VA Extended: National Individual consultancy for the development of the Educational Management Information Systems (EMIS) regulation, Moldova, 22 days

Consultant Teaching & Training Programme & Policy

Contract

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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, development...

Purpose of the assignment

For more details, please refer to the attached TOR TOR_individual _EMIS_regulation_11_07_23 (3).docx

The purpose of this consultancy is to develop the EMIS regulation and instruction manual/guide to ensure accurate data collection and efficient management. These policy documents will provide the necessary regulatory framework to streamline data processes, from data entry and quality control to analysis and reporting. The development of these policies will also contribute to the strengthening of the EMIS, thus improving its effectiveness as a tool for evidence-based decision-making within the education sector.

How can you make a difference?

Objectives of the consultancy

The objective is to create a detailed EMIS regulation and provide instruction guide/manual to ensure high-quality data management across schools, thereby, not only aiding in precise data delivery to entities such as the National Bureau of Statistics and the Ministry of Finance, but also enabling the effective use of data for developing comprehensive educational policies and strategic initiatives.

Details of how the work should be delivered

The work should be delivered by conducting an initial assessment of the current EMIS system, then creating comprehensive policy documents including EMIS regulation and instruction manual/guide. The consultant will conduct relevant interviews and focus group discussions with MER departments, local education departments, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), e-Government Agency Moldova and other relevant institutions.

The draft Government Decision concerning the use of EMIS will include, but not be limited to:

• Clarification of roles and responsibilities of all actors involved in EMIS, including data collectors, data processors, and data users.
• Elaboration on data collection process including the frequency, categories, types, and methods, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all aspects of education.
• Guidelines for data protection, outlining how data privacy will be ensured in accordance with national and international regulations.
• Framework for data archiving, detailing how data will be securely stored, preserved, and retrieved.
• Guidelines for data interoperability to ensure compatibility and data sharing across different national systems and platforms.

The EMIS instruction manual/guide will include, but not be limited to:

• Detailed instructions on the frequency and timing of data updates to ensure the relevance and accuracy of information.
• A comprehensive list of the types of data to be updated, including student performance, school resources, teacher qualifications, etc.
• Clear assignment of responsibilities for each process to ensure accountability.
• Step-by-step guidelines for entering, updating, verifying, and submitting data, including troubleshooting tips for common problems.
• Procedures for requesting assistance and support, including contact information for technical support and clear instructions for submitting help requests.
• Provision of resources for further learning and skill development, to support users in effectively using EMIS.

The policy draft Government Decision and EMIS instruction manual will be developed based on Ministry’s regulations and Government decision no. 601/2020 regarding the approval of the Education Management Information System concept. This activity will be caried out in collaboration with the relevant departments of the MER, e-Governance Agency of Moldova, and other relevant institutions. Also, the service provider will support the public consultation and will incorporate the feedback and finalize the EMIS regulation.

Deliverables and delivery dates

NO.

Tasks

Deliverable

Timeline*

1.

- Conduct desk review of documentation on EMIS and analyze the data collection/update/interoperability process, including national and international best practices and policies applied, available national studies, evaluations and reports, and data from relevant institutions.

The desk review report containing main findings and recommendations for policy development

3 working days

2.

- Conduct relevant interviews and focus group discussions with MER departments, UNICEF, Centre of ICT in Education (CICTE), e-Governance Agency Moldova, local departments of education, educational institutions, and other relevant actors

- Apply analytical methodology and tools to interviews and data

-List of interviewed institutions/people

- A summary report on the key findings

5 working days

3.

Develop the draft of the Government Decision and EMIS instruction manual/guide (Romanian) and submit to the MER and UNICEF for review and comments

First draft of the Government Decision and Order instruction manual/guide developed

10 working days

4

Based on received feedback, finalized versions of both documents are submitted for official approval and implementation.

Final drafts of Government Decision of EMIS regulation and of Order of EMIS instruction manual/guide developed

2 working days

5.

Following the public consultations, the consultant will support MER with the finalization of the documents.

