Consultant for Literacy Pilot Research

Room to Read has been working in Vietnam since 2001 with different programs including Reading Room (establishing libraries to develop children’s habit of reading and reading skills), Local Language Publication (working with local writers and illustrators to create and publish high-quality local language children’s books), Girls’ Education (providing life skills workshops and academic and material support for girls to complete secondary school), School Room (building and renovating schools, pre-schools and libraries) and Computer Room (establishing computer rooms and training on IT for secondary students). Currently, we are seeking a consultant to conduct a research on literacy skills of primary school children in Vinh Long and Tra Vinh Provinces, Vietnam.

I. OBJECTIVE
The overall objective of assignment is to support Room to Read with the development of a strategy for a reading/literacy pilot program for primary school children.

II. SPECIFIC TASKS
1. To design a research plan including tools for data and information collection that will achieve the overall and specific objectives required through classroom observations, interviews with teachers, children, education authorities and a textbook/curriculum analysis.
2. To develop a report on the research with specific recommendations for the design of the program and the action plan (in English).
3. To present research findings in a Design Workshop with Room to Read and education authorities and participate in discussions to initiate a design plan for a Literacy Pilot Program.

III. RESEARCH LOCATION
Vinh Long and Tra Vinh Provinces, Vietnam

IV. TIMELINE
The consultancy will be working 33 days between December 2010 and February 2011.

V. CONSULTANT’S QUALIFICATION
The Consultant is expected to meet qualification and experience as listed below.

1. Have a master’s degree in primary education with excellent experience in research on primary education
2. Have strong experience as a practising classroom teacher
3. Have more than 5 years of experience with education programs/projects to promote children’s literacy skills 
4. Have strong skills and proven track record in conducting qualitative and quantitative data analysis
5. Have excellent report writing skills and ability to present data in a user-friendly manner
6. Demonstrate international experience with the design of training resources on developing children’s literacy skills for teachers
7. Have a strong experience of working in the primary education sector in Vietnam
8. Have a good understanding of Vietnamese government policies/strategies on primary education (curriculum, textbooks, teacher training)
9. Have strong knowledge of key issues of primary education in Vietnam
10. Have a good experience with INGOs working on education programs/projects in Vietnam

VI. APPLICATION
Candidates who are interested in the position, please contact Ms. Mai Ngoc Diep at [email protected]  for information on the Term of References for the assignment.
Interested candidates are kindly requested to submit application in English which should include:
1. Letter of Interest specifying your qualification and experience
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. A brief research proposal outlining plan, research methods, timeline and expected consultant fee

Deadline for the application submission is 30 November 2010.
All applications should be submitted via email to [email protected] with cc to [email protected]