Technical Assistance - ECE Mapping

Organizational Context

UNESCO, as the Grant Agent for the System Transformation Grant Project (STG) in Samoa, supports the Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC) in a USD 2.5 million education reform initiative funded by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE). This four-year project focuses on early childhood education (ECE), foundational learning, and technical and vocational education and training (TVET). It aligns with international, regional, and national development strategies, emphasizing teacher development, gender equality, inclusion, and community participation.

Job Purpose

This consultancy aims to address significant challenges within Samoa's Early Childhood Education (ECE) sub-sector, characterized by low participation rates and an uncertain number of unregistered centers. The primary objective is to conduct a comprehensive mapping of all ECE centers, with a specific focus on unregistered ones. This involves documenting their status, condition, and profiles, including providers, infrastructure, governance, staffing, enrollment, and learning environments. The consultancy will analyze systemic challenges, risks, and opportunities to strengthen ECE provisions and provide evidence-based recommendations for policy advice and costed planning to enhance access, participation, and quality service delivery across all ECE centers in Samoa.

Responsibilities

The consultant will design a comprehensive mapping framework and work plan, outlining the methodology for identifying unregistered ECE centers, mapping dimensions (providers, infrastructure, governance, staffing, enrollments, resources, environment), and tools (questionnaires, interviews). This framework will integrate gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI) principles and align with MEC research ethics and cultural values. The consultant will then execute the mapping through fieldwork, data collection, validation, analysis, and synthesis. Profiling of unregistered ECE centers will cover basic information, enrollment, staff qualifications, resources, governance, and community engagement. Finally, the consultant will report findings, including strengths, opportunities, gaps, risks, and challenges, and provide recommendations for policy advice, resource mobilization, and monitoring and compliance.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of experience in education planning and management is required, with proven experience in designing and implementing diagnostic assessments or sectoral evaluations. Strong skills in quantitative and qualitative research methods, data analysis, and synthesis are essential. Demonstrated knowledge of Samoa's education context, including cultural protocols and community governance, is necessary. Experience with GEDSI principles and willingness to travel across Samoa are also required.

Skills

Key competencies include communication, accountability, innovation, knowledge sharing, continuous improvement, planning and organizing, and results focus. Teamwork is also essential. Proficiency in quantitative and qualitative research methods, data analysis, and synthesis is critical for this role.

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