Description
The ESA will encompass a system-wide analysis of all levels of the education system and types throughout the country from Early Childhood Education, Primary, Secondary, Technical and Higher Education, Non-formal and Adult Education. It will examine the trends and disparities in access, participation, learning outcomes, resource allocation and use, and system governance. Cross-cutting issues such as gender, inclusion, resilience, and climate issues will be holistically assessed. The consultant will work alongside a second consultant to conduct the ESA. Both consultants will work with other stakeholders as directed by the ESA TWG - including but not limited to (1) LIFT fellows to align with and leverage the ecosystem diagnostic and agree on evidence synthesis priorities; and (2) teams carrying out specific chapters of the ESA such as UNESCO IIEP who will complete the disability inclusion chapter.
Level of Effort and Duration of the Consultancy
The consultancy will begin in January 2026 and be completed by 31st May 2026.
All deliverables must be completed and signed off by the MBSSE Chief Education Officer and MTHE Chief Technical and Higher Education Officer or their designates by end May 2026. The Level of Effort (LoE) for this consultancy is up to 50 days.
Location
The consultancy will take place in Freetown, Sierra Leone, with travel to schools and District Education Officers in two districts to conduct interviews.
All travel (vehicles and accommodation) will be agreed in advance by the MBSSE/MTHE members of the Technical Working Group. The consultant will be reimbursed for in-country travel based on established Mott MacDonald rates.
Required qualifications and experience:
• Advanced degree in Education, Economics, Public Policy or related field
• At least 7 years' experience in education policy analysis or sector planning in a Sub-Saharan Africa context, preferably including in Sierra Leone.
• Proven expertise in learning outcomes analysis, inclusive education/disability, and education financing
• Experience assessing governance and integrity systems in education
• Familiarity with domestic financing mechanisms and aid transition planning
• Experience with innovation, digital education tools, and data systems
• Experience working with GPE, UNESCO-IIEP or World Bank frameworks
• Excellent analytical, writing and facilitation skills including English language fluency (C2 level).
A deep understanding of the education system and context for education in Sierra Leone is desirable.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit the following documents as part of their application:
1. Covering letter explaining why they are a suitable candidate for this assignment and their proposed daily rate
2. List of relevant assignments completed
3. Curriculum vitae
4. Interested applicants should submit their applications to MMSL.Procurement@mottmac.com, using the subject line "ESA Consultancy Application"
Closing date - 16.12.25