REPUBLIC TAJIKISTAN

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND SCIENCE OF THE REPUBLIC OF TAJIKISTAN

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT – FOUNDATION OF QUALITY 

EDUCATION PROJECT

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT 

ON DEVELOPING THE SECTION OF PEDAGOGICAL ENVIRONMENT OF THE NATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING ENVIRONMENT FOR PROJECT LEARN

1. Background 

 The Government of the Republic of Tajikistan has received grant funding in the amount of US$50.0 million from the World Bank for the implementation of the "Learning Environment – Foundation of Quality Education Project” (the Project, LEARN) during 2023-2029. The Project will be implemented by the Ministry of Education and Science (MoES), and in close coordination with the Agency for Supervision in the Sphere of Education and Science (ASSES). 

2. Project Description

The Project Development Objective is to enhance the quality of teaching and learning environments in selected general secondary schools. “Teaching and Learning environment” in this project refers to the complete physical, social, and pedagogical context in which learning is intended to occur. The teaching and learning environment in this project is defined as consisting of the skills and competencies of teachers and physical learning spaces where learning occurs . It is school settings (not just classrooms) and contexts in which students learn and teachers teach within the school premises.

The Project consists of the following components: 

1. Component 1: Development of the National Framework for Teaching and Learning Environment (Framework) for Better Teaching and Learning Practices. The component activities will review the current teaching and learning environment standards and practices, and develop a new framework that will be adopted nationwide and implemented in the project schools (selected under Component 2). The component activities will review and revise the national level processes for monitoring and evaluating the teaching and learning environment - so that they hold schools accountable and promote their improvement; and enhance the quality of teaching and learning in classrooms through in-service training for teachers and informed by the new national framework. 

2. Component 2: Improvement of the Quality and Resilience of Teaching and Learning Environments. The second component would assist selected schools in: (i) rehabilitation of physical infrastructure to meet minimum teaching and learning standards defined in the new national framework as well as reduce shifts and increase teaching/learning time; and (ii) modernization to accelerate quality improvement of teaching and learning in collaboration with other donors. 

3. Component 3: Building Capacity in Education Assessments and Project Management The third component would support capacity development in the MoES, including the capacity to carry out national and international learning assessments.

 

Implementation of the Framework will entail enhancement of pedagogical practices used in Tajikistan. For this purpose, within the subcomponent 1.2 the Ministry of Education and Science is hiring a consultant to “Develop the section for pedagogical environment of the national framework for teaching and learning environment in Tajikistan”. 

In based of suggestions of International and interagency working group under the MoES the structure of the Draft of the National Framework include 4 main components as Governance environment, Pedagogical Environment, Physical Environment and Assessment. The National Framework will be based on best international practice and will be adapted to the local context. Additionally, the National Framework will be used for monitoring and assessment in teaching and learning environment in primary and secondary schools. The individual consultant will be hired to strengthen the work of the working group created at the Ministry of Education and Science and will contribute to the development of the Framework. 

3. Objectives of the Assignment 

The objective of the assignment is to assess and develop recommendations to enhance pedagogical practices that affect the quality and effectiveness of the teaching and learning environments in Tajikistan's schools. This analysis will inform and contribute to the development of the Framework. The other main objectives of this assignment are conducting assessment of the pedagogical practices and contribution in the development of the pedagogical environment chapter of National Framework. As well, collaboration and stakeholder engagement as international consultant, interagency working group, project consultants for improving and ensuring the quality of the development of National Framework, capacity building and implementation support of the piloting process and drafting of implementation plan for the National Framework. Since the National Framework is an important government document on which various agencies and interdepartmental groups will provide their feedback and comments’ regarding it’s improving, review and finalization will be also the other objectives of the assignment for the consultant in the development of the National Framework.

4. Scope of Services:

The scope of work will include but not be limited to the following. 

Assessment of pedagogical practices:

a) conduct comprehensive analysis of current pedagogical policies and practices and their impact on learning environment; 

b) review of existing practices of leveraging the potential of learning environments;

c) review the curriculum and methodological materials on modern pedagogy;

d) develop and recommend innovative pedagogical approaches and integration of best practices from global standards.

Framework development contribution

a) in accordance with the structure of the National Framework document proposed by international and local consultants, develops a section of the Pedagogical Environment and takes into account new requirements, including international practices to improve the quality education;

b) in close cooperation with international and local consultants, MoES working group, ASSES and other agencies, prepare a draft a new National Framework for the Teaching and Learning Environment (especially but not limited to the Pedagogical Environment);

c) collaborates with the international and local consultants to develop new teaching and learning practices in primary and secondary education, participates in the consultation with all interested parties about these practices;

d) Inform the work by existing and planned studies of TEACH Secondary and School User Survey.

Collaboration and stakeholder engagement: 

a) coordinate with the Chief of secondary general education Department (MOES), International Consultant, working groups, relevant departments, subdivisions/institutions of the Ministry of Education and Science to align the results of the review with the overarching goals and methodologies of LEARN Project; 

b) work with other national consultants hired to contribute to the development of the national framework to ensure a holistic approach to the framework development;

c) collaborate with Working Group members to refine project outcomes and integrate diverse viewpoints into the final recommendations; 

a) liaise closely with all key stakeholders as part of the development of the National Framework for Teaching and Learning Environment;

b) facilitate consultations with government officials, school leaders, teachers, parents, and students to gather diverse perspectives on governance issues;

c) participate in all meetings and events related to the development of the Framework within the activities of the LEARN Project.

Capacity building and implementation support

a) coordinates capacity building to educators, school management and staff across educational institutions to implement the National Framework in relation to the new teaching and learning practices for classrooms and labs in primary and secondary education; leads the development of training material and processes; 

b) assists the international and local consultants in the development of indicators for the assessment of quality education;

e) assists the international and local consultants in the development of a piloting plan of the National Framework.

Review and finalization

a) With the support of international and local consultants, participates in finalizing, revising and approval processes of the National Teaching and Learning Environment Framework;

b) make necessary and timely suggestions for improvements in the development of the National Framework for Teaching and Learning Environment;

c) provide a timely report on the work performed within a month to the chief specialist for component 1 and, if necessary, daily information on the progress of tasks;

d) performs other duties that arise during the development of the National Framework for the Teaching and Learning Environment, not specified in these terms of reference.

5. Deliverables: 

# Deliverables Timeframe (after contract signing) % Of contract payment 

1 Provide an initial report, including an assessment of pedagogical practices, review of the table of contents of the Pedagogical Environment chapter of the National Framework and a short report about the:

a) chapter with key points that should be included in the drafting;

b) collaboration and stakeholder engagement. July – August 2024

3 weeks 

2 An interim report containing: 

(i) development the draft of the National Framework for the Teaching and Learning Environment (especially but not limited to the Pedagogical Environment); (ii) drafting of implementation plan for the National Framework; (iii) short report about the Framework development contribution and collaboration and stakeholder engagement. August - September 2024

6 weeks 

3 Final report containing: 

(i) the section of Pedagogical Environment should be finalized and the National Framework for Teaching and Learning would be approved by the responsible authority; (ii) a presentation of the document will be held with the participation of interested parties; (iii) a report should be provided on the completion of the consultant’s work in accordance with this technical task. October- November 2024

8 weeks 50%

6. Qualification and personal requirements

The consultant should have the following qualifications: 

a) Master’s degree/or equivalent in education, development studies, social sciences, or related field;

b) Experience in working on reforms in the field of education, especially in the development of regulatory documents in the field of education; 

c) At least 7 years of professional experience in the education system of Tajikistan specifically in teacher training and capacity building

d) Work experience on donor-funded projects and/or working with international organizations/development partners will be an advantage;

e) Excellent analytical and writing skills; good communication skills, ability to work with a team and independently;

f) Knowledge of Russian and Tajik languages is required; knowledge of English will be an advantage;

g) Good knowledge of Microsoft Office programs [Word, PowerPoint, Excel]; experience in working with internet, email and ZOOM meetings.

 

7. Reporting Obligations Qualification and personal requirements

The consultant will report to Project Director and will work under the direction of Project Coordinator and Chief Education Specialist.  

8. Assignment Duration 

The consultancy will be for 5 (five) months, starting on July 25st, 2024.

9. Other related terms and conditions

Payment terms: This is a lump sum contract and will be inclusive of all professional fees, travel costs as well and any taxes due to be paid in Tajikistan. Payment will be made against deliverables as specified in the item 5 of this contract. 

Collaboration: The consultant will facilitate regular meetings with the working group and where necessary representatives of other relevant agencies to provide feedback, solve any challenges as they arise, and ensure the inclusion of stakeholders. 

Language: Final deliverables will be developed and presented in Tajik.  Translation to Russian and English will be supported by the MoES. 

Proprietary rights: All documentation prepared by the Project over the course of the proposed assignment shall be confidential and become and remain the absolute property of the Government of Tajikistan.

Equipment and other expenditures of the consultancy: The consultant, at their own expense, will procure office accessories (computer technics, software) required for its tasks and other equipment and technical means required for the implementation of this assignment. The consultant will be responsible for technical maintenance of equipment and will work from their own office unless undertaking in-country travel or site visits.  

During country/site visits: The MoES will provide appropriate office premises and necessary equipment such as WIFI connectivity as well as necessary translation services.