Consultancy Services for the measurement of improved foundational learning — Malawi Foundational Learning Program for Results

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY MALAWI FOUNDATIONAL LEARNING PROGRAM FOR RESULTS (MFLP) REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CONSULTING SERVICES - FIRM SELECTION) Country MALAWI Name of Project MALAWI FOUNDATIONAL LEARNING PROGRAM FOR RESULTS (MFLP) Project No. P507745 Assignment Title CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATIONALIZATION OF A NATIONAL LEARNING ASSESSMENT SYSTEM Reference Number MW-MOBSE-556149-CS-CQS Issue Date 25th June, 2026 The Government of Malawi, through the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST), is implementing the Malawi Foundational Learning Program for Results (MFLP) with financing from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and the World Bank. MFLP aims at ensuring that every child in Malawi acquires foundational literacy, numeracy, and school-readiness competencies through the introduction and expansion of quality pre-primary education, improved quality teaching and learning, improved learning environment, improved teacher development , inspection and supervision to deliver better learning outcomes for all learners. To strengthen the measurement and use of learning assessment data for evidence-based decision-making, MoEST intends to establish and operationalize a National Learning Assessment System that integrates national sample-based assessments, Common Zonal Tests (CZT), formative classroom assessment tools, and a digital assessment data management system with dashboards to support monitoring and decision-making at school, zonal, district, and national levels. The Ministry therefore intends to engage a qualified consulting firm to support the design, operationalization, and institutionalization of the National Learning Assessment System over the four-year implementation period of the MFLP. The consulting services (“the Services”) will involve providing technical support to MoEST in developing and operationalizing a comprehensive National Learning Assessment System that integrates assessment design, data management, reporting, capacity building, and digital solutions for monitoring learning outcomes across the education sector. The assignment will include, but not be limited to, the following: Designing and operationalizing a National Learning Assessment System for measuring and reporting learning outcomes in foundational education; Designing, developing, testing, and deploying an Assessment Data Management System with provision for integration with the Education Management Information System (EMIS); Developing a dashboard for Primary Education Advisors (PEAs) and other stakeholders to monitor school and learner performance at zonal, district, and national levels; Establishing systems for uploading, managing, analyzing, and reporting assessment results from schools and zones; Supporting the implementation of two rounds of nationally representative sample-based learning assessments focusing on literacy and numeracy in Standards 3 and 5; Designing sampling methodologies and reviewing or refining assessment instruments where necessary; Supporting training of enumerators and assessment personnel in collaboration with MoEST; Conducting psychometric, statistical, and analytical reviews of assessment data and producing national learning assessment reports; Developing formative assessment tools for Standards 1–4 across key learning areas; Developing teacher guidance materials and classroom assessment resources to strengthen formative assessment practices; Supporting Training of Trainers (ToT) for Master Trainers and District Continuous Professional Development Coordinators; Integrating Common Zonal Test (CZT) reporting into the assessment data management system to improve analysis and reporting; Building the capacity of MoEST technical staff in system administration, learning assessment management, data analysis, and use of assessment data for decision-making; Providing technical support, system strengthening, maintenance, and post-deployment support throughout the implementation period; and Preparing all reports, manuals, technical documentation, and deliverables required under the Terms of Reference. The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be obtained at the address given below. The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology now invites eligible consulting firms to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested firms should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. Shortlisting Criteria The consulting firm should demonstrate: At least eight (8) years of experience in the design, implementation, and institutionalization of large-scale learning assessment systems, national assessments, or similar education sector assignments; Proven experience supporting Ministries of Education in strengthening learning assessment systems and the use of assessment data for planning and decision-making; Demonstrated experience in the design and implementation of national or regional sample-based learning assessments; Experience in educational measurement, psychometric analysis, test development, sampling methodologies, and statistical analysis; Proven experience in designing, developing, and deploying education management information systems, assessment data systems, dashboards, or similar digital platforms; Demonstrated expertise in systems integration, database development, dashboard development, API development, and user training; Strong experience in capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and institutional strengthening within the education sector; Experience working with governments, development partners, and international organizations such as the World Bank, UNICEF, UNESCO, GPE, or similar institutions; Demonstrated capacity to manage multidisciplinary teams and deliver complex assignments within agreed timelines; and A satisfactory and proven quality assurance and project management system within the firm. Key Experts The consulting firm is expected to field a multidisciplinary team comprising, at a minimum, the following key experts: i. Team Leader / Learning Assessment Specialist Qualifications Master's Degree in Educational Measurement and Evaluation, Education Assessment, Education Planning, Education Policy, or related field. Experience Minimum eight (8) years' experience in the design and implementation of large-scale learning assessments; Demonstrated experience leading national or regional learning assessment assignments; Experience supporting Ministries of Education in strengthening learning assessment systems and the use of assessment data for decision-making; Proven experience managing multidisciplinary consultancy teams and delivering complex education sector assignments. ii. Psychometrician / Statistician Qualifications Master's Degree in Psychometrics, Educational Measurement, Statistics, Economics, or related field. Experience Minimum five (5) years' experience in psychometric analysis and large-scale learning assessments; Demonstrated experience in sampling design, test development, reliability and validity analysis, scaling, and statistical analysis of assessment data; Experience in producing technical assessment reports and analytical outputs. iii. Management Information Systems Development Specialist Qualifications Master's Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or related field. Experience Minimum five (5) years' experience in the design, development, and deployment of information management systems; Demonstrated experience developing education data systems, assessment management systems, or similar digital platforms; Experience in systems integration, database development, dashboard development, and API development; Proven experience supporting system deployment, user training, and technical support. Additional experts may be proposed where necessary to strengthen the quality and effectiveness of the assignment. Contract Duration The consultancy will be implemented over a four-year period aligned with the implementation schedule of the Malawi Foundational Learning Program for Results (MFLP). The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers (September 2025) setting forth the World Bank's policy on conflict of interest. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Consultant Qualification Selection (CQS) method set out in the World Bank Procurement Regulations. Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours from 08:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 16:30 hours (Malawi time), Monday to Friday, except on public holidays. Expressions of Interest must be delivered in written form to the address below (in person or by email) no later than 7th July,2026 at 16:00 Hours Malawi Time. Address for Clarifications and Collection of TOR’s: The Deputy Director of Education Planning Ministry of Education, Science and Technology Capital Hill Private Bag 328 Lilongwe, Malawi Cell: +265 993 65 25 69 email: musopoles@gmail.com Address for Submission of EOI’s The Chairperson Internal Procurement and Disposal Committee Ministry of Education, Science and Technology Capital Hill P.O. Box 328, Lilongwe, Malawi Phone: + 265 1 789 422/ 0995 554 448 Email: keziemwale@gmail.com Copy: Eswap.mw@gmail.com