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Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.
The Solomon Islands Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD) has recently finalized a National Education Action Plan (NEAP) for 2022 – 2026 and is looking to ensure the successful implementation of education priorities outlined in that plan to achieve transformative change for education and learning outcomes in Solomon Islands.
MEHRD intends to apply for a System Capacity Grant (SCG) from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) to support strengthening management systems, enabling factors, identification of priorities and strengthening of coordination around the same. The Ministry is also considering application for a Systems Transformation Grant (STG) to accelerate progress on priority areas emerging from the new National Education Action Plan (NEAP). MEHRD would then work with the established Education Development Partners Group (EDPCG) on this work.
Application for these grants requires the Ministry to complete an assessment of current systems along with how the current status support or hinders progress in global education priorities. For the purposes of GPE, this is referred to as an Enabling Factor Assessment. MEHRD would be expected to use the findings of this assessment along with sector wide consultation to then develop a Partnership Compact Arrangement. The purpose of a Compact Arrangement is to support a transformative education priority through the cohesive and coordinated approach of national agencies and donors through identifying a strategic priority to which commit action along with identified systems strengthening activities, generally informed by the EFA, to make sure the implementation of interventions is successful eg supporting policy or data collection.
While the senior management team of MEHRD have the knowledge, skills and expertise to prepare both the EFA documentation and the Compact Arrangement however, cognizant of the demands of their own workloads and the timeliness with which they want this initial work completed, they recognize that external assistance will be required. Accordingly, the consultant will work under the guidance and joint supervision from the MEHRD GPE focal point (SMT member) with the UNICEF Education Officer and Specialist based in the Solomon Islands.
Enabling Factor Assessment
Support the completion of the EFA template through:
Finalizing the drafting of commentary to evidence questions in Part 1;
Identify any additional documentation that would support the review of the four identified enabling factors for system transformation;
Ensuring all evidence files are appropriately collated, named, relevant and sufficient;
Supporting the consultations and discussions, including at provincial level on initial priorities and supporting narrative;
Facilitating with MEHRD and partners a discussion on the ability of each enabling factor to support identified priorities;
Completion of template for submission to GPE for independent review.
Partnership Compact Arrangement
A partnership compact development is a process which sets out prioritized reform for transformation which led by the Ministry of education and Human Resource development together by the local development group, known as EDPCG.
Support MEHRD and the EDPCG to develop a Partnership Compact Arrangement, including the consultations and scoping of an evidence based strategic priority and responses to the findings of the Enabling Factor Assessment. The consultant will undertake the following work/activities:
Review the findings of the independent review of the EFA to identify possible areas of systems strengthening for incorporating into the Compact Arrangements;
Facilitate and provide guidance to MEHRD consultations across partners for the drafting of an evidence based strategic priority to be addressed through a Compact Arrangement;
Draft the Compact Arrangement under the leadership of MEHRD ensuring close collaboration with the EDPCG and alignment of partners incorporating with the agreed transformative priority and systems strengthening activities;
Finalize of the Compact Arrangement document and support to MEHRD on submission to GPE.
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
Education:
Advanced degree (Masters) in Education or other social sector programme with some study/papers in policy or planning.
Experience:
A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience, preferably in the Education or other social sector with knowledge of planning and consultation and increasing responsibility for both.
Knowledge of Solomon Islands education sector and government structures and mechanisms or demonstrated ability to quickly understand these.
Language:
Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language or a local language is an asset.
Skills:
Good ability to support engagement with a range of stakeholders and build useful networks.
Must be familiar with GPE guidelines and processes or be willing to become fully familiar with the same.
Ability to quickly form relationships with a range of people and contribute to a team. Understand issues of equity, inclusion and quality in the social sector.
Good written and oral communication skills and the ability to fit message to audience.
Demonstrated ability to work in cross-cultural environments.
