Education & Blue Economy Technical Specialist

STATEMENT OF WORK

Job Title: Education & Blue Economy Technical Specialist

Position Type: Consultancy (up to 21 days per month)

Duration: March 2024 to February 2025

Position Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Application Deadline: 22nd February 2024

Start Date: 1st April 2024

Assignment Duration: 1 year with an option to renew.

SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT

The Field Support Services Project (FSSP) is a two-year initiative (November 2023 to October 2025) funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and implemented by Cowater International. It offers administrative, financial, procurement, and logistical support, along with technical expertise, to GAC’s development programs in Kenya, Somalia, and South Africa. The project assists GAC in procuring and managing local development initiatives in Kenya (and its accredited countries which include Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi), South Africa (and its accredited countries) and Somalia.

BACKGROUND

Canada’s vision for international assistance is rooted in its Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP) that seeks to eradicate poverty and build a more peaceful, more inclusive and more prosperous world by promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls. Canada focuses on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in a manner that is both targeted and crosscutting. A targeted approach to gender equality includes a focus on initiatives that fight poverty and inequality by supporting gender equality and defending the rights of women and girls, particularly their sexual health and reproductive rights. A simultaneous crosscutting approach to gender equality means that all of Canada’s international assistance initiatives, across all action areas, are developed and implemented in ways that improve gender equality and empower women and girls.

SUMMARY OF THE POSITION

Cowater International is supporting the Canadian High Commission to recruit Education and Blue Economy Specialist to play a crucial role in ensuring the successful implementation of Canadian-funded projects in Kenya, as well as Uganda, Somalia, Burundi and Rwanda, when required.

On education, this position requires a deep understanding of national educational frameworks, curriculum development, and capacity-building strategies. The Specialist will collaborate with project teams, government agencies, and local communities to promote effective and inclusive educational practices.

On the blue economy, the Specialist requires expertise in overall blue economy issues such as marine resource management, conservation, and sustainable development practices. The specialist will collaborate with project teams, government agencies, and local organizations, as well as communities to promote environmentally responsible and economically viable blue economy initiatives.

The specialist will provide field level advice, technical support and policy input related to both education and blue economy, with the overall objective to support and strengthen the delivery of Canada’s international assistance programming in the countries that fall under the Canadian High Commission in Kenya’s purview.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Program Coordination:

• Collaborate with project stakeholders, local communities, and government agencies to address mutual challenges.
• Provide guidance on synergies and opportunities for further efficiencies in education, and the blue economy (combining traditional sectors such as fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism). With emerging sectors such as renewable energy and marine biotechnology).
• Provide subject matter expertise to support on program and project planning and design.
• Work alongside the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs and provide support to the Blue Economy working group.
• Coordinate and provide secretariat support to working groups as required.

1. Stakeholder Engagement:

• Engage with key stakeholders, partners, donors, civil society organizations, academia, private sector etc. and keep apprised of their sector-specific engagement on education and the blue economy.
• Organize sector specific learning and networking events for key stakeholders.
• Establish and maintain a list of contacts within relevant ministries, development partners, private sector, civil society actors, and other key stakeholders to support advancement of GAC objectives.
• Participate in and guide consultations and engagement sessions on sector-specific matters.
• Support to Canada’s engagement with relevant stakeholders.
• Identify capacity gaps and opportunities for government and partner agencies’ engagement.

1. Capacity Building:

• Provide training and support to project staff, partners, and local communities on topics related to education and the blue economy as well as best practices.
• Stay informed about sector-specific emerging trends and disseminate relevant information to GAC.
• Research and propose innovative solutions to link education, skills development and the employment opportunities in the blue economy.
• Provide assistance and capacity building support to government and partner organizations on national policies, strategies and frameworks related to education and the blue economy.

