Adaptive Management Consultancy

Job Description

World Learning background

World Learning works globally to enhance the capacity and commitment of individuals, institutions, and communities to create a more peaceful and just world through education, sustainable development, and exchange. Our programs advance leadership in more than 150 countries.

Rationale

As World Learning embarks on its implementation of global education projects, we are seeking a management consultant with an in-depth understanding of USAID’s CLA framework to help us define and develop World Learning’s adaptive management model. Ensuring that adaptive management is systematically ingrained in the program’s management practices is extremely important given complex and consistently changing educational environments. The consultant should, therefore, work closely with the program management team at HQ and relevant field teams to specify and intentionally integrate flexible and informed adaptive management practices - clearly identifying the tools, the datasets, processes and decision-making frameworks to ensure that program goals are achieved. The adaptive management practices should feed into all phases of the project management cycle, with a long-term view of offering sustained culture of collaboration, learning and adaption mechanisms that can be replicated by other implementers and sustained beyond project life cycles.

Who can apply?

This consultancy is open to individuals and consultancy teams with relevant experience.

Timeframe:

The consultancy should commence mid-September, 2019. Below is a recommended outline of consultancy timeframes and deliverables.

Duration

Task

Deliverable

5 days

Literature review;

Desk review

Inception report with up to two recommended models. To the extent possible, the core sections of the model developed with data from background literature, including internal programmatic documentation, such as MELP, workplan and others.

Gaps of data identified to be filled during interviews.

Citations from literature selected and organized.

3 days

10 KII; 2-3 FGDs

Data recorded, organized and coded; ready to be inserted into outline of adaptive management model.

10 days

Write up of first draft of adaptive management model

Draft adaptive management model developed

2 day

2 workshops held. Draft model circulated for feedback

Feedback collected

5 days

Develop final draft

Final draft adaptive management model developed and shared

Skills and expertise required:

• A strong understanding of USAID’s CLA Framework
• Prior experience of using the CLA framework for own or client projects
• Prior experience of developing adaptive management models is a strong preference. Equivalent experience in designing adaptive management models is desired
• Experience in designing and utilizing data-based decision-making systems and practices
• A strong understanding and hands-on experience in managing large scale projects with involvement of local partners and government offices,
• Understanding of developing country context desired, familiarity with MENA context is a strength
• Positive attitude towards problem solving in complex environments

What to submit

Interested candidates should submit the following:

• Not exceeding 10 pages - A brief proposal explaining your approach, steps, and suggestions in fulfilling this consultancy; including a rough outline (titles, subtitles with brief description) of your suggestions on what should be included in the adaptive management model, following USAID’s project management cycle
• Budget outlining your daily cost and required expenses
• CV/s
• Cover letter explaining how your experiences, skills and expertise are relevant to fulfilling this task successfully
• An example of an adaptive management model you have worked with, developed, designed or used, with a cover note explaining how you have used it and what results were achieved
• 3 references we can touch base with for more feedback

Important dates

All submissions are due September 15 or earlier. The proposals will be reviewed as they are submitted. Should a relevant candidate be identified, the consultancy opportunity might close before the due date.

Where to submit

Email – rajani.shrestha@worldlearning.org

About the Organization

Why World Learning

For more than 85 years, World Learning has worked to create a more peaceful, sustainable, and just world. Our education, development, and exchange programs help people find their voices, connect with their communities, and strengthen the institutions that form the backbone of a democratic society. With our support, these emerging leaders tackle critical global issues like poverty, conflict, and inequality.

As a thriving international nonprofit organization with impact in 150 countries, World Learning works across six major program areas. We’re hard at work improving global education to ensure schools and teachers have the tools they need to support students — including English language instruction through our TESOL teacher training. We encourage civic engagement in communities around the world, and we strengthen institutions so that they can best serve their constituencies. Our workforce developmentprograms help people cultivate the hard and soft skills they need to succeed. And we offer people-to-people exchanges for people of all ages who seek professional and academic enrichment.

All World Learning programs are grounded in five key approaches: experiential learning, leadership development, inclusive practices, innovation, and grants management. We believe in partnering with local experts, organizations, and institutions to find solutions that will truly work for each community. Together, we create the foundations for a better tomorrow.

World Learning is a member of the World Learning Inc.Opens a New Window. family, which also includes The Experiment in International Living and School for International Training.

World Learning is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action/veterans/ADA employer, committed to increasing the diversity of its workforce.