Project Manager 6 – Continuity of Learning in Emergencies (Hybrid/Distance Education)

TERMS OF REFERENCE for Consulting Services (Individual Consultant) Project Manager 6 - Continuity of Learning in Emergencies (Hybrid/Distance Education) Contract No. LEARN-IC-NIO-7.9 Lifting Education Access and Resilience in Times of Need in Ukraine Program URTF Grant No. TF0C5794 BACKGROUND Ukraine and World bank have signed the agreements for the Program "Lifting Education Access and Resilience in times of Need in Ukraine Program" (hereinafter referred to as the LEARN or Program). The total financing for the Operation is US$419.9 million using a combination of the World Bank's financial instruments: Program-for-Results (PforR) complemented by Investment Project Financing (IPF). The Program-for-Results (PforR) is implemented through a US$235 million loan provided by Bank resources, supported by credit enhancement from the Advancing Needed Credit Enhancement for Ukraine (ADVANCE Ukraine) Trust Fund, which is backed by the Government of Japan. This is formalized under the Loan Agreement between Ukraine and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development for the Program (LOAN NUMBER 9721-UA). An US$150 million is provided under the Special Program for Ukraine and Moldova Recovery (SPUR) of the International Development Association (IDA) Crisis Facility, as outlined in the Financing Agreement between Ukraine and the International Development Association for the Program (CREDIT NUMBER 7626-UA). An additional financing in the amount US$4,9 million has been made available under the Financing Agreement (Credit No. 7905-UA). Furthermore, US$30 million in Investment Project Financing (IPF) is secured under the Grant Agreement between Ukraine and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the International Development Association, acting as the administrator of the Ukraine Relief, Recovery, Reconstruction, and Reform Multi-Donor Trust Fund (URTF GRANT NUMBER TF0C5794). Hereinafter, the portion of the Operation financed through the PforR will be referred to as the Program, and the portion financed through the IPF will be referred to as the Project. LEARN was developed to address critical challenges and provide essential support to the education sector, aligning with the Ministry of Education and Science's (MoES) Strategic Action Plan. The Operation will focus on supporting the Strategic Action Plan Priority 2: School education and the New Ukrainian School (NUS). The continuation of the NUS reform is a key priority of the MoES. The objectives of the Operation are to (i) improve teaching and learning conditions; and (ii) strengthen management capacity of the education system. For this program, "teaching and learning conditions" refer to three critical factors of education service delivery: i. safety, including shelters as a pre-condition for schools to open for in-person learning and free and inclusive school bus transportation for students living further distances from schools; ii. learning materials, especially updated textbooks and age-appropriate learning materials in line with the NUS model; and iii. teachers trained on NUS standards, principles, and the use of the updated learning materials. Meanwhile, "management capacity of the education system" refers to institutional capabilities to plan, allocate, and monitor resources based on robust data at the student and school levels. The NUS Implementation Office (NIO) will be established by the Ministry as an advisory and consultative body. The NIO's primary purpose is to support and implement the New Ukrainian School (NUS) reform by providing expert guidance, strategic oversight, and coordination of reform initiatives across Ukraine. OBJECTIVE The Project Manager 6 is responsible for managing, coordinating, and monitoring projects that ensure continuity of learning for students who cannot attend in-person schooling - including those in frontline areas, temporarily displaced learners, and Ukrainian children abroad. The Consultant will work closely with policymakers, technical teams, and international partners to strengthen blended and online learning models and support pathways for reintegration into offline schooling. The overall objective is to guarantee equitable access to quality education in times of emergencies and crisis conditions. SCOPE OF SERVICES The Consultant shall provide the following services, including but not limited to: Project Coordination Develop and implement plans to support learning continuity for students unable to access in-person education. Coordinate the development and adaptation of digital and hybrid learning materials. Ensure integration of digital solutions into national education policies and MoES platforms. Monitoring and Analysis Organize data collection on access, participation, and learning outcomes of children at risk, displaced learners, and those studying abroad. Analyze the effectiveness of distance and blended models, identifying barriers and opportunities. Prepare analytical and reporting materials for MoES, donors, and partners. Communication and Collaboration Facilitate collaboration with education authorities, schools, communities, and international organizations to support continuity of learning. Organize workshops, trainings, and consultations on the use of digital and hybrid tools. Address operational challenges related to ensuring access and quality of education during emergencies REPORTING The Project Manager 6 reports directly to the LEARN Project Coordinator and works under the supervision of the Project Managers Coordinator and the Head of the NUS Implementation Office. The Consultant collaborates closely with the Deputy Heads of NIO, functional unit heads, and regional implementation teams to ensure coordinated planning, management, and implementation of activities. The Consultant shall submit monthly reports, including a description of the tasks performed, key results achieved, and timesheets. PROVIDED RESOURCES MoES shall