TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR) FOR CONSULTANT TO DEVELOP SCHOOL LEADERSHIP POLICY

Job Description

TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR) FOR CONSULTANT TO DEVELOP SCHOOL LEADERSHIP POLICY IN SIERRA LEONE

Introduction

The Teaching Service Commission was established as an Act of Parliament in 2011 to consider all matters pertaining to teacher management and the improvement of the professional status and wellbeing of teachers in Sierra Leone. One of the core responsibilities of the Commission is to recruit and appraise the performance of school leaders and teachers in accordance with the Education Act, to ensure quality teaching and learning is taking place to achieve the learning outcomes for learners.

Sierra Leone’s education system has made significant strides in improving access to education. However, challenges remain in terms of quality and management, particularly in leadership at the school level. Effective school leadership is key to improving educational outcomes, ensuring quality teaching, and creating a safe and conducive learning environment.

The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) through the TSC, has recognized the need for a coherent school leadership policy that can guide the recruitment, training, promotion, support, and evaluation of school leaders across the country.

Objective of the Consultancy

The primary objective of this consultancy is to develop a comprehensive, evidence-based School Leadership Policy for Sierra Leone. The policy will provide clear guidelines for the recruitment, professional development, promotion, support, and evaluation of school leaders at all levels of education (pre-primary, primary, secondary, and technical schools).

The consultancy builds on recently developed Sierra Leone School Leader Guidelines. The Guidelines aim to provide an overview of all elements relating to school leaders’ professional careers. The Guidelines were developed by the TSC with support from the Sierra Leone Secondary Education Improvement Programme (SSEIP II). SSEIP II is a five-year programme funded by UK International Development which supports Sierra Leone’s MBSSE to deliver improved education outcomes at secondary level, with a focus on girls and learners with disabilities. 

Scope of Work

The consultant will:

1. Review the current legislation, policies, reports, and studies related to educational leadership in Sierra Leone, including the national education policy, education sector plans, professional standards for teachers and school leaders, national teacher policies for Sierra Leone, human resource manual for teachers and school leaders, the school leadership course framework, CPD and credit mapping frameworks, school leadership guidelines for recruitment, teacher development and performance policies, and any existing frameworks and professional development materials for school leadership. The consultant will also conduct a rapid review of best practice from other countries with similar educational contexts.
2. Identify and engage relevant stakeholders to understand the needs, expectations, and challenges facing school leaders in Sierra Leone.
3. Based on the findings from the reviews and stakeholder consultations, draft a comprehensive School Leadership Policy that will include:

• Definition and roles of school leaders.
• Leadership standards and competencies.
• Career pathways for school leaders 
• Recruitment and selection processes for school leaders.
• Professional development programs and resources for school leaders, including mentorship and support mechanisms.
• Monitoring and evaluation of school leadership effectiveness.
• Integration of gender and equity considerations in leadership development.

1. Develop an implementation plan detailing:

• Key activities and milestones.
• Responsible stakeholders for each activity.
• Resource requirements, including funding, training, and technical support.
• A monitoring and evaluation framework to track progress.

Deliverables

The consultant will prepare the deliverables listed in the table below.

Note that payments will be made on achievement of agreed deliverables and submission of means of verification (MoVs) and will be subject to approval by Mott MacDonald and FCDO. 

Level of Effort and Duration of the Consultancy

The consultancy will begin in April 2025. All deliverables must be completed by end July 2025.

The Level of Effort (LoE) for this consultancy is expected to be approximately 30 days.

Required Qualifications and Experience

The consultant will be a senior Sierra Leonean education professional with a postgraduate degree in Education, Educational Leadership, Public Policy, or a related field, who is able to demonstrate the following:

• Proven experience working extensively at a senior level with government ministries and institutions.
• Experience in developing policies and frameworks in the education sector. 

Deep knowledge and understanding of the education context in Sierra Leone, key government actors and institutions, and the challenges in leadership at the school level will be an advantage.

The consultant will also be able to able to demonstrate the following skills and competencies:

• Strong analytical, research, and writing skills
• Ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders and incorporate their input into policy design
• Experience in developing implementation strategies and monitoring frameworks
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Spoken fluency in both English and Krio is preferred.

Note that the consultant should be available for in-person meetings with TSC and other stakeholders in Sierra Leone at very short notice for the duration of the consultancy.

Reporting

SSEIP II comprises two ‘Pillars’. Pillar 1 is focused on policy and planning. Pillar 2 is focused on strengthening the education system. Pillar 2 is more commonly known as Leh Wi Lan. The consultant is expected to work closely with relevant point people in each pillar of SSEIP II as well as with relevant TSC staff, particularly those in the Teacher Development and Performance Department.

To deliver this Terms of Reference, the consultancy contract will be with Mott MacDonald, the organization leading the implementation of Pillar 2. They will report to the Deputy Team Leader.

Location

The consultancy will take place in Sierra Leone, with some travel to districts and schools for consultations. All travel (vehicles and accommodation) will be arranged by Leh Wi Lan. Per diem will be provided as per Leh Wi Lan policy. 

Application Process

Interested consultants are invited to submit a technical and financial proposal, including:

• A cover letter outlining relevant qualifications and experience, including successful completion of similar assignments
• A detailed curriculum vitae
• Fee rate

Note that:

• Leh Wi Lan will organize printing consultations and workshops and other activities in the approved workplan and will make payment for these activities directly to participants, vendors etc., and not through the consultant.
• Shortlisted applications will be required to demonstrate evidence over a period of their proposed fee rate. This may include excerpts from previous contracts, bank statements and/or similar evidence.
• The consultant hired will be required to provide timely and correct information required by Mott MacDonald for contracting and may be required to complete several, short online courses around ethics and safeguarding.

HOW TO APPLY :

All candidates should submit their applications to mottmac.recruitment@gmail.com,