Time frame: October 20, 2018 – January 20 2018
Position: Expert in conducting a Research on functional gaps of regional pedagogical-psychological support (Resource) centers.
Location: Armenia, Provinces of Tavush, Syunik and Lori
Starting date: October 20, 2018
Introduction
This ToR defines the modalities and deliverables of the research that is to be carried out for the purposes of the project, titled “Inclusive and Equitable quality education for All”, funded by Caritas Germany.
The overall objective of the project is as follows: “To contribute to the establishment of inclusive and equitable quality education for all, in accordance with SDG 4”.
Within the framework of the project the Research will be conducted to identify gaps, issues and main challenges of the implementation of universal inclusive education in connection to the functions of the newly established regional pedagogical-psychological support (Resource) centers, as defined by the Decision of the Government of Armenia # 1058-Ն on Republican and Regional pedagogic-psychological support centers, hereinafter referred to as “Resource Centers”.
About Armenian Caritas: The Armenian Caritas Benevolent Organization was established in May 1995. The establishment of Armenian Caritas in the North of Armenia, Shirak Region, Gyumri city was initiated by the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and the Armenian Catholic Church to deliver direct assistance to the most vulnerable groups of the society. Armenian Caritas is a non-governmental organization registered in the RA Ministry of Justice.
The mission of Armenian Caritas is: “Serve different vulnerable groups with love and compassion, respecting the dignity of each individual”.
Armenian Caritas is a strong and significant role player in consolidation of social justice and social protection in the Republic of Armenia.
Armenian Caritas sees itself as the expression and an instrument of charity of the Armenian Catholic Church. Accordingly, Armenian Caritas seeks to organize and implement humanitarian and charitable actions in favor of persons and social groups living under difficult conditions without religious, national or racial discriminations. Moreover, Armenian Caritas views itself as an important force in actively promoting the democratic and developmental changes in Armenia. Armenian Caritas strives to work with families, uphold family values, and empower parents to be involved in healthy parenting values.
Currently the Organization implements around 50 projects in 4 regions of Armenia: Lori, Gegharkunik, Ararat, Shirak and Yerevan. Annually it reaches 150,000 people living in poverty.
Objectives of the Assignment
The assignment combines the elaboration of the research methodology, conducting of the research and preparing an Analytical Report with information on the gaps, challenges and problems in different aspects of the functions of the Resource Centers in the Provinces of Armenia, where universal inclusive education is already a reality. The analytical Research report will include:
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correlation of the geographical accessibility of Resource centers towards the schools of attendance of children with disabilities in designated Provinces;
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correlation of the number of staff, employed by the Resource centers towards the number of children with disabilities, who are in need of its services in the designated Provinces;
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availability or lack of professional capacities of the Resource Centers;
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need for specific trainings and capacity building for the staff of the Resource Centers;
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need for equipment and other resources, enabled to provide quality and accessible education for children with disabilities;
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constraints experienced by the families of these children, children themselves, teachers and the multifunctional teams of the schools;
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infrastructural constraints and accessibility issues, that set barriers for the children to use the services of the territorial Resource Centers;
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constraints of cooperation and coordination for the institutions’ administrations;
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possibilities to overcome the barriers;
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possibility of cooperation with kindergartens;
Through the Research the main gaps and barriers should be identified for the children with disabilities and their families for the kindergarten and school-age, who are currently attending the mentioned institutions and also those, who are not able to attend the kindergartens and schools for different reasons.
The Research will show the real situation in implementation of the universal inclusive education in Armenia with detailed information on the reasons of failure, challenges, opportunities and successes, as well as will provide concrete recommendations for improvements.
The expected outcome is to find out the problems which keep the families and the children out of attending the kindergartens, preschool educational and schools and to find the solutions that can help them make a step towards development of their children. The output is the analytical Research report with findings on the gaps and challenges of the functioning of Resource Centers, its cooperation with schools and kindergartens, recommendations on improvement and solution to the revealed problems.
