Consultant

Compilation of Comprehensive Project Journey (2018-2024) of Jigyasaa Project

Nature of Employment: Consultancy for fixed period
Nature of Job: Documentation & Report Writing

About ActionAid Association

ActionAid Association (AAA) is a national organization and an affiliate of ActionAid International federation, a global movement of people working together to further human rights and committed to defeat poverty and injustice. Working in India since 1972, AAA currently operates out of 12 Regional Offices, spread across 25 States and one Union Territory. A non-profit, AAA has been working with people, by building their agencies and solidarities at local, national, and international levels.

About the project

ActionAid Association is seeking a consultant to compile a project completion report for a six-year journey (2018-24). The consultant will engage with project teams, government school teachers, students, parents, and government authorities to understand the project design, key interventions, achievements, impact, challenges, and mitigation strategies. We are looking for candidates with expertise in report writing, documentation, and a strong understanding of education and STEM education.

The consultant must deliver a visually appealing report within 20 days and be willing to travel to Pune, Nasik, Aurangabad, Thane, Navi Mumbai, and Mumbai, with potential travel to Goa and Mumbai as needed.

Context

ActionAid Association, with support from Siemens, is implementing STEM education in over 150 government schools across four states—Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, and West Bengal—reaching 50,000 students through 400 specially trained science teachers. This initiative focuses on students in grades 7 to 10, encouraging proactive engagement in analytical thinking, creative problem-solving, and exploring careers in science, engineering, and vocational fields. ActionAid Association supports students in preparing science and digital projects using waste materials, aiming to spark curiosity and help them identify real-life challenges within their communities. The program emphasizes understanding the practical applications of basic science to create and develop tools that raise awareness and address societal issues. Science fair events foster a child-centric environment in schools, and so far, the intervention has enabled students to develop and present 580 innovative science and digital models.

Key deliverables:

A. Comprehensive Report Preparation:

• Develop a detailed report on Project Jigyaasa covering the entire journey from 2018 to 2024.
• The report should be no less than 45 pages or 30,000 words, including all relevant aspects of the project.
• The report should provide a holistic view, including the project's ideation, design, implementation, and evolution over the years.

B. Project Journey and Key Phases:

• Document the overall journey of Project Jigyaasa, including:
• The initial ideation and conceptualization of the project.
• Key milestones, challenges faced (particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic), and the measures taken to overcome these challenges.
• The progress and recovery strategies post-COVID-19 to ensure continuity and success.
• The evolution of the project’s scope, scale, and impact.

C. Alignment with Educational Standards:

• Provide an assessment of the project’s outcomes in alignment with the National Achievement Survey (NAS) and the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) reports.
• Analyze the learning outcomes and educational impacts of the project, particularly in terms of enhancing STEM education among students from grades 7th to 10th.

D. Impact Assessment Analysis:

• Conduct a comprehensive impact assessment of the project, evaluating:
• The overall effectiveness of the project in terms of student engagement and learning.
• Quantitative and qualitative impacts, including changes in student performance, teacher effectiveness, and community engagement.

E. Data Collection and Analysis:

• Gather relevant data throughout the period, which includes:
• Detailed records of the number of schools involved, number of students benefitted, and various activities conducted.
• Reports, case studies, testimonials, and feedback from direct beneficiaries (students and teachers) as well as indirect beneficiaries (parents and community members).
• Documentation of stakeholder engagement, including insights from school authorities, government officials, and Siemens representatives.

F. Field Visits for Data Collection:

• Undertake necessary field visits to selected implementation locations to collect effective and accurate data.
• Field visits may involve direct interactions with beneficiaries and stakeholders to gather first-hand insights.
• The cost of travel is to be included in the overall consultancy fee and managed by the consultant.

G. Case Study Development:

• Develop a series of case studies that illustrate each phase of the project, from inception through to current implementation.
• Highlight success stories, challenges, and innovative solutions developed during the project lifecycle.
• Showcase specific examples of student projects, teacher training initiatives, and community engagement efforts. Students who have admitted in specific science course after 10^th or went for higher education 

H. Stakeholder Interviews:

• Conduct interviews with a diverse set of stakeholders, including:
• Teachers trained under the project to understand their experiences and the impact of the training.
• Parents of the students to gauge community perceptions and the broader social impact of the project.
• Students to capture their journey, learning experiences, and personal growth through Project Jigyaasa.

