Consultant to Conduct a Needs Assessment

Job description

FORUM FOR AFRICAN WOMEN EDUCATIONALISTS OF ZAMBIA (FAWEZA)

CONSULTANT REQUIRED TO CONDUCT A NEEDS ASSESSMENT FOR A BRIDGING PROGRAMME FOR STEM COURSES IN ZAMBIAN UNIVERSITIES

Forum for African Women Educationalists of Zambia (FAWEZA) with support from Mastercard Foundation through FAWE Africa is inviting qualified consultants or consultancy firms to conduct a Needs Assessment (NA) for the proposed Bridging Programme for STEM Courses in Zambian Universities.

Background Information
Forum for African Women Educationalists of Zambia (FAWEZA) is a beacon of hope in Zambia’s education sector, advocating for girls, women, and youths’ empowerment through education focused on gender equity and equality. With a long history spanning decades, the organisation has become instrumental in shaping policies and creating transformative educational environments that foster equality and inclusiveness.

The Mastercard Foundation Bursary Support programme is a seven-year bursary initiative titled: “Second Chance Pathways for Increased Access to Tertiary Education for Marginalized Young Women and Men”. FAWEZA is working to increase access to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) tertiary education for marginalized youth aged 15-25 years.
The proposed Bridging Course Programme will serve as an innovative fourth entry pathway, offering a one-year certificate course to help young people transition into university-level STEM programmes. To ensure the programme is responsive to Zambia’s context, FAWEZA will undertake a Needs Assessment to inform the curriculum design and implementation strategy.

Objectives of the Needs Assessment

1. To determine the feasibility of introducing a Bridging Course Programme for prospective STEM students at university level.
2. To identify education gaps, needs and recommend a responsive curriculum framework for the Bridging Course.
Scope of Work
FAWEZA is seeking the services of a consultant / consultancy firm to conduct the needs assessment for a period of 60 days from signing of the contract. The consultant is required to:
i. Review relevant reports and education policy documents.
ii. Design and administer surveys, questionnaires, Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs).
iii. Engage stakeholders including learners, teachers, parents, NGOs, church bodies, tertiary institutions, curriculum specialists and task force members.
iv. Analyse data using qualitative and quantitative tools/software (e.g., SPSS, Excel).
v. Convene consultative and validation meetings with stakeholders.
vi. Develop and present a comprehensive report with clear recommendations for course design, naming, and rollout strategy.

Expected Deliverables

i. Inception Report detailing methodology, tools, sample, and timelines.
ii. Draft Needs Assessment Report.
iii. Facilitation of stakeholder consultative and validation meetings.
iv. Final Report with actionable recommendations.

Consultant Qualifications

i. Expertise in O-level and A-level education and curriculum development.
ii. At least five (5) years of experience conducting Needs Assessments or related educational evaluations.
iii. Demonstrated experience in data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and report writing.
iv. Familiarity with STEM education and tertiary education systems in Zambia is an added advantage.

Ethical Considerations

The consultant must:

i. Disclose any conflicts of interest.
ii. Secure informed consent from participants.
iii. Ensure confidentiality, especially when working with minors.
iv. Comply with ethical research protocols.
v. Duration of Assignment
vi. The assignment is expected to be completed within 60 days from contract signing.

Payment Terms

Professional fees will be paid in tranches based on deliverables:

30% upon submission of Inception Report.
30% upon submission of Draft Report.
40% upon approval of the Final Report.

Tender Requirements

Interested consultants / consulting firms must submit a technical and financial proposals including a company profile outlining experience and capability to undertake required services. The following documentation must be attached for firms:

a) Copy of Company Registration Certificate.
b) Copy of Tax Registration Certificate.
c) Copy of Tax Clearance Certificate.
d) NAPSA Registration
e) PACRA print out and
f) Relevant CVs or company profile,
g) Evidence of similar work conducted previously,
h) Two (3) traceable references.
While individuals must provide items (f) to (h) above.

Other Conditions

Assignment delivery should be within 60 days upon signing of contract.

Conditions of Application

All proposals must be addressed to: The Executive Director, Forum for African Women Educationalists, Zambia Chapter, Plot 6680, Chiwalamabwe Road, Olympia Park, Lusaka.

Deadline for submission: Monday, 31st March 2025, at 16:00 hours, through Email: faweza@faweza.org.zm or fawezans@gmail.com

Late submissions will not be considered.