EMACK Terms of Reference for a Consultancy on the Development of Non Formal Education Strategy

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR A CONSULTANCY ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF NON FORMAL EDUCATION STRATEGY

AGAKHAN FOUNDATION

Project background:

Education for Marginalized Children in Kenya (EMACK) is an initiative of the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development. EMACK II Extension phase, which commenced in October 2010 and is expected to end in October 2014, focuses on improved learning outcomes for all children in 767 targeted schools.

Of this number, 129 schools [both pre-schools and primary schools] are classified as Non-Formal Schools [NFS] located in the informal settlements of Nairobi and Mombasa.

During this extension phase, EMACK will work with local government authorities, MOE and local NGOs/CBOs to improve the quality of learning in schools in the informal settlements by demonstrating effective and clearly defined implementation approaches and strategies for sustainability for these marginalized communities.

In accordance with the NFE policy that was launched in 2010, EMACK aims to support the Ministry of Education in scaling up a successful model of Non-Formal Education based on its experiences and lessons learnt from program work

Scope of Work:

The consultant will be responsible for reviewing the recent NFE policy launched by the Government and the results from the situational analysis prepared by EMACK on the non-formal schools and develop a strategy for effective government support systems for the education of children in the informal settlements.

More specifically the consultant will:

1. Conduct desk research on best practices on NFE policies, strategies and programs. Synthesize

critical experiences related to non-formal education settings:

(a) Internationally (with emphasis on developing countries);

(b) In Sub-Sahara Africa (particularly within East Africa);

(c) In Kenya.

2. Review the recently launched government policy on NFE with a view to identifying major

strengths, gaps and opportunities for improving the overall quality of non-formal education;

the review here will also examine the dispersed nature of NFE management (that is, NFE

is currently managed by at least three different Ministries) and whether the new NFE policy

effectively addresses this major problem;

3. Review the institutional arrangements within GOK/MOE (including the SAGAs) in terms of their capacity to support the implementation of the new NFE policy framework;

4. Review the findings from the situational analysis conducted by EMACK on the schools in the

informal settlements so as to inform the analysis and synthesis of the key issues in NFE as well

as to provide a basis for recommendations;

5. Engage with EMACK partners as well as UNESCO, DFID, SIDA, World Bank, Concern World

Wide working in the informal settlements to learn about what is being supported, approaches

employed, key areas being impacted, outcomes of their evaluations in order to understand the

major challenges and opportunities for government support to non formal education;

6. Engage with the government/key MOE officials to understand their plans for rolling out the NFE policy;

7. Develop and recommend a clearly defined approach as well as strategies for government

support to strengthen education in the informal settlements.

Deliverables:

Recommendations to EMACK on steps for obtaining government endorsement of the strategy;

Strategy paper on government support to NFE developed;

Please include in the final report any specific issues, challenges and lessons learned from what was reviewed as well as your recommendations concerning key constraints and opportunities for adoption of certain best practices;

The consultancy will take a total of 6 weeks including desk review and report writing.

All deliverables outlined here to be submitted not later than May 31st, 2012.

The report submitted should not exceed 30 typed pages in Times New Roman font.

Experience required:

• Post graduate degree in education/other social sciences related to international community development, or equivalent;
• Minimum of 5 years experience in Non-Formal Education, especially in the East African context;
• Experience working and engaging with Ministry of Education/other Government officials;
• Excellent understanding of the needs of stakeholders/ beneficiaries in the informal settlements;
• Proven experience in preparing strategies and approaches in the education field;
• Excellent command of the English language, especially written.

Delivery and Deadlines:

The consultant should present a first draft of the report one month after award of the consultancy.

The final report will be presented to Ministry of Education (MOE) by 1st JUNE 2012.

In addition, the consultant is expected to facilitate the dissemination of the report to MOE, USAID, AKF and other key players in education in June 2012.

EMACK invites eligible consultants to submit an Expression of Interest detailing his/her

interpretation of the TORs and a work plan and budget with clear timelines.

He/she should also provide a CV with three referees and portfolio of previous work.

Applications should be sent to the address below by 23rd March, 2012

The Communications Specialist, EMACK II

P.O. Box 50027 - 00100, Nairobi, Kenya

Email: fridah@akf-emack.org

The Aga Khan Foundation is an Agency of the Aga Khan Development Network