I. Submission and Presentation:

• Prepare the final report in a professional format suitable for sharing with stakeholders, including Siemens and ActionAid.
• Present the findings and key insights, highlighting the achievements, challenges, and recommendations for future initiatives.
• Ensure the report is well-organized, visually engaging, and includes relevant charts, graphs, and illustrations where necessary.

Suggested chapterisation for the project completion report

This structure will cover all key aspects of the project, highlighting achievements, challenges, and lessons learned.

Executive Summary

• Overview of the project, objectives, key achievements, and outcomes.
• Summary of key statistics, such as the number of schools, students, and teachers involved.
• Major highlights and impact of the project.

Chapter 1-Introduction

• Background and rationale for the project.
• Overview of the partnership between ActionAid Association and Siemens.
• Project objectives and scope.

Chapter 2-Project Context and Needs Assessment

• Analysis of the initial situation in the targeted schools and communities.
• Identification of key needs related to STEM education in the four states, Baseline study

Chapter 3-Project Design and Planning

• Detailed description of the project design, including key components and strategies.
• Stakeholder engagement, MoU with authorities, and collaboration with government schools.
• Planning and alignment with local education policies and goals.

Chapter 4-Implementation Strategy

• Phases of project implementation (e.g., initial phase, scaling up).
• Selection and training of teachers.
• Development and distribution of educational materials and resources (SCIENCE Kit).
• Role of teachers in facilitating STEM education.

Chapter 5-Key Interventions and Activities

• Description of specific activities, such as:
• Classroom sessions and hands-on projects using waste materials.
• Science and digital project development by students.
• Science fair events and their role in fostering a child-centric environment.
• Community and student engagement initiatives.
• Science Club
• Setting up of the Computer Labs

Chapter 6-Achievements and Impact

• Quantitative and qualitative outcomes, including:
• Number of students reached and their demographics.
• Number of innovative models developed and showcased.
• Number of computer labs developed and its impact
• Impact on students’ analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and interest in STEM careers.
• Success stories and case studies highlighting significant changes.

Chapter 7-Challenges and Mitigation Strategies

• Key challenges faced during implementation, such as logistical issues, teacher retention, and community engagement.
• Adaptation and mitigation strategies used to overcome these challenges.

Chapter 8-Sustainability and Future Prospects

• Steps taken to ensure the sustainability of the project outcomes.
• Strategies for continued support and scaling up of STEM education in targeted regions.
• Prospects for expanding the model to other states or scaling up within the current states.

Chapter 9-Conclusion and Way Forward

• Reflection on the overall journey and the transformative impact of the project.
• Key takeaways and strategic recommendations for stakeholders.
• Vision for the future of STEM education in partnership with ActionAid Association.

Chapter 10-Annexures

• Detailed project timeline.
• List of schools and teachers involved.
• Sample student projects and innovations.
• Relevant data tables, graphs, and photos.

Skills and competencies

• Documentation, Report writing, Project Evaluation
• Understanding of the Education sector, STEM Education,

Reporting to

• Head – North Central Cluster, ActionAid Association

Travel

• The consultant will have to travel in 6 locations in Maharashtra (Pune, Nasik, Aurangabad, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Thane), additionally engage virtually with the teams in Kolkata and Goa.

Consultancy Fee Offered

Rs. 250000 (Tax will be applicable) including all the expenses of travel, accommodation, etc.  

If travel required for Goa and Kolkata, travel and accommodation will be provided.

To apply

A proposal properly detailing the methodology and the tools they will be using; number/ sample size.

ActionAid Association will shortlist the consultant and will call for discussion and will finalize the consultant for the proposed action.

Online applications are strongly encouraged to enable ActionAid Association to store your profile in a permanent database. Please visit ActionAid Association's e-Recruitment website at: www.actionaidindiajobs.org

The system provides instructions for online application procedures.

All applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible after the RFP has been posted and well before the timeline stated in the RFP announcement. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted. Applications received after the due date will be summarily rejected.

Last Date for Receiving Application: 18^th Sept 2024