Terms of reference for Recruitment of a Consultant to Develop a Project Proposal for Digital Foundational Learning in Sierra Leone

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Sierra Leone, Freetown
December 2, 2025
Bidding
Application ends: December 10, 2025

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Job Description

Background

Imagine Worldwide is providing support to the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) for engaging an experienced proposal writer to develop a 4-year project proposal aiming at supporting Digital Foundational Learning for Basic Education in Sierra Leone. 

In August 2025, a staff from MBSSE participated in a two-week capacity building workshop for Strengthening the Digital Transformation Capacity of Public service in Sierra Leone (2025-2027) organized by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) with partial support from Imagine Worldwide. As part of the training, MBSSE presentation  emerged  as the winner of the contest for the best proposal. KOICA requested MBSSE to translate their presentation into an actionable proposal. MBSSE and Imagine would like to engage a consultant to develop this proposal. This Terms of Reference highlights key guidelines, requirements, and deliverables for the assignment.

Scope of Work

The proposal writer will lead the writing of a compelling proposal working closely with the relevant MBSSE and Imagine Worldwide staff including broader stakeholders as guided by MBSSE. The writer/consultant will be responsible for writing the full proposal including the technical approach, program design, etc. The consultant will be responsible for developing a proposal which is aligned with the Sierra Government Foundational Learning Strategy and with the ongoing Digital Foundational Learning project supported by Imagine Worldwide (Pikin Tab). 

Responsibilities

  • Review all donor guidelines, evaluation criteria and template, etc., as well as relevant Imagine Worldwide and MBSSE documents;
  • Gather and analyze available assessments and information regarding context, problem definition and analysis ensuring relevant data is available;
  • Lead/co-lead the program design workshop with MBSSE;
  • Coordinate regularly with Imagine Worldwide staff providing relevant update and feedback;
  • Coordinate inputs from Imagine Worldwide and other stakeholders on technical proposal and logical framework (if needed);
  • Write first draft of the proposal in accordance with donor guidelines and MBSSE and Imagine engagements;
  • Produce a second revised draft incorporating any feedback received from MBSSE and Imagine teams on the first draft.

 

Deliverables & timelines

The consultancy will begin on 15th December (tentatively). Below is an indicative list of deliverables which will be finalized at the end of Week 1 of engagement in agreement with MBSSE and imagine teams.  

  • Finalize the proposal template as per guidance from MBSSE and Imagine Worldwide;
  • Review all donor guidance and MBSSE/Imagine documents as pertaining to foundational learning and Pikin Tab; 
  • First draft project proposal complying with the guidelines, templates, and requirements provided by MBSSE including:
  • A full narrative in English (Word document)
  • A Logical Framework Analysis with Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-Bound (SMART) progress indicators
  • A Risk Analysis with mitigation measures
  • A list of proposed activities with timeline
  • Second revised draft of the proposal
  • An overall budget in Excel Sheet and in United States Dollars (USD) 
  • The consultant will work for a maximum of 30 business days. 

 

Qualification and Experience

  • Preferably an Advanced University degree (Masters or equivalent) in Education, International Affairs/Studies, or related field
  • Minimum 10 years of experience in the design, proposal writing, and/or management of Basic Education and digital foundational learning programs
  • Strong program design skills, including capacity to prepare logical, coherent, and consistent documents including log frames and budgets
  • Prior demonstrated experience developing proposals for donors, including bilateral donors like KOICA will be an added advantage
  • Ability to work efficiently and effectively with Government stakeholders in sub-Saharan Africa
  • Ability to integrate different experiences, methodologies, and approaches from a diverse range of stakeholders and organizations
  • Excellent English speaking and writing skills
  • Prior understanding of Sierra Leone context especially for the education sector an added advantage. 

Timeframe

  • Start date: 15th  December, 2025
  • End date:  15th January, 2026 
  • Estimated number of days: 30 Days 

Reporting 

The Consultant will report to the Director of Programs at Imagine Worldwide.

Location

Freetown, Sierra Leone 

Application Details 

Interested firms/individuals should send the following requested documents to Director of Programs, Imagine Worldwide Sierra Leone Bernard Ndi bernard.ndi@imagineworldwide.org and Deputy Chief Education Officer Mrs. Adama J. Momoh tajmo1747@gmail.com. Please maintain the following cc list – Desk Officers: Mr. Emmanuel V. Deoud evdeoud1973@gmail.com and Mr. Mohamed B. Fofanah mb.fofanah@yahoo.com. All completed applications should be received before 5 pm GMT December 10th.2025

  • Cover letter detailing the firm/individual’s suitability for the assignment and current contact information
  • Detailed proposal including technical (including work plan to carry out the consultancy) and financial information and detailed profiles/CVs of key person(s) to be involved at any stage of the consultancy.

Candidates should indicate “Foundation Learning Proposal Writing Consultant” in the subject line. Review of submissions will be on a rolling basis with a deadline for submission on Wednesday, December 10th,  2025.

 

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