International Consultancy :(Education) TO support UNICEF Sudan in preparing the GPE-funded application for the STG,

The primary objective of this consultancy is to support UNICEF Sudan in preparing the GPE-funded application for the STG, including conducting an assessment and preparing the proposal to secure the funding. Before submitting the application, an assessment of enabling factors is required to verify the basic elements of a functioning education system. Additionally, the consultant will review partner engagement and assist in aligning the policy shifts agreed upon in the Compact model, adapted to Sudan’s complex emergency context.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. 

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. 

And we never give up. 

For every child, Education 

Purpose of Activity/Assignment:

Objectives of the Technical Assistance
The primary objective of this consultancy is to support UNICEF Sudan in preparing the GPE-funded application for the STG, including conducting an assessment and preparing the proposal to secure the funding. Before submitting the application, an assessment of enabling factors is required to verify the basic elements of a functioning education system. Additionally, the consultant will review partner engagement and assist in aligning the policy shifts agreed upon in the Compact model, adapted to Sudan’s complex emergency context.
Specific Objectives:
1. Facilitate the drafting of the Enabling Factors Analysis for the program given the challenges in the country.
2. Assist in drafting the grant application documents for the System Transformation Grant (STG), including:
• Developing the program’s results framework.
• Aligning the program budget with the TEP budget and the results framework.
• Facilitating the alignment of the GPE variable tranche with the current education priorities
• Developing detailed activity programming for all GPE components.
• Assisting the Sudanese government in implementing the GPE programming linked to the required indicators set for emergency if applicable.
• Facilitating discussions among government and stakeholders on the Quality Assurance Review (QAR) from the GPE Secretariat and incorporating feedback into the grant application.

How can you make a difference? 

Scope of Work:

Introduction
Sudan faces one of the world’s worst learning crises, with nearly 18 million children out of school, risking their right to education. Despite schools reopening with limited capacities in Northern, Red Sea, River Nile, Blue Nile, Gedaref and Kassala, the situation in many other states remains dire, as most schools remain forcefully closed. In states such as Gedaref, and Kassala where schools have reopened recently, many schools remain closed due to schools being used as a shelter for displaced people. Over 2,600 schools across Sudan, once vibrant centers for learning, now serve as shelters for internally displaced people. With the 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Repones Plan, which is seeking US$2.7 billion, only 41 per cent funded by the end of August, humanitarian partners are calling on donors to immediately provide funds to sustain the supply chain and the famine prevention and repones operation across the country. Education cluster received only 9% of the funding requirements of the Humanitarian Repones Plan.

The Local Education Group (LEG) and the GPE Coordinating Agency (CA) have received notification from the GPE Secretariat regarding a new round of funding for Sudan. A total of USD 76 million is available under the System Transformation Grant (STG). UNICEF Sudan is planning to become a grant agent for this funding. As the grant agent, UNICEF Sudan will be responsible for supporting federal and the state level ministries of education to development and implement the Transformation Education Plan (TEP).

Sudan has been allocated by GPE the amount of USD 76 million for the System Transformation Grant. (STG). The STG is split into a fixed part (up to 70%) and a variable part (minimum 30%), with the latter requiring adherence to the GPE’s results-based financing model focusing on equity, efficiency, and learning outcomes.

To access the variable portion of the Maximum Country Allocation for Sudan will be done in consultation with Local Education Group. The LEG will identify key strategies or activities in the areas of access, quality and system strengthening to drive substantial progress and transformational change. The principle of aid effectiveness, including ownership, alignment, harmonization, and coordination can be integrated into existing broader support.

A new Transitional Education Plan (TEP) is in the final stages of development, and the GPE program will be fully aligned with this sector plan. The program development process must be open, transparent, and inclusive, involving all relevant stakeholders, including government officials from the Federal and State Ministries of Education, the Local Education Group, and the Education Cluster.

The GPE grant application process includes reviewing enabling factors to determine the country’s readiness to submit an application and reviewing partnership processes through the development of the Partners Compact.

