National Education and Skills Strengthening Project (ESSP) Coordinator 372 views

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

(INDIVIDUAL CONSULTING SERVICES)

Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI)

Education and Skills Strengthening Project

Grant no.: IDA-D7600

Assignment Title: National ESSP Coordinator, Ebeye

Reference No.: MH-MOE-303196-CS-INDV

The Government of the Republic of Marshall Islands has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Education and Skills Strengthening Project (ESSP) and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The consulting services (“the Services”) will assist the Project Manager and the rest of the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) to effectively implement the World- Bank funded project.

The assignment will focus on supporting ESSP project activities related to component 1,2 and 3 on the atoll and will be based in Ebeye and will provide oversight of all ESSP activities in the atoll in consultation with coordinators for components 1,2, and 3.

. This consulting assignment is a long-term position (24 months) to be located in Ebeye, RMI.

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment is indicated in the attached Terms of Reference (ToR).

The National Training Council now invites eligible individuals (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services (attach a Cover Letter of no more than four (4) pages addressing the mandatory experience and qualification requirements curriculum vitae with description of experience in similar assignments, similar conditions, etc.). Firms’ staff may express interest through the employing firm for the assignment and, under such situation, only the experience and qualifications of individuals shall be considered in the selection process. The criteria for electing the Consultant are:

1. Mandatory Qualification and Experience

• Associate or Bachelor’s level degree (with a major in a relevant discipline such as Social Sciences, Social Services, Education, Management, or similar areas of expertise in social sectors
• At least 5 years of experience in the Education and training sector with some management experience
• Experience working with public sector related programs or projects and a deep understanding of the similar program
• Good knowledge of productivity softwaresuites such as Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel and ability to use these applications to perform tasks on the job.
• Fluent in both Marshallese and English language

1. Desired Qualification and Experience

• Knowledge of the vocational skills and training sector
• Experience in working in the Education and Skills area;
• Knowledge of general principles of procurement, financial management, and safeguards requirements, policies, and practices;
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team, to work collaboratively to achieve goals, and ability to plan multiple activities simultaneously, to prioritize of tasks to meet deadlines, and quality expectations, to identify complex issues and to respond and handle accordingly;
• Work experience that demonstrates project management experience and monitoring and evaluation plans to determine program results and monitor impact;
• Experience working with development partners such as WB, ADB, JICA, EU/EIB.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to tailor messages so that they can resonate with the different audiences they encounter

The attention of interested Consultants (including firms) is drawn to paragraph 3.14, 3.16 and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” July 2016 revised November 2017 “Procurement Regulations”, setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours; 0900 to 1700 hours local time.

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by e-mail) by 5:00pm, 30 August, 2022. The subject line should state: “National ESSP Coordinator, Ebeye– full name of the candidate”.

Julius Lucky
Director

National Training Council
ntcdr@ntcinfo.org : mel_manager@ntcinfo.org
Phone: 692 625-4521

Cc:

Malie Tarbwillin

Assistant Secretary,
Division of International Development Assistance
didadirector@gmail.com : filipesefeti@gmail.com

Phone: 692 625 5968

Susan Kommwa

Project Manager, ESSP

suekommwa@gmail.com

Phone: +265 999 521 818

Republic of the Marshall Islands

Ministry of Education, Sports and Training

Terms of Reference

Individual Consultant

1. BACKGROUND

The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) is one of the world’s smallest, most isolated, and vulnerable nations. The country consists of 29 atolls and five individual islands (24 out of these 34 atolls and islands are inhabited). It covers an area of 1.9 million square km (around the size of Mexico) but has just 181 square km in land area (around the size of Washington, DC). The population was estimated at 58,413 in 2018, of which around 28,000 (53 percent) reside in Majuro (the country’s capital) and 10,000 (18 percent) in Ebeye, the two largest urban centers. Its low elevation makes the country highly vulnerable to natural and climate related disasters threatening the physical viability of some areas of the main and more remote outer islands (OI).

