Background

1. BACKGROUND / PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine has had a direct and highly negative impact on social cohesion, resilience, livelihoods, community security, and the rule of law. Recognizing the need to urgently address reconstruction, economic recovery and peacebuilding needs in areas affected both directly and indirectly by the conflict, in late 2014 the Government of Ukraine requested technical assistance and financial support from the international community to assess priority recovery needs. In late 2014, the United Nations (UN), the World Bank (WB) and the European Union (EU) conducted a Recovery and Peacebuilding Assessment, which was endorsed by the Cabinet of Ministers in mid-2015.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been active and present in eastern Ukraine for the past decade, prior to the conflict, with a focus on community development, civil society development, and environmental protection. Work on addressing the specific conflict-related development challenges discussed above built on this earlier engagement, established partnerships, and started in 2015 through the UN Recovery and Peacebuilding Programme (UN RPP). The UN RPP is a multi-donor funded framework programme formulated and led by the UNDP in collaboration with the Government of Ukraine and in cooperation with a number of partnering UN agencies (UN Women, FAO, UNFPA).

The UN RPP was designed to respond to, and mitigate, the causes and effects of the conflict. It is based on findings of the Recovery and Peacebuilding Assessment (RPA) and is aligned to the State Target Programme for Recovery as well as to the two oblast development strategies up to 2020. It takes into account the opportunities that have arisen from the Minsk Protocol of September 2014 and the renewal of its cease-fire provisions (the latest cease-fire having been agreed in March 2018) and is also fully adjusted to the humanitarian-development nexus. It is an integral component of the UNDP Country Programme and is therefore fully aligned with the United Nations Partnership Framework (UNPF). It is closely interlinked with the Democratic Governance and Reform Programme, operating nationally and in all of Ukraine’s regions, and is consistent with the SDGs, in particular SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong institutions).

The Programme’s interventions are grouped under the following key Programme components, which reflect the region’s priority needs:

Component 1: Economic Recovery and Restoration of Critical Infrastructure

Component 2: Local Governance and Decentralization Reform

Component 3: Community Security and Social Cohesion.

The Programme, which operates on the basis of a pooled funding arrangement, follows a multi-sectoral programme-based approach and is implemented using an area-based methodology. It is a unifying interventions framework for 10 projects funded by 11 international partners and is worth about USD 80 million (2019-2022) USD.

In October 2018, four UN agencies (UNDP, UN Women, FAO and the UNFPA) have countersigned a new joint project document, funded by the EU. The overall objective of the project is to restore effective governance and promote reconciliation in the crisis-affected communities of Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine, thereby enhancing the credibility and legitimacy of local governments in the government-controlled areas (GCAs) of the regions. It will contribute to peace build and prevent further escalation of conflict in Ukraine through effective and accountable decentralization, gender-responsive recovery planning and equal access to services, as well as enhanced community security and social cohesion.

This endeavor will be achieved through the pursuit of the following specific objectives:

1.             To enhance local capacity for gender-responsive decentralization and administrative reforms to improve governance, local development and the delivery of services.

2.            To stimulate employment and economic growth by providing assistance to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) development.

3.             To enhance social cohesion and reconciliation through promotion of civic initiatives.

4.            To support sector reforms and structural adjustments in health, education and critical public infrastructure to mitigate direct impacts of the conflict. and enhance the capacity of governmental authorities for national the coordination of actions to cope with emergencies arising from the conflict zone.

5.            Supporting the implementation of the European Investment Bank’s Early Recovery Programme.

In 2018 the armed conflict in eastern Ukraine has been further deteriorated with the capture of Ukrainian navy vessels in the Kerch Strait (Azov sea). The continuous limitations of freedom of passage across the Kerch strait have accelerated the economic downturn in urban centers along the Azov coastline, limiting freight traffic through Azov Sea ports (Mariupol and Berdyansk), as well as limiting employment opportunities for those engaged in the fishing industry. These conflict-related issues have significantly contributed to the aggravating of the overall decline of the region’s socio-economic situation.

