ORGANISATION OF EASTERN CARIBBEAN STATES

INVITATION FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

CONSULTANCY SERVICES

FOR

COORDINATING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REFRESHED OECS EDUCATION SECTOR STRATEGY (OESS) PROJECT (2027-2037)

(REGIONAL TECHNICAL COORDINATOR)

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Commission invites interested eligible consultants to submit Expressions of Interest for the Provision of Consultancy services to undertake a Coordinating the Implementation of the Refreshed OECS Education Sector Strategy (OESS) Project (2027-2037) (Regional Technical Coordinator)

The Terms of Reference and Guidelines for the Submission of Expressions of Interest for this consultancy are provided below

TERMS OF REFERENCE

1. Background

The OESS was implemented from 2012 to 2021 and was later extended to 2026 with the goal of contributing to the socio-economic advancement of the OECS through a quality education system that enables learners of all ages to reach their full potential. Seven Strategic Imperatives for improving education were identified as priorities which are reflective of national priorities, each imperative contributing to strengthening different aspects of the education system namely: (1) Leadership and Accountability, (2) Teacher Professional Development, (3) Teaching and Learning, (4) Curriculum and Assessment, (5) Early Childhood Development, (6) Technical Vocational Education and (7) Training and Tertiary Education. Additionally, the plan entails several development issues, which are identified as cross-cutting themes and are addressed through the strategic imperatives.

In 2019, a Mid-Term Review (MTR) of the OECS Education Sector Strategy (OESS) was conducted, which assessed the implementation of the strategy. The review aimed to evaluate the efficiency, effectiveness, relevance, and sustainability of the OESS, providing insights to inform the remaining years of the strategy and guide future educational planning within the OECS region.

The findings of the MTR revealed that the OESS was still very relevant. Recognising the evolving challenges and opportunities in the education sector, the OESS was extended to 2026 to address emerging issues and extend the gains from major initiatives. In response to these findings, a Ministerial decision was made to extend the OESS to 2026, incorporating the review's recommendations to enhance the effectiveness and impact of the education strategy across the OECS region.

In 2021, the OECS further reinforced its commitment to education through the Declaration on Education. This Declaration, developed through a consultative process, outlines the Organisation's vision for education, emphasising the harmonisation of education policy and the role of partnership and collaboration in supporting the achievement of this vision.

With the OESS scheduled to conclude in 2026, it is imperative to initiate a comprehensive review to assess its effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, and realign objectives to ensure continued relevance and impact. This review should consider the evolving educational needs of the region, lessons learned from the implementation of the current strategy, and the socio-economic and technological developments that have occurred since its inception.

The rapid advancement of digital technologies has transformed various sectors, including education. To harness the potential of these technologies, there is a pressing need for a robust EdTech policy that provides a strategic framework for integrating technology into education. Such a policy would address issues related to digital infrastructure, access to technology, digital literacy, and the pedagogical use of technology, ensuring that all learners benefit equitably from digital advancements.

The development of an EdTech policy will serve as a critical enabler for advancing the OECS Digital Learning Ecosystem. By providing a clear strategic framework, the policy will guide the effective integration of the recently developed digital curriculum, online learning content, and professional development initiatives for educators. It will seek to ensure coherence across digital learning tools and resources, promote equitable access to technology-enhanced education and support the continuous professional growth of teachers, ultimately strengthening teaching and learning outcomes across all Member States.

As the strategy approaches its conclusion, it is essential that the region develops a refreshed, inclusive, and regionally coherent Education Sector Strategy informed by data and stakeholder input, and that Member States align their national strategies to this framework while integrating EdTech and resilience-building initiatives.

A timely review of the current education strategy, coupled with the development of a comprehensive EdTech policy, will position the OECS to effectively navigate the evolving educational landscape. These initiatives will foster resilience, innovation, and inclusivity in the education sector, ensuring that every learner succeeds in a rapidly changing world.

In order to undertake this work, the OECS countries have received a GPE-funded regional Systems Capacity Grant, which will be utilised to strengthen regional collaboration beyond the four eligible countries. This regional SCG will partly be spent on the development of an OECS education technology (EdTech) Policy and the development of the OECS Education Sector Strategy (OESS, 2027-2037). The development of these two regional policy documents forms the focus of this consultancy.