Project summary

ESSP aims to increase access to and quality of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) opportunities and improve labor market outcomes for Marshallese beneficiaries in RMI and abroad. This project is designed to address the RMI’s challenges in building and using its human capital. In RMI, participation in secondary and post-secondary education and training as well as poor academic performance across the board is a main concern. And the labor market in RMI faces a dual challenge of skills gaps and a high formal sector unemployment (especially among youth). The Project was approved by the World Bank’s Board of Directors on 21^st January 2021 and declared effective on 6^th April, 2021. The International Development Association (IDA) grant for the proposed operation is US$10 million.

The key stakeholders to this project include the Ministry of Education, Sports and Training (MOEST), Public-School System (PSS), the National Training Council (NTC), and the Ministry of Finance, Banking and Postal Services, Division of International Development Assistance (DIDA).

This project will support the following:

1. Improvement in the general secondary education to increase acquisition of foundational skills (Math and English)
2. Expansion and improvements in the supply of technical and vocational training programs, specialization tracks within secondary schools, accredited college-level programs in post-secondary institutions, and shorter programs by governmental and non-governmental organizations.
3. Strengthening of the labor market intermediation services in the country such as workforce planning, counseling and career guidance, employment center, recognition of prior learning, work placement program, etc.
4. Project management and monitoring and evaluation. Financing M & E activities would complement existing M&E systems in collecting relevant data for monitoring the project, inform needed course-correction, and evaluate outcomes of activities. As part of building MOEST capacity, the component would finance assessments, the development of a roadmap and action to prepare for (including make efficiency gains where possible) and navigate any changes in the level of, or access to, resources or services and ways of working which may alter as a result of the Compact renegotiations process.

The project also aims to improve equity, especially related to women’s participation in TVET and in the work force and related to students, especially boys, from islands other than Majuro and Ebeye.

By following best practice in building schools of the future, embedding programs in clear pathways for continuing education, increasing participation of employers in training development and delivery, and recognizing the importance of migration, activities are designed to ultimately increase the likelihood of enrollment in further studies and employment in RMI and abroad, especially for the most disadvantaged students and job-seeker.

NTC and PSS are the technical leads for their component(s). Each Agency has assigned one staff to manage the activities for about 30 percent of their work program. Of the project support a PIU comprised two coordinators, one for NTC and one for PSS, one administrative assistant, and one project manager. Additional staff will include 1 coordinator for Eyebe, communication specialist and 1 M&E specialist. To maximize coordination and efficiency, the PIU is located within the NTC’s office.

1. OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The National ESSP Coordinator, Ebeye will support the Project Manager and work alongside the Project Coordinators for Components 1, 2 and 3 to ensure a holistic implementation of the project in Kwajalein atoll. The National ESSP Coordinator, Ebeye will actively work as part of a team (the PIU) though based in Ebeye.

III.       SCOPE OF SERVICES

The National ESSP Coordinator, Ebeye will undertake a leading role in implementation of activities under component 1,2 and 3 on the atoll and will be based in Ebeye and will provide oversight of all ESSP activities in the atoll in consultation with coordinators for components 1,2, and 3.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities of the National ESSP Coordinator, Ebeye will include, inter alia:

1. Support Technical Coordination of component 1 activities in Kwajalein atoll: in liaison with Component 1 Coordinator based in Majuro, coordinate project activities that are encapsulated by Component 1 of the project with a view to ensuring these activities are implemented in a manner consistent with the Project Operations Manual (POM) and in way that ensures progress towards meeting project result indicators. Specific responsibilities will include:

• Subcomponent 1.1: Coordinate and support the design of the differentiated pedagogical approaches and training of principal, vice-principal and teachers of all public secondary schools. This includes: ensuring that the activities integrate lessons learned from global best practices; supporting systems for principals, vice-principals and teachers to receive continuous guidance and mentoring in implementing this new approach in consultation with Component 1 Coordinator.

• Subcomponent 1.2: In consultation with Component 1 Coordinator, support and coordinate the roll-out of the new vocational and islands skills tracks in Kwajalein Atoll Secondary Schools. This will include supporting consultants’ (firms or individuals) consultations and actual implementation of activities under the subcomponent 1.2 to ensure that the activities integrate lessons learned from global best practices; establishing systems to advertise (communicate the value and requirements) of the different tracks; establishing a fair and equitable process for selecting and enrolling students in different tracks.

