National Consultant Regional Mapping of STEM Education in West Africa
Organizational Context
UNESCO's Regional Multisectoral Office for West Africa (Sahel), based in Dakar, is undertaking a regional mapping of STEM education across 15 West African countries. This initiative, in collaboration with UNESCO-IISTEM, aims to strengthen STEM teaching in Africa. The project involves adapting and translating a global questionnaire to suit the sub-region's linguistic and institutional diversity. Data collection in The Gambia will be managed by a National Consultant.
Job Purpose
The National Consultant will be responsible for ensuring high-quality data collection in The Gambia for the regional mapping of STEM education in West Africa. This involves disseminating an adapted questionnaire to STEM ecosystem stakeholders, identifying and mobilizing relevant respondents from educational institutions, ministries, the private sector, and civil society organizations. The consultant will monitor response rates and data quality, provide methodological support to respondents, and report regularly on progress to the Regional Consultant. Additionally, they will contribute contextual information to support the overall regional analysis, ensuring comprehensive and representative data at the national level.
Responsibilities
The National Consultant will participate in methodological orientation sessions and develop a national dissemination and mobilization plan in coordination with the Regional Consultant. Key tasks include identifying and engaging stakeholders within The Gambia's STEM ecosystem, spanning primary, secondary, and higher education, technical and vocational training, private sector, civil society, and development partners. The consultant will disseminate the English version of the questionnaire, follow up with respondents to encourage participation, and address any queries. Regular monitoring of response rates and reporting of any national context-specific challenges to the Regional Consultant are crucial. Finally, the consultant will prepare a comprehensive final data collection report detailing the process, response rate, and identified limitations, and provide clarifications for regional analysis and report drafting.
Work Experience
Prior experience in data collection, surveys, or studies within the education sector or a related field in The Gambia is essential. A good understanding of The Gambia's education system and its STEM ecosystem stakeholders is required. Experience working with international organizations is considered an advantage.
Skills
Strong communication skills are essential for engaging with stakeholders and respondents. The ability to mobilize institutional partners effectively is crucial. Proficiency in English is mandatory. Knowledge of French or Portuguese is an asset. Experience in data collection and survey management is required. Familiarity with the education sector and STEM ecosystem in The Gambia is necessary.