The World Bank has been designated as the Grant Agent for this grant. The OECS Education Development Management Unit (EDMU) is responsible for providing technical leadership and coordination of activities under the grant within the beneficiary Member States. A coordinator is required to assist the EDMU with the management of the activities to be undertaken.

The Regional Technical Coordinator will report to and work under the guidance of the Programme Director, EDMU, and will work closely with Ministry of Education officials of the respective countries, and the consultants who are hired by the Commission to undertake the activities.

2. Objective

The objective of this consultancy is to ensure the effective, timely, and coordinated implementation of activities related to the development of the OECS Education Sector Strategy (2027–2037) and Regional EdTech Policy under the GPE Systems Capacity Grant (SCG). The Regional Technical Coordinator will provide strategic, technical, and operational support to the OECS Education Development Management Unit (EDMU), coordinating the work of consultants and Member States, and partners.

In this role, the Technical Coordinator will support collaboration between the World Bank, as the Supervising Entity for the Grant, and the EDMU to oversee and guide the implementation of grant activities. This includes working closely with consultants engaged by the EDMU, Ministries of Education, and other relevant government departments in the Member States. National focal points will continue to coordinate country-level activities, with the Regional Technical Coordinator ensuring alignment, timely delivery, and integration across regional and national efforts.

The Regional Technical Coordinator will provide strategic, technical, and operational support to the EDMU, coordinating the efforts of consultants, Member States, and partners.

The Regional Technical Coordinator will serve as the central in-house liaison and integrator for all technical and coordination activities related to the development of the OESS (2027–2037) and the Regional EdTech Policy, ensuring that the process reflects the OECS’s participatory, data-driven, and cost-effective approach.

3. Scope of Works

The Regional Technical Coordinator will provide strategic, technical, and operational support to the OECS Education Development Management Unit (EDMU) in the implementation of the project, focusing on the development of the OECS Education Sector Strategy (OESS 2027–2037) and the regional EdTech Policy. The scope of work includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Coordination and Management of Activities
   1. Oversee and coordinate all activities related to the development of the OESS and EdTech Policy.
   2. Ensure effective collaboration between the EDMU, consultants, Member State Ministries of Education, and other relevant stakeholders.
   3. Support the formation of the Regional Task Force and Thematic Working Groups.
   4. Monitor timelines and deliverables to ensure activities are completed on schedule and in accordance with grant requirements.
   5. Monitor strategic and operational risks affecting timelines, stakeholder engagement, and quality of outputs, and propose mitigation measures to the Programme Director to ensure timely and effective delivery of project results.
2. Assessment and Analysis
   1. Identify regional education priorities and emerging challenges to inform the development of a refreshed or new strategy.
   2. Integrate findings from the OECS Student Census, Education Sector Analyses, and other regional data.
   3. Consider enabling analyses and country-level strategic frameworks to ensure alignment and relevance.
      
      

1. Stakeholder Engagement
   1. Coordinate and facilitate inclusive consultations with national and regional stakeholders, Ministries of Education, teacher organisations, development partners, and other relevant actors.
   2. Ensure inclusive participation and build ownership of the strategy and policy at both national and regional levels.
   3. Compile and integrate feedback from national and regional validation sessions.
   4. Maintain regular communication and coordination with national focal points in each Member State.
      
      
2. Strategy and Policy Development
   1. Support the preparation of a refreshed OESS (2027–2037) with clearly defined objectives, strategic interventions, and measurable outcomes.
   2. Assist in the development of a regional EdTech Policy to guide the integration of digital curriculum, online content, and professional development initiatives.
   3. Ensure cross-cutting alignment with SDG 4, the OECS Declaration on Education, and the Digital Learning Ecosystem.
   4. Support the development of a costed and actionable implementation plan for both the strategy and the policy.
      
      
3. Validation and Endorsement Support
   1. Facilitate validation workshops and review processes to ensure stakeholder buy-in.
   2. Support processes leading to high-level endorsement of the OESS and EdTech Policy by OECS authorities.
      
