Draft Terms of Reference for Needs Analysis Contract

Draft Terms of Reference for Needs Analysis Contract

1. Under the supervision of [PROGRAMME SPECIALIST IN FIELD OFFICE], prepare a 10-page Needs Analysis on the establishment of a Higher Education Open and Distance Learning Knowledge Base for Decision Makers in [SPECIFY REGION]. The content for this Needs Analysis should be gathered in consultation with key Decision-Makers such as Ministry administrators and University managers in the field of tertiary open and distance learning in at least 2 representative [DEVELOPING COUNTRIES][or COUNTRIES IN TRANSITION] at different stages of integrating open and distance learning options at the tertiary level in the region. The needs analysis should provide an identification of :

a. the target audience of Decision Makers of the Knowledge Base (profile, institutional setting etc.);

b. the representative tasks and challenges that the target audience is faced with in the carrying out of his/her duties including a detailed analysis of recent challenges faced by decision-makers in this field in terms of cost-effectiveness, promoting access, improving quality of the teaching/learning process as well as other relevant issues;

c. information including several representative concrete examples of the most pressing immediate issues, as well as a survey of other issues that the target audience would find useful to better respond to 'b';

d. Examples of information products or queries to be answered which would be useful in responding to the above issues such as comparative costs of different technologies, language of instruction, partnership with the private sector, intellectual property concerns, cultural relevance of programmes offered etc.

e. preferences regarding the methodology and interface preferred for this resource by the target audience including suggestions on what sort of material and what media would be most effective for the target group

f. mechanisms to maintain updated information for this activity in the region (propositions for strategic partnerships, including the examination of the role of the Regional Committee for the Recognition of Diplomas);

g. Training needs of the target audience in the field of decision-making for Open and Distance Learning at the tertiary level.

2. Submit an outline of 1 page of the final paper in hard copy and an in electronic form (RTF) of article I.1 and article I.1 by [XX]

3. Submit a final paper of 10 standard pages plus annexes in hard copy and in electronic form (RTF) of article I.1 by [XX].

In addition we would be grateful if [the programme specialist] could identify possible extra-budgetary funding sources for the project in the region (propositions for strategic partnerships)