Terms of Reference for Needs Analysis

Caritas Switzerland (hereafter Caritas or CACH) is looking for qualified service provider or expert for the needs analysis study conducted to bridge gaps between the private sector and employment of recent graduatesin line with the following Terms of Reference (ToR).

Date: 17.08.2023 Deadline for submission of offers: 05.09.2023

• Project: Together Advancing Kosovo’s Training and Employment within the Education Sector - TAKE
• Assignment: Needs analysis study conducted to bridge gaps between the private sector and employment of recent graduates.
• Location: Prishtina

1. Background

The current momentum of prioritizing ECE in Kosovo and the education reforms taken on by the current government paves the way for the professional development of preschool educators and the requalification of surplus teachers translating into opportunities for higher earnings. Likewise, by increasing inclusion rates of children in preschools, mothers and other caregivers have higher opportunities to enter the labour market and increase their family income.

The overall objective of the project is to contribute to the quality training of early childhood professionals, strengthening employment in education and capacitating caregivers to enter the workforce.

This project builds on the achievements and the long-standing expertise and practice-oriented approaches to early childhood of CACH. The project envisages maintaining and reinforcing the collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation and municipalities aiming to ensure quality and child-appropriate education. Through this approach, the previous investments and successes are rendered more sustainable and in close cooperation with government actors, the services are extended to more marginalised groups such as the hospitalised children.

The offer and quality of training, education, and collaboration in the early childhood education sector aims at capacitating the main actors involved in children’s upbringing and development through practice-oriented approaches and vocational education & training.

The project contributes to the quality training of early childhood professionals, strengthening employment in education and capacitating caregivers to enter the workforce. Within its objective, the project in involved in conducting a targeted needs analysis study focused on enhancing the employability of recent graduates within the private sector specializing in early childhood education. The study aims to identify critical gaps between the skills possessed by graduates and the expectations of private sector employers.

Objective(s) of the mission

The mission entails conducting a needs analysis study to bridge gaps between the private sector and recent graduates specializing in early childhood education. The study aims to identify and address challenges by assessing demand, understanding skills required by the private sector, and proposing strategies for collaboration.

The objective of this needs analysis study is to identify and understand the existing gaps and challenges in the employment of recent graduates specializing in early childhood education within the private sector. The study aims to provide actionable insights that will contribute to bridging these gaps and enhancing the employability of these educators. Specific objectives include:

• To assess the current demand for early childhood education educators within the private sector.
• To identify the skills, qualifications, and competencies expected by the private sector from recent graduates in this field.
• To analyse the gaps between the skills possessed by recent graduates and the requirements of the private sector.
• To recommend strategies and interventions that educational institutions can undertake to better align their educational offer with the needs of the private sector.
• To propose measures that can facilitate effective collaboration between educational institutions and private sector employers.

Expected Results

At the completion of this study, the following results are anticipated:

• A comprehensive report detailing the findings of the needs analysis, including an overview of the current state of early childhood education employment in the private sector.
• Clear identification of key gaps and challenges in terms of skills, knowledge, and qualifications that recent graduates lack in meeting the expectations of private sector employers.
• Insights into the specific skills and competencies that private sector employers value and prioritize when hiring educators for early childhood education.
• Recommendations for educational approaches that can help address the identified gaps and better prepare graduates for private sector employment.
• Strategies and guidelines for fostering stronger collaboration between educational institutions and private sector stakeholders to facilitate the transition of graduates into the workforce.

1. Schedule

Total number of days: 15

1. Deliverables

The study will produce the following deliverables:

• A comprehensive needs analysis report, including an executive summary, methodology, findings, and recommendations.
• An infographic or presentation summarizing the key findings on employability of recent graduates within the private education sector and recommendations for easy dissemination to stakeholders.
• A detailed outlining specific changes that educational institutions can make to align their programs with private sector requirements.
• A toolkit or guideline document for educational institutions and private sector employers, offering practical steps for effective collaboration and partnership.

1. Experience and skills required

The consultant or team conducting the needs analysis study should possess the following experience and skills:

• Post-graduate degree (Master's degree preferred) in education, special pedagogy, or a related field in the social sciences;
• At least 4 years of work experience in the field of conducting research studies;
• Excellent command of Albanian or other official language and English;
• Expertise in the field of early childhood education, with a deep understanding of curriculum development, educator training, and industry trends.
• Experience in conducting qualitative and quantitative research, including surveys, interviews, and data analysis.
• Strong analytical skills to identify trends, patterns, and gaps in education-employment dynamics.
• Excellent communication skills to interact with educators, private sector representatives, and other stakeholders.
• Proficiency in report writing, capable of producing clear and actionable recommendations.
• Knowledge of the private sector's expectations and requirements for early childhood education educators.
• Familiarity with collaboration strategies between educational institutions and private sector entities.
• The consultant or team should also have a track record of delivering similar needs analysis studies or research projects in the field of education and workforce development.
• References or previous work samples can demonstrate their expertise in this domain;
• Creative, motivating, and open to suggestions;
• Deadline-oriented

1. Application process

This Terms of Reference (ToR) outlines the key requirements for the development of an online training platform. Contractors are encouraged to provide additional details and insights in their proposals to ensure a comprehensive understanding of their methodology and approach and capabilities.

All interested applicants should submit the application with the proposed initial work plan and methodology for the needs analysis/ research in English of their expression of interest/proposal, signed/stamped in PDF, by 05.09.2023 16:00h, with the subject “Needs analysis study conducted to bridge gaps between the private sector and employment of recent graduates.”, to the following email addresses: abakalli@caritas.ch CC: kosovo@caritas.ch

The application must submit the following documents:

Technical offer, including:

• Professional profile of the service provider or expert (CVs/portfolio of the expert or team and professional references with relevant experience - including contact details);
• The expert’s suitability for the assignment and match with previous work experience, qualifications, etc;
• A summary of the methodology to complete the assignment and tentative work plan including suggested timetable;
• Financial offer (including daily fee);
• For NGOs or other organizations, the copy of registration certificate.

Please make sure to submit all the requested documents/information; otherwise, your application will be considered incomplete.

In case of questions or for further information, please contact abakalli@caritas.ch or kosovo@caritas.ch

Deadline for submissions of application is 05.09.2023 Please send your offer to abakalli@caritac.ch and cc. to kosovo@caritas.ch

Note that applications missing the required documents will not be considered for shortlisting!

1. Evaluation criteria

Administrative ( all documents required are submitted)

Cost effective ( best price for the quality)

Quality of the service

Initial methodology and work plan for the needs analysis/research

1. Bidding Costs

CACH in Kosovo will not cover bidding costs and reserves the right to accept or refuse bidders, or to cancel or postpone the whole bidding process prior to signing of any agreements.