Annex 1

EDUCATION QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NATIONAL OFFICE FOR REGIONAL AND LOCAL DEVELOPMENT

TERMS OF REFERENCE MONITORING AND EVALUATION SPECIALIST

A.    BACKGROUND

„Education Quality Improvement” Project (EQIP) is a World Bank (hereinafter “the Bank”) - financed Project to be implemented between June 2023 and December 2029.

The total cost of the Project is US$59.8 million equivalent comprising (i) a non-concessional portion in the amount of EUR36.5 million (US$40 million equivalent) and (ii) a concessional portion in the amount of US$10 million under the Global Concessional Financing Facility (GCFF) on a non-reimbursable basis (Loan No. IBRD 9536-MD), (iii) a grant in the amount of US$5 million from the Early Learning Partnership Multi-Donor Trust Fund (TF0C1507) and (iv) a grant in the amount of US$4.8 million from the Global Partnership for Education Fund (TF0C1484).

The project development objectives are to: (i) improve the learning environment in Participating Institutions, with an emphasis on supporting Disadvantaged Students; and (ii) strengthen the capacity of the Ministry of Education and Research for sector management and refugee response. The Project is organized around four components and its objectives will be achieved through improved teacher practices, a learning recovery program for disadvantaged students, an improved learning environment in targeted schools and preschools, and the development of the institutional capacity to design, implement and evaluate education reforms and refugee response interventions. The proposed Contingent Emergency Response Component under fourth part will support the country’s future response in the event of a natural or manmade disaster or emergency.

The EQIP components are described below:

1. Component 1 - Improve Quality of Teaching Practices. This component aims to (i) improve the quality of teaching; (ii) develop, pilot, and implement a rapid formative assessment, a Learning Recovery Program, and a supplemental tutoring for Disadvantaged Students; and (iii) develop School Subprojects through the provision of School Grants to support in-service teacher professional development opportunities.
2. Component 2 – Improve the Quality of Learning Environment in Participating Institutions. This component aims to improve the learning environment of Participating Institutions through (i) equipping the Participating Institutions; (ii) carrying out civil works for the rehabilitation of Participating Institutions and Selected ECEC Facilities; and (iii) construction of three (3) high schools in Priority Areas.
3. Component 3 – Strengthening the Capacity for Education Sector Management and Refugee Response. This component would support (i) improvement in planning, management, and evaluation of education reforms and (ii) Project Management.
4. Component 4 – Contingent Emergency Response. This component will provide immediate response to an Eligible Crisis or Emergency, as needed, in case a natural or man-made disaster or emergency arises.

The Ministry of Education and Research (MoER) would be responsible for overall Project implementation, while the National Office for Regional and Local Development (NORLD) would implement activities related to civil works. In this context, a Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist will be hired to assist and provide technical support to the NORLD Project Management Team (PMT) in order to perform all relevant procedures related to the Project under NORLD responsibility and to ensure systematic project implementation.

B.     OBJECTIVE OF THE CONSULTANCY

The main objective of the consultancy is to provide technical support and assist the NORLD in monitoring and evaluation activities related to Project activities under NORLD responsibility in accordance with the Project Implementation Plan (PIP). Therefore, the M&E Specialist will assist the Project Coordinator (PC) and Project Manager (PM) and will also count on the Project Management Team (PMT).

C.    SPECIFIC TASKS

The individual consultant to be hired based on these Terms of Reference shall:

a)       Advise Project Manager (PM) and NORLD Director and relevant staff on the M&E systems and related matters and assist the Project Management Team (PMT) with communicating to the Project Coordinator on the relevant issues.

b)      In cooperation with the PM and implementing departments, update on a regular basis the Monitoring and Evaluation System and generated based-evidence information.

c)       During the Implementation Phase the M&E Specialist is expected to:

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive a Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) System and Database for data monitoring and evaluation in order to measure projects implementation actions.
• Develop and implement of the monitoring and evaluation plan for sub-components under NORLD responsibility.
• Support the implementation of the EQIP operations manual and Annual Operations Plan.
• Support the implementation of the EQIP Project implementation Plan (PIP) 2024-2029.
• Regularly ensure data collection in a technically accurate and error-free format (projects progress reports, monitoring indicators and on eventual implementation issues etc.), data analysis and results evaluation.
• Ensure that, in general, project monitoring arrangements comply with the project’s documents, operational manual (POM), M&E strategy etc.
• Periodically review the tools for monitoring and evaluation and make adjustments (as necessary) to facilitate objective measurement of indicators included in the results framework.
• Evaluate implementation processes and performance, and report on the progress achieved, outcomes generated, as well as to warn on implementation issues, risks, and threats. Recommend mitigation measures.
• Support the Project Manager in other activities defined in the operational manual.

d) During the Closing Phase the M&E Specialist is expected to:

• Organize and archive all relevant information collected during the Project life cycle according to the operational manual and M&E Strategy.
• Supervise that all consultancy products and services, hired/ bought for M&E activity, are delivered before the closing date of the Project.
• Disseminate in cooperation with the EQIP Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist under MoER the monitoring data and evaluation results.
• Support the Project Manager in organizing a final dissemination event to show the results and impact achieved.

D.    DURATION

This is a full-time assignment which is to begin in February 2024. The contract will be signed for the period until December 31, 2024. Subject to Consultant’s satisfactory performance, the contract may be renewed until the Closing Date of the project on December 31, 2029.

E. CONSULTANT’S REPORTING OBLIGATIONS

The consultant to be hired in accordance with the proposed assignment should prepare monthly reports on all activities performed. The consultant will report directly to NORLD Project Manager. The NORLD and Project team will provide the Consultant with necessary support to complete the assignment: project documents necessary for assignment accomplishment, necessary work conditions, including office space, telephone, fax and other office equipment and supplies.

F. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS AND BASIS FOR EVALUATION (EVALUATION CRITERIA)

• The Consultant should meet the following mandatory qualifications:
• University degree in public administration, social sciences, economics, or other relevant discipline, postgraduate.
• At least 3 years of experience in monitoring and evaluation of projects, or relevant experience, financed by international organizations.
• Working experience in education system policies will be an advantage.
• Professional experience in implementing the Banks` projects and good knowledge of the Bank procedures will be an asset.
• Strong computer skills, specifically with MS Office, in particular MS Excel, and ability to master other software quickly.
• Flexibility and good analytical skills.
• Excellent knowledge of English and Romanian (both written and oral) and ability to develop documents in English.

G. CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT

All data and information received from NORLD for the purpose of this assignment is to be treated confidentially and are only to be used in connection with the execution of these Terms of Reference. All intellectual property rights arising from the execution of these Terms of Reference are assigned to NORLD. The contents of written materials obtained and used in this assignment may not be disclosed to any third parties without the expressed advance written authorization of the NORLD.