Quality of Education in Zimbabwe - A Comprehensive Analysis of the Performance of Pupils in ZIMSEC Examinations (G7, F4 & F6) during COVID-19 (2020 & 2021) :

Job Summary

Deadline: 13 May 2022

About
Since the start of the pandemic, Zimbabwe has followed a phased approach to school closing and reopening. Schools were fully closed for face-to-face learning from March to Mid-September 2020, partially reopened from mid Sept-Oct and then fully reopened again from Nov-Dec 2020. From Jan 2021 to March 2021 schools were partially reopened but they are now fully open since the beginning of April 2021. During the two years for continuity’s sake the country’s examination board ZIMSEC had to continue running the Grade 7, O ‘level and A ‘level examinations. The examinations were written following strict COVID-19 regulations, several students who had dropped out of school could not proceed and several students lost a great deal of learning during the pandemic, and all this had adverse effects on the final results recorded for the two consecutive years. In addition to that 2021 saw the initial implementation of the Continuous Assessment Learning Activities Program which is a new phenomenon and coordinating the program in the face of COVID-19 proved to be a serious challenge and this had adverse effect on the results. For example, according to a statement released by ZIMSEC on the November 2020 Ordinary Level results, the country recorded a 6,8% drop in the pass rate compared to 2019. On the other hand, the 2021 statistics recorded a 1.57% increase from the 2020 results but still lower than the 2019 pass rate.

It is against this background that ECOZI seeks to audit the Quality of Education in Zimbabwe through doing a comprehensive analysis of the performance of pupils in ZIMSEC examinations (G7, F4 & F6) during COVID-19 (2020 & 2021), exploring reasons that caused the recorded decreases in pass rate. This comprehensive study is set to bring to light the transition rates, the aggregation of the results, follow and establish patterns in the administration and release of the results for children. This analysis is important because it will serve as a mirror into the role of the country’s education system in informing its development agenda.The Education Coalition of Zimbabwe being a network of civil society actors whose main thrust is to defend and advocate for the right to inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all and contributing to achieving the SDG4 is mandated to carry out such critical audits from time to time to influence its advocacy agenda. The coalition’s work is mainly hinged on policy advocacy, and it targets to ensure that its membership from grassroot to national level fully engages in meaningful advocacy to improve the Zimbabwean Education Sector.

The research
ECOZI intends to engage the services of a consultant to carry out research, then present the findings for validation and spell out clear recommendations to improve the system. This quantitative and qualitative research will include accessing critical information from different stakeholders including the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, the examination body ZIMSEC, CSOs operating in the education sector, student bodies and general populace. This multi-faceted data collection approach will help bring out a detailed audit and recommendations from various stakeholders in the education sector. The coalition will supervise and facilitate the research process. Once the report has been validated, its key findings and recommendations will be used to shape and inform the coalition’s key advocacy agenda 2022-2024.

Objectives for consultancy
1) To assess the quality of education in Zimbabwe; 2) To analyze the performance of pupils in ZIMSEC examinations (G7, F4 & F6) during COVID-19 (2020 & 2021); 3) To assess the uptake of the CALA program and explore ways to improve it and integrate it seamlessly into the Zimbabwean Education system; 4) To draw out key advocacy issues in the education sector

Duties and Responsibilities

Key deliverables
Inception report; Detailed research design; Completed interview list with key stakeholders in the Education sector; Research report; Mini report of key recommendations and advocacy issues.

The ideal candidate (s) for this consultancy should: Demonstrate an understanding of the Zimbabwe Education Sector; Demonstrate an understanding of education Policy, Research and Review; Have experience in carrying out both qualitative and quantitative research in the education sector; Be able to establish and maintain productive relations with clients, identify clients’ needs and match them to appropriate solutions; Excellent oral and written and partnership building skills with people; Excellent presentation and facilitation skills; Good knowledge of the Zimbabwean education environment as well as the socio-political context.

Duration
The assignment is expected to be completed in 30 days.

Qualifications and Experience

Qualification of the consultant
Advanced degree (at least Masters) and / or professional qualification in Education, Public Management / Policy Advocacy, Administration

Technical experience
Extensive experience in carrying out both qualitative and quantitative research in the education sector.

How to Apply

To apply
Interested and qualified consultants should submit a Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability, a technical proposal containing a personal CV, indicating all past experiences from similar projects, as well as contact details of the candidate and three professional referees; Brief Description (max ½ page) of why you consider yourself as the most suitable for the assignment and a Financial Proposal, that indicates the all-inclusive fixed total contract price, supported by breakdown of costs. Submit to [email protected] on or 12 May 2022