Consultant Engagement for the development of a Policy Brief on Gender-Responsive Education sector plan

1. INTRODUCTION

PLAN International is implementing the EU-funded intervention “Strengthening Civil Society to Enhance Education for All in Northern Nigeria”. The overall objective of the project is to strengthen local civil Society Organizations as actors of good governance and empower them to contribute to inclusive, participatory, and open education policy dialogue in Nigeria. The specific objectives of the project aim to promote local CSOs, youth, women, and disability grassroots organizations to participate in, advocate for, and monitor the implementation of Tsangaya (Almajiri system of education) reformation and gender-responsive and inclusive education planning to support positive change in Nigeria.

Though they are entitled to access to a basic education under the Federal Government of Nigeria’s UBE Programme, girls in Nigeria continue to face a distinctive set of barriers to formal education at all levels, with the UBE Commission admitting that there is a significant gender gap in UBE delivery. Although Nigeria passed the Child Rights Act in 2004, prohibiting marriage under the age of 18, 12 northern states, including Adamawa and Sokoto, are yet to implement the Act, and in reality, Nigeria is home to over 20 million child brides, 3 in 10 young girls and women are married in childhood, and according to Nigeria child marriage profile about 11.5million girls are married before the age of 15. In northern states in particular, attacks on schools and the abduction of female students by Boko Haram have become increasingly prevalent, leaving parents uncomfortable with and fearful of sending their daughters to school.

2. PURPOSE OF THE CONSULTANCY

In addition to abduction, girls face other forms of gender-based violence, including sexual harassment, rape, and exploitation- all of which also increase the risk of teenage pregnancy. In November 2021, the Federal Government of Nigeria passed a revised National Policy on Gender in Education, designed to incorporate emerging and cross-cutting issues and increase girls’ participation in education through cash transfer programs, compacts with men and communities, as well as other initiatives. Though the policy has now been passed, ensuring that it is implemented, reported on, and monitored in each state is likely to be a challenge. The consultant will conduct research at the state level and develop a comprehensive Policy Brief on gaps and challenges in the Gender Responsive Education Sector Plan in collaboration with the Education Line Ministries and Departments, and religious and traditional leaders in Sokoto and Adamawa. S/he will present the findings to Education stakeholders for validation and adoption. The consultant is also expected to conduct a one-day dissemination of the policy brief in Adamawa and Sokoto.

3. KEY EXPECTED DELIVERABLES

1. To Develop a comprehensive Policy Brief on the Gender Responsive Education Sector Plan in Northern Nigeria, providing recommendations for improvement in Sokoto and Adamawa.

2. Inception report (2 pages) outlining the approach and methodology.

3. Draft Policy Brief for review and feedback.

4. Final Policy Brief.

5. Presentation slides for stakeholder engagement.

   4. SCOPE OF WORK:

   1. Conduct a literature review on the Gender Responsive Education Sector Plan, including its history, current state, and challenges.

   2. Engage with stakeholders (Education Ministries and Departments, government officials, traditional and religious leaders, parents, and experts) through interviews, surveys, or focus groups.

   3. Analyze data and identify key issues, opportunities, and best practices.

   4. Develop a clear, concise Policy Brief (max. 10 pages) with actionable recommendations.

   5. Present the Policy Brief to relevant stakeholders.

   6. Conduct a one-day Review and validation workshop in Adamawa and Sokoto States.

   7. Conduct a one-day Policy dissemination workshop in Adamawa and Sokoto States

   5. QUALIFICATION/REQUIREMENTS

   1. The Consulting Firm/ or Individual Consultant, must have proven experience in Policy Development, Research, and Analysis.

   2. The Consulting Firm/ or Individual Consultant must have a Strong understanding of the Gender Responsive Education Sector Plan and the Northern Nigerian context.

   3. The Consulting Firm/ or Individual Consultant must have a team with good interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills.

   4. The Consulting Firm/ or Individual Consultant must have a team that displays excellent English, report writing, editing, and effective oral and written communication skills.

   5. The Consulting Firm/ or Individual Consultant must have the ability to work in an international and multicultural environment.

   6. The Consulting Firm/ or Individual Consultant must display sensitivity towards different cultures, local customs, religious beliefs and practices, personal interaction and gender roles, disability age, and ethnicity.

   7. The Consulting Firm/ or Individual Consultant must possess strong quantitative analysis skills with attention to detail.

   8. The Consulting Firm/ or Individual Consultant must have the ability to bring together diverse Stakeholders.

   9. The Consulting Firm/ or Individual Consultant must be registered and domiciled in Nigeria.

   10. The Consulting Firm/ or Individual Consultant must not have any competing interests or affiliations with Plan International Nigeria, including involvement in alternative operations or the provision of related financial services.

   11. The Consulting Firm/ or Individual Consultant must have a fair knowledge of the financial procedures of the various donor funding.

   12. The Consulting Firm/ or Individual Consultant must have enough competent staff to carry out the assignment and complete it within the required period for statutory filing.

6. ABOUT PLAN INTERNATIONAL

   6.1 VALUES OF PLAN INTERNATIONAL

   You confirm you are familiar with and committed to the following values of Plan International Nigeria:

   We strive for lasting impact – We strive to achieve a significant and lasting impact on the lives of children and young people and to secure equality for girls. We challenge ourselves to be bold, courageous, focused, and innovative.

   We work well together – We succeed by working effectively with others, inside and outside the organization, including our sponsors and donors. We actively support our colleagues, helping them to achieve their goals. We come together to create and implement solutions in our teams, across Plan International, with children, girls, young people, communities, and our partners.

   We are inclusive and empowering – We respect all people, appreciate differences, and challenge inequality in our programs and our workplace. We support children, girls, and young people to increase their confidence and change their own lives. We empower our staff to give their best and develop their potential.

   We are open and accountable – We create a climate of trust inside and outside the organization by being open, honest, and transparent. We hold ourselves and others to account for the decisions we make and for our impact on others while doing what we say we will do.

   6.2. ETHICS AND CHILD PROTECTION

   Plan International Nigeria places a high premium on CHILD PROTECTION issues in all its working relationships with its partners and associates and mandates all its working partners and associates to adhere to its CHILD PROTECTION Policy.

   As such, the activity must ensure appropriate, safe, non-discriminatory participation; a process of free and un-coerced consent and withdrawal; and confidentiality and anonymity of participants. Consultants are required to provide a statement within their proposal on how they will ensure ethics and child protection in the development process. This must also include consideration of any risks related to the activity and how these will be mitigated.

   Further information on this consultancy including the annexes to be filled can be assessed via this link: EU Policy Brief On Gender-Responsive Education Sector Plan