• Subcomponent 1.3: In consultation with Component 1 Coordinator, support the expansion and improvement of accommodation services for Kwajalein atoll students. This will include assisting in the coordination of the assessment of accommodation needs in Kwajalein atoll through discussions with representatives of public secondary schools as well as parents and students from Kwajalein atoll and other local stakeholder such as local governments; Facilitate consultations between the consultants and stakeholders to improve upon the design of the facilities and the training of house mothers and fathers; support developing processes and guidelines (building on and improving upon existing practices) to allocate dormitory spaces.

1. Support Technical Coordination of Component 2 activities in Kwajalein: in consultation with Component Coordinator 2 and 3, coordinate all project activities that are encapsulated by component 2 of the project with a view to ensuring these activities are implemented in a manner consistent with the Project Operations Manual (POM) and in way that ensures progress towards meeting project result indicators. Specific responsibilities will include:

• Subcomponent 2.1: Market-relevant TVET and skills development programs. This subcomponent will support the design and delivery of demand-driven skills development programs through: (a) providing training grants to training providers for training activities; and (b) construction, rehabilitation and equipping of training facilities. The National ESSP Coordinator, Ebeye will work closely with Component 2 and 3 Coordinator to ensure successful implementation of activities under this subcomponent, including by:
  • Lead consultations with training providers and other stakeholders within Kwajalein atoll
  • Monitor payment of training stipend
  • Confirm students’ participation, attendance and use of dormitories
  • In liaison with the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, Interview teachers and principals to document successes, challenges, and recommendations.

• Subcomponent 2.2: Equitable access to TVET training and to skills development programs. This subcomponent will support the expansion of the existing financial and in-kind support to students participating in programs developed under subcomponent 2.1. The subcomponent will finance the construction and/or rehabilitation of dormitories in Majuro for TVET students from outer islands. For short skills development programs, the project will support the expansion of the stipends that NTC currently provides to enrolled trainee’s conditional on attendance. The project will also support the supply of childcare services (finance venues, material, and caregiver fees and training) to encourage female participation in training. The National ESSP Coordinator, Ebeye will lead implementation of activities under this subcomponent in Kwajalein, including by:
• Ensuring support is provided so that Outer Island students are enrolled in TVET skills development programs
• Working with stakeholders to facilitate the development of daycare services with support from the project
• Conducting monitoring visits to construction sites to check on progress and inform management of any arising issues whenever possible

1. Support Technical Coordination of Component 3 Activities: Strengthening the institutions for workforce development. This component aims to strengthen workforce planning, recognition of skills, and employment services with a view to improving labor market outcomes for Marshallese at home and abroad.

• Subcomponent 3.1: Improved labor market information. The subcomponent will facilitate and support the training of NTC staff to carry out collection and analysis of labor market information, including data sharing with stakeholders, through technical assistance and equipping such staff with relevant hardware and software. The National ESSP Coordinator, Ebeye will offer implementation support of subcomponent 3.1 which will be led by the component coordinator.

• Subcomponent 3.2: Career counseling and job matching services. The subcomponent will support the enhancement of career counseling and employment services targeting students and jobseekers through: (a) developing and adapting relevant tools for academic and career guidance and job coaching; (b) rehabilitating and improving of employment center and outreach facilities; (c) equipping such center and with relevant hardware, software, materials and furnishings; (d) training, networking and coaching of career counselors; and (e) communications and awareness raising strategies and associated resources, including career fairs. Academic and career counseling will be offered in all public elementary and secondary schools, at CMI and USP, as well as in NTC’s employment centers. The National ESSP Coordinator, Ebeye will support the Component 2 and 3 Coordinator by:
• Coordinating of counselors around Kwajalein atoll and ensure career counseling services are expanded and reach more clients in Kwajalein atoll
• Together with PIU M&E staff, ensuring monitoring and evaluation is conducted and provide ideas on improving these career counseling and job matching services
• Monitor rehabilitation and equipment centers to ensure that work is being done in a satisfactory manner

