THE UNITED NATIONS CHILDREN’S FUND (UNICEF) Invites applications for the following consultancy: Baseline study on classroom-teacher interaction in selected primary schools in Solomon Islands
Technical Support to UNICEF Pacific Early Childhood Development and Education Programme
UNICEF Pacific is seeking an individual consultant to conduct a baseline study on current teaching and learning practices including child-centred approaches (CCA) that promote effective literacy and numeracy development in selected primary schools in Guadalcanal Province in Solomon Islands (schools still to be determined, but estimated to be approximately 35 schools including selected schools as control group. Sampling will be done from these 35 schools.
The results of the baseline will contribute to 1) enhancement of in-service training in Solomon Islands as part of continuous professional development, and 2) providing a base to measure progress in quality teaching practices and utilization of child-centred approaches in teaching early grade literacy and numeracy.
Under the supervision of the Chief Field Office in Solomon Islands and technical supervision from the Chief Education Section based in Suva, Fiji, the consultant will work closely with Education Officer in Solomon Islands and the counterparts from Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD) to:
. Review the current list of indicators collected through EMIS, and conduct a rapid desk review on quality of existing teaching and learning practices in Solomon Islands to assess their strengths and weaknesses and impact. . Lead the development and design of the study’s methodology, assigning appropriate roles to the overall project team. Sampling of schools in selected communities in Guadalcanal province will be done jointly with MEHRD especially their EMIS specialist. . Develop and share an inception report on the study design with the MEHRD counterparts with reference to previous studies from other countries on classroom practices. Consultant should ensure that it will be possible to gather similar data or replicate the Baseline Study during subsequent monitoring and a possible evaluation, respectively. . Train the research team and data collectors in the skills required to gather and analyze the data using both paper base and video cameras. . Data must be collected in retrievable formats, so the data can be used to inform revision of current and development of the distance in-service training (INSET) and be used for further analysis if and when required. . Draft, pilot test and finalise the study’s methodology after assessing its applicability to the local context in collaboration with the MEHRD and UNICEF research team. . Prepare the logistics of the survey (questionnaires, classroom observation checklist, communication etc.) in liaison with UNICEF field office and MEHRD team. Organize adequate supervision and coordination of the survey teams in the field. . Set up quality control mechanisms. . Carry out the study and gather, collate and analyse the findings. . Present draft report to MEHRD and UNICEF for discussion and approval. . Prepare final analytical report using the format mentioned under deliverables. . Data entry, data analysis and compile a comprehensive baseline survey report. . Present the final baseline survey report in soft and hard copy. Methodological Approach
The principal focus of the research will be on teachers and pupils in classroom settings. Details of the methodological approach proposed will need to be described and justified in the bids presented by interested consultants. The results of the study will include data, which both satisfies high levels of reliability and validity and provides a reasonably representative picture of teaching and learning practices in Guadalcanal Province primary schools. The methodology proposed should specify how the research will quantify and analyse classroom interaction data so that the same sample of classrooms can be subsequently revisited in an impact study to investigate the effects of the intervention (INSET programme) before the end of 2017. Other forms of data presentation can also be utilised to enrich the overall understanding of classroom teaching and learning processes. The methodology used should be established and based on sound principles which have credibility within the academic community and should already have been well tested and validated by similar published research of very high published quality. The methodology should also include a literature review of existing knowledge on classroom teaching and learning in Solomon Islands. Data must be collected in retrievable formats, so the data they can be used to inform the INSET development process and be used for further analysis if and when required.
A detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for this consultancy can be obtained via email to [email protected] .
QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIALISED KNOWLEDGE/COMPETENCE REQUIRED
Qualifications Advance university degree in Education, Social Science,
Experience Verifiable, extensive experience in survey design including sampling; Extensive experience in data management and analysis; Verifiable field experience; Availability for field work during the evaluation’s timetable; Experience in conducting research in poorly resourced primary schools with awareness of ethical issues in carrying out such research and addressing them in the research Proficient in the application of software statistical packages such as: SPSS, STATA Proven training and facilitation skills; Experience of coordinating diverse teams and communicating with individuals/groups at all levels
Competencies Versatility, judgment and maturity; Good facilitation skills with capacity to train Government counterparts in methodology Proven ability to conceptualize, innovate, plan and execute ideas; Good analytical, negotiating, communication and advocacy skills; Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the work place; Previous working experience with UNICEF education programmes will be an asset.
Personal Competencies Excellent communication skills; ability to explain complex concepts in a simple manner; Strong analytical, presentation and excellent report writing skills in English; Able to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment and a high sense of integrity. Knowledge of Pidjin English useful.
REMUNERATION AND TYPE OF CONTRACT: The consultant will be required to work on a Purchase Order (PO) contract with UNICEF Pacific for 45 working. Remuneration and contract period will be agreed based on proposal submitted by successful consultant.
HOW TO APPLY Qualified individual consultants with the above experience/competencies are encouraged to submit their Application together with Expression of Interest and P-11 forms (Expression of Interest and P-11 forms can be obtained from UNICEF Pacific ([email protected]) no later than 9 June 2014 to [email protected] or under confidential cover to:
Senior Supply Assistant (Consultancy 2014-018 Primary Education Quality Improvement Solomon Islands) UNICEF Pacific, 5th Floor Fiji Development Bank Building, 360 Victoria Parade Private Mail Bag, Suva, FIJI
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organisation.