KINGDOM OF LESOTHO
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR MONITORING AND EVALUATION SPECIALIST

OBJECTIVES OF POSITION:
The main objectives of the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist are:

a) To collect, analyze and provide information that is credible and useful to assist MOET management and Development Partners to make timely decisions, ensure accountability and provide basis for evaluation and learning.

b) To develop and implement comprehensive and robust M&E system in consultation, collaboration and cooperation with MOET departments

2. Background
The Government of Lesotho – Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) is working towards integrated sector-wide approach (SWAP) as the guiding modality for financing implementation of the Education Sector Strategic Plan (ESSP) for the period 2005 to 2015. Sector Wide Approach is guided by, amongst others, the following principles:

a) Co-ordination of MOET and development partners activities in support of an agreed common prioritized policy framework and the Education Sector Strategic Plan;

b) Integration of government budget resources and aid within a mutually-agreed government programme for the improvement of the education and training sector;

c) Emphasis on efficiency, transparency and realism in the design and implementation of the Education Sector Strategic Plan;

d) Strengthening of links between the sub-sector expenditure programme and the MOET’s Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF);

e) Fostering a sense of co-operation and partnership with all stakeholders through regular consultation and reporting while firmly maintaining control and leadership within MOET departments, e.g. leadership and control within Education Planning Unit;

f) A programme design that takes into account cross-cutting objectives such as poverty reduction, HIV and AIDS, and gender;

g) The development and strengthening of mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating Education Sector Strategic Plan interventions.

It is generally agreed and highly appreciated that SWAP gives room for greater predictability of externally mobilized resource flow into the education and training sector, guided by the Education Sector Strategic Plan priorities. This would best be realized through agreeing on financial commitments over a multi-year timeframe, accompanied by multi-year funding commitments to enable MOET better plan its medium term macroeconomic and fiscal projections in the context of Medium Term Expenditure Framework. This would also reduce transaction costs; allow efficiency in public spending; increase predictability of aid flows to the sector; enhance the effectiveness of MOET financial management; improve reporting, monitoring and evaluation; and strengthen domestic accountability.

However, SWAps and MTEF are by themselves not enough for operationalization of the ESSP. The MOET is in the process of developing a comprehensive Education and Training Sector development programme for the realization of the education sector strategic plan. This process is expected to be complete by October 2007. For the programme to be properly implemented there is need for a sound monitoring and evaluation system based on sound data and information system. The main features of the current MOET information system are reflected in Fig.-1. The diagram below depicts the major features of Education Management Information System – Education Geographical Information System (EMIS – EGIS). The diagram show the expected flow of information that is used for various purposes including, amongst others:

a) Policy Development
b) Research
c) Planning
d) Investment Programming & Budgeting
e) Coordination, Supervision, Inspection
f) Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
g) Technical, professional, Procurement and Financial Management Support

3: Objectives of the Consultancy

MoET plans to develop an integrated sector M&E system and capability for evidence –based impact assessments. The M&E system will have to effectively serve the ESSP (2005-2015) and the planned Education Sector Investment Programme (2008-2011. The specific objectives of this assignment include, among others:

1. The development of monitoring and evaluation framework for reporting during the implementation of the education and training sector development programme;

2. The development of core monitoring and evaluation indicators to be used during implementation of the education and training sector development programme;

3. The design of data collection and management instruments and tools for monitoring and evaluation.

1. Review the adequacy of the current sector information and data systems to provide a base of a sector M&E system and a foundation for downstream impact evaluations
2. Based on the review, suggest specific ways of strengthening the data and information base
3. To carry out M & E needs assessment and design a system as appropriate for the education and training sector
4. To develop M & E strategic plan and institutional and implementation framework in the education and training sector
5. To design a framework for M & E information flow in the education and training sector at all levels (IECCD to higher education; partners level; central, district and school levels ; and community level)
6. Develop an integrated M&E system and impact assessment capability that comprehensively cover the sector from IECCD to higher educationo
7. Prepare M & E capacity building programme for the education and training sector at central and district levels as well as school management level
8. Develop the capacity of selected counterparts to be able to sustain this effort Finalize baseline outputs and build consensus on the targets;
9. Review the Project Log frame and provide technical advice for the revision of performance indicators;
10. Finalize baseline outputs and build consensus on the targets;
11. Initiate data quality assessment;
12. Integrate government budget resources and aid within a mutually-agreed government programme for the improvement of the education and training sector
13. Design a programme that takes into account cross-cutting objectives such as poverty reduction, HIV and AIDS, and gender
14. Ensure availability to MOET Management and donors monthly, quarterly and annual performance reports based on approved annual plans and budget within 20 days from the end of each period

1. To develop monitoring framework for reporting during the implementation of the education and training sector development programme;
2. To develop core monitoring indicators to be used during implementation of the education and training sector development programme;
3. To design data collection and management instruments and tools for monitoring.

1. To develop evaluation framework for reporting during, at completion and a few years after the implementation of the education and training sector development programme;
2. To develop core evaluation indicators to be used during, at completion and a few years after implementation of education and training sector development program;
3. To design data collection and management instruments and tools for evaluation;
4. To set up generic requirements and terms of reference for evaluation and impact assessments studies.

1. Inception report (to provide a record on agreed deliverables from this consultancy). The inception report is expected to be submitted stating in detail, amongst others, the following:
   • Response to the terms of reference: understanding, interpretation and constructive comments
   • Methodology of carrying out the assignment
   • Work plan and implementation schedule
2. Monitoring and Evaluation needs assessment report with clear findings, conclusions and recommendations
3. Monitoring and Evaluation Strategic Plan and Institutional and Implementation Framework
4. Monitoring and Evaluation Guidelines with clear core indicators
5. Well defined M & E Capacity building Programme
6. Comprehensive Report on other General and Specific Tasks
7. Two-days presentation of key findings and recommendations before selected stakeholders in Education as shall be determined by the MOET

Qualifications and Experience Required

1. Educational qualifications: Post-Graduate Degree in Economic Sciences, Education or Social Sciences with strong background in Statistics or related field. Background in civil engineering is an added advantage.
    
2. Work Experience: Five (5) years working experience in an M&E or similar environment
    
3. Languages: Fluency in English and a good knowledge of Sesotho would be an added advantage.
    
4. Competencies:
   • Commitment, drive for results, embracing diversity, integrity, self-awareness and self-regulation;
   • Communication, tact, technical knowledge, managing resources, analytical and conceptual thinking and judgement;
   • Team work and managerial skills;
   • Proven skills in human resources management, property management and administration;
   • Supervisory ability;
   • ICT literate
   • Extensive skills and knowledge of developing and implementing M&E systems,
   • Experience in conduction impact assessment;
   • Knowledge and understanding of education and training sector management and processes.
   • Good communication and public relations skills and written English Language