• Subcomponent 3.3: Recognition of Prior Learning. The subcomponent will support the establishment of a system for recognition of prior learning (RPL) through: (a) technical assistance to develop the system; (b) communication campaign to raise awareness on the value and existence of RPL; and (c) assessment costs associated with RPL for selected individuals. The National ESSP Coordinator, Ebeye will support with the implementation of activities under this subcomponent, including by:
• Coordination with key stakeholders within the atoll, including training providers and employers on rolling out the RPL
• In liaison with the Communication consultant, facilitate the communications campaign in support of RPL as appropriate

• Subcomponent 3.4: Work placement program. The subcomponent will support work placements through (a) technical assistance to design a work placement program; (b) providing a work placement payment to work placement beneficiaries; and (c) the M&E of such program. The work placement payment will be paid by NTC directly to jobseekers who are provided with a work placement. In order to maximize the development of soft skills among beneficiaries, the work placement program will be linked to compulsory classes/short coursework on soft skills that are provided by NTC. The National ESSP Coordinator, Ebeye will support the implementation of activities under this subcomponent, including by:
• Coordination with key stakeholders, including employers

(d) Support program implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the program

In consultation with the project manager, the coordinator will support project implementation by;

• Participating in project meetings, mission by articulating issues arising within Kwajalein Atoll
• Participate in the formulation of Annual Work Plan and Budget
• Coordinate consultation meetings between various project consultant’ and stakeholders
• Facilitate/contribute to monitoring visits within Kwajalein Atoll
• Undertake monitoring visits and inform the Project Manager of progress of various activities and issues requiring corrective action

1. INSTITUTIONAL AND ORGANIZATION ARRANGEMENTS

The National ESSP Coordinator, Ebeye will report directly to the ESSP Project Manager. The Consultant will be working closely with Ministry of Education, Sports and Training (MOEST), Public-School System (PSS), the National Training Council (NTC), and the Ministry of Finance, Banking and Postal Services, Division of International Development Assistance (DIDA), and other relevant stakeholders.

1. DURATION, LOCATION, CONDITIONS

The position is a full-time position to be located in Ebeye.  The duration will be for 24 months with the opportunity to extend based on performance and budget availability. The position would be subject to a probationary period of three (3) months.

The Government of RMI will provide the Financing Agreements, WB Guidelines, and all the existing reports and materials related to the Project. The RMI will provide office space, general office supplies and office equipment.

VI .      OUTPUTS AND DELIVERABLES

The deliverables of the coordinator will include, but not be limited to, the following:

• Contribution to annual work plans and budget plans
• Contribution to Financial Forecasts
• Contribution to the half yearly and annual progress reports as requested by the Financing Agreement
• Monthly progress report and report for the Mid-term review of the project
• High quality and timely implementation of activities
• Contribution to Terms of references and technical specification documents
• Presentations for meetings including Project Steering Committee meetings
• Field monitoring reports                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

VII.  QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

1. Mandatory Qualification and Experience

• Associate or Bachelor’s level degree (with a major in a relevant discipline such as Social Sciences, Social Services, Education, Management, or similar areas of expertise in social sectors
• At least 5 years of experience in the Education and training sector with some management experience
• Experience working with public sector related programs or projects and a deep understanding of the similar program
• Good knowledge of productivity softwaresuites such as Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel and ability to use these applications to perform tasks on the job.
• Fluent in both Marshallese and English language

1. Desired Qualification and Experience

• Knowledge of the vocational skills and training sector
• Experience in working in the Education and Skills area;
• Knowledge of general principles of procurement, financial management, and safeguards requirements, policies, and practices;
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team, to work collaboratively to achieve goals, and ability to plan multiple activities simultaneously, to prioritize of tasks to meet deadlines, and quality expectations, to identify complex issues and to respond and handle accordingly;
• Work experience that demonstrates project management experience and monitoring and evaluation plans to determine program results and monitor impact;
• Experience working with development partners such as WB, ADB, JICA, EU/EIB.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to tailor messages so that they can resonate with the different audiences they encounter