In order to support the affected surrounding areas, UN RPP has spread its activities to the Azov coast (districts along the Azov sea coastline: Berdiansk, Prymorsk, Pryazovia, Orikhiv, Rozivka, Guliaipole, Yakymivka, Bilmak, Melitopol and Tokmak). To improve the situation in the region great attention is paid by UN RPP to the development of professional education in the region, which is considered to be the basis for the enhancement of regional economic capacity. Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector in the region faces multiple challenges including low quality of education (a result of outdated curricula and teaching methods not responding to labour market requirements, lack of up-to-date equipment in vocational education institutions), and weak linkages with employers. VET is badly affected by a poor image in the country, so that students prefer to apply for admission to general secondary education and consequently higher education rather than vocational education.

VET schools of Donetsk, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts share these problems with VET schools in other Ukrainian regions. There are many problems, and Ukrainian VET system certainly needs reforming. The old VET schools were established to serve the requirement of state-owned enterprises for workers with narrow professional skills. State-owned enterprises were compelled to help the schools with the provision of materials and equipment and to give the students their practical training. After graduation the students would be hired by the enterprises for which the school was preparing workers.

The present situation of VET system needs to be clearly described, the problems identified and the recommendations on their solving proposed. The research will help to find ways of modernization the system so that it becomes more relevant for the education and training of the future and provides opportunities for the existing labour force.

2. MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The main objectives of the assignment are: (i) to conduct the assessment of vocational training institutions in Zaporizhzhia oblast with special attention to districts along the Azov sea coastline (Berdiansk, Prymorsk, Pryazovia, Orikhiv, Rozivka, Guliaipole, Yakymivka, Bilmak, Melitopol and Tokmak) and map key challenges they face in reaching educational results; (ii)  to find ways of modernization the system; (iii) provide analyses of the state of VET reflecting key findings and recommendations for all actors engaged to enable UN RPP further elaborate strategies in improvement the access to quality education for young people in  Zaporizhzhia oblast as well as equip them with better employment opportunities.

Duties and Responsibilities

3. DESCRIPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES / SCOPE OF WORK

The Individual Consultant for comprehensive analysis of the vocational education and training system in Zaporizhzhia  oblast and its relevance to labour market needs under the supervision of the Vocational Education Development Specialist, will be responsible for implementation of following tasks:

• Develop the methodology for the assessment of existing VET institutions and agree it with the Programme Coordinator and Vocational Education Development Specialist;
• To characterize educational system in Zaporizhzhia oblast;
• To study demographic changes and their implications for the educational sector, particularly VET sector;
• To develop a questionnaire and conduct survey for assessment of existing VET institutions;
• Using the results of the survey and other sources, to analyze the system of vocational education and training in Zaporizhzhia oblast on the following items:
  • The different types of VET schools;
  • Regulatory framework, planning and funding policies of VET institutions;
  • Institutional management of the VET system in Zaporizhzhia oblast;
  • The number of students enrolled in VET schools;
  • Teachers and other personnel at VET schools, and teacher training;
  • Financing of VET schools;
  • Standards, curricula, teaching materials, certification and assessment, and research;
  • The state of implementation of dual education system;
  • Employment of VET schools graduates;
  • General state of the schools;
  • Capacity and development needs of VET institutions in Zaporizhzhia oblast.
•  Based on the results of the survey of the regional employers by types of economic activity, distinguished  within the Study of Regional Labour Market and State Employment Service identify:
  • The list of professions for which curricula don’t meet the needs of employers of the region;
  • The list of professions the demand for which is most likely to grow;
  • The list of professions with current and/or expected shortage of skilled workers;
  • Employer’s recommendations on improving the training in the relevant profession;
  • The list of 5 identified recommended non-agricultural VET institutions and 5 agricultural VET institutions, selected for design of new curricula.

Correction of curricula will consider requirements of legal possibilities (limitations) – not more than 20% deviation from state standard for regional component.

