Consultancy to Carry Out a Comprehensive Review of the Institute of Adult Education Policies and Programmes
Terms of Reference
- Background and Context
The Institute of Adult Education (IAE) is a public institution under the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (MoEST), which is responsible for the development of Adult and Non-formal Education (ANFE) in Tanzania. The IAE was established in 1960 as an extramural study section at the Makerere University College under the University of London. In 1963, it was upgraded to a department and placed under Dar es Salaam University College. Later, it became a self-governing institution established by Act No. 12 of 1975 under the then Ministry of National Education.
The IAE is responsible for providing quality adult and non-formal education (ANFE) to people within Tanzania Mainland, especially those outside the formal education system, through its regional centres. It provides education at the grassroots level, alternative secondary education pathways and adult literacy programmes, further develops skills through hands-on training, and raises awareness of issues of national importance. To ensure the continuous supply of qualified facilitators and coordinators of ANFE, the Institute organizes tertiary education programmes, leading to the award of a certificate, diploma, or degree in adult education and related fields. These programmes are fully accredited by the National Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (NACTVET).
- Purpose of the Review
The main objective of this comprehensive review (audit) is to establish the actual status of the IAE functions and programmes, which will enable the governing council and management to make informed decisions, including how to reposition the institute to better foster adult and non-formal learning programmes for the country’s socioeconomic development agenda. This is imperative and timely especially due to the fact that Tanzania through MoEST has recently undergone major reforms of the Education and Training Policy, coupled with significant curricula reviews.
Terms of References
The selected consultant/firm/institution will undertake the assignment according to the scope but is not limited to the following tasks as per the Terms of References (ToRs).
A: Assess the implementation of IAE-Rolling Strategic Plan 2019/2020-
2023/2024 against eight key strategic objectives on accessibility, quality, mass education, research, good governance, financial sustainability, infrastructural development and publicity of the institute’s programmes and services, including the following:
- The achievement and progress made during the implementation of the IAE Strategic Plan for a period of five years;
- Assessment of IAE strategic issues or objectives implementation performance according to stakeholders’ views for a period of five years;
- Challenges that faced the implementation of the strategy for the period of five years; and
- Recommendations for overcoming the identified challenges, with an eye toward enhancing ongoing programmes and service development and implementation.
B: Assess the Institute of Adult Education Act, 1975 – the extent to
which the act is measured in line with new national development agenda, pertaining to ANFE
- Review the legal framework and institutional arrangement enabling the function of the IAE, considering new national development and policies in the education milieu;
- Analyze the relationship between the IAE and other related education institutions in the country and abroad;
- Analyze the relevance of the (legal) IAE mandate as spelt out in legislation considering current trends;
- Assessing the relevance of IAE objectives to ensure that they are aligned to national policies; and
- Documenting successes, challenges and lessons learned.
C: Assess the extent to which IAE programmes meet the needs of
stakeholders in line with this; the consultant must evaluate the quality of the curriculum as well as the teaching and learning processes. To achieve this, the consultant is expected to perform the following:
- Assessing the relevance of IAE academic programmes and services in line with national, regional and international needs and trends;
- Assessing the adequacy of all resources available in delivering core academic activities (teaching, research and community services);
- Examining whether there are adequate and efficient procedures in place for provision of quality teaching, research and community services; and
- Establishing the extent to which the IAE has accomplished its objectives per RSP 2019/2020-2023/2024.
D: Evaluate availability and proper use of resources – availability and proper use of resources, both human and materials are very critical in the successful running of an academic institution. Therefore, the consultant is expected to accomplish the following tasks:
- Assessing staffing level-how adequate or inadequate- utilization trends, under-utilization/over-utilization indicators; and
- Assessing the level of availability, accessibility and usability of resources (physical facilities, libraries, and ICT facilities for both staff and students).
E: Examine the Availability of Research Infrastructure and System –
Research is one of the core activities of any academic institution. In this ToR, the consultant is required to evaluate the research agenda, strategy, code of conduct and research management to establish and promote quality research at IAE.
- Scope of Work and Deliverables
- Preparing a detailed inception report (to be discussed with IAE management), illustrating the initial results of the secondary data review, with identified gaps in the primary data;
- Finalizing research design and evaluation tools in consultation with the managementteam, highlighting major milestones, challenges, and mitigating strategies in the implementation of IAE- RSP 2019/2020-2023/2024;
- Presenting a draft report to the management team for discussion and feedback;
- Producing final report written in English, describing key findings from the field and documentary reviews, including implications and recommendations to guide the ongoing IAE mandates, programme design and implementation; and
- Participating in the institution’s advisory panel meetings, including management, governing council and dissemination workshops.
- Approach and Methods
The review assignment will utilize both qualitative and quantitative approaches by triangulating the sources of data collection. The consultant will employ multiple sources of information, including the following:
- Review of Secondary Data (Literature and documents review)
Documentary analysis of international, regional and national policies, legislation, practices; and beliefs, including reports and agreements that guide the functions of the IAE, will be conducted. This will include, but is not limited to, Rolling Strategic Plan review reports, quarter implementation reports, field visit reports, mid-term review reports and other relevant materials.
- Questionnaires/Surveys
A checklist will be developed and administered to various stakeholders, including IAE staff, students, government officials, NGOs/CSO, development partners and other key stakeholders.
- Focus Group Discussions and In-depth Individual Interviews
A number of selected individuals and groups will be interviewed to provide an in-depth and comprehensive picture of IAE programmes and status. The use of in-depth open-ended interviews will also bridge any data gaps between survey methods and other secondary data and the reality on the ground. The sample will be drawn from key people, including management team, students, government officials (Such as District Adult Education Officers), local Civil Society Organizations and Development partners (such as UNESCO, UNICEF, DVV International) to ascertain their particular perspective on the programme, including its relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact and sustainability.
4.1. Sampling
The evaluation will be based on 26 IAE regional centres in mainland Tanzania. The samples for the analysis will be made available based on feasibility (in the given time and budget), representativeness and relevance to the study objectives. This could involve the use of random, purposive and stratified samples. However, under the proposed work plan, we have suggested having at least one region per each country’s zone, involving the regions of Dodoma (central zone), Dar es Salaam (coastal zone), Mwanza (lake zone) and Tanga (northern zone). Other regions include Mbeya (southern highlands), Lindi (southern zone) and Kigoma (western zone).
- Qualification of Consultant
- A doctoral degree in Education, Policy, Management, Development Studies, or any other relevant academic qualification.
- Evidence of experience in programme assessment and evaluation in developmental contexts and proven accomplishments in undertaking similar assignments.
- Extensive experience in programme formulation, monitoring and evaluation.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Swahili and English.
- Duration
The selected consultant must complete the assignment within 30 days.
- How to Apply
Interested consultants are requested to submit the following:
- A Technical and Financial proposal (in TZS) that should include a description of the proposed methodology to be used and the schedule of planned activities.
- CV(s) of professional(s) with suitable references to undertake consultations.
- Two (2) samples from previous works.
Consultants who meet the requirements of the assignment should submit their proposals via email to [email protected]. not later than 23rd of February, 2024, 1700hrs (EAT).
The hard copies of the proposal can be submitted to:
The Rector,
Institute of Adult Education,
Bibi Titi Mohamed Rd,
Post Code No. 23,
Dar es Salaam.
Tanzania.
NB: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
