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ECCD centre programmes are critical in providing the positive experiences that children aged 3-5 need to build a strong foundation for learning and holistic development. In this context, considering that quality of ECCD programmes is pivotal in determining the impact and outcomes for children, the aspiration for high quality programmes underpins all efforts and initiatives in Bhutan. To realize this goal, the growing need for ECCD facilitators with higher qualifications and specialized professional training needs to be addressed as the skills and knowledge of ECCD practitioners play a vital role in the delivery of quality ECCD programmes, particularly in the absence of mandatory pre-service trainings.

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Purpose of Activity/Assignment:

ECCD centre programmes are critical in providing the positive experiences that children aged 3-5 need to build a strong foundation for learning and holistic development. In this context, considering that quality of ECCD programmes is pivotal in determining the impact and outcomes for children, the aspiration for high quality programmes underpins all efforts and initiatives in Bhutan. To realize this goal, the growing need for ECCD facilitators with higher qualifications and specialized professional training needs to be addressed as the skills and knowledge of ECCD practitioners play a vital role in the delivery of quality ECCD programmes, particularly in the absence of mandatory pre-service trainings.

Currently, ECCD facilitators in Bhutan are dedicated individuals, majority of whom are females, with limited or no formal qualifications in early childhood education. Research indicates that well-trained educators are more effective in promoting children’s cognitive, emotional, and social development, which is why investing in higher qualification and training of ECCD facilitators could yield higher quality of ECCD services and improved outcomes for children. Therefore, the focus on the regularization and professionalization of the ECCD workforce is emphasized in the draft Multi-Sectoral ECCD Strategic Action Plan. This is also highlighted as a priority by the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD)and within UNICEF’s new Country Programme Document, which is aligned to the Royal Government of Bhutan’s draft 13th Five Year Plan priorities. Considering these benefits, the proposal for the creation of ECCD facilitators as a professional occupation ground under the Royal Civil Service Commission with better job security, benefits and with a clear career progression path is being initiated, along with higher entry qualifications.

To this date, an in-depth assessment focusing on the capacity development needs of ECCD facilitators to inform professional development programmes related to ECCD facilitators has not been conducted. The MoESD is working towards the recruitment of aspiring individuals with a bachelor’s degree to be provided the opportunity to undergo a one year Post Graduate Diplomain ECCD (PGDE) in the Paro College of Education and simultaneously, the ECCD diploma programme will still be offered to individuals with a minimum of grade 12 certificate. These initiatives show that capacity development is critical for quality assurance and for the professional development career path of ECCD facilitators. Therefore, an in-depth assessment focusing on the capacity development needs of ECCD facilitators will inform the ECCD facilitators’ professional development programmes. It is proposed that a needs assessment of ECCD facilitators who have graduated from the diploma programme and those who have not enrolled in the diploma programme be conducted to inform the capacity development needs. This will ensure that the future modules and capacity development training are evidence-based to address the needs of the practitioners in the field.

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in ECCD (PGDE) in the Paro College of Education and simultaneously, the ECCD diploma programme will still be offered to individuals with a minimum of grade 12 certificate. These initiatives show that capacity development is critical for quality assurance and for the professional development career path of ECCD facilitators. Therefore, an in-depth assessment focusing on the capacity development needs of ECCD facilitators will inform the ECCD facilitators’ professional development programmes. It is proposed that a needs assessment of ECCD facilitators who have graduated from the diploma programme and those who have not enrolled in the diploma programme be conducted to inform the capacity development needs. This will ensure that the future modules and capacity development training are evidence-based to address the needs of the practitioners in the field.

Scope of Work

The purpose of this assignment is to assess the ECCD facilitators professional development needs to inform professional development programmes (in-service and pre-service) in line with the MoESD’s professional development plans for ECCD facilitators.

The Needs Assessment should be based on the following procedures:

1.Conduct desk review and collect data (from the field) to understand the context and needs related to the task.

2. Document the existing professional development trainings provided to ECCD facilitators through various agencies.
3. Assess alignment with national ECCD Facilitators’ Competency Standards.
4. Incorporate the Nurturing Care Framework as a guiding framework to assess the professional development needs of ECCD facilitators and related recommendations.
5. Identify the capacity development needs of ECCD facilitators to inform multi-sectoral implementation of services provided by ECCD facilitators.
6. Identify (SWOT) strengths, weakness, opportunities, threats related to existing professional development trainings/services.
7. Identify major ECCD stakeholders and their roles and responsibilities.
8. Review the content of the ECCD Diploma program and its implementation and impact in the day-to-day practice of ECCD Facilitators who have completed the program, in comparison to practitioners without diploma.
9. Provide recommendations on how the professional development needs of ECCD facilitators could be addressed, including identification of platforms to provide the capacity development needs and the enabling environment necessary to facilitate professional development support.