1. Reporting and Documentation

• Review and provided comments on project documents including proposals, performance frameworks, reports, etc.
• Prepare and submit preparatory reports for working group committees as required.
• Review and analyze current news, events, trends that impact sector specific GAC programming and interests on a weekly basis.
• Identify opportunities to showcase and leverage Canada-funded education and blue economy activities, through the production of monthly impact stories on results and innovations (rotating monthly by sector).
• Engage with partners and highlight a monthly impact story.

1. Monitoring and Evaluation

• Implement systems for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of GAC programs in the education and blue economy sector.
• Prepare and submit regular reports on performance and compliance concerning projects and programs.
• Monitor trends and emerging issues and provide expert advice.
• Identify capacity gaps and opportunities for government and partner agencies’ engagement.
• Undertake field monitoring visits to assess and conduct technical reviews as required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, international development, or a related field; a master’s degree is preferred.

Minimum Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in designing and implementing education programs, preferably in international development projects.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in working on the blue economy sector.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Thorough understanding of Kenyan and Canadian frameworks and standards in the education and blue economy sector.
• Knowledge of global education commitments and funding frameworks.
• Knowledge of global blue economy commitments and funding frameworks.
• Strong critical thinking, data analysis and reporting skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Superior writing and editing skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary team.
• Certification in education or related field is an advantage.
• Knowledge of the local culture and educational context in Kenya is necessary.
• Proficiency in English is required; knowledge of Swahili or other local languages is an advantage.
• Ability to build positive relationships with stakeholders and local communities.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in challenging and multicultural environments.

The following skills and experience will be an asset:

• Ability to provide policy advice and technical guidance and support to GAC target countries in the implementation of blue economy and education strategies.

Language Requirements: Excellent English language skills, as most of the reporting will be written in English.

Working arrangements:

• The Education and Blue Economy Specialist will attend meetings virtually and in-person. All travel expenses will be subject to prior approval by FSSP Manager.
• The specialist will report to the Project Manager, Field Support Services Project (FSSP) and work closely with Canadian High Commission specifically the development team. They will also liaise with relevant government agencies, local authorities, partner organizations, likeminded donors, local communities, as necessary.

Ownership of Intellectual Property

• Documentation produced by the specialist in the performance of the work under the contract shall remain the property of the Canadian High Commission.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested applicants must include the following documents:

1. CV indicating past experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate and at least three (3) professional references.
2. Cover Letter indicating why the Candidate considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment.
3. Financial Proposal The financial proposal should specify an all-inclusive daily rate (including taxes, time-off benefits, all statutory contributions, social contributions, and insurance). The daily rate should consider a maximum working day of 7.5 hours.
4. Applications must be submitted by 22nd February 2024 by 5:00 p.m. Apply here: Cowater International Career Opportunities – Cowater International with the subject: Education and Blue Economy Specialist. Any applications received after this time will not be considered.

Evaluation of Applications:

The proposals that achieve a minimum of 70% in the technical desk review shall be further considered for interviews and written tests. The award of the contract shall be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

a) responsive/compliant/acceptable; and

b) having received the highest score out of set of weighted technical criteria (70% – Comprising of 15% scores of desk review, 25% written test, and 30% scores of interviews) and financial criteria (30%).

The Financial score shall be computed as a ratio of the proposal being evaluated and the lowest priced proposal received by FSSP for the assignment.

Technical Score (70%)

Financial Score (30%)

1. Based on Qualification (desk review) (15%)

2. Written test (25%)

3. Interview (30%)

NB: Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 70 points (70% of the desk technical review) will be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications as they relate to professional experience and position expectations. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law.

We thank all applicants, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.

ABOUT US

With more than 35 years’ experience, Cowater International is Canada’s global leader in management consulting services specializing in international development and has managed the implementation of over 800 projects in more than 80 countries around the globe. We work with governments, partner organizations, communities and civil society to design and implement sustainable solutions that generate lasting social, financial and environmental impacts. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, Cowater International also has corporate offices in Montreal, Quebec; London, United Kingdom; Nairobi, Kenya; and Brussels, Belgium, in addition to project offices in a wide variety of other locations across Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.

We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow with Cowater International.