Vacancy: TOR Consultancy For The Baseline Study Of QAIECE Project

Company Profile

Our Mission is to empower street connected children and their families in Ghana and beyond to live healthier, happier, and better lives. Since our inception over 20 years ago, we nurtured an inclusive environment that embraces the diversity and uniqueness of everyone. Irrespective of gender, role, or background, we pride our relationships on highest levels of integrity and trust.

Job Description

CONSULTANCY FOR THE BASELINE STUDY OF THE “QUALITY AND INCLUSIVE EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION SERVICES FOR ALL CHILDREN(QAIECE)” PROJECT IN THE NORTH EAST REGION OF GHANA

Organizational context

Children Believe (CB) is a registered International Non-Governmental organization advancing the quality of life for children in developing countries in five key areas: health and nutrition; education; water, sanitation and hygiene; sustainable economic growth; and strengthening community organizations. Each year we impact the lives of more than half a million children, youth, and families in six countries - Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Nicaragua and Paraguay. At Children Believe, we focus on breaking barriers to inclusive and quality education for girls and boys. We belief that creating access to education inside and outside the classroom is the most important tool children can use to change their world.

Over the last 3-years, Children Believe Ghana Country Office has given special attention to early childhood development (including early learning) in Ghana in recognition of the importance of “starting right” under our Centre of Excellence initiative.

Project Background

Financed by KOICA, the “Quality and Inclusive Early Childhood Education Services for all Children(QAIECE)” project is implemented in the East and West Mamprusi Municipalities of the North East region by a consortium of organizations; ChildFund Korea, Children Believe and AG CARE. The QAIECE project seeks to improve quality Early Childhood Education opportunities for children 4-5 years old in the project area and focus on achieving three outcomes are: (1) Improved quality of education in kindergartens in the project area; (2) Increased involvement of parents and communities in kindergarten education; (3) Strengthened government’s accountability in kindergarten education.

Purpose of Baseline Survey

The purpose of the baseline survey is to gather the information base against which to monitor and assess progress of the project during implementation and at endline based on a set of indicators.

Scope of Baseline Survey

The Consultant is expected to conduct the baseline survey by designing the data collection tools, collecting data (quantitative and qualitative), analyzing data, writing and submitting a comprehensive report.

Proposed Methodology

• Collect quantitative data from primary and secondary sources as applicable.


• Employ qualitative methods of collecting data through focus group discussions and interviews with key stakeholders at all levels-regional, district and community/school.


• Analyze available literature on early childhood development and early childhood education in Ghana.
  
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Deliverable and Indicative Timetable

Key Deliverables

Table 1:  below are the key deliverables and expected due dates.

Indicative Timeline

The survey is expected to be conducted in June-mid July 2022.

Management and Reporting Arrangements

The Consultant will report directly to the Project Manager-QAIECE, and keep MELKS Officer and the Country Manager copied to the communication chain. The consultant will work closely with the monitoring and evaluation Officer, project Officers, and the partner program Manager. All reports must be written in English and provided in an electronic format such as Microsoft Word.

• Confidentiality

Applicants are aware that they may have access to ChildFund Korea and Children Believe’s internal documents and /information and agrees to treat such as confidential.

• Child Safeguarding

The successful applicant will be required to comply with ChildFund Korea and Children Believe’s Child Safeguarding Policy and Procedures and to sign a Code of Conduct.

• Conflict of Interest

The consultant must declare any financial, personal, family (or intimate relationship) interest in matters of official business which may impact on the work of ChildFund and Children Believe.  

• Acknowledgement and Disclaimer

ChildFund and Children Believe, its Board and staff make no express or implied representation or warranty as to the currency, reliability, or completeness of the information contained in this ToR. Nothing in this ToR should be construed to give rise to any contractual obligations or rights, expressed or implied, by the issue of this ToR or the submission of an Expression of interest in response to it. No contrast would be created until a formal written contract is executed between ChildFund and Children Believe and a selected consultant.

Required Skills or Experience

Qualification of Consultant

Core Competencies

• Commitment to ChildFund Korea and Children Believe’s values, vision and mission


• Teamwork


• Communication


• Accountability and integrity; and


• Adaptability and flexibility.

Essential Qualification and Experience:

• Masters or University degree in Education, Monitoring and Evaluation, Development and Social Sciences, or related disciplines with strong experience in conducting similar research works in developing countries particularly in West Africa.


• Relevant experience in development sector around INGO’s work or relevant agency


• At least 7 years’ experience in monitoring and evaluation, and conducting surveys utilizing quantitative and qualitative research methods including data collection techniques and analysis in Education


• Strong experience in education, especially Early Childhood Development, Gender, Disability Inclusion and Community Development


• Flexible and able to adapt to a multi-cultural environment and complex situations, with demonstrable high-level interpersonal and cross-cultural skills


• Familiarity with the development context of Ghana, especially Northern Ghana, relevant language skills


• Good experience in collaboration and interaction with communities and government bodies from local to national level especially Ghana Education Service of Ghana?


• Strong facilitation skills, particularly with children and their parents and caregivers


• Timely manner, Self-driven, strong organizational and planning skills, with the ability to work independently or in a group, as well as under pressure.