TERMSOF REFERENCE

TA/ ProgrammeSpecialist (M&E/Reporting for GPE Project)

Objective: / Conduct monitoring, evaluation and reporting of the Global Partnership for Education project in Guinea-Bissau
Duration: / 11months
Period: / May 2013–April 2014
Level: / P3
  1. Context

Guinea-Bissau, a fragile State in West Africa, joined the Education for All- Fast Track Initiative (EFA-FTI) in September 2010, as a result of a long preparation period which achieved the development of the Letter of Education Policy and, finally, the development of the three-year interim Education Sector Plan (ESP) 2011/12-2013/14.

To support implementation of ESP, the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) approved in December 2011 the funding of USD 12 million for Guinea-Bissau, based on the request and project documents submitted in September 2011. As a part of ESP, the project will be implanted from 2013 to 2015, with UNICEF as the Managing Entity. The project will be implemented in coordination with the technical departments of MoE, the members of the Local Donor Group, as well as local NGOs and other education stakeholders.

The GPE project will be critical to accelerate efforts towards universal primary completion, by building new classrooms to accommodate an increasing number of children, particularly girls, training more teachers to follow the pace of children enrollment, provide free textbooks to children. In order for UNICEF to execute this major project, its education team needs to be reinforced to increase its capacity not only to implement but also to monitor and report regularly to ensure accountability.

2. Objective

Under the guidance of the Chief Education, the TA contributes to planning, implementing, monitoring, evaluation and reporting of the GPE project in Guinea-Bissau, to ensure accountability of the good usage of the funds received for the project.

3.Methodology and technical approach

Under the overall supervision of the Chief Education, the TA will work closely with the MoE team in charge of the project monitoring as well as the implementing partners of the project to ensure monitoring of good implementation of the project both at the central and decentralized levels(expected to spend majority of the time with the partners).

4. Activities and Tasks

•Contributes towards project planning and management by guiding, coordinating and supporting the timely completion of the situation analysis, donor reports and their periodic update through accurate and complete monitoring and analysis, using gender disaggregated data and statistical analysis. Ensure programme, sectoral or inter-sectoral efficiency and delivery through a rigorous and transparent approach to evaluation, with an emphasis on gender-disaggregated data.

•Support the Section Chief in designing, preparing, implementing, monitoring the GPE Project activities, and in coordination among the sector actors/partners as necessary for the execution and in strengthening of partnership with the project stakeholders, including knowledge institutions. Support in capacity development of Government, counterparts and all other education actors (parents, communities, teachers, education administrators and planners…).

•Prepares organization of major evaluation exercises, sector reviews and annual sector review meetings with government counterparts with involvement of all stakeholders. Ensure the preparation of annual Education sector status reports with contribution of all major partners.

•Undertakes field visits to monitor the GPE Project, as well as conducts periodic programme reviews with government counterparts and other partners. Proposes and/or undertakes action on operational procedures affecting project management and implementation. Provides technical advice and assistance to government officials and other partners in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programme/project(s).

•Keep track of all the financial transaction of the project in close collaboration with the Admin/Finance and Supply Officers, ensure that all the transactions follow the UNICEF rules and regulations, and prepare a monthly report to ensure transparency on the financial situation of the project. Collaborate with the Operations and Supply Sections and Government authorities to establish and maintain sound internal controls supportive of the Education projects planning and implementation, to coordinate financial and supply management requirements as well as to ensure accountability.

•Coordinates with Operations and Supply staff on supply and non-supply assistance activities ensuring proper and timely UNICEF and Government and all other implementing partners accountability: and organizes necessary orientation/training of partners in UNICEF supply and non-supply policies and procedures. Verifies disbursements of funds, monitors and submits financial status reports to management in compliance with the regulations and guidelines.

•Assists government authorities in planning and organizing training programmes. Identifies training needs and objectives for the purpose of capacity building, programme sustainability, as well as promotion and advocacy.

•Further promote knowledge management by drafting or finalizing sectoral documents and reports on the project and of the education sector. Ensure exchange of knowledge, information, experience or lessons learned; provides solid technical recommendations on major programme directions and on introduction of new initiatives in the country.

•Ensure exchange of information, experience, help identify new strategies and courses of action to accelerate/improve delivery of services and achieve Education programme requirements and objectives. Conduct field visits to monitor programmes and collect information. Conduct periodic programme reviews with Government counterparts and other partners.

•Interact with Government and other partners, NGOs, UN and bilateral agencies in the different stages of Education programme/project implementation to follow up on agreements and recommendations.

5.Delivery and Schedule

5.1 Products

-Monthly report on the project progress

-Bi-annual progress report for the Sector Review

-Annual report for the Sector Review

5.2 Deadlines

The expected date for the start of the assignmentis August 01, 2013 ending on May 14, 2013, with the possibility of extension depending on performance.

6. Management, Organization and Programming

6.1. Management

  • TheTA will report to the Chief Education, and work with relevant sections of the office, in accordance to the rules and regulations of UNICEF.
  • The TA will work in close collaboration with the theMoE team in charge of the project monitoring as well as the implementing partners of the project.

6.2. Organization

  • The TA will be based in UNICEF office in Bissau, with monitoring missions to the field as necessary.

6.3. Programming

  • The expected date for commencement of assignment is August 01, 2013.

7. Budget and Compensation

The remuneration for this consultancy will be negotiated depending on the salary grid of the United Nations (SNU) for short-term contracts P3 level of classification of posts within SNU, taking into account the qualifications and professional experience of the person retained to fulfill this mission.

8. Qualifications and expertise

-Education: Master’s degreein Education, Social Sciences or other related technical field.Work Experience: Five years of progressively responsible professional work experience at the national and international levels in programme management, monitoring and evaluation, in a related field.

-Language Proficiency: Fluency in English and another UN language as well as proficiency in Portuguese is required.

-Technical Knowledge: Knowledge of theories and practices in:

•Knowledge of the latest developments and technology in related fields.

•Analytical, negotiating, communication and advocacy skills.

•Supervisory and managerial skills.

•Leadership and teamwork abilities.

•Computer skills, including internet navigation and various office applications.

•Demonstrated ability to work in an a multi-cultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the organization.

• Knowledge of the global commitment on aid effectiveness, including the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness, the Accra Agenda for Action as well as knowledge of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE).