ECDP Research Consultancy
The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), is a private, non-denominational, international development agency established in 1967. It seeks sustainable solutions to long-term problems of poverty, hunger, illiteracy and ill-health with special emphasis on the needs of rural communities in mountainous and other resource poor regions, primarily in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Its main areas of focus are education, health, rural development, environment and strengthening civil society.
The Aga Khan Foundation (Pakistan) [AKF(P)] is seeking high caliber professionals/firms for the following Consultancy of forty five (45) working days in Balochistan with field work and extensive visits to (Gwadar, Qilla Saifullah and Quetta):
“Research study on Relevance and Effectiveness of ECDP in the context of Balochistan”Background
The Early Childhood Development Programme (ECDP) is a five-year (2010-2015) project supported by Australian Government and executed by Aga Khan Foundation (Pakistan) [AKF (P)] in partnership with Aga Khan University and local implementing partners. It is designed to improve the quality and delivery of Early Childhood Development services appropriate to the cultural, geographical and local education system context and particularly for women and children. The programme focuses on three areas; enhancement of learning abilities of children in early years, capacity development of key stake holders and increasing involvement of community in ECD interventions.
The principal programme activities include improvement of infrastructure; provision of training to educational managers, teachers, Parents Teachers School Management Committees (PTSMC), Family Resource Centre workers and families; implementing a Cluster Based Mentoring Programme and conducting a programme of research, dissemination and policy dialogue at local and national levels.
Overall Objectives1. Purpose of consultancy
AKF(P) requires the services of research consultant/firm to undertake a Research Study on Relevance and Effectiveness of ECDP in the context of Balochistan.
2. Scope of work
The consultant/firm shall devise the research design and methodology in consultation with the AKF(P). The study will involve both primary and secondary data collected through review of programme and project documents, field visits and search and exploration of new/additional data.
The study will contain the review of the programme activities, implementation and its impact on the beneficiaries and the community in view of the programme objectives.
3. Deliverables
The deliverables in this consultancy/study will include:
An initiation report outlining the research study objectives, research design and methodology.Data collection, entry and accumulation.Initial assessment and evaluation report of the findings.Summary report highlighting the main findings of the main report.Complete and final report with references based on standard guidelines.All resulting publications from this consultancy will include agreed attributions and require permissions from AKF(P).4. Payment Plan
Payable as per following schedule:
30% of the contact value as advance on signing of the contact.40% of the contact value on completion of draft report.30% of the contact value on completion and submission of final report/paper to AKF(P).AKF(P) will deduct withholding tax at source, as required by the Income Tax Ordinance of 2001.
5. ScheduleThe duration of this consultancy is of 45 working days commencing from February 15, 2015.
The number of days covers for time for planning, meetings, review of documents, data collection, draft development, editing and incorporating feedback and developing the final product.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Educational qualification and knowledge: Master degree in Education, Research, Psychology with focus on Early Childhood Development or a related discipline.Conceptual clarity on issues and challenges related to early childhood development programmes designs and implementation in underprivileged areas.Sufficient knowledge about the local cultural and regional context as well wider national and international development sector landscape.Survey and research study experience: 8-10 years of experience in conducting research and some experience of writing for peer reviewed research papers for national and international journals.4-5 years of specific experience of evaluation, impact assessment for major projects.Familiarity with policies, programmes and operating modalities of Government of Pakistan, AKDN and Australian Aid will be desirable.Skills: Evidence of well-developed project management and technical skills.Strong analytical skills for reviewing primary and secondary data, extracting key results and lessons and presenting findings effectively for a variety of audience.Strong report writing and presentation skills in English.AKF(P) offers a competitive remuneration package and conducive working environment. We are an equal opportunity employer - females are encouraged to apply.
Interested candidate/firms should forward their applications or profiles by December 14, 2014.
Please note that only short-listed candidates/firms will be contacted.
For more information about AKDN, please visit www.akdn.org
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