10.The recommendations should specify the modality of capacity development trainings (e.g., in service, pre-service) and training programme scope, components and requirements.

11. Share best practices related to professionalization of ECCD facilitators from the field in Bhutan and other countries (as relevant to the context and needs of Bhutan).
12. Review and provide specific recommendations for the improvement of professional standards of ECCD Facilitators, specifying different levels of professional competencies including for beginning Facilitators, proficient Facilitators, Competent Facilitators and Distinguished Facilitators.
13. Conduct an analysis on the overall budget spent on the capacity development of ECCD facilitators in the 11th and 12th FYP.
14. Provide an analysis of the budget required to professionalize ECCD facilitators to meet the goals for ECCD programme outlined in the 13th Five Year Plan.

The consultant will work under the supervision of the Education Officer (ECCD) and Chief of Education Section at UNICEF.

General Conditions: Procedures and Logistics

The consultant is expected to use his/her own computer and work from his/her own workstation. Travel is required for this assignment; the travel cost will be paid based on the financial proposal submitted by the consultant with the application. The cost should also include vehicle costs, food, and lodging for the consultant.

Work Assignment Overview: (Tentative)

Task/milestone****Deliverables****Timeline (2024)1. Submit Inception report.

The inception report must be comprehensive and include methodology for conducting the task.

First complete inception report7 August 2024

2. Complete first draft of the report.

To be submitted after data collection from the field. The report must include recommendations specified in the scope of work.

First draft of the report30 September 20243. Second draft of the report

The second draft should incorporate feedback from stakeholders

Second draft of the report15 October 20244. Presentation to stakeholders

The report will be presented to major stakeholders and feedback should be incorporated in the final draft.

Presentation to stakeholders31 October 20245. Final complete report

Final report must incorporate all feedback and should be endorsed by the MoESD and UNICEF.

Final report must be a clean copy with no editorial errors.

Final Report submitted15 November 2024Travel Local (please include travel plan)

Travel to collect data will be required (tentatively 6 districts, 2 from each region – East, West, Central).

Tentatively 14 days of travel.

DSA (if applicable)

Travel to a few districts (in East, Central, West regions) will be required. The travel cost can be incorporated in the financial proposal submitted with the application and/or will be paid based on government rates.

The financial proposal should include the travel costs in the lump sum figure.

Payment terms and conditions:

The Consultant payment terms and conditions are specified below upon certification by UNICEF’s Education Officer (ECCD) that all deliverables have been submitted satisfactorily and based on incorporation of feedback and invoice. The final payment to the consultant will be made after successful completion of all deliverable and submission of consultancy performance appraisal.

• 20% upon submission and acceptance of the inception report

• 30% upon submission and acceptance of first draft report

• 50% following submission and acceptance of final complete report.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• A minimum of master’s degree in social sciences/ education or health or Planning and Monitoring and/or related fields. PhD in similar field will be an added value.
• At least three to five years of demonstrated experience in conducting similar assignments.
• Must demonstrate strong understanding and knowledge of the situation of early childhood care and development in Bhutan and elsewhere will be an added advantage, including understanding of ECCD in the context of SDGs and Bhutan’s national development plans.
• Demonstrated understanding of the Nurturing Care Framework.
• Fluency in English language with excellent writing and communication skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills on sampling, data collection, and analysis.
• Strong analytical and writing skills, ability to conceptualize, plan and prepare analytical plans.
• Expertise in communications and facilitation skills, including the capacity to conduct consultative meetings and consolidate key points, engaging in evidence-based policy dialogue with Government and other key stakeholders.
• Effective working skills and strong drive for results.
• Fluency in English is required and a local language is an asset.

Submission of Proposals and Evaluation Criteria

Proposal should include the following:

1. Motivation Letter
2. Consultant’s full Curriculum Vitae.
3. Proposed approach and methodology that will be followed in executing the assignment.
4. A lump sum fee structure in local currency ( BTN), indicating a breakdown of professional fee for the anticipated number of working days, including travel and DSA.
5. Name(s) of collaborator(s) (if applicable) with their full curriculum vitae.
6. Reference to similar work (final products or links to previous work can be shared along with the proposal)

For any technical queries: Contact Ms. Pema Tshomo, Education Officer @ [email protected]

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS).

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual contractors with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.