Terms of Reference (TORs)
Hiring a consultant to evaluate the implementation and impact of Digital Libraries for Let’s Read in Gilgit Baltistan and ETNS Karachi
1. Background
Digital libraries have emerged as a vital resource in improving access to information and education, especially in remote and underdeveloped regions. The Let’s Read initiative in Gilgit Baltistan and the ETNS project in Karachi aimed to enhance educational outcomes by providing digital library resources to their respective communities. These initiatives are designed to bridge the educational divide, promote literacy, and support lifelong learning by integrating digital technologies.
Gilgit Baltistan, a remote region in northern Pakistan, faces significant challenges in terms of educational infrastructure and access to learning resources. The Let’s Read project addresses these challenges by establishing digital libraries offering students and teachers various educational materials.
Similarly, ETNS Karachi focuses on urban and peri-urban areas of Karachi, aiming to provide quality educational resources to underserved communities through digital libraries. This project seeks to mitigate the educational disparities exacerbated by socioeconomic factors and improve overall educational standards.
Project Details:The Asia Foundation (TAF)will collaborate with a consultant to enhance educational access through digital libraries in Gilgit Baltistan and Karachi. The Let’s Read initiative aims to improve literacy and support teaching practices with comprehensive digital resources by engaging with students, teachers, and communities to assess the impact and provide recommendations for further development and expansion, fostering a culture of reading and lifelong learning in this region.
The project aims to achieve the following:
- Improve literacy rates and educational outcomes.
- Provide equitable access to digital educational resources.
- Support teachers and students with diverse learning materials.
- Foster a culture of reading and lifelong learning.
2. Purpose of the Assignment
This Terms of Reference (ToR) aims to engage a consultant to evaluate the impact of the digital libraries implemented by the Let’s Read initiative in Gilgit Baltistan and the ETNS project in Karachi. The consultant will assess the effectiveness of these digital libraries in improving educational outcomes and provide recommendations for future enhancements.
3. Key Outputs
- Comprehensive impact assessment report of the Gilgit Baltistan and Karachi digital libraries.
- Evaluation of usage patterns and their effect on educational outcomes.
- Recommendations for improvement and scalability of digital libraries.
- Development of a framework for ongoing monitoring and evaluation.
4. Scope of Work
a) Evaluation of Implementation and Usage:
The consultant will conduct a detailed review focusing on the outcome of digital library implementation. This includes analyzing how digital libraries have been used, identifying patterns in resource utilization, and evaluating user engagement across different demographic groups. The consultant will gather and analyze both quantitative data (e.g., usage statistics and academic performance indicators) and qualitative data (e.g., user feedback and interviews with stakeholders) to understand the impact of digital libraries on educational outcomes.
b) Impact Assessment:
The consultant will measure the impact of digital libraries on literacy rates, academic performance, and educational quality, focusing on students' academic results as a key determinant. This includes assessing how access to digital resources has influenced teaching practices and student engagement. The consultant will also evaluate the broader socioeconomic benefits, such as improved digital literacy and career prospects, and identify any disparities in access and usage among different user groups.
c) Recommendations for Improvement:
The consultant will provide actionable recommendations to enhance the digital libraries' functionality and reach based on the findings. These recommendations will address technical improvements, user engagement strategies, and potential expansions to other underserved areas. The consultant will propose strategies for resource management, user training, and ongoing support.
d) Development of Monitoring and Evaluation Framework:
The consultant will design a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework to facilitate continuous assessment of the impact of digital libraries. This framework will include specific indicators and tools for regular data collection, analysis, and reporting, ensuring continuous improvement and accountability.
5. Eligibility Criteria
a) Academic Qualifications:
An advanced university degree in Education, Information Science, Data Analytics, or a related discipline.
b) Years of experience:
- Minimum of five years of experience in educational research, digital library management, Data Analyticsor related fields.
- Proven track record in conducting impact evaluations and assessments.
- Experience working with educational projects in developing regions.
- Familiarity with digital library technologies and their implementation.
6. How to Apply
Upon the advertisement of these ToRs, the qualified Consultant is expected to submit:
- A Cover letter.
- A technical proposal, including a CV and details of experience, is required and desirable for this consultancy.
- A Financial Proposal
7. Award of Contract
The contract would be signed with the selected individual or consultancy firm for a period of up to three months.
8. Responsibilities of the Foundation
The Foundation will monitor and supervise the work and review the progress of the work, provide regular technical support, and feedback, and provide support when required.
9. Reporting and Documentation
The service provider will maintain proper documentation of the activities conducted under the TOR and assess the evaluation of the information and its quality usingthe standard template. In addition, the Service Provider will regularly update data to the Foundation’s activity checklists and sheets on the completion and achievement of deliverables.
10. Intellectual Property
All information about this project reports, policy recommendations,and data, etc.) belonging to the client, which the service provider may come into contact within the performance of his/her duties under this partnership shall remain the property of The Asia Foundation-Pakistan who shall have exclusive rights over their use. Except for this assignment's purposes, the information shall not be disclosed to the public nor used in whatever form without the Foundation's written permission.
11. Payment Modality
The awarded contract will be paid in Pakistani rupees (PKR) against the deliverables and upon submission of the report per the foundation's financial rules and payment conditions stipulated in the Service for Contract.
12. Submission Deadline
The deadline for submitting the sealed proposals is July 9, 2024.
If you have any inquiries about this consultancy, please get in touch with us at [email protected]
Sealed proposals to be submitted to:
The Asia Foundation Pakistan Office
EOBI House, 3rd Floor, G-10/4 Islamabad
Tel: 051-8434707
Proposal Submission Procedure and Submission Deadline:
Sealed proposals must reach the above office on or before COB July9, 2024. The proposer must submit the Technical and Financial Proposals in separate sealed envelopes with "Technical Proposal" and "Financial Proposal" on the top of the respective envelopes. Then, a big envelope shall be used to cover both proposals, mentioning “Proposal to evaluate the implementation and impact of Digital Libraries for Let’s Read in Gilgit Baltistan and ETNS Karachi” on the top of the big, sealed envelope. Unsealed proposals and proposals received after the deadline would be grounds for rejection.