Consultant
Organizational Context
UNESCO, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST) of Malawi, is seeking an individual consultant. The consultant will assess the implementation of the Readmission Policy across three education divisions: Central East, South West, and Shire Highlands. This policy, finalized in 2018 and launched in 2019, is now in its seventh year of implementation.
Job Purpose
The primary purpose of this consultancy is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the Readmission Policy's implementation within three specific education divisions in Malawi. This assessment will evaluate the extent to which the Ministry of Education, its district functionaries, schools, and communities have effectively supported and implemented the policy. The consultant will examine the dissemination of the policy to various stakeholders, the establishment of conducive learning environments, the strengthening of school-based preventive measures against dropout, the enhancement of community support mechanisms for readmitted learners, and the coordination among stakeholders at all levels. The findings will inform future strategies to improve learner retention and educational access.
Responsibilities
The consultant will undertake a thorough assessment of the Readmission Policy's implementation, focusing on its effectiveness in the Central East, South West, and Shire Highlands education divisions. Key responsibilities include evaluating the policy's dissemination to School Management Teams, teachers, learners, community leaders, parents, and guardians. The consultant will assess the implementation of readmission procedures and the creation of conducive learning environments at the school level. Furthermore, the role involves examining the effectiveness of school-based preventive measures designed to address learner dropout and the strengthening of community support systems to ensure the retention of readmitted students. The consultant will also analyze the coordination and collaboration among national, district, and school-level stakeholders in policy implementation. This will involve a desk review of relevant policy documents and EMIS reports, alongside conducting qualitative data collection through key informant interviews and focus group discussions with various stakeholders.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of practical experience is required in conducting assessment or research studies related to public health, adolescent sexual health, comprehensive sexuality education, or life skills education. Strong qualitative data collection and analysis skills, evidenced by research samples, are essential.
Skills
Essential skills include strong qualitative data collection and analysis, excellent writing abilities, communication, accountability, innovation, knowledge sharing, continuous improvement, planning, organizing, and a results-focused approach, along with teamwork.