Each of the selected VET institution will become the centre for knowledge development and dissemination for the adjacent territories. Project will support these institutions with the required materials and methodologies.

• To study the status of cooperation between VET institutions and employers in the region;
• To assess opportunities for improvement of the networking tools for VET system and regional employers;
• To study existing links between VET institutions in Zaporizhzhia oblast with government bodies and private sector to improve post-graduate employment opportunities for their students.

As an example, to study the activity of VET regional councils.

4. DELIVERABLES AND IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE

Output 1.

Action plan of carrying out the assignment prepared, the methodology for the assessment of existing VET institutions developed and agreed upon with the Programme Coordinator and Vocational Education Development Specialist:

• Prepare the action plan to carry out the assignment;
• Develop the methodology for the assessment of existing VET institutions;
• Discuss and approve the action plan and methodology with the Programme Coordinator and Vocational Education Development Specialist.

Deadlines: Within two weeks after the start of assignment.

Output 2.

Description of educational sector of Zaporizhzhia oblast prepared:

• Characterize educational system in Zaporizhzhia oblast including high, vocational and higher schools and its relevance to the needs of the region.

Deadlines: Within four weeks after the start of assignment.

Output 3.

Demographic situation and demographic changes as well as migration process from the point of view educational institutions perspective analyzed:

• Collect the data for a certain period of time, which will allow tracing the dynamics and identifying patterns and trends in the development of the demographic situation, migration process;
• Analyze implications of demographic situation changes for the educational system in general and vocational education and training system in particular.

Deadlines: Within six weeks after the start of assignment.

Output 4.

Questionnaire for assessment of existing VET institutions developed. Survey for assessment of existing VET institutions conducted. The aggregated results of the survey analyzed. Some cases of VET institutions in the region described:

• To develop a questionnaire and conduct survey for assessment of existing VET institutions;
• To conduct survey of assessment existing VET institutions;
• To analyze the aggregated results of survey and make the conclusions;
• To describe some typical cases of VET institutions in the region.

Deadlines: Within nine weeks after the start of assignment.

Output 5.

Using the results of the survey and other sources, the system of vocational education and training in Zaporizhzhia oblast analyzed. Analysis should include, but not be limited to the following items:

• Different types of VET schools;
• Regulatory framework, planning and funding policies of VET institutions;
• Institutional management of the VET system in Zaporizhzhia oblast;
• The number of students enrolled in VET schools;
• Teachers and other personnel at VET schools, and teacher training;
• Financing of VET schools;
• Standards, curricula, teaching materials, certification and assessment, and research;
• The state of implementation of dual education system;
• Employment of VET schools graduates;
• General state of the schools;
• Capacity and development needs of VET institutions in Zaporizhzhia oblast.

Deadlines: Within ten weeks after the start of assignment.

Output 6.

Based on the results of the survey of the regional employers by types of economic activity conducted within the Study of Regional Labour Market and State:

• The list of professions for which curricula don’t meet the needs of employers identified; recommendations on changes of curricula given;
• The list of professions the demand for which is most likely to grow identified;
• The list of professions with current and/or expected shortage of skilled workers identified;
• Employer’s recommendations on improving the training in the relevant profession are summarized and presented;
• The list of 5 non-agricultural VET institutions and 5 agricultural VET institutions, selected and recommended for design of new curricula.

Deadlines: Within ten weeks after the start of assignment.

Output 7.

Status of cooperation between VET institutions and employers studied:

• To study the status of cooperation between VET institutions and employers in the region;
• To assess opportunities for improvement of the networking tools for VET system and regional employers;
• To give recommendations for improving links of VET schools with government bodies and private sector to develop the quality of learning and employment opportunities for their students;
• To study existing links between VET institutions in Zaporizhzhia oblast with government bodies and private sector to improve post-graduate employment opportunities for their students;
• To assess opportunity to strengthened links of VET schools with government bodies and private sector to improve the quality of learning and employment opportunities for their students;
• To assess opportunity of improving efficiency of VET regional councils;
• To give recommendations for increasing efficiency of VET regional councils;
• To identify the possibilities for establishment public-private initiatives aimed at enhancing employability through strengthening links between public and private institutions (e.g. State Employment Service, VET institutions, business membership organizations, MSMEs, etc.) supported by grants and implemented.

