REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
CONSULTANCY SERVICES – INDIVIDUAL SELECTION
Improving Equitable Access to High Standard Public Services Through Govtech Project for
EDUCATION EXPERT FOR SMARTLAB ACTIVITIES
ALBANIA
Project: Improving Equitable Access to High Standard Public Services Through Govtech
Job tittle: Education Expert for SmartLab Activities
The World Bank is financing a program on “Improving Equitable Access to High Standard Public Services through Gov Tech” aiming to transform learning, modernize customer service and ensure accessibility for all citizens, with the National Agency for Information Society (NAIS referred to as AKSHI hereafter) as the leading implementing agency.
The program is structured in three results areas:
Results Area 1: Enhancing E-Service Quality and User Experience. This RA will support the government program ambitions to improve: (i) usability, efficiency, and pro-activity of the e-Albania portal; and (ii) the quality of digital services, to provide advanced, proactive solutions on secure platforms and improve Digital Service Standards.
Results Area 2: Improving Digital Skills and Digital Inclusion. This RA will support the Albanian Digital Transformation program’s ambitious objectives to transform learning, modernize customer service and ensure accessibility for all citizens.
Results Area 3: Strengthening Priority GovTech Enablers. This RA supports the GoA in its program objectives to: (i) strengthen data governance, data security and transparency; and (ii) adopting enabling digital systems, requirements, and intelligent processes. In addition, aspects of this RA are cross-cutting insofar as they support the broader achievement of results under RAs 1 and 2: for example, pro-active services require robust data governance.
The objective of this procedure is to hire an individual consultant who shall provide overall technical support to the SmartLab activities with specific focus on capacity building for implementation of SmartLab activities, including continuous professional development of teachers and school principals, use of SmartLab for delivery of ICT curricula and foundational skills, and monitor and evaluate education inputs and processes for achievement of SmartLab objectives. The Consultant will work in the MoES premises in Tirana on full time basis during the assignment time. The initial duration of the assignment is 12 months from contract signing and/or entry into force of the contract, if specified differently in the contract, with the option of renewal based on satisfactory performance. The Consultant will be offered opportunities to develop professionally by attending relevant short-term training events courses during the term of the assignment.
The Expert’s main responsibilities include:
- Specific tasks would include, but not limited to, the following:
- Coordinate and facilitate roll out of grades 1-3 ICT curricula and teaching of ICT curricula using Code Monkey platform.
- Coordinate and facilitate teaching of numeracy in grades 1-3 using Code Monkey and selection of an appropriate numeracy digital platform to effectively teach numeracy skills to grade 1-3 students.
- Work with the teachers and pedagogy experts to strengthen teaching of foundational skills using SmartLab.
- In collaboration with the relevant Directorates/Departments within MoES, ASCAP and other relevant agencies, lead the preparation of a comprehensive capacity development strategy and plan for the use of educational technology within the framework of SmartLab activities. The strategy and plan would include capacity building of Officials in the MoES, Regional and Local Education Offices, ICT and primary grade teachers, school principals, and heads of teacher professional development networks.
- Coordinate implementation of the comprehensive capacity building plan and monitor the implementation and facilitate process and impact evaluation of capacity building initiatives.
- Advise on school-parents/community interactions on SmartLab.
- Coordinate with appropriate institutions for development of various learning assessment tools, both formative and summative assessments, validate the tools and facilitate implementation of those tools for grade 1-3 students in the schools with SmartLabs.
- Facilitate sharing of the assessment findings with teachers and schools to improve performance.
These responsibilities particularly refer to Results Area 2 and therein SmartLab activities. More information on the detailed scope of work can be found in the ToRs that are published at AKSHI website Expert – Terms of Reference
The Consultant shall report to the SmartLab Project Manager and the General Director, of Policy and Development of Education and Sports. The Consultant will work in close cooperation with MoES, ASCAP and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that the project is managed efficiently and in compliance with the objectives of the Project Appraisal Document (PAD), Loan Agreement and Project Operational Manual (POM).
Consultant should have the following qualifications:
- Master’s degree in education or related social science field.
- At least 5 years of overall professional experience in education/teacher or related social science field.
- Familiarity with the functioning of the government, particularly the Ministry of Education and Sports in Albania.
- Knowledge about the education sector or related social science field.
- Team leadership skills with ability to work in a matrix framework.
- Capacity for independent functioning, decision making and problem solving.
- Ability to prioritize, work well under pressure and capable of handling multiple tasks within tight deadlines. Experience working with cross-functional teams.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Albanian language.
- Computer skills (in use of Microsoft Office and other software, including project management software).
Applicants that fulfill the qualification requirements will be further evaluated based on the below criteria:
- General Qualification – 30 points
- Experience and skills adequacy for the assignment – 60 points
- Language – 10 points
The service will be selected under the provisions of the World Bank Procurement Regulations for Borrowers under Investment Project Financing” dated July 1, 2016, revised on November 2017, August 2018, and November 2020, based on the method of Selection of Individual Consultants, Time-based contract.
Further information can be obtained from the address below during business hours from 08:00 to 16:30, Monday to Thursday and from 08:00 to 14:00 on Fridays.
Expressions of interest (CV, cover letter and documentary evidence of obtained qualifications) must be submitted in writing to the address below in person, by post, or by e-mail at burime.njerezore@akshi.gov.al within November 23, 2023.
National Agency of Information Society
Council of Ministers
St. “Papa Gjon Pali2”, Tirana, Albania
info@akshi.gov.al