Tracer Study on TVET Graduates in The Gambia — Ministry of Higher Education, Research

Language of Notice *

English

Deadline for submission of expressions of interest *

29-11-2023

Local Time *

12: 30

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Assignment Title: The Gambia Technical, Vocational, Education and Training (TVET) Graduates Tracer Study

Reference No. GM-PPPPE-391728-CS-CQS

• Context and Background information on the Consultancy The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MHERST) was established in 2007 in response to the growing need to oversee the postsecondary educational system in The Gambia. Over the years, the role of MoHERST has been evolving and has become complex due to the emerging programs in the increasing number of Tertiary and Higher Education institutions in the country. In addition, many TVET Institutions are churning out graduates in large numbers; this requires more effective coordination from the government for better planning, thus the need to do a tracer study.

Tracer studies are a valuable tool to improve the quality and relevance of TVET provision within a country. In this case, the study becomes a mandatory requirement for the enhancement of study programmes, and it serves as a tool for continuous improvement strategy in the education sector. For instance, tracer studies can be used to reduce the graduate labour market mismatch. Also, such studies can also provide valuable information for TVET reform projects on where to priorities institutional strengthening activities.

• Objectives and Outputs Objectives of the Study:

In line with the Youth Empowerment through TVET in the Gambia, the objectives of the proposed tracer study are to:

• Measure the employability of TVET graduates from 2018-2022;
• Assess the effectiveness of the TVET programmes in institutions and projects;
• Understand the employability of TVET graduates from different training institutions;
• Evaluate how access, quality, and relevance of TVET programs contribute to employability of graduates; and
• Determine potential programmes in TVET landscape

Main objectives of the Consultancy service

The overall objective is to assess the performance of the training providers, the graduates from these training institutions, and the expectations of the labor market. Ultimately, the desire is to create an enabling environment for employment creation in order to develop a skilled, versatile, dynamic and efficient workforce, thereby creating opportunities for wage and self-employment in both the formal and informal economy.

The study, therefore, should cover male and female graduates from public and private formal and informal TVET institutions who completed between year 2018-2022 in both urban and rural Gambia.

• Requested profile of consultants and selection criteria The Consultant(s)

The consultant must show a proof of conducting similar consultancies. Additionally, the consultant must have a minimum qualification of a master’s degree and at least five years of working experience in either consultancies or working in specific fields related to conducting tracers’ studies. Identified consultants will present a technical and financial proposal for review.

The Local Technical Team (LTT)

The consultant is expected to work closely with relevant experts within and outside the Ministry. This team will be recruited at the level of the ministry to provide the much-needed support for the consultancy. Members of the local technical team should have advanced qualifications in related areas and most show experience in a similar exercise. Both the local technical team and the lead consultant will be supervised by the senior management of the Ministry to ensure alignment with the policy direction.

The consultant and members of the LTT are expected to demonstrate good team management and coordination skills and guarantee that they have the potential to successfully carry out the assignment.

Training/Capacity Building

The consultant and the LTT will provide training and capacity building for the implementing body of the fund.

Submission of Expressions of Interest:

The Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs (MoFEA) through the Gambia Fiscal Management Development Project, now invites eligible consulting firms to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultant firms should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” dated September 2023 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Consultant Qualification Selection (CQS) method set out in the Consultant Guidelines. Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours from 09:00 to 16:00 Monday to Thursday and 09:00 to 12h30 on Friday.

Expressions of interest should be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail) on or before 29 November 2023 at 12h30 GMT

Gambia Fiscal Management Development Project GFMDP

Royal Insurance Building

2nd Floor, Kotu Bertil Harding Highway

The Gambia

Email: [email protected] and [email protected]