Scope of Work and Main Tasks
The consultant will work closely with the Federal and State Ministries of Education, the Local Education Group, and other relevant education stakeholders and authorities. The main tasks include:
Task 1: Review and Analyze Enabling Factors
• Conduct an initial assessment of sector performance during this complex environment, identifying and prioritizing needs using available data. Focus on four enabling factors:
o Data and evidence
o Gender-responsive sector planning
o Sector coordination
o Sector financing
• Diagnose deeper needs and align priorities based on existing evidence.
• Refer to the GPE Enabling Factors Analysis Guide.

Task 2: Develop a Compact Model
• Support the determination of the most effective aid channelling method.
• Facilitate the selection of agreed policy transformation issues and identify three priority areas for GPE funding from the TEP document.
• Strengthen country partners’ ownership, harmonization, and alignment to the program.
• Consider the risks and GPE’s preference for working with available support modalities under the compact model.
Task 3: Multiplier Expression of Interest
• Support the Sudanese government in reviewing GPE templates, consulting with donors ready to provide new financing, and completing the templates for the Multiplier Grant.
Task 4: Design and Development of the GPE Application

• Provide technical support to UNICEF in designing the GPE program and developing the application.
• Develop a detailed GPE program budget aligned with the TEP budget.
• Facilitate the incorporation of QAR feedback into the final GPE grant application.
• Assist in developing the results and M&E framework for both the fixed and variable tranches if applicable.
• Develop detailed activity programming for all GPE components.
Task 5: Draft and Fill STG Application Form
• Facilitate the process of drafting and completing the STG application form and required attachments, including a concept note, budget, and roadmap.
Task 6: Draft and Fill 9. Program Development Grant (PDG) Application Form
• Facilitate the drafting and completion of the Program Development Grant (PDG) application form and its required attachments, including a budget and roadmap.

Deliverables
1. Enabling Factors Analysis Document.
2. Compact Model Document.
3. Filled templates for the Expression of Interest for the System Transformation Grants.
4. GPE application documents for fixed and variable tranches.
5. GPE program budget.
6. Results and M&E Framework.
7. Detailed activity programming for disbursement-linked results and indicators.
8. STG Concept Note, Budget, and Completed Application Template.
9. Program Development Grant Completed Application Template and Budget.

Work Assignment Overview Tasks/Milestone: Deliverables/Outputs: Timeline   Enabling Factors Analysis Document.  Completed Enabling Factors Analysis Document            10 days   Compact Model Document.  Completed Compact Model Document            5 days   GPE application documents for fixed and variable tranches.  Finalized GPE application documents for both fixed and variable tranches            20 days   GPE program budget.  Completed GPE program budget            20 days   Results and M&E Framework.  Finalized Results and M&E Framework           10 days   Detailed activity programming for disbursement-linked results and indicators.  Completed programming for disbursement-linked results and indicators           5 days   STG Concept Note, Budget, and Completed Application Template.  Finalized STG Concept Note, Budget, and Application Template           5 days   Program Development Grant Completed Application Template and Budget.  Finalized Program Development Grant Application Template and Budget          5 days

 

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

Qualifications
1. The consultant should have expertise in project management, education management, result-based financing, and relevant disciplines such as education economics, early childhood development, and MEL.
2. Experience with GPE guidelines and appraisal procedures is essential, along with a deep understanding of Sudan’s education system, policies, and strategies.
3. A minimum of 10 years of experience in designing and developing education programs, particularly at a national level or for GPE applications, is required. Experience in working within fragile states is considered an asset.
4. The consultant should demonstrate excellent design, development, and analytical skills, along with cultural awareness, strong communication abilities, and the capacity to work under tight deadlines.

Time Frame
The assignment will take a total of 6 months, with the final submission of the grant application package by 30th March 2025. The time allocation includes:
• Two Months for the Enabling Factors Analysis
• Three months for Compact Development
• Three Months for the grant application process (Transformation and Multiplier).

Accountability and Reporting
The Ministry of Education will provide a GPE focal point for queries. The consultants will work under the supervision of UNICEF Sudan in collaboration with Ministry of Education and other relevant stakeholders.

 Home Based (x) Office Based:
If office based, seating arrangement identified: (x)
IT and Communication equipment required: (x)
Internet access required: (x)

For every Child, you demonstrate… 

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

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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.