Deadlines: Within ten weeks after the start of assignment.

Output 8.

Final analytical report Comprehensive analysis of the vocational education and training system in Zaporizhzhia oblast and its relevance to labour market needs which should include all the above mentioned deliveries (1-7) prepared; Executive Summary (2-3 pages) prepared.

Deadlines: Within twelve weeks after the start of assignment.

Output 9.

The Power Point Presentation (at least 20 slides) and handouts (at least 10 pages) to Final report created; a presentation of the study results and proper discussions with stakeholders in Berdyansk conducted.

• Contents of the Power Point Presentation include:
  • Executive Summary;
  • Background information;
  • Study purpose and objectives;
  • Scope;
  • Methodology (qualitative, quantitative or both);
  • Limitations of the study;
  • Findings;
  • Conclusions& Recommendations;
  • Lessons learned.

To conduct a presentation of the study results to support inclusive and participatory process and proper discussions with stakeholders.

Deadlines: Within twelve weeks after the start of assignment.

5. PROPOSED PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Lump sum contract

UN RPP will pay the negotiated amount in 4 tranches as per delivery of the outputs outlined above.  

The payments will be paid upon the full completion and acceptance of contractual obligations whereupon the Programme Coordinator signs the certification of acceptance.

6. MONITORING/REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

The Consultant will work under the overall supervision of the Programme Coordinator and direct supervision of Vocational Education Development Specialist. The Consultant will directly report to the Specialist on fortnightly basis and will also report to the Programme Coordinator on a monthly basis through in-person meetings/ by phone or Skype or sending electronic materials.

The Consultant shall provide interim progress reports for each stage of the study specified in the Tentative Work Plan above, and a final report including final recommendations in Ukrainian.

Interim reports shall include all results in full compliance with the Terms of Reference and according to the Work Plan. It is imperative to include into the foregoing reports the following: charts, quantitative and qualitative comments for the works carried out, as well as to update them and make changes to them if necessary. The information (results) must be relevant, reliable, appropriate and objective. The final report shall be executed in a manner that would require no further editing.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

Ethics & Values:

• Demonstrating and promoting the highest standard of integrity, impartiality, fairness and incorruptibility in all matters affecting his/her work and status.

Organizational Awareness:

• Ability to lead formulation, design, oversight of implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development projects.
• Ability to lead strategic planning, change processes, RBM and reporting.

Developing & Empowering People/Coaching and Mentoring:

• Self-development, initiative-taking.

Working in Teams:

• Acting as a team player and facilitating team work.

Communicating Information and Ideas:

• Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively
• Delivering verbal/written information in a timely, clear, organized and easily understood manner
• Informed and transparent decision making
• Accepting responsibility and accountability for the quality of the outcome of his/her decisions.

Required Skills and Experience

7. EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS

Education:

PhD in Education, Economics, Social sciences, Management, Public Administration, Law or other relevant related field.

Experience and competencies:

• At least 7 years of proven experience in drafting scientific desk research and in methodology development for assessments of dynamics of socio-economic processes development of recommendations and policy (at least one example of research methodology, research report and recommendations shall be provided)
• At least 3 years of proven experience in tasks corresponding to the assignment: research a regional VET system, development of questionnaire, conducting survey, processing the results of survey and big data
• Proven academic experience on preparation of written publications (including pieces of research, articles and written reports; in the fields related to complex assessments of dynamics of socio-economic processes (the list of at least 20 publications and examples of the developed materials shall be provided))
• Proven experience in developing materials/publications related to either social infrastructure, labour market, educational system – at least 3 significant publications shall be provided
• Minimum 7 years of experience related to educational field
• Previous experience with an international organization and/or NGO project funded by international donors would be an asset;

Language skills: Excellent Ukrainian/Russian writing and presentation skills are essential. Knowledge of English will be an asset.

