FORUM FOR AFRICAN WOMEN EDUCATIONALISTS OF ZAMBIA (FAWEZA)

CONSULTANT REQUIRED TO CONDUCT AN INDUCTION TRAINING FOR THE NEWLY ELECTED FAWE AFRICA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Introduction

Recently FAWE Africa, a network of 34 National Chapters, held her General Assembly in Nairobi at which eleven (11) FAWE Board of Directors were elected to run the affairs of the organisation for a three (3) year stint. According to the FAWE constitution, the General Assembly convenes every three years to assess progress towards achieving organizational goals. During these sessions, members also participate in the election of the Governing Board. The primary role of the Board is to provide overreaching policy guidelines to the FAWE Africa network on behalf of the General Assembly. In order to ensure that the newly elected board fully comprehends their roles and responsibilities, an induction process is implemented. This comprehensive induction program focuses on familiarizing the board members with FAWE Africa’s mission, vision, and goals. The training underscores the governance role that the board is expected to play and guides them through the organization’s policies and procedures. The objective is to enhance their capacities and equip them to fulfill their roles effectively. FAWEZA, on behalf of FAWE Africa, is seeking the services of a qualified and experienced consultant to induct the new Board of Directors for one (1) day in Lusaka.

Purpose of Consultancy

The purpose of this consultancy is to engage a professional who will conduct a one-day induction for the new Board of Directors of the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE). The consultant is expected to provide comprehensive training, guidance and insights to facilitate the effective integration of new board members into their roles and responsibilities.

Broad Areas to be Covered During the Induction

The induction will cover the following broad areas: FAWE Africa overview; Board roles and responsibilities; overview of organizational policies and procedures; overview of strategic goals and objectives; overview of the role of financial oversight; stakeholder engagement; team collaboration and dynamics; and continuity and succession planning.

Deliverables

Training materials and training report.

Assignment duration

One day induction training on Sunday 21st January 2024

Application Requirement

Qualified and experienced firms / individuals should send their technical and financial proposals to: Executive Director, FAWEZA, by email only faweza@faweza.org.zm by 22nd December 2023. Details of reference can be obtained on FAWEZA website and face book.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

ONE-DAY INDUCTION FOR FAWE AFRICA BOARD MEMBERS

JANUARY 2024

LUSAKA, ZAMBIA

1.0 Introduction:

The supreme governing body of FAWE Africa is the General Assembly, which consists of a full membership selected from female leaders in education across the continent. According to the FAWE constitution, the General Assembly convenes every three years to assess progress toward achieving organizational goals. During these sessions, members also participate in the election of the Governing Board. The primary role of the Board is to provide overreaching policy guidelines to the FAWE Africa network on behalf of the General Assembly.

To ensure that the newly elected board fully comprehends their roles and responsibilities, an induction process is implemented. This comprehensive induction program focuses on familiarizing the board members with FAWE’s mission, vision, and goals. The training underscores the governance role that the board is expected to play and guides them through the organization’s policies and procedures. The objective is to enhance their capacities and equip them to fulfill their roles effectively.

Following the recent General Assembly held in November 2023, during which a new board comprising 11 members was elected, it is important to conduct a thorough induction for this new team. This process will enable them to gain a deep understanding of their specific roles and responsibilities. The induction serves as a crucial step in empowering the board to actively support and guide the organization over the next three years, aligning their efforts with FAWE’s overarching mission and objectives.

In light of the aforementioned considerations, there is a current initiative to engage a consultant to conduct a one-day induction session for the newly elected Board. This session aims to provide a comprehensive overview of FAWE’s mission, vision, and goals, as well as to elucidate the specific roles and responsibilities of the Board in the organization’s governance structure.

2.0 Background Information:

The Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) was established in 1993 by African women ministers of education, recognizing that without implementing measures to accelerate girls’ education, no Sub-Saharan African country would be able to achieve the Education for All goals. FAWE was founded on the conviction that education is a fundamental human right for every African child. Since its inception, FAWE has diligently worked to transform education systems by advocating for gender-responsive policies, and equity programs, and functioning as a watchdog to ensure that education policies do not disproportionately disadvantage girls and women.

