TERMS OF REFERENCE TO CONDUCT THE 2024 STATUS OF EDUCATION RESEARCH

TITLE OF THE STUDY: ANALYSIS OF THE CHALLENGES AFFECTING TEACHERS’ MOTIVATION IN ZAMBIA

1      Introduction

The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) was established in 2001. It is a national coalition of civil society and other non-state actors in education whose main aim is to enhance the provision of education in Zambia by influencing policy, building consensus, holding duty-bearers accountable and strengthening the capacities of stakeholders in the education and skills sector. Since its establishment, ZANEC has transformed from a focus on Education For All (EFA) goals towards sustainable Development Goals (SDG 2015-2030) at the global level and the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA 2016-2025) at the regional level.

ZANEC with financial support from the Education Out Loud (EOL) has been implementing a project called “Strengthening Policy Response to Inclusive and Gender Responsive Education in Zambia (SPRInG)”. With financial support from the EOL, ZANEC has plans to conduct a study: Analysis of the  challenges affecting teachers’ motivation in Zambia

2      Background

The profession of teaching is frequently undervalued, yet it is indispensable to any education system. Teachers, as frontline workers, facilitate the acquisition of essential skills and knowledge for personal growth and national development. The critical role of teachers has been accentuated by pandemics, such as COVID-19, and epidemics globally. Remote learning initiatives faced challenges in numerous regions, including Zambia during the Covid-19 pandemic, as teachers were not effectively incorporated into these strategies. Despite their significance, Zambian teachers lack the necessary support, resulting in potential demotivation, absenteeism and compromised educational service delivery.

Given these challenges, the Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC), proposes a research study to generate evidence on the obstacles teachers face and their impact on motivation. The study aims to provide actionable policy recommendations to address these issues in the short, medium, and long term.

3      Objectives of the Research

• Identify and document the key challenges affecting teacher motivation in Zambia.
• Assess the impact of these challenges on teachers’ professional efficacy and overall well-being.
• Document case studies of successful strategies from other countries.
• Generate evidence-based policy recommendations to address identified challenges in the short, medium, and long term.

4      Scope of Work

The Consultant will therefore be expected to undertake the following tasks among other

1. Conduct a comprehensive desk review
2. Conduct Key informant interviews and focus group discussions with relevant stakeholders such as the Ministry of Education, teaching council, and Teaching Service Commission.
3. Identify Challenges faced by teachers that hinge on their motivation.

5       Deliverables

• Inception Report detailing the research design, clear methodology, data quality measures, and research tools.
• Draft Report for review and feedback.
• PowerPoint Presentation of findings at a validation meeting organised by ZANEC.
• Final Report incorporating feedback, including policy recommendations and case studies.
• A 3-page policy brief

6      Required Competencies

• Must possess a master’s degree in education, Education Development, Teacher education or a related field.
• Proven experience and track record of more than 8 years  working in the education sector.
• Excellent knowledge of the education sector in Zambia (particularly the welfare of teachers) would be an added advantage
• Proven experience and track record in conducting research of similar nature in the education sector.
• Strong analytical, facilitation, interpersonal skills, report writing, and communication skills.
• Ability to devote full time towards meeting assignment deadlines

All expressions of interest with a clear presentation on the understanding of the task, methodology, competencies and proposed budget must be submitted through post or email to the address below by 28^th June 2024.

The Executive Director,

Zambia National Education Coalition,

Baptist Fellowship Building,

Plot 3061/2 Corner Makishi Road and Great East Road,

P.O. Box 30774,

Lusaka-Zambia,

Email: admin@zanec.org.zm

  CC: za2002nec@gmail.com