8. DOCUMENTS TO BE INCLUDED WHEN SUBMITTING THE PROPOSALS

Applicants shall submit the following documents:

9. FINANCIAL PROPOSAL

Lump sum contract

The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount, and payment terms around specific and measurable (qualitative and quantitative) deliverables (i.e. whether payments fall in installments or upon completion of the entire contract). Payments are based upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR. In order to assist the requesting unit in the comparison of financial proposals, the financial proposal will include a breakdown of this lump sum amount.

The Consultant will be responsible for all personal administrative expenses associated with undertaking this assignment including office accommodation, printing, stationary, telephone and electronic communications, and report copies incurred in this assignment.

Travel costs

All envisaged travel costs must be included in the financial proposal. This includes all travel to join duty station/repatriation travel. In general, UNDP should not accept travel costs exceeding those of an economy class ticket. Should the IC wish to travel on a higher class he/she should do so using their own resources.

In the case of unforeseeable travel, payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses should be agreed upon, between the respective business unit and Individual Consultant, prior to travel and will be reimbursed.

10. EVALUATION CRITERIA

UNDP will use a two-stage procedure for evaluating applications with an evaluation of the technical proposal being completed prior to any price proposals are compared. The technical part will be evaluated on the basis of its relevance to the Terms of Reference. The following criteria will be rated as indicated below:

Education

Advanced University degree (at least PhD or candidate of science) in Education, Economics, Social sciences, Management, Public Administration, Law or other relevant related field – 10 points max (Doctor of science – 10, PhD or candidate of science – 9 points).

Experience and competencies:

• At least 7 years of proven experience in drafting scientific desk research and in methodology development for assessments of dynamics of socio-economic processes; development of recommendations and policy (at least one example of research methodology, research report and recommendations shall be provided) – 10 points max (more than 10 years– 10 points, 9-10 years – 9 points, 8-7 years – 8 points);

• At least 3 years of proven experience in tasks corresponding to the assignment: research a regional VET system, development of questionnaire, conducting survey, processing the results of survey and big data – 5 points max (more than 3 years – 5 points; 3 years – 4 points);
• Minimum 7 years of experience related to educational field – 5 points max (more than 7 years – 5 points; 7 years – 4 points);

• Proven academic experience on preparation of written publications (including pieces of research, articles and written reports; in the fields related to complex assessments of dynamics of socio-economic processes (the list of publications and examples of the developed materials shall be provided))  – more than 50 publications – 10 points, 35-50 publications – 9 points, 21-34 publications – 8 points, 20 publications – 7 point;

• Proven experience in developing materials/publications related to either social infrastructure, labour market, educational system  – at least 3 significant publications – 10 points max (more than 5 publications – 10 points, 3-5 publications – 9 points);

• Previous experience with an international organization and/or NGO project funded by international donors would be an asset – 5 points max (experience absent – 0 points, experience available – 5 points);

Languages

• Excellent Ukrainian/Russian writing and presentation skills are essential, working knowledge of English is an asset – 10 points max. (5 points – excellent Ukrainian/Russian; working knowledge of English – 5 points).

11. EVALUATION METHOD

Cumulative analysis

Contract award shall be made to the incumbent whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

a) responsive/compliant/acceptable, and

b) having received the cumulative highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.

* Technical Criteria weight: 70%

* Financial Criteria weight: 30%

Only candidates obtaining a minimum 70% from the maximum available technical score (49 points) would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

The maximum number of points assigned to the financial proposal is allocated to the lowest price proposal and will equal to 30. All other price proposals will be evaluated and assigned points, as per below formula:

30 points [max points available for financial part] x [lowest of all evaluated offered prices among responsive offers] / [evaluated price].

The proposal obtaining the overall cumulatively highest score after adding the score of the technical proposal and the financial proposal will be considered as the most compliant offer and will be awarded a contract.