FAWE has expanded its reach across Sub-Saharan Africa, establishing a network of 34 National Chapters in 33 countries. The FAWE Regional Secretariat serves as the coordinating hub for these National Chapters, and FAWE’s Africa membership comprises women education policymakers, planners, and researchers. The organization actively strives to eliminate policy and implementation obstacles that hinder the full participation of girls and women in, and the benefits of, education.

Renowned as a think tank on matters of education for girls in Africa, FAWE empowers girls and women through quality education and training, providing them with the necessary skills, competencies, and values to become productive members of their societies.

3.0 Objective:

The purpose of this consultancy is to engage a consultant who will conduct a one-day induction for the new Board of Directors of the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE). The consultant is expected to provide comprehensive training, guidance, and insights to facilitate the effective integration of new board members into their roles and responsibilities.

4.0 Scope of work:

The scope of work for the consultant encompasses the design and delivery of a one-day induction program tailored to address the specific needs of FAWE’s new Board of Directors. The key topics to be covered during the induction session include, but are not limited to:

FAWE Overview:

• Mission, vision, and core value
• Historical context and organizational milestone
• The role of FAWE in the education landscape of Africa

Board Roles and Responsibilities:

• Clear delineation of individual board member roles
• Collective responsibilities and expectations
• Governance structure and decision-making processes

Organizational Policies and Procedures:

• In-depth review of FAWE’s policies
• Understanding and adherence to established procedures.
• Compliance with legal and ethical standards

Strategic goals and objectives:

• Overview of FAWE’s strategic plan
• Alignment of board actions with organizational objectives
• Contribution to the fulfillment of FAWE’s long-term goals

Financial Oversight:

• Understanding financial reports and statements
• Fiscal responsibility and accountability
• Budgetary considerations and financial planning

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders
• Communication strategies with members, partners, and the public
• Advocacy for girls’ education and gender-responsive policies

Team Collaboration and Dynamics:

• Fostering a collaborative board culture
• Effective communication within the board
• Conflict resolution and decision-making as a cohesive team

Continuity and Succession Planning:

• Ensuring smooth transitions between board terms
• Identifying and nurturing potential future leaders
• Planning for sustainable organizational growth

The consultant will employ effective instructional methods, ensuring that the induction program is engaging, informative, and directly addresses the unique context and requirements of FAWE and its newly appointed Board of Directors

5.0 Methodology:

a. Utilize interactive and participatory training methods to engage the board members.

b. Incorporate case studies, group discussions, and practical exercises to enhance learning and application.

6.0 Deliverables:

a. Develop and provide training materials for participants.

b. Conduct a one-day induction training.

c. Submit a comprehensive report summarizing key discussions, recommendations, and areas for further development.

7.0 Duration:

The consultant is expected to conduct a one-day induction session. The scheduled date for this induction session is the 21st of January 2024, and the venue is set to be in Lusaka, Zambia. The consultant will play a pivotal role in facilitating this session, ensuring that the incoming Board members are well-equipped with the knowledge and understanding necessary to effectively contribute to FAWE’s objectives during their tenure.

7. Logistics:

a. Coordinate with FAWE’s administration for the venue, audio-visual equipment, and other necessary logistics.

b. Ensure that all necessary materials are prepared and distributed to participants promptly.

8. Evaluation:

a. Establish an evaluation mechanism to gather feedback from participants.

b. Use feedback to make improvements for future training sessions.

9. Timeline:

Outline a detailed schedule for the one-day induction, including breaks, interactive sessions, and any pre- or post-session activities.

This Terms of Reference serves as a guide for the consultant, ensuring a focused and impactful induction for FAWE’s new Board of Directors. The consultant is expected to provide expert insights and facilitate an engaging learning experience for the board members.

Top of Form

Deliverables

Training materials and training report.

Assignment duration

One day induction training on Sunday 21st January 2024

Application Requirement

Qualified and experienced firms / individuals should send their technical and financial proposals to: Executive Director, FAWEZA, by email only faweza@faweza.org.zm by 22nd December 2023. Details of reference can be obtained on FAWEZA website and face book.