Consultant for Research Firm
The Asia Foundation is a nonprofit international development organisation committed to improving lives and expanding opportunities across Asia and the Pacific. Informed by 70 years of experience and deep local knowledge, our work is focused on governance, climate action, gender equality, education and leadership, inclusive growth, and international cooperation. The Foundation works in more than 20 countries through our 17 permanent country offices and programs across Asia and the Pacific, supported by a headquarters in San Francisco and an office in Washington, DC.
The Foundation is one of the implementing partners of the USAID Digital Workforce Development Project in Cambodia (USAID DWD), which is a five-year (2021-2026) project funded by the USAID through the University of California at Berkeley. The project aims to engage private sector partners to assist with the development of needed, transferable skills, as well as the creation of internship and scholarship models that increase access to quality certifications and bachelor’s degree programs for diverse, talented students.
The main objective (goal) of USAID-DWD is to integrate Cambodian youth into more open and free platforms for employable digital skills and/or to pursue higher educational opportunities in ICT nationally, regionally, or internationally. This translates to three specific objectives: (1) Strengthen targeted ICT certification, short courses, and non-degree and degree programs offered by Cambodian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs); (2) Enhance the capacity of Cambodian HEIs to meet accreditation standards; and (3) Increase scholarship, internship, and networking opportunities to support practical skill building and linkages to job opportunities for Cambodian youth.
· CATEGORY:Research / Development, Consultancy
· LOCATION:Phnom Penh
Project: USAID-Digital Workforce Development (DWD)
Type of contract: Research Services
Assignment type: Consulting Firm, Research Institute, or Think Tank
Language: English
Starting Date : 01 May 2024
OBJECTIVE AND SCOPE OF WORK
Under this project, the Foundation is seeking a research partner to conduct research on “ Alternative Finance Options for Students in ICT-Related Education” to explore alternative finance options for students pursuing information and communications technology (ICT)-related education and training programs. As the demand for ICT skills continues to grow, it is essential to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent aspiring students from accessing quality education and training in this field. The goal is to identify and evaluate various alternative financing mechanisms that can help students overcome financial constraints and pursue ICT education. However, the specific objectives of the research are as follows:
1. To identify the financial challenges faced by students seeking ICT-related education and training programs
2. To explore existing alternative finance options available to students in the ICT field
3. To evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of different alternative finance options
4. To provide recommendations and policy suggestions to enhance access to ICT education through alternative finance mechanisms.
· QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
o Academic Background:
§ The lead researcher should have a master’s degree / PhD in education or Higher Education, Social work, Research, Policy, Project or Program Management, Monitoring and Evaluation, or a related field.
o Experience:
§ Demonstrate a clear understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in exploring alternative finance options for students in ICT-related education.
§ In-depth understanding of Cambodia’s Micro Finance and funding.
§ Have a strong partnership, affiliations, or collaborations with organizations and stakeholders in this industry.
§ Commit to ethical research practices, data privacy, and compliance with relevant regulations.
§ Emphasize the impact and effectiveness of your research in influencing decision-making.
§ Proven ability to deliver outputs within strict deadlines.
§ Any related experience in working with NGOs and universities would be a plus.
§ Commit to ethical research practices, data privacy, and compliance with relevant regulations.
§ Be proficient in English (Khmer as a native).
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
An interested firm/organization is requested to submit the following:
1. Organizational background and application (1-2 pages)
2. Proposal with estimated budget (3 pages)
3. Workplan and research team’s CVs (1-2 pages)
Note: The budget allocated for this research activity is between USD14,000 – USD16,000.
Please submit your application to email provided in the contact details.
Applications should be submitted by 28 March 2024, at 5:00 pm local time with the subject “Research Partner, USAID DWD.”
ATTACHMENT
· ToR Consultant for Research Firm