Terms of Reference for the Consultant: An analysis of the 2020 Budget for the Primary and Secondary Education Sector

Deadline: 7 December 2020

Background

On Thursday, the 26th November, The Minister of Finance and Economic Development presented the 2021 National Budget Statement in Parliament. The budget comes at a time where the education sector is fighting the challenges brought about the COVID-19 pandemic and at a time the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education needs to begin the implementation of the Education Amendment Act (No. 15; 2019) which was passed into law in March 2020. The Education Coalition of Zimbabwe in conjunction with NANGO, Shamwari Yemwanasikana, ZNCWC and the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education will therefore hold a post budget analysis meeting to analyse the budget visa viz the demands that are brought by COVID-19 and the Education Amendment Act to the education sector in Zimbabwe.

Objectives of the consultancy

The consultant shall be required to: Juxtapose the provisions of the 2019 budget on primary and secondary education and the 2020 budget proposal on the education sector; Analyse the provisions of the 2020 primary and secondary education budget proposal in line with the current demands of the education sector (taking into consideration the provisions of the Education Amendment Act (No.15.; 2020 and the challenges brought about COVID-19 to the primary and Secondary Education sector in Zimbabwe); Propose motions to be raised by members of parliament in improving the budget proposal to the primary and secondary education sector (including ECD issues).

Deliverables

The Consultant is required to produce the following deliverables: Produce a paper on an analysis of the 2020 Budget for the Primary and Secondary Education Sector with options for improvement; Present the paper to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education, Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Budget, Finance and Economic Development; ECOZI and its partners; Present the paper to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education (Parliament).

Competencies

Maturity and diplomatic skills and ability to pursue non-partisan approach when dealing with parliamentarians of different political persuasions; Ability to establish and maintain productive relations with clients, identify clients’ needs and match them to appropriate solutions; Excellent presentation and facilitation skills; Ability to lead and take responsibility for an education responsive budgeting; Good knowledge of the Zimbabwean education environment as well as the socio-political context.

Duration

The assignment is expected to be completed in ten (10) days.

Qualification of the consultant

Qualifications: Advanced degree (at least Masters) and/or professional qualification in education economics, public management with good background and understanding of education financing

Technical Experience: Extensive experience in design, implementation, management and operation of government accounting, budget and financial management system; demonstrated understanding of the role of the legislature in fiscal oversight; substantial knowledge and experience in developing budget and fiscal planning documents and strategies; training experience in budget and fiscal planning