Detailed Tasks and Expected output:
The person in coordination with the team leader will undertake the following tasks:
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Conduct a desk review of existing situation in Armenia along with statistics, available national studies, evaluations and reports, and data from relevant ministries and agencies;
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Submit an inception report for carrying out the research;
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Develop and evaluate methods of data collection, such as questionnaires or interviews;
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Submit finalized tools/questionnaires to AC project team;
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Analyze the data paying special attention to the educational needs of the children/youth with disabilities as required by the project;
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Prepare an analytical report with findings on the gaps, challenges, problems and recommendations for the improved service provision, cooperation and capacity building needs of the Resource Centers;
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Consult with and advise the project team on Research findings;
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Analyze the results of the Research and submit the draft comprehensive report on findings and concrete recommendations to AC;
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Provide report both in English and Armenian;
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Present the Research findings and recommendations in public event, organized within the project.
Experience and Competencies required:
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University degree in sociology or statistics or a related field;
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Solid experience in conducting sociological research;
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Proven track-record of successful sectoral analysis;
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Proven sufficient capacities that ensure a successful completion and high quality of deliverables;
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Proven knowledge and experience in good data analysis;
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Profound and comprehensive knowledge on Education System, inclusive education reforms and disability issues in the RA;
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Fluency both in Armenian and English for key research staff;
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Excellent analytical skills;
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Excellent listening, observational and verbal communication skills;
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Sensitivity, empathy and rapport.
Duration of task completion
The assignment is estimated to commence from October 15th, 2018 through January 15th, 2019.
Key deliverables/Outputs
The tenure of the conduction of Research will tentatively be three months beginning in October 2018. Following are the deliverables of the assignment.
1. Inception report on the assignment in English, which will include a work plan for research conduction, the research methodology, tools and techniques, based on the conducted desk review.
2. Elaboration of Research questionnaires.
3. Conducting of research at selected locations.
4. Submission of the list with data collected in Excel format.
5. Final report of the assignment with the following minimum content:
Introduction
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Description of the analytical tools and methods of the data collection
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Review of the situation round Armenia
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Review of the situation in Tavush, Syunik and Lori regions specifically
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Report on the field data collection
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Analysis of the collected data
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Description of the finding on the overall crosscutting phenomena
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General socio-economic reasons, correlated with the implementation of universal inclusive education
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Overall recommendations for the implementation and lessons learned
The selected candidate/s will work closely with the Program team. All deliverables will be submitted to AC and project donors on the date mutually agreed during the inception meeting. The reports will be reviewed by AC team.
Procedure for submission of expression of interest
Interested consultants should submit the below mentioned documents by 17:30 on October 15, 2018.
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An updated CV (Maximum 4 pages)
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A proposal which should include a work schedule setting out the milestones for the tasks of the Research with the envisaged methods, as well as the budget including all expenses and proposed payment terms.
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Applications may be submitted by individuals or a team.
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The submitted application should fully comply with the requirements set forth in the ToR.
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Deadlines for carrying out the evaluation.
The technical proposal should have the following characteristics (in English):
1. Cover indicating:
Name, person, evaluation team, etc.
Title of the project
Contact details
Work experience in any similar work done over the last three years
2. Technical bid, to include:
Detailed CVs of the member (s) of the team who will carry out the survey
3. Working methodology, to include:
Objectives of the survey.
Preliminary proposal for methodologies, focusing on rights, gender issues, etc.
Preliminary proposal for information sources (documentary, key informants, beneficiaries, other stakeholders, etc.)
4. Work schedule, to include:
Research tasks
Time planning for the review and reporting deadlines (detailed schedule)
5. Proposal for the report, giving details of its main features (draft inception report)
6. Budget, to include:
All expenses incurred in the carrying-out of the survey and proposed payment terms
Financial bid, broken down into as much detail as possible
If applicable, include VAT
Application:
In order to participate in the tender process, the bidder should submit the Applications to: a.gevorgyan@caritas.am and info@caritas.am by October 15, 2018, in accordance with the data provided at the end of these TOR.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Applications not including all the required documents will be disqualified.
Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.