Terms of Reference to recruit a consultant to produce an Africa Policy Brief derived from corruption-risk assessments conducted on education in 5 countries

1. Background

Education is a fundamental human right, a key driver of economic development, and a long-term social investment. It equips citizens with the knowledge and tools they need to support their families, escape poverty, and contribute to social and economic development. Although it is clear that education is important in people's lives, various reports show that vulnerable citizens frequently struggle to access education services due to a variety of barriers. As revealed in various studies of Transparency International, the education sector is often characterized by corruption, especially in African countries. Corruption in the education sector is a major obstacle to realizing the universal right to education and to achieving SDG.

In this context, Transparency International is implementing a four-year regional project in five countries in Africa (Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Madagascar, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe), aimed at improving access to education and healthcare services for women, girls, and other groups at risk of discrimination. Under this project, the above-mentioned TI Chapters carried out corruption risk assessments (CRAs) of education services highlighting the effect of corruption on women, girls, and other groups at risk of discrimination. The CRAs provide analysis and ample examples of risks and loopholes of how various actors including school principals, teachers, and administrative staff are open to abuse their ability to withhold services. Often, this is a self-interested act to line their pockets, but their actions have wider ramifications in determining which and how many people have access to education. CRAs have gathered evidence on how corruption obstructs access to education services for marginalized communities in Africa. The CRAs' findings are currently contained in the report, “Left Behind; Corruption in Education and Health Services in Africa,” as well as in detailed country reports. TI-RW is leading the programme effort as Regional Expert for Education. This policy brief is part of TI-RW's role as a regional hub for education in the 5 ISDA project implementing chapters.

2. Objectives of the consultancy

It is anticipated that the Consultant, with technical guidance and support from TI-Rwanda and TI-S, will produce the policy brief which will be used by all project partners for advocacy work.

3. Scope of Work

The selected Consultant will work in close coordination with and under the supervision of TI-Rwanda. The consultant will undertake the following tasks:

4. DELIVERABLES AND TIMELINES

• Briefing meeting (online) (week of 3 – 7 March 2025)
• Draft policy brief for review and inputs by reviewers (no later than 18 March 2025);
• Presentation of draft policy brief to an editorial committee (week of 17 March – 21 March 2025)
• Final policy brief (no later than 28 March 2025)

5. Duration of the assignment

The terms and conditions of the contract shall apply for the duration of the contract, beginning upon the contract signature and expected to run until 28 March 2025. The total number of days for this assignment is estimated at 15 days.

6. Qualification and experience

Interested candidates should possess the following qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience in conducting similar work with reputable organizations.
• Have expertise working in the education sector
• Have a PhD or Master’s degree in public policy, social sciences, economic development, political and administration sciences, and related studies;
• Fluent in written and spoken English and the ability to produce high-quality written material (knowledge of French and English is an asset);

7. Submission of application

Interested individual consultants are requested to submit their updated CVs, a brief overview of how the work would be approached, methods to be used, including a timeline for each step, and a financial proposal by no later than 28 February 2025. The shortlisted candidate will be invited to TI-RW office for an interview and later on, contract negotiation for successful candidates. The updated CVs are to be submitted physically at Transparency International Rwanda’s main office located in REMERA, near Grand Legacy Hotel, or via TI-RW’s email: info@tirwanda.org.

For further clarifications, do not hesitate to contact at +250788309563 during working hours.

Apollinaire Mupiganyi

Executive Director TI-RW