7110 Ministry Education and Training vacancy consulting 30 January - 7 February 2023

GOVERNMENT OF TONGA

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

(INDIVIDUAL CONSULTING SERVICES)

Tonga Safe and Resilient Schools Project (TSRSP)

Grant No: IDA-927-TO

Assignments and Reference No.:

a) TO-MET-334815-CS-INDV: Technical Assistance for the Establishment of a Students Learning Assessments System in Tonga

b) TO-MET-334812-CS-INDV: Technical Assistance to Enhance the Capacity to Measure Education Quality through the Results of Students Learning Assessments in Tonga

The Ministry of Education and Training (MET) have received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Tonga Safe and Resilient Schools Project (TSRSP) and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services outlined below.

The consulting services (“the Services”) include the following:

a) TO-MET-334815-CS-INDV: provision of technical assistance to the Ministry of Education and Training of Tonga for the establishment of a student learning assessments system for selected subjects of class levels 1 to 6.

b) TO-MET-334812-CS-INDV: enhancing the Ministry of Education and Training of Tonga’s capacity to measure the quality of education through the results of the assessments of students learning outcomes.

It is anticipated that the assignment will commence as soon as possible for up to 4.5 years. The Consultant will be working closely with the Curriculum Development Unit (CDU) and Examination and Assessment Examination Unit (EAU) at MET to complete the assignment. The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for each assignment can be obtained by clicking on each assignment – TO-MET-334815-CS-INDV and TO-MET-334812-CS-INDV.

The Ministry of Education and Training via the TSRSP now invites eligible individuals (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in one of the above-mentioned assignments by submitting: (a) cover letter indicating your interest, (b) resume to demonstrate that you meet the minimum requirements, and (c) statement of requirements/ selection criteria. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Selection of Individual Consultants method set out in the Procurement Regulations. The selection criteria are composed of minimum requirements and scoring criteria.

The minimum requirements are

a) Qualification

• An advanced academic degree (a master’s degree would be preferable, at least) in education, social sciences, psychology, learning assessments and examinations, or a related field.

b) Experience

• At least 10 years of experience in the assessment of students’ learning outcomes through a combination of experience in, and knowledge about large-scale assessments, classroom assessments, and high-stake exams.
• Experience in the assessments of students’ learning outcomes in small states and/or Pacific Island Countries would be an advantage.
• Experience in the assessments of students’ learning outcomes to inform decisions or policies at central and school levels.
• Experience in the training of subject specialists in the development of items for assessments of students’ learning outcomes.
• Capacity to work both remotely and based in Tonga during periods to be discussed an agreed upon with the MET.

c) Skills and Knowledge.

• Knowledge of education system: Knowledge about Tonga’s education system would be an advantage and knowledge of the Item Response Theory.
• Reporting and Analytical skills: Excellent reporting and analytical skills.
• Software & Computer skills: High level computer skills including Microsoft Office software especially MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook etc.
• Communication skills: Excellent professional oral and written communication skills in English, including via email, audio/video conference, and face-to-face with stakeholders including Government officials.
• Organization skills: to work under pressure meeting project implementation timelines and deadlines. Capacity to work independently upon agreement of overarching technical requirements with the Client.
• Process oriented skills: Have strong skill in process development and orientation.
• Teamwork: Proven capacity to work with multi-disciplinary teams and deliver results in due time.
• Work Ethics: Proven high level of personal integrity and commitment to national and international professional work ethics and standards.

Candidates that meet the minimum requirements mentioned above will be scored in accordance with the following scoring criteria:

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” November 2020 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

In addition, please refer to the following specific information on conflict of interest related to this assignment as per paragraph 3.17 of the Procurement Regulations.

A firm is eligible to nominate an individual and, under such situation, only the experience and qualifications of the nominated individual shall be used in the selection process, and that (their) corporate experience shall not be taken into account. The firm, if proposing an individual, must specify whether the contract would be signed with the firm or the proposed individual.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours, 8:30am to 4:30pm.

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form with attachments of no more than 3MG, to the email address provided below.

Your application should be clearly marked as “Expression of Interest for Tonga Safe and Resilient Schools Project” by 7 February 2023.

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Matangi Tonga Online ref. #7110 Ministry of Education and Training (MET) 30 January - 7 February 2023