Job Description

Africa Education Network multi-countries ‘collective actions to Improving the quality of the Basic Education Program in Africa: Rwanda – Uganda and Ghana

Introduction:

The Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII) is seeking the services of an experienced researcher to undertake desk research on corrupt behaviour in Ghana’s basic education sector.  GII is the local chapter of Transparency International (TI) the global civil society organization leading the fight against corruption.  GII seeks to fight corruption and promote good governance in the daily lives of people and institutions by forging strong, trusting and effective partnership with government, business and civil society and engagement with the people.

GII is implementing a project in partnership with TI Rwanda and TI-Uganda, called ‘Africa Education Network multi-countries ‘collective actions to Improving the quality of the Basic Education Program in Africa: Rwanda – Uganda and Ghana’. These countries are members of the Africa regional education network facilitated by TI . The joint project seeks to gather evidence and inform advocacy activities anticipated to support the successful implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and specifically, SDG4 related to “Quality of Education” and SDG16 “Peace, justice and strong institutions”. Overall the project aims to collect data (through desk review, key informants interview, Focus Group discussions and live radio talk show and call in at national level) to inform citizens on corrupt behaviors that are hampering the achievement of the quality of Basic Education Sector in selected countries. Best practices and lessons learnt will be shared within the whole network and other TI African Chapters, chapters in formation and Contact groups during annual regional meetings. TI-Rwanda, the leading chapter of the network , will use the available data to develop a comprehensive multi-country project proposal to support a regional advocacy aiming at upholding Africa governments accountable towards achievement of the SDG4 as far as Basic education is concerned.  

Background to study:            

GII work in the education sector spans several almost a decade focusing on reducing corruption in Ghana’s education sector. The Africa Education Watch project funded by the Hewlett foundation was the genesis of GIIs efforts in the sector resulting in the publication of a report which informed advocacy and strategic engagement in the education sector in Ghana. GII has since implemented other interventions promoting transparency and accountability in the governance of selected schools resulting in the facilitation of monitoring groups and publications of reports and a video documentary. To ensure evidence is fully up to date, the present study seeks to document the main types of corrupt behaviors evident in Ghana’s basic education sector. Specific attention will to be paid on the likely impact that these practices and behaviors on Ghana’s ability to achieve the SDGs related to basic education (SDG4).

The study will draw mainly on secondary data obtained through desk research. However, where necessary, the data will be complemented by a qualitative assessment of data collected from knowledgeable actors to enrich the information gathered. The qualitative data collection would focus on some issues that have been identified already known such as: extra fees charged by the schools, issues in the procurement of school materials, infrastructure, teachers’ absenteeism, school fund management and civic/beneficiaries ‘participation, among others. The analysis will also look at successes and lesson learnt that can inspire necessary changes.

GII will use the findings of the survey for advocacy and awareness raising activities.

Roles of Researcher and Expected Outcome:
The researcher will be expected to produce a study covering the following:

• A summary of the main corruption behaviors in Ghana’s basic education sector.
• An analysis of the likely impact of these behaviors on Ghana’s ability to achieve the SDGs related to education (specifically SDG4 and SDG16).
• A set of actionable recommendations on how to close existing gaps that allow corruption in Ghana’s basic education sector to flourish.

Deliverables:

• A draft report submitted to GII for comments and feedback
• Prepare a presentation of findings to be delivered at a validation meeting with GII & other stakeholders
• Final report (no more than 30 pages) produced

Timelines for assignment:

• The time available for completion of the entire assignment is a maximum of 20 days. Within this period, the researcher is to ensure completion of all deliverables.

Required Skills or Experience

GII is looking for experts/researchers with the following key competencies:

• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience undertaking research on topics of good governance/corruption or education
• Knowledge of Ghana’s basic education programs
• A demonstrated understanding of the links between corruption, basic education and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• An ability to identify relevant stakeholders and conduct interviews
• The ability to write clearly, concisely and convincingly