Public consultation conducted and final version of the Government Decision provided to MER

2 working days

Total:

22 working days

* Exact deadlines will be mutually agreed upon contract signature.

Reporting requirements

The consultant will work under the guidance of the UNICEF Project Officer and in close collaboration with UNICEF Education. The consultant will report to the UNICEF Project Officer with the Education Officer and Education Specialist 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 the workplan electronically (in Word format) in Romanian and/or in English. At each stage, the deliverable shall be sent to the Project Officer by email, with the Education Officer in copy.

Performance indicators for evaluation of results:

The performance of work will be evaluated based on the following indicators:

• Completion of tasks specified in ToR.
• Compliance with the established deadlines for submission of deliverables.
• Quality of work.
• Demonstration of high standards in cooperation and communication with UNICEF and counterparts.

1. Content of technical proposal

The applicant shall title the email e.g. Application Development of the EMIS regulation and instruction manual/guide and attach the following:

• Relevant experience with similar type of assignments (max 300 words)
• Proposed approach and methodology (max 1500 words), including:
  • Timeline and milestones
  • Risk and mitigation measures
  • Ethical considerations and how the consultant will address them
• Annex: Short Sample or links to related work previously conducted by the consultant
• In addition, please provide your Curriculum Vitae.

2. Content of financial proposal

Please find the template of finaical offer below;

Copy of Financial Offer_EMIS.xlsx

The applicant should fill in the Financial Offer Template and specify an all-inclusive fee to complete the tasks/deliverables described in the Terms of Reference in MDL.

Other expenses directly related to the ToR assignments and deliverables such as: (translation/interpretation costs, local transportation etc.) may be included in the financial offer unless specified that UNICEF will cover them separately (see paragraph 14 and 15 below).

The final selection will be based on the principle of “best value for money” i.e. achieving desired outcome at lowest possible fee.

If not provided by ToR, UNICEF will not reimburse costs not directly related to the assignment. This contract does not allow payment of off-hours, medical insurance, taxes, and sick leave.

UNICEF reserves the right to withhold all or a portion of payment if performance is unsatisfactory, if work/output is incomplete, not delivered or for failure to meet deadlines.

In case when a Moldovan resident is selected for contracting, MDL will serve as contract currency, converted at the UN exchange rate applicable at contract signature date.

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.

Technical evaluation criteria for selection

Evaluation Scale Points

1. Academic degree in Information Technology, Communication and Information Engineering, Law, Business and Administration, or equivalent qualifications in a relevant field

5

2. Minimum 5 years of working experience in the relevant field

15

3. Proven experience in providing consultancy services in area of ICT and/or digitalization of the education sector

15

4. Proven experience in policy development and analytical work (i.e. Government Decision development, programmes, action plans)

10

5. Demonstrated experience of work with the international institution/organization in the digital sector is a strong asset

5

6. Demonstrated experience of work with the Government and/or e-Governance Agency of the Republic of Moldova in the education sector is an asset

10

7. Excellent analytical thinking, verbal and written communication skills both at technical level and policy level

5

8. Fluency in Romanian and working knowledge in English is required. Knowledge of

another official UN language or a local language is an asset

5

Total score (minimum 50 points required for technical qualification)

70

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.

Support provided by UNICEF

UNICEF will regularly communicate with the consultant and provide feedback and guidance and necessary support so to achieve objectives of the work, as well as remain aware of any upcoming issues related to the performance and quality of work. MER and UNICEF will provide an initial package of relevant documents and available research, and an initial list of relevant experts and counterparts to work with. UNICEF will also request relevant data – as agreed upon with the consultant – from relevant government counterparts.

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

• University degree in Information Technology, Communication and Information Engineering, Law, Business and Administration, or equivalent qualifications in a relevant field.
• Minimum 5 years of working experience in the relevant field.
• Proven experience in providing consultancy services in area of ICT and/or digitalization of the education sector.
• Proven experience in policy development and analytical work (i.e. Government Decision development, programmes, action plans etc).
• 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 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. Knowledge of another official UN language or a local language is an asset

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.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

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.

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.

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