      
4. Knowledge Management and Reporting
   1. Document processes, consultations, decisions, and lessons learned throughout the development of the strategy and policy.
   2. Prepare periodic progress reports and final deliverables for submission to the EDMU and the World Bank, in accordance with grant requirements.
   3. Prepare and present the draft Strategy and the Ed Tech Policy to the national and regional Governance and technical groupings
   4. Collaborate with Communications Officers to promote visibility and stakeholder ownership of the Strategy and the Ed Tech Policy

1. Expected Results

By the end of the consultancy, the following results are expected:

1. Effective Coordination and Oversight:

a. All activities related to the development of the OESS (2027–2037) and the regional EdTech Policy are coordinated efficiently, with clear timelines, milestones, and collaboration among Member States, consultants, and stakeholders.

2. Comprehensive Assessment and Evidence-Based:

a. A thorough situational analysis and strategic performance review it of the current OESS has been completed, with consolidated regional feedback integrated into the development of the new OESS

Inclusive Stakeholder Engagement:

b. Consultations at national and regional levels are successfully conducted, ensuring broad participation, stakeholder ownership, and alignment of strategy and policy with regional and national priorities.

3. Developed and Validated Policy Frameworks:

a. Draft and final OESS (2027–2037) and Regional EdTech Policy are reviewed, consolidated, validated, and successfully presented for endorsement by the Council of Ministers: Education.

b. Both documents include actionable, costed implementation plans.

4. Enhanced Knowledge Management and Reporting:

a. All processes, decisions, and outcomes are systematically documented.

b. Periodic and final reports are submitted to the EDMU and the World Bank, providing clear accountability and guidance for implementation.

5. Strengthened Regional Education Systems:

a. The OESS and EdTech Policy provide a strategic framework that advances the OECS Digital Learning Ecosystem, integrates digital curriculum and online content, supports professional development, and strengthens the overall resilience, innovation, and inclusivity of the education sector.

1. Methodology

The Regional Technical Coordinator will function as a consultant to the OECS Commission and give due consideration to important contextual information that will inform the development process. That information will derive from critical education reports conducted for and by the OECS and other relevant agencies in the region, such as the CARICOM HRD Strategy 2030, as well as relevant research literature. Further, the Regional Technical Coordinator is expected to convene meetings of consultants to provide guidance on and manage the approach to the policy development process, such meetings to be held with individual consultants or as groups, as necessary.

While the other specialist consultants do not report to the Regional Technical Coordinator, the Technical Coordinator is expected to provide some oversight of the work being done by the consultants and identify any issues arising from the work of consultants in a timely manner so that the OECS Commission can intervene if necessary. The Technical Coordinator will be responsible for synthesising and integrating component sections of reports and documents developed by other consultants to complete the new Strategy. The Coordinator will assist in defining timelines and work arrangements for other consultants to achieve the objective of the entire application activity.

Finally, the Regional Technical Coordinator will review and finalise the refined Education Sector Strategy, implementation plan and monitoring indicators and Ed Tech Policy to determine the intended vision of OECS Member States for the education system and key principles for the development and implementation of a quality programme that will bring meaningful and permanent positive changes to the education systems of the OECS. To achieve all of this, the Regional Technical Coordinator will participate in various meetings virtually or in person with Member States, EDMU, and International Development Partners.

1. Reporting Requirements and Supervision

The Regional Technical Coordinator will report directly to the Programme Director- Education and will work in close collaboration with Senior Technical Specialists within the EDMU, Program Assistants, and the national teams designated by each Ministry of Education. The Coordinator will maintain regular communication with the World Bank task team and relevant OECS units (Procurement, Finance, Communications) as required. The Consultant shall:

? Take all the necessary steps to ensure that the entrusted task is executed properly and on schedule in accordance with the established Terms of Reference;

? Undertake to perform the task in accordance with the Terms of Reference and according to internationally accepted standards.

1. Duration

The assignment will be for 190 days over a period of 18 months from the date of contract signing. The Regional Technical Coordinator will provide services upon request by the Programme Director, EDMU. The assignment may involve travel to some of the beneficiary states. Project resources will cover costs associated with such travel.

1. Deliverables and Payment Schedule

The Consultant will be remunerated on a monthly basis over the 18-month period. However, the following key deliverables are required:

1. Inception Report and Work Plan (Month 1)
2. Monthly Progress Reports (Months 2–17)
3. Final Completion Report (Month 18)

All payments are subject to submission and approval of the respective reports by the Programme Director, EDMU.

Total = 100% over 18 months.

1. Qualifications

Education and Training:

? A minimum of a Masters Degree in Education Planning, Education Policy, Strategic Planning, Education Leadership, Public Policy, or closely related field.

? Certification in Project Management would be an asset

Work Experience:

• A minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience in the education sector, including experience in the development and/or implementation of education sector strategies, policies, or programmes (e.g. regional or national education strategies, sector reviews, policy development processes, or programme implementation initiatives).
• Demonstrated experience working directly with Ministries of Education within the OECS, including coordination of education-related initiatives at the national and/or regional level.
  • Candidates must provide at least two (2) recent examples (within the last 5 years) of such work.
• Proven experience coordinating and managing multi-country or regional education initiatives, including engagement with multiple Member States, development partners, and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience managing and facilitating communities of practice, technical working groups, or similar collaborative platforms, preferably within the OECS.
  • Candidates must provide clear examples of recent experience (within the last 5 years) in leading or coordinating such groups.
• Proven experience in undertaking similar assignments, specifically including:
  • Coordination of education sector strategy or policy development processes
  • Management of multiple consultants and stakeholder groups
  • Facilitation of national and regional consultations and validation processes
  • Integration of inputs across countries into a coherent regional framework

Role-specific competencies: Candidates should possess the following competencies:

? Stakeholder Coordination and Facilitation: Ability to effectively coordinate across OECS Member States and manage diverse stakeholders, including Ministries of Education, through structured engagement processes such as communities of practice and technical working groups.

? Analysis and reporting: Capacity to synthesise information from multiple sources and present clear, actionable outputs.

? Research and Evidence Use: Capability to obtain interpret and apply data to inform strategy and policy development.

? Project and Progamme Management: Ability to plan, organise, manage complex regional initiatives secure and manage resources to bring about the completion of a project on time and within budget.

1. Confidentiality

The consultant will be required to abide by the following:

(a) The use of and access to any information and data from the EDMU and OECS Member States will be treated with the strictest confidentiality for the consultancy.

(b) Any databases, plans, budgets, and other planning / Education sector documents are to be used only for the purpose of the consultancy.

(c) All outputs and materials from the work undertaken during this consultancy will remain confidential and will only be used externally, pending agreement between the OECS Commission and the World Bank.

GUIDELINES FOR SUBMISSION OF EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Eligible Individual Consultants are invited to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested Consultants must provide information on their capability and suitability to undertake the assignment.

Individual Consultants interested in undertaking the prescribed Services are to email an Expression of Interest to include:

1. Information on the Consultant’s qualifications to perform the services, experience and competence relevant to the assignment, including a Curriculum Vitae.

2. A concept note on the planned framework for undertaking the assignment and a breakdown of the number of days required for each task (as per Table 1).

Expressions of Interests submitted should not exceed 30 pages.

The Consultant shall bear all costs associated with the preparation and submission of his/her Expression of Interest.

The OECS is not bound to accept any Expression of Interest and reserves the right to annul the selection process at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the Consultants.

For more information or to submit Expressions of Interest, please contact:

Procurement Officer

OECS Commission Morne Fortuné

P.O. Box 1383

Castries

Saint Lucia

Telephone:

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Copied to:

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

An Individual Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Consultant’s Qualifications (CQS) Selection Method as detailed in the procedures set out in the Procurement Manual of the OECS, dated November 2013 revised February 2022.

The criteria to evaluate the Expressions of Interest received in relation to this assignment may include:

? Technical competence in undertaking the assignment;

? Academic qualifications;

? Experience in undertaking similar assignments; and

? Planned framework submitted for undertaking the assignment to include methodology, detailed work schedule and implementation plans.

The Expressions of Interest will be evaluated and the Individual Consultant with the most relevant experience, qualifications and technical competence will be selected and requested to submit a financial proposal, which will be the basis for negotiations leading to a contract.

It is expected that the services will be conducted from in keeping with the terms outlined in the Reporting Requirements above.

An electronic copy of the Expressions of Interest should be submitted by May 22nd, 2026, addressed to:

Procurement Officer

OECS Commission Morne Fortuné

P.O. Box 1383

Castries

Saint Lucia

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The email submissions should include the name and address of the Individual Consultant and shall be clearly marked in the subject line as “Expression of Interest – Consultancy services to undertake a Coordinating the Implementation of the Refreshed OECS Education Sector Strategy (OESS) Project (2027-2037) (Regional Technical Coordinator)