Promoting Quality Education for Girls and Marginalized Children

Aasaman Nepal

Terms of Reference (ToR) for Baseline Survey of

Promoting Quality Education for Girls and Marginalized Children in Dhanusha, Terai Nepal

About Aasaman Nepal

Aasaman Nepal (ASN) is one of the leading Terai based NGOs led and managed by social activists since its establishment in Dhanusha, Janakpur in 1999. ASN has been engaged in developing and implementing programme aimed at protection, promotion and fulfillment of child rights in Nepal. It has been working in more than 15 projects covering 10 districts of Nepal. It works in close collaboration with local institution and authorities in partnership with development partners like UNICEF, UNESCO, VSO, UN Women, European Union, Welt Hunger Hilfe, Lutheran World Relief, People in Need, Swiss Contract, Norwegian Embassy, Population Services International, Street Child of Nepal, World Education, Kindernothilfe in Kathmandu, as well as governmental organizations like the Center for Education and Human Resource Development (CEHRD), Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MOEST), Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration (MOFAGA) Nepal.

ASN has strong foundations at local level with marginalized people and their institutions including a child rights forum. It has shown its impact with rights holders and authorities in the areas of child rights, child protection, quality education and livelihood support.

Project Background

Promoting Quality Education for Girls and Marginalized Children in Dhanusha, Terai Nepal is a three-year project funded by The Royal Norwegian Embassy with the aim to increase access to quality education for out-of school marginalized children, girls and differently able children.

Previously Aasaman Nepal implemented a project entitled “Promoting Quality Education for Girls and Marginalized Children of Dhanusha, Terai Nepal". This quality enhancement project resulted in positive outcomes in the promotion of and access to quality of education. But the study highlighted the need to design and implement comprehensive educational interventions to assure that all children had the right to basic quality education. Good quality pedagogical intervention and educational support for children with disabilities are major areas that needed further interventions. Additionally, the level of parental education, knowledge on reproductive health, use of teaching/learning materials in classroom delivery, provisions of WASH facilities in the schools, modification of school structure for easy access to children with disabilities, provision of service room for adolescent girls and female teachers for their better care and safety during menstruation, provision of basic health care facilities in the schools, and well-functioning management of early childhood care in the schools are the major areas where additional interventions are urgent. Realizing these facts ASN has continued the effort to work for the quality education.

The overall goal of the project is to empower marginalized children and girls including those with disabilities. The following are the outcomes of the project:

1. Increased access of out-of-school marginalized children, girls and differently able children to quality education.
2. Enhanced child-friendly and gender-responsive teaching and learning practices in classes.
3. Increased learning environment for marginalized children at home and school.
4. Reflect the learning of the project at different levels of government.

About the Assignment

The project “Promoting Quality Education for Girls and Marginalized Children in Dhanusha, Terai Nepal” will be implemented in 97 schools and 116 ECDs of 4 palikas and 40 wards: Ganeshman Charnath Municipality (11 Wards), Sabaila Municipality (13 Wards), Laxminiya Rural Municipality (7 Wards), Nagrain Municipality (9 Wards) of Dhanusha district. Aasaman Nepal intends to conduct an independent baseline survey that will focus on the collection of data/information for a set of performance indicators outlined in the project log frame. The study report will be used as a measurement to monitor the project progress against the set indicators over the course of the project implementation. It will also form the basis for the final evaluation other than setting the baseline and helps to set targets for project indicators. Consequently, it’s vital to consider the impact that is going to create through the project also to be considered in this baseline survey.

The project logical framework is annexed to this ToR.

Scope of the work

The selected individual consultant/firm is expected to deliver the following within the given time frame:

• Revision, design and field test of the base line survey instruments.
• Design sampling strategy based methodology and calculate sample size agreed-upon methodologies.
• Plan, design, and implement training of enumerators and supervisors.
• Implement and supervise field data collection, data input and cleaning.
• Analyze and synthesize data; and prepare report and Program Indicator Tracking.
• Conduct final presentation and deliver final report, documents, files, and other materials.

Methodology

The survey will use a mixed method approach consisting of both qualitative and quantitative data collections. Final detailed baseline methodology should be developed in consultation with the ASN project team.

Expected Deliverables

• Cohort Mapping
• Research questionnaires
• Final instrument for the baseline survey and tracking sheet for entry of baseline data
• Field manual for enumerators
• Detailed report on the sampling, including specifics on the design, methodology, and sample size calculations
• Field implementation plan with protocols for the enumerators and supervisors
• Data entry and analysis plan
• Training of required number of enumerators, supervisors and data entry staff
• Finalized key findings report
• A comprehensive final baseline survey report that meets agreed format

Timeframe

The task is anticipated to last between 4 weeks with submission of final deliverables. The schedule is open to revision. The consultant will be expected to start working as per contract and complete all responsibilities outlined in the scope of work and deliverables by the first week of January.

Minimum Qualifications

The consultant/s must possess the following:

• Advanced degree in Statistics/Education/Development Studies or equivalent.
• Proven experience of at least 5 years in undertaking related surveys, fieldwork, data collection, analysis and reporting.
• Sound knowledge and practical experience in quantitative and qualitative research.
• Familiar with the concepts of logistics, local governance, CSOs capacity building and RBA and GESI issues.
• Excellent organizing, facilitating, presentation and communication and analytical skills.
• Excellent professional report writing of surveys/researches in advanced English.

Required Document

• CV(s) of the Proposed consultant(s)
• For firms: copies of - firm registration certificate, VAT registration certificate, Latest tax clearance certificate, Tax Exempted by the government, a copy of tax exemption certificate should have submitted.

For Individual: Copy of citizenship of certificate and PAN Registration certificate.

Please find the Annex 1 Logical framework by following the link below:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1anZ-x0qZdXsyUcyqFJE51qlY-pzhUHa7

To Apply

Interested private firms and individuals, who meet the above requirements, should apply by submitting their Expression of Interest (EoI) with Concept Note (not more than 3 pages). The outlines should include the methodology, similar work experiences, brief technical description and capacity of team proposed and estimated budget to accomplish the aforementioned tasks with subject line “Baseline Survey- Promoting Quality Education for Girls and Marginalized Children in Dhanusha, Terai Nepal . Hard copy can be submitted to the Aasaman Nepal address below.

The closing date for applications is 9th December, 2019 . Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for interview. The short-listed applicant will be required to present their proposed methodology and previous similar experiences.

Aasaman Nepal, Mahalaxmisthan, Lalitpur

Website: www.aasamannepal.org.np

Email: asnvacancy@gmail.com