Background:
«Background_D_name» «Background_D_text»
«Background_S_name» «Background_S_text»
«Background_U_name» «Background_U_text»

Objective of Assignment:

The objective of the evaluation is to learn from the existing experience of introducing MLE at national minority schools through both the formal interventions at the schools and the engagement between the MoES and local communities. The evaluation will inform the expansion in remaining national minority schools.

The evaluation will examine the process from different perspectives, including target kindergartens, schools, teachers, parents and local communities. The evaluation will examine both the formal interventions (teacher trainings, materials, CLIL) and the interaction and engagement with local communities and parents in the preparation and implementation of MLE at national minority schools; as well as evaluate how informal/extracurricular activities support MLE and children’s exposure to the Georgian language.

The findings of the evaluation will serve as a learning tool primarily for the Ministry of Education, as well as the involved schools, kindergartens, and communities.

Approach:

A working group established between MoES and HCNM, which consults with other relevant stakeholders (academia and think tanks and/or CSOs), will develop proposed research questions for the evaluation and support and provide advice on the design for the methodology of the evaluation where needed. It will integrate questions related to the evaluation criteria of: relevance, effectiveness, impact, coherence, efficiency, and sustainability. The Lead Evaluator will be responsible for developing a final set of research questions based on a preliminary review of existing documents, which will be most relevant in response to the objective of the evaluation. Based on the review and research questions the Lead Evaluator will be responsible for designing the methodology and plans for conducting the research and field work for the evaluation in consultation with the working group.

The field work will be conducted in Tbilisi and the regions of Kvemo Kartli and Samtskhe-Javakheti. The Lead Evaluator will be supported by two Field Evaluators from Georgia with knowledge of the regions. Field Evaluators will provide advice on methodology and support with developing the final research questions tailored to the regions. Field Evaluators will prepare and liaise with local schools and communities as well as support with the facilitation of interviews and focus groups. The will also assist in the analysis of the data and information collected. The Lead Evaluator will be responsible for managing the Field Evaluators.

Duration of Assignment:

Up to 29 working days within the tentative timeframe of August 2023 – January 2024

Tasks and Responsibilities:
Under the overall supervision of the Project Officer and in consultation with the MoES, the Lead Evaluator will be tasked with the following duties:

· Conduct preliminary review of policy and strategy documents as well as existing work plans and reports and conduct initial field calls with main interlocutors;

· prepare the methodology and finalize research questions on the basis of the review and objective of the evaluation;

· Prepare an inception report, including work plan and timeline for the whole evaluation team and a communication plan with interlocutors who will be engaged through the evaluation;

· Carry out field work in Georgia to conduct follow up research, interviews, focus groups and validation, including visits to regions settled with national minority communities;

· Prepare a final report and presentation;

· Prepare one knowledge product for stakeholders, including national minority communities, for sharing relevant information on the evaluation.

· Manage Field Evaluators

Deliverables:
For more detailed information on the structure and work of the «Executive_Structure_Name», please see: «Link_to_the_website»

Deliverables

Description

Time line

Desk review and field calls

· Policy documents.

· Strategy documents.

· Project plans.

· Reports.

August- September

5 days

Methodology for evaluation developed

· Methods for conducting research and interviews.

· Research questions development.

September-October

2 days

Inception report

· Final methodology and research questions.

· Work plan for conducting the evaluation with expected deliverables and responsibilities of field evaluators, including timelines.

· Communication plan with interlocutors engaged in the evaluation.

September-October

3 days

Deliverables

Description

Time line

Field work

· Local research.

· Interviews.

· Focus groups.

· Validation with MoES and partners in Tbilisi.

· Support (online) Field Evaluators in conducting validation with key interlocutors in national minority communities.

October-November

10 days

Draft report

· Presentation to MoES on findings of the evaluation and proposed recommendations.

November

3 days

Final report

· Submitted to MoES.

November- December

3 days

Knowledge product

· Information on MLE and the impact on inclusion of national minorities within the broader society of Georgia.

December-January

3 days

Necessary Qualifications:

· University degree in social sciences, education management;

· Minimum ten (10) years of professional experience in conducting education-related program evaluations, and/or conducting complex research;

· Knowledge of multilingual education policies and methods is essential; Professional fluency in English with excellent communication (both oral and written) skills, knowledge of Georgian and/or Russian would be an advantage. Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities; Ability and willingness to work as a member of team, with people of different cultural, and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity; Computer literate with practical experience using Microsoft applications.

Remuneration Package:

Remuneration will be based on the selected consultant's/expert's qualifications, experience, the tasks and deliverables for this position and in accordance with the OSCE established rates.

If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://vacancies.osce.org/.

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.

Only those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization.

Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model, please see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process. Additional Information