and support for special educational needs (SEN).

2. Draw up a list of core functionalities and features that are essential to effective operation of the EduTrack Tool (Concept of EduTech Tool) - must-haves and nice to haves.
3. Outline system requirements, including development and implementation phases based on core functionalities and features mentioned in p.2, architecture, data security, user access levels, compatibility with existing EMIS infrastructure.
4. Establish criteria for vendor selection, including experience, technical approach, team qualifications, cost alignment etc.
5. Outline the expected content of the technical proposal to be submitted by vendors, which should include methodology, detailed work and delivery plan, team composition, relevant experience, and past project examples.

6. Define the expected deliverables with specific delivery dates.

7. Feedback and presentation:

   1. Present the initial technical specifications to the Ministry of Education and Research, UNICEF and other relevant stakeholders/institutions, if needed for feedback and revision.
   2. Refine the technical specifications based on feedback to address gaps and ensure alignment with user expectations.
8. Completion and Tender Preparation
   1. Finalise and deliver a detailed document containing all specifications, user workflows, data models, system requirements, and other details for designing and establishing a tracking tool in EMIS to meet the needs of each student in general education.
   2. Assist in preparing the tender documents.

4. Deliverables and delivery dates

NO.

Tasks

Deliverable

Timeline*

1.

Initial analysis and agreement on the EduTrack Tool format and concept (in English)

Desk review report containing main findings and recommendations

4 working days

2.

Development of the first draft of the technical and business specifications for the EduTrack Tool (in English and Romanian)

First draft of the technical specifications document

15 working days

3.

Stakeholder feedback and revision

Revised draft incorporating stakeholder feedback

5 working days

4.

- Final Submission of technical and business specifications Document (in English and Romanian)

- Delivery plan

- Tender document preparation

• Final technical specifications document
• Draft tender document

4 working days

Total:

28 working days

* Exact deadlines will be mutually agreed upon contract signature

5. Reporting requirements

The consultant will work under the guidance of the UNICEF Project Officer and in close collaboration with UNICEF Education Officer. The consultant will report to the UNICEF Project Officer with the Education Officer in copy, who will regularly communicate with the consultant and provide feedback and guidance on his/her performance and all other necessary support so to achieve objectives of the consultancy, as well as remain aware of any upcoming issues related to consultant’s performance and quality of work.

All activities and deliverables undertaken by the consultant shall be discussed and planned in consultation with UNICEF. The consultant is expected to deliver each component of deliverables electronically (in Word format) in English. At each stage, the deliverable shall be sent to the Project Officer by email, with the Education Officer in copy.

6. Evaluation criteria for selection

The candidate is expected to reflect in the submission the qualifications, knowledge and experience related to the requirements listed above. Technical evaluation will be performed through a desk review of applications, evaluation of technical proposals, and if necessary, may be supplemented by an interview.

The total amount of points to be allocated for the price component is 30. The maximum number of points (30) will be allotted to the lowest price proposal of a technically qualified offer. Points for other offers will be calculated as Points (x) = (lowest offer/ offer x) * 30.

The selection process is aimed at selecting the applicant who obtains the highest cumulative score (technical evaluation + financial offer evaluation points) following “best value for money” principle.

7. Work location and official travel involved

The consultancy will be performed remotely. The work will not require local travels.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have

• University degree in Information Technology, Communication and Information Engineering, Data Science, Business and Administration/Law, or equivalent qualifications in a relevant field.
• Minimum 3 years of working experience ICT and/or digitalization, including data analysis and analytical work.
• Proven experience in consultancy services for ICT and/or digitalization, including data analysis and analytical work.
• Proven experience in development of Technical Requirements for information systems.
• Demonstrated experience of work with the international institution/organization in the digital sector is a strong asset.
• Demonstrated experience of work with the Government and/or e-Governance Agency of the Republic of Moldova including but not limited to work in the education sector, is an asset.
• Excellent analytical thinking, verbal and written communication skills both at technical level and policy level.
• Fluency in Romanian and working knowledge in English is required.

For every Child, you demonstrate

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS).

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

For more details on the consultancy assignment and requirements, please refer to attached Terms of reference (ToR)

TOR_Nat Indiv Consultant_EMIS Tracking System_VA.docx

HOW TO APPLY: Your online application should contain the Technical and Financial Offers (templates below). Please se****cure the Financial Proposal *.pdf document with a password on document view; the password will be requested only from technically qualified candidates.

Technical Offer_EMIS Tracking System.docx

Financial Offer_EMIS Tracking System.xlsx

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). 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 based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. 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, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

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 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.

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Potential interview questions

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unicef.org