Individual Consultancy to design the Funding Formula and transfer mechanisms for inclusion of refugee children in public education of the Republic of Moldova

UNICEF Moldova is contracting the services on individual consultant to assist the Ministry of Education and Research (MER) in designing a funding framework, including a funding formula and costings, for the inclusion into the public education system at pre-school, primary, gymnasium and lyceum levels.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. 

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. 

And we never give up. 

For every child, education 

According to the Ministry of Research and Education of the Republic of Moldova, in February 2024, only 2,264 children out of an estimated 37,000 school-age refugee children population, were enrolled in schools and preschools. Many children (53.7%) were enrolled in Chisinau and Balti (5,88%) public schools. The same trend is observed in the preschools – 42,24% in Chisinau and 7,59% in Balti.

Most of the children (88,97%) are enrolled in Russian-speaking schools while the remaining 180 children (11.3%) are attending Romanian-speaking schools. Inclusion in equitable quality education in national systems contributes to resilience, prepares children and youth for participation in cohesive societies, and is the best option for refugees and their hosting communities. 

The main source for financing the public education system at national level are the special destination transfers from the state budget to the local budgets for the institutions of early education (creches), preschool, primary, gymnasium, lyceum, and extra-school education. The transfer with special destination is carried out by the Ministry of Finance, in line with the allocation formula proposed every year by the Ministry of Education and is approved by the Government. The allocation formula is regulated by the Government Decision 868/2014. The latest updates to the costing formula were adopted by the Government Decision 1026/2023 and will enter into force as of September 2024.

How can you make a difference? 

1. Purpose of work

The purpose of this assignment is to assist the Ministry of Education and Research (MER) in designing a funding framework, including a funding formula and costings, for the inclusion into the public education system at pre-school, primary, gymnasium and lyceum levels. This framework should be based on universal access and equity – fair and impartial treatment of all children – and consider realistic sources of financing. The expert will also focus on developing recommendations and resource mobilization plans.

2. Objectives

The consultant is expected to:

1. Develop 2-3 possible funding formulas or frameworks that should accompany the proposed funding mechanisms. Consult with UNICEF and receive validation for one of them from the MER;
2. Estimate total spending on inclusion of refugee children in pre-school, primary, gymnasium, and lyceum levels as per the 2-3 possible formulas;
3. Financing concept note and mechanisms for the proposed frameworks (with a focus on national vs. subnational levels);
4. Develop recommendations and resource mobilization plans.

The consultant will perform a detailed analysis of the costs of refugee inclusion into the public education system in Moldova considering additional educational needs. He/she is also expected to draw on international experience to help avoid pitfalls while adapting the financing framework to Moldova’s specific needs and characteristics. The proposed funding options need to be produced in close cooperation with UNICEF, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Finance.

More specifically, the consultant shall:

• Analyse basic financing of the pre-school and general education (“money follows the pupil”), including variables (school location, number of pupils, pupils’ grade, type of education etc) that were considered in setting up the financing formula.
• Provide recommendations for other conditions that must be in place in parallel to the financing formula suggested to ensure equity and accessibility of services (ex: among children with disabilities, Roma children, children in remote areas, children in small villages, etc.)
• Based on international best practice, the analysis of cost structures, and evidence on outcomes, propose 2-3 formula options for consideration (exact number to be decided upon with UNICEF).  Clearly highlight pros and cons of different proposals. Consider both per capita and lump-sum elements, and/or different coefficients/weights as appropriate, including but not limited to adjusting for: type of service, location in a rural/urban setting, attendance of children with special needs, size of preschool/school, age of children, etc.
• In consultation with national counterparts, select the most appropriate funding formula and framework, as well as financing mechanisms, for the inclusion of refugee children in pre-school/school levels.
• Based on the current capacities of central level authorities, Local Public Authorities (LPA) level 1, and LPA level 2, suggest the most appropriate financing scheme and mechanisms.
• Provide recommendations and resource mobilization plan.

3. Details of how the work should be delivered

The period for the assignment is tentatively June – September 2024. The Individual Consultant will work under the supervision of UNICEF Moldova Social Policy Officer and in close collaboration with the staff of the Ministries of Education and Finance, and relevant experts in the field.

The consultant will develop activities according to the schedule below, and in close consultation with UNICEF Moldova.

4. Deliverables and delivery dates (based on the work plan)

5. Definition of supervision arrangements

The selected consultant will work under the oversight of Social Policy Specialist of UNICEF Moldova and in close collaboration with MER and MoF. Payments will be rendered upon written approval by the UNICEF Supervisor, and contingent upon the quality of deliverables

6. Work location and official travel involved

The work will be done remotely with a possible visit to Chisinau (up to 7 days) to meet with the national stakeholders. If needed, meetings will be organized online, and the UNICEF office will facilitate introductions to key informants.

7. Payment schedule

 The payment will be linked to the following deliverables, upon satisfactory completion and acceptance by UNICEF:

UNICEF reserves the right to withhold all or a portion of payment if performance is unsatisfactory, if work/outputs are incomplete, not delivered for failure to meet deadlines.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have

• Advanced degree in finance and/or economics or related field.
• Proven experience in developing per capita funding formulas at preschool/or general education levels in at least two countries and advising during implementation.
• Excellent analytical capacity, including authoring at least 3 publications in the field of education financing, human development, and statistics.
• Sound knowledge of financing mechanisms in the education sector, especially at pre-school/school levels. Knowledge of international experience of investment and funding in preschool/school education and social budgeting systems (preferably in CEE/CIS)
• Demonstrated experience in the field in CEE/CIS region including Moldova is a strong asset.
• Excellent writing and communication skills in English required, knowledge of Romanian and/or Russian would be an advantage.
• Experience in working with UNICEF or other UN Agencies will be an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate

UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS). 

To view our competency framework, please visit  here. 

 For more details on the consultancy assignment and requirements, please refer to attached Terms of reference (ToR)

 2024_ToR_Indiv Consul_Refugee inclusion in education formula_VA.docx

HOW TO APPLY: Your online application should contain the Technical Offer and Financial Offer (templates below). Please secure the Financial Proposal *.pdf document with a password on document view; the password will be requested only from technically qualified candidates. 

 Technical Offer_Refugee Inclusion Funding Formula.docx

 Financial Offer_Refugee Inclusion Funding Formula.xlsx

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual contractors with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment. 

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check. 

Remarks